LX5 and wide angle converter

<p>Hello,</p>

<p> I am about to take delivery of a used LX5 and 'genuine' wide angle converter.</p>

<p>I understand that you have to 'programme' the camera via the menu when using the wide angle lens. I have both the basic operating instructions for the camera and for the converter, but neither deal with this.</p>

<p>Please could someone give me an easy step by step guide to doing what is necessary. Assume that I am stupid in advising me what to do - or it might just be advancing years...</p>

<p>Many thanks.</p>

I doubt you will need special

instruction, if it is like the

lx3 wide angle converter. Just

multiply the fl by the converter lens.

<p>Thanks for that Leslie. However, my understanding is that to work 'best' you need to set the camera via the menu. I could try downloading the full instructions and see if I might find anything there, but I thought a user might be able to help me via simple steps!</p>

<p>I cannot see anywhere in the menu structure of my LX5 where one could program any lens data. I think you just unscrew the front lens ring and screw on the wide angle attachment.</p>

 

<p>Thanks Abic.</p>

<p>I'm is some difficulty in not yet having the camera. However, the seller has recorded:</p>

<p>'C2 go to camera symbol. Then scroll through to conversion'</p>

<p>Does that make it any clearer?</p>

<p>I've just looked at the manual and the person is right. P201 instructs you to: (i) remove the lens ring front; (ii), attach adapter and lens; (iii), set Conversion on Rec menu to Wideangle graphic from OFF. With Conversion active, lens is permanently fixed to WA and flash is inactive.<br>

Sorry about my error</p>

<p>Hello Abib,</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>I'd just found the full instructions online - and got to p201/2 (and p28). Perhaps it will make full sense when I get the camera!</p>

<p>Having spent much time online (and seen umpteen comments) before I decided to look for an LX5, I had this recollection of the converter not working properly without 'setting' it, but could find nothing in the online instructions for the converter, except a reference to checking the instructions for the camera. That could have meant anything!</p>

<p>How do you like the LX5? I have a Nikon D700, but age and health issues are giving me problems in humping it around.</p>

<p>I havent used it for a while - while it's very compact and great in the hand, relative to an SLR (I used to have a D300) I found the image quality penalty too great. But then, I also found the GX1 to be similar in some circumstances and that camera is much closer in quality terms to an SLR. So I may not be a representative user. I've settled on a Fuji X100s, which is a lot more expensive but works very well for me. </p>

<p>Thanks for that Abib. As usual, I took some time on the web reading professional and 'user' reviews. Generally, the image quality seemed to be well regarded. I shall have to wait and see! I've used Panasonics in the TZ series (? TS or ZS in USA) (to keep in my pocket) and they have performed very well - provided not 'stretched' too far.</p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

<p>Exactly what does the "programing" enhanced? Flash is of course problematic with a big converter lens attached. Why would one wants to fixed the lens at WA permanently? That's like having a 18mm prime lens... </p>

<p>Leslie - the answer is that I don't know! I am trying to be educated.</p>

<p>As Abib says, the flash becomes inactive. But wouldn't it be easier just to switch the flash off?</p>

<p>I think the answer may be that the procedure fixes the camera to wide angle for 'optimal performance'.</p>

<p>I think that it primarily stops the zoom from working and damaging the wideangle lens.</p>

<p>Abib - that might be right, but it also possible that the converter has been designed/optimised to perform best with the zoom set to the 24mm equivalent?</p>

<p>yes, I suspect that's also true: there's probably only one setting where the optics work correctly. </p>

<p>According to the book by Alexander White:</p>

<p>'If you attach the conversion lens, turn this option on so the lens stays at the wide angle setting and the camera optimises the image for the use of the conversion lens'.</p>