Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Jan Anne on January 16, 2016, 16:27:42
Title: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Jan Anne on January 16, 2016, 16:27:42
Techart already made an autofocus adapter for Contax G lenses for the Sony a7 series. But those were already autofocus lenses, now they are taking things one step further by making autofocus adapters for manual focus lenses :o
Here's a beta adapter for the Leica M lenses on a Sony but they plan to also make them for Nikon Ai, Leica R, etc.
As found on http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/techart-is-also-considering-to-make-leica-r-contax-cy-and-nikon-ai-mount-autofocus-adapter/ (http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/techart-is-also-considering-to-make-leica-r-contax-cy-and-nikon-ai-mount-autofocus-adapter/)
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: chris dees on January 16, 2016, 21:06:43
So with this adapter you can AF with Nikon MF-lenses on Sony A7xcamera's? :D
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Erik Lund on January 17, 2016, 13:00:18
Yes,,, we'll sort off AF it will work for unit focusing lenses. If you fit it on a Nikon F to Leica M on top of the new one.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: bjornthun on January 17, 2016, 15:51:01
I have seen something about a weight limit of 300 grams for the lens.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Erik Lund on January 17, 2016, 16:06:02
That would make perfect sense, in the video it looks like they are shooting a Leitz Hektor 135mm 4.5 around 500 gram
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on January 18, 2016, 03:31:06
Just colour me sceptical ;) . I think adapters are getting better but so is my speed on MF. Biggest plus to me would be the communication if the camera can identify the FL for Steady Shot settings/other camera aids/functions and I do not have to take notes/remember the lens ;) . I'm following the first reports on the Commlite Nikon AF and have been following the Contax AF for a while.
One thing I think is missing with these Vids is that they do not post the images taken , just trying to watch it on the rear display. So no real idea of how accurate the AF is :(
I can always live in hope ;) Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: pluton on January 18, 2016, 07:03:57
There's the issue of accuracy, which is TBD. Then there is the issue of the focus travel of the adapter, which is clearly not going to be enough for a lens longer than about 85mm, if not 50mm.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: smage85 on January 18, 2016, 13:21:47
Interesting.
This is quite similar to Nikon TC-16 teleconverter except there's no glass and only shifting the lens back and forth. I guess if it could support heavy lenses like Nikon's super-teles, it could work as a semi-autofocus lens where you focus on the approximate distance and the adaptor will do the rest.
I know there are some modified TC-16s out there that work with modern DSLRS but I'm not sure on their optical quality. Apples to oranges anyway.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Jan Anne on January 19, 2016, 22:08:19
Lots more new videos are posted at SAR.com with lenses like the Leica 35/2, Zeiss 25/2.8 ZM, Leica 90/2, etc. http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/first-images-of-the-first-m-mount-to-e-mount-autofocus-adapter-and-new-videos-too/ (http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/first-images-of-the-first-m-mount-to-e-mount-autofocus-adapter-and-new-videos-too/)
On some some lenses they manually zone focus the lens so its within the autofocus range of the adapter.
As expected the EXIF doesn't show any aperture changes, not sure if the adapter can read Leica lens coding (white dots) for focal length registration which would at least be something.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Tristin on January 19, 2016, 22:20:07
I'd certainly give one a whirl if they made one I could use on a Nikon body
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Jan Anne on January 20, 2016, 00:48:59
I'd certainly give one a whirl if they made one I could use on a Nikon body
The body needs to be mirrorless to make room for the adapter, plenty of rumours flying around but who knows when they come up with a A7 series counterpart.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Tristin on January 20, 2016, 08:48:13
Ah, nevermind then. I couldn't see myself going mirrorless until they get a good hybrid VF and a grip that feels like a solid grip. I'm sure Nikon will when they feel they've gotten it down. I'd be amazed if they haven't been tinkering with it, though I am drifting well off topic now.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: Erik Lund on January 20, 2016, 09:32:01
Nikon Mirrorless is called Nikon 1 ;) and there is an Nikon F adapter for it, FT1, it actually does surprisingly fast and accurate AF with AFS lenses...
