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Posts Tagged ‘adapter’

MonsterAdapter’s new LA-KE1 adapter brings autofocus, aperture control to Pentax K-mount lenses on Sony E-mount cameras

25 Nov

MonsterAdapter, a relatively new player in the lens adapter game, has revealed the details of the LA-KE1, a new adapter that will make it possible to mount Pentax K-mount glass to Sony E-mount mirrorless camera systems.

There isn’t much information available about MonsterAdapter. The company’s Facebook page, which appears to be its only online presence, was created on May 20, 2020, when the company announced the development of the LA-EA4r, a modified version of Sony’s LA-EA4 adapter that expanded functionality and support. MonsterAdapters has since released another adapter, the LA-VE1, which makes it possible to adapt Minolta Vectis V-mount lenses to Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.

Now, the company is promoting its forthcoming LA-KE1, which it claims is the ‘first of its kind in the world.’ The adapter offers full autofocus, aperture control and EXIF data transfer for Pentax K-mount lenses (KAF, KAF2, KAF3 and KAF4) to Sony E-mount cameras. The adapter uses a pair of motors for turning the screw-drive autofocus in older K-mount lenses.

This not only brings the ability to shoot with Pentax lenses to Sony E-mount cameras, but also enables many of Sony’s AI-assisted focusing modes to be used with the Pentax lenses, new and old. MonsterAdapter says the exact functionality will vary depending on what camera you’re using — noting a more powerful camera likely means more features — but both Human and Animal Eye-AF focus modes should be able to work on adapted glass.

MonsterAdapter also notes that due to the limits of screw-drive lenses, this adapter is best suited for still photographs—not video. In addition to the images of the prototype adapter in this article, SonyAlphaRumors has also shared a hands-on video demonstration of it in action:

No price is given for the LA-KE1 adapter, but it is set to ‘hit the market within this year,’ according to the company’s announcement post. You can keep up with the latest news on MonsterAdapter’s Facebook page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Profoto’s new $299 OCF Adapter makes it possible to mount OCF light modifiers to A-series speedlights

11 Nov

Profoto has announced the release of the OCF Adapter, a new adapter that makes it possible to use all of Profoto’s OCF light shaping tools with any of its A-series flash units.

Image credit: Profoto

The OCF Adapter looks similar to many other speedlight to speedring adapters: it has a coldshoe mount for securely attaching a Profoto A-series flash and a mounting point for any of Profoto’s OCF light shaping tools, which the head of the flash fits into. Profoto has over a dozen OCF light shaping tools, including the OCF Magnum Reflector, a 24” OCF Beauty Dish, an array of OCF Grids and plenty of OCF Gel attachments.

The unit isn’t necessarily small (120mm (4.7”) wide, 280mm (11”) tall and 90mm (3.5) deep), but it’s certainly a more compact solution than carrying around a larger monolight when an A-series flash will get the job done with an OCF light shaping tool. Below is a hands-on with the OCF Adapter by Adorama:

Being Profoto, it shouldn’t come as a surprise the OCF Adapter isn’t cheap. The 750g (1.65lb) piece of plastic and metal will set you back $ 299 (Adorama, B&H). For a little context, Godox/Flashpoint’s Profoto A1 knock-off can be purchased, with accessories, for $ 229 (Godox at B&H, Flashpoint at Adorama).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Sony LA-EA5 A-mount to E-mount adapter review

07 Oct

Sony just breathed new life into older A-mount lenses thanks to its LA-EA5 adapter for E-mount. Watch our review to find out why it could be a great option for those who still own A-mount glass.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Introduction
  • Previous Sony adapters
  • LA-EA5 benefits
  • Lenses tested
  • Sample photos
  • Focus modes supported
  • Video functionality
  • Focus performance
  • Who's it for?

Sample photos from this episode

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Breakthrough announces first third-party EF to RF Drop-In Filter Adapter

19 Sep

San Francisco-based Breakthrough Filters has announced an all-new EF to RF filter adapter. This is the first EF to RF drop-in filter adapter released not made by Canon.

