We'll start with a simple question that needs a clear answer: If a lens currently will not CD-AF focus on a camera such as the E-420, will it ever be able to focus on a Micro Four Thirds camera? "As you know the current contrast detect AF capability is only available with a small number of lenses, but we are trying to make it possible with more lenses by changing the firmware. Within the next one or two years, one by one, we will try to install autofocus capability into the existing lenses."
So to clarify, if somebody already owns such a lens you will try to get that lens to focus on a Micro Four Thirds body?
"Yes, via firmare upgrades. We cannot guarantee for all lenses, but we will try, and we believe we should be able to do it for every lens."
Mr Terada confirmed that even with such firmware upgrades most older standard Four Thirds lenses should focus far more slowly than dedicated Micro Four Thirds lenses, but was keen to stress that "we can say to current users of Four Thirds cameras - you can keep your existing lenses for use with this system".