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Chinese company Techart has produced an adapter that works with the phase detection AF system of Sony’s a7 II and a7R II cameras to create an autofocus effect for Leica M mount lenses. The adapter ring sits between the body and the lens and uses a motor to drive the entire lens back and forth until sharp focus is found. The company claims focus is usually acquired within a second, and that the depth of the adapter can actually increase the close-focusing range of some focal lengths, allowing users to get closer their subjects.
Focal lengths of 50mm and wider need to be set to their infinity position while mounted on the adapter, and focus is found as the adapter pushes and pulls the lens closer and further away from the sensor. The sensor lets the adapter know when the subject is sharp, and the hunting stops. Lenses with longer focal lengths may need the user to do some of the work with the focusing ring on the lens, and then the adapter will finish the job.
The process only works with Sony’s a7 cameras that support phase detection systems, and the company says the adapter does not work for video. Single shot and continuous AF modes are available however, and the system can deal with lenses that weight up to 700g / 1.5lb. A smartphone app that connects with the adapter allows users to store information about up to 10 different lenses, which the adapter can then communicate back to the camera, so its 5-axis image stabilization system can be utilized.
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Techart says that, with add-on adapters, the device can work with other lens mounts that have long flange depth, such as the Leica R, and Contax/Yashica systems. The Techart PRO Autofocus Leica M Adapter for Sony E camera will cost $ 349. For more information and more sample images visit the Techart Pro website.
Press release:
Techart unveils the World’s First Autofocus Adapter for Manual Focus Lens, the Techart PRO AF Leica M lens adapter for Sony E mount cameras
Techart, the Chinese adapter manufacturer who has previously launched the first Contax G autofocus adapter for Sony E cameras, has unveiled the world’s first Autofocus adapter for Manual Lenses named ‘Techart PRO’. The Techart PRO adapter is able to drive the manual Leica M lenses to reach focus by using the focusing system in Sony A7II and Sony A7RII, giving an unprecedented new user experience for all Leica M lenses owners.
Techart PRO has adopted the z-shift technology where the Leica M bayonet is able to extend and retract. The distance between the lens and the camera sensor is hereby changed in order to reach the focus. The mechanism is quite similar to Contax AX system where the flange distance is changed for autofocusing. Techart PRO has electronic contacts to communicate with the Sony A7II and Sony A7RII and uses its PDAF
system to measure focus. The built-in motor will then drive the bayonet forward by a maximum of 4.5mm and reach the focus point for shooting.
Techart PRO is super light and powerful. The adaptor weighs only 133g and is able to drive a lens system as heavy as 700g. Apart from pairing up with the Leica M lenses, users can also further adapt lenses with longer flange distance (e.g. Leica R, CY, PK, MD, etc) with add-on adapters and enjoy the autofocusing experience with other manual lenses. Techart PRO supports both AF-S and AF-C modes and it can also serve as a close focusing adapter which can reduce the minimal focusing distance of the lenses.
A complimentary mobile app will be available for users to save 10 sets of lens data to the adapter and perform firmware upgrade via bluetooth.
Techart PRO is an evolutional product which can give users a completely new experience with their manual lenses. The fast and precise focusing allows users to take quick and sharp photos with their favourite manual lenses. More product information and testing videos can now be found via our official website.
(http://www.techartpro.com/)
Pricing and Availability
The Techart PRO Autofocus Leica M Adapter for Sony E cameras is currently available for pre-order at our official website (http://www.techartpro.com). The recommended retail price is USD 349/pc. Free shipping will be provided during the promotion period. Delivery will commence from March onwards and will be shipped from our US/UK/Hong Kong warehouse. 1-year warranty is included.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)