Breakthrough’s EF to RF Drop-In Filter Adapter is loaded with a variety of hardware improvements. The adapter has an all-metal aluminum alloy construction and includes dust and water resistance. The weather-sealed adapter has rubber gaskets around both the filter and rear mounts. The adapter includes a detachable tripod food and accepts mounting plates for ballheads, arca plates and more. Further, the interior has been blacked out to reduce specular reflections.

In terms of compatibility, Breakthrough states that you can mount your EF lenses to RF mounts on cameras such as the Canon EOS R, R5 and R6 cameras and the RED Komodo. The adapter supports autofocus, image stabilization and EXIF data recording.

The Breakthrough EF to RF Drop-In Filter Adapter includes numerous features, such as an all-metal construction, weather sealing and more. Click to enlarge. Image credit: Breakthrough

You can use either Canon’s own drop-in filters or filters from Breakthrough. Breakthrough Photography announced many drop-in filters in August, you can learn more about them by reading our coverage.

The Breakthrough EF to RF Drop-In Filter Adapter is available for preorder for $ 199 USD. The first 500 orders will also ship with a free Breakthrough XF Clear drop-in filter. Shipping is expected to begin on November 16.

Breakthrough offers many drop-in filters for their new filter adapter and for the existing Canon EF-EOS R drop-in filter adapter. Image credit: Breakthrough

This is a sizable discount when compared to Canon’s own EF-EOS R Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter. The version that comes with a circular polarizing filter costs $ 300 and the version that includes a drop-in variable ND filter is $ 400. If you already own a Canon Adapter and want to purchase Breakthrough’s new EF to RF drop-in filter adapter, Breakthrough is offering a buyback program.

After your new filter arrives, you can use an included pre-paid return label to ship your Canon unit back for a refund on your transaction with Breakthrough. Sending a regular Canon EF to RF adapter nets you a $ 69 refund and Canon’s Drop-In Filter Adapter is worth $ 149.

Breakthrough is offering a Canon Adapter Buyback program for purchasers of the new Breakthrough filter adapter. Click to enlarge. Image credit: Breakthrough

To learn more about the new Breakthrough EF to RF Drop-In Filter Adapter, head to Breakthrough’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony announces new A-mount to E-mount lens adapter with built-in screw drive support

01 Sep

Sony has announced the impending release of the LA-EA5, its newest A-mount to E-mount lens adapter. In addition to changing mounts, the new adapter provides autofocus support for Sony A-mount SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) lenses, SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) lenses, and even non-motorized screw-drive lenses in still shooting modes.

An illustration showing the internal construction of the LA-EA5 adapter, with emphasis on the screw-drive motor.

Despite the ability to power non-motorized screw-drive lenses (limited to the a7R IV and a6600, at least for the time being), the LA-EA5 features a compact form factor, thanks to clever internal gear and motor positioning. Sony says the adapter provides ‘full support for focal plane phase-detection autofocus (stills only), wide-area focal phased detection autofocus (stills only), Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals, Real-time Tracking and AF/AE (auto exposure) tracking for SSM/SAM lenses on nine most recently introduced E-mount cameras at up to 11 frames per second depending on the camera model.’ The supported camera models, as of this press release, are as follows:

  • Sony a7 III
  • Sony a7R III
  • Sony a7R IV (up to 10 fps)
  • Sony a6100
  • Sony a6400
  • Sony a6600 (up to 11 fps)
  • Sony a9 (up to 10 fps)
  • Sony a9 II (up to 10 fps)
  • Sony a7S III

Sony says the LA-EA5 will be available in October 2020 for a suggested retail price of $ 250 / $ 330 CAD. You will be able to find a full compatibility list on Sony’s support page (currently shows ‘Coming Soon’ as of posting this article).

Press release:

Sony Electronics Announces New LA-EA5 Lens Adaptor for A-Mount Lenses

New Adaptor Enables Advanced Autofocus Capabilities When Attaching A-mount Lenses to Latest E-mount Bodies

SAN DIEGO – September 1, 2020 – Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announced the new LA-EA5, a 35mm Full-frame A-mount lens adaptor that allows users to easily pair advanced E-mount camera bodiesi with A-mount lensesi.

Using the new LA-EA5 A-mount adaptor, users can now access the acclaimed autofocus and high-speed shooting capabilities found in Sony’s latest E-mount camera bodiesi with A-mount SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) and SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) lensesii, as well as A-mount lenses that do not have internal focus motors.

Full support is provided for focal plane phase-detection AFiii, wide-area focal phase-detection AFiii coverage, Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals, Real-time Tracking and AF/AEiv (auto exposure) tracking for SSM/SAM lenses on nine most recently introduced E-mount camerasi at up to 11fpsv depending on the camera model. When used with the Alpha 7R IVvi or Alpha 6600vi, for the first time, these capabilities are possible with lenses that do not have internal focus motors, such as the Sonnar T* 135mm F1.8 ZA and Planar T* 85mm F1.4 ZA.

The LA-EA5 combines a compact design, featuring an aperture drive unit and a newly developed compact AF drive unit. To ensure comfortable operation when used on an E-mount camera body, the new adaptor’s diameter matches that of the A-mount, perfectly aligning with the edges of the mount. The LA-EA5 allows easy operation on full-frame E-mount bodies, even when a vertical grip is attached to the camera body.

Pricing and Availability

The LA-EA5 is available in October 2020 for a suggested retail price of $ 249.99 USD and $ 329.99 CAD.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new lens and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony’s ? – Alpha brand.

Notes

i. As of Sept. 2020, focal plane phase-detection AF is supported for SSM/SAM lenses on the Alpha 7 III, Alpha 7R III, Alpha 7R IV, Alpha 6100, Alpha 6400, Alpha 6600, Alpha 9, Alpha 9 II, and Alpha 7S III. Focal plane phase-detection is supported for lenses that do not have internal focus motors on the Alpha 7R IV and Alpha 6600.

ii. STF lenses are manual focus only. Teleconverters are not supported.

iii. Autofocus is not available during movie recording.

iv. For AE tracking, the aperture is fixed for the first frame while shutter speed and ISO are used for exposure adjustment.

v. Maximum continuous shooting speed is 10 fps with the Alpha 7R IV, Alpha 9, and Alpha 9 II, and 11 fps with the Alpha 6600. Continuous shooting speed may change depending on the attached lens.

vi. The Alpha 7R IV must be updated to software V1.20 or later, and the Alpha 6600 must be updated to software V1.10 or later.

Update (September 1, 2020 at 10:50am ET): Updated the article to clarify that support for non-motorized screw-drive lenses is limited to a7R IV and a6600 camera systems.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fotodiox’s new adapter gives Leica M-mount lenses autofocus on Fujifilm X series cameras

14 Aug

Fotodiox’s new Pro Pronto AF adapter is finally available to pre-order. Announced a few months ago, the specialized adapter lets you autofocus Leica M-mount lenses with Fujifilm X series cameras.

The first adapter of this kind was the Techart Leica M-mount to Sony E-mount adapter released back in 2016. Fotodiox followed up with its own M-mount to E-mount adapter, but this is the first time we’ve seen one for Fujifilm X-mount cameras.

The adapter, which supports lenses up to 680g (1.5lbs), is constructed from brass and an aluminum alloy, and uses an integrated helicoid mechanism to extend and retract the lens using AF-S or AF-C contrast-detection autofocus.

Here’s a video of Fotodiox’s older Leica M-mount to Sony E-mount adapter in action:

The Fotodiox Pro Pronto AF adapter is available to pre-order now for $ 350. The Leica M-mount to Sony E-mount version is still available for $ 250.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Breakthrough Photography announces more than 20 drop-in filters for Canon’s EF-RF adapter

11 Aug

San Francisco-based Breakthrough Photography has announced the first third-party drop-in filters for Canon’s EF-RF drop-in filter mount. This filter mount allows users to adapt EF or EF-S lenses to EOS R series mirrorless cameras with a dedicated space for A-type drop-in filters.

Since the EF-EOS R drop-in filter mount adapter first launched, users have been limited to Canon’s own circular polarizing (CPL) filter or variable neutral density (ND) filter. With Breakthrough Photography’s new line of compatible drop-in filters, users will have access to more than 20 different X2 and X4 filters.

Breakthrough Photography’s new drop-in filter line. Image credit: Breakthrough Photography

The design of Breakthrough Photography’s new drop-in filters includes a rubberized grip to make it easier to put the filter in and remove it from the adapter. For filters with adjustment, there is a large ridged adjustment wheel. Each drop-in filter is also color-coded to make filters identifiable with a quick glance, which will be particularly useful for photographers who purchase one of Breakthrough’s available filter kits, such as the Essential X2, Essential X4 or Complete B&W filter kits.

The Breakthrough drop-in filters include a large adjustment wheel and a rubberized grip. The filters are also clearly labeled and color-coded. Image credit: Breakthrough Photography

Before delving into specific available filters, let’s consider the difference between Breakthrough’s X2 and X4 filters. Looking at the X2 CPL versus the X4 CPL, the latter filter has an average light transmission of 50.64% whereas the former has an average light transmission of 42.44%. According to Breakthrough Photography, the X4 CPL ‘moderately outperforms’ the Canon drop-in CPL filter, whereas the X2 CPL has ‘slightly less’ light transmission than the Canon filter. In terms of color cast, the X4 CPL ‘moderately outperforms’ the Canon filter.

Breakthrough states that their X4 CPL filter has the best light transmission among its competitors. We can also see here that the Canon drop-in CPL filter performs well, as does Breakthrough’s more affordable X2 CPL filter. Image credit: Breakthrough Photography

The X2 ND filters and X4 ND filters don’t have a direct Canon competitor because Canon offers a variable ND filter rather than a series of solid drop-in ND filters. With that said, Breakthrough Photography claims that the X4 ND outperforms ‘industry-leading manufacturers such as Singh-Ray and B+W and Lee’ due in part to neutral color transmission.

Image credit: Breakthrough Photography

Canon’s EF-EOS R drop-in filter mount includes a 1.5-9 stop variable ND filter. In addition to solid ND filters in 3, 6, 10, 15 and 20 stop strengths, Breakthrough’s new drop-in filter line includes a pair of variable ND filters. The first, VND-R, is adjustable from 2 to 11 stops. There is also a stronger Dark VND-R, allowing adjustment from 10 to 16 stops of ND strength. Breakthrough states that the VND-R and Dark VND-R drop-in filters eliminate the ‘X’ pattern sometimes seen on VND filters with wide-angle lenses. The Canon drop-in VND is an excellent filter but Breakthrough states that their filters outperform it. You can view a transmission percentage comparison below.

There are four CPL filters in the line aimed at black and white photography: Red, orange, yellow and green. They are available in a bundled set.

Comparing Breakthrough’s available black and white CPL filters. Image credit: Breakthrough Photography

Rounding out the series of drop-in filters are Night Sky, infrared 720nm and a pair of clear filters. Digital cameras, such as the EOS R, RP, R5 and R6, include a permanent IR-cut filter over the image sensor. With the IR filter, some residual light can reach the sensor and show the scene in a way different from how it appears in the visible light spectrum. The Night Sky filter is designed to reduce light pollution and show night scenes with color neutrality.

Breakthrough’s Night Sky filter aims to reduce the impact of light pollution on colors in night sky images. The image on the left was captured without the Night Sky filter, whereas the image on the right was shot using the Night Sky filter. Image credit: Breakthrough Photography

Breakthrough Photography expects the filters to begin shipping in late September. Prospective customers can preorder individual filters and filter kits now through Breakthrough Photography’s website. Prices range from $ 80 to $ 200 for individual filters. There are also savings available if customers opt for a filter kit rather than purchasing a set of individual filters. It’s worth noting that all Breakthrough Photography filters include a free 25-year ‘Ironclad Guarantee’. If you’d like to learn more about long exposure photography while you wait for your new filters to arrive, Breakthrough Photography offers a free 52-page long exposure photography guide, which you can learn more about here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fotodiox’s new EF to L-mount adapter features AF, aperture and image stabilization support

07 Apr

Fotodiox has announced the release of its new Canon EF to L-Mount Pro Fusion adapter, which offers complete electronic control and communication between the lens and the camera it’s attached to.

The adapter works with both EF and EF-S lenses and converts them to L-Mount mirrorless cameras. It features an all-metal design with chrome-plated brass mounts and features a built-in Micro USB for updating the firmware of the adapter.

Fotodiox uses its ‘Fusion’ technology to add complete electronic communication and control between the lens and camera body, including autofocus, aperture control and image stabilization. EXIF and aperture data is also transmitted between the lens and camera. In the event you’re using a manual lens, the ‘Fn’ button on the adapter can be pressed to turn off all electronic communication between the lens and camera body.

Fotodiox notes continuous AF and video AF aren’t currently supported due to ‘unsatisfactory’ performance, but other autofocus modes should work with minimal issues. It’s also pointed out that some third party lenses, such as those from Sigma and Tamron might struggle with autofocus a bit more than first-party lenses.

The adapter is backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty, comes packed inside a padded bamboo box and is currently available to purchase for $ 179.95 (B&H).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon ES-2 film adapter sample gallery

07 Mar

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We used Nikon’s ES-2 film adapter to scan a variety of old films, including Kodak Tri-X and T400 CN, Fujifilm Neopan, Superia and Acros, and even Agfa Ultra. How well did it work? You can see the full resolution images in our sample gallery.

Want to see the ES-2 in action? Watch this video from DPReview TV to see how it works.

View sample gallery

Watch our video about the Nikon ES-2

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Metabones releases Nikon F-mount to Fujifilm G-mount adapter with 1.26x magnifaction

24 Feb

Metabones has announced the release of the NF – GFX mount Expander 1.26x, a new adapter that allows Nikon G-mount lenses to be mounted to Fuji G-mount (GFX) camera systems while also magnifying the image circle by 1.26x, making it so the lenses retain their native diagonal field of view across formats.

The adapter, which is constructed of an aluminum alloy and chromium-plated brass, features a detachable Arca-Type tripod foot and is comprised of five optical elements in three groups, including elements made of ‘ultra-high index Lanthanum-based optical glass as well as one element made of fused silica.’ The adapter uses Metabones’ manual G aperture adjustment, which uses ‘the same angular throw distance as earlier Nikon Ai/AiS lenses, which features a linearized f-stop adjustment as a function of aperture ring adjustment angle.’ The mechanism is also clickless for convenience when using it for cinematography.

Using examples provided by Metabones, the NF – GFX mount Expander 1.26x would effectively turn a a 24–70mm F2.8 lens into a 30–88mm F3.5 lens, and a 70–200mm F2.8 lens into an 88–252mm F3.5 lens. Since this is only a focal extender and not a speedbooster, the lenses will lose 2/3 a stop of light, meaning F1.4 lenses drop to F1.8 and F2.8 drop to F3.5.

In addition to Nikkor DX lenses and third-party APS-C lenses will likely have strong vignetting with using them with the adapter and a number of other lenses have limitations, as noted by Metabones in the below graphic:

The NF – GFX mount Expander 1.26x is available now for $ 519. Metabones is also selling a straight NF — GFX adapter without the optical elements for $ 179.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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