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on January 24, 2016, 06:27:45
It appears that the Commlite Nikon AF adapter is making progress. Still expensive ( I can buy a mint- Contax 90 2.8 for less ;) ) . I am getting more interested in the Techart Leica M to Somy AF but about the same price. At least we now know how the Firmware upgrade for Commlite is accomplished , on camera. It finally does AF the 58 1.4G and my two Sigma Arts ;D
Now if the price would come down ;) Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: bjornthun on January 24, 2016, 14:13:31
It appears that the Commlite Nikon AF adapter is making progress. Still expensive ( I can buy a mint- Contax 90 2.8 for less ;) ) . I am getting more interested in the Techart Leica M to Nikon AF but about the same price. At least we now know how the Firmware upgrade for Commlite is accomplished , on camera. It finally does AF the 58 1.4G and my two Sigma Arts ;D
Now if the price would come down ;) Tom
Where have you found the information about the firmware update procedure for the commlite adapter? Do you have a link?
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on January 24, 2016, 14:35:40
Bjorn, check the past couple of days on this thread.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57029682 This is the link to installing FW
http://www.commlite.com/en/down.php You need to translate ;) . If you click on English at the top of the page it takes you to a different page. Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: bjornthun on January 24, 2016, 15:08:58
Bjorn, check the past couple of days on this thread.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57029682 This is the link to installing FW
http://www.commlite.com/en/down.php You need to translate ;) . If you click on English at the top of the page it takes you to a different page. Tom
Thanks, Tom. From the images, it seems to work the same way as a lens firmware upgrade. Then the adapter is rather future proof already, and combined with a Sony camera I guess it should be a rather good platform for Zeiss ZF.2 lenses and manual focus glass in general. The ZF.2 versions are safer bets than ZE version, I suppose, since they can always be operated without any electronic communication. In other words you have a non-electronic fallback solution that isn't there with the Canon mount ZE versions.
Edit: typos.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on January 25, 2016, 04:18:12
Bjorn, it is all about the size/weight and cost ;D . If I had been offered the ZF.2 I could have used it on the Nikons as well as the Sony. Do you think the closer focus in the specs for the 15 4.5 Sony is because of the difference between Sony and Leica mounts ? I did hear back from a couple of guys saying the VM III has really corrected the smearing/colour cast , and improved vignetting on the Sony a7II and a7RII. Also pointed out that LR has the Lens corrections for it.
Would be nice to have the communication but ,as far as MF, it has been pointed out the Hyperfocal is such that it is very easy to use. It would just be fun to have for India Bike Week next month. At my level of photography I'm wondering about using an earlier LTM. I don't know if Jan Anne is still using one. I'll ask him :) Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on January 26, 2016, 02:45:26
OK, I succumbed , ordered the Commlite yesterday. Deciding factor is that it is now being sold by a Hong Kong company that I have used many times ;) . I've been on a buying binge of old lenses and have two cabinets full of Nikon. So I thought it a bit silly to keep duplicating good lenses.
I'm really interested in how the 24-85 VR, 24-120 f4 and 70-200 f4 work since I was not prepared to buy the Sony f4 zooms. I'll just have to see if the adapter does anything with the 85 1.4D and DC105 f2D.
I called my contact at Robert White UK and asked if he had any idea of availability/price on the Voight 15 4.5 VE. Not even a waffle answer, straight "no", but he would let me know as soon as he had any info. Delivery on the adapter estimated 4 Feb-2 Mar. Cheers, Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: JJChan on February 08, 2016, 14:45:06
Hi Tom What's the verdict about the Commlite?
Also how does the ~90mm lens hunt go?
JJ
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on February 09, 2016, 03:43:38
Update: adapter delivered about 30 min ago. That was fast, and no import duty ;D . I'll get back to you in a day or two. I'll try and determine if latest firmware.
JJ, The adapter has yet to arrive but do not expect it for another week or so. My 'new' old lenses, and a couple of new ones, arrive with my wife on Saturday ( ;D ) but with Sunday being Valentine's Day I do not think it is smart to start playing with them ;) . Maybe a portrait of my wife with one of the new 90's :) .
This is a quick grab of my son at the beach lunch last Sunday. We played with him using the Vid light on has Smartphone for Fill, Jpeg with CNX2. I was using the new V/M Close Focus on the 75 f2.5. He wanted it fast for his girlfriend..... 14 year-olds ..... ;)
I'll let you know as soon as I receive it and do some shooting. All the best, Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: richardHaw on February 09, 2016, 04:10:00
sorry, I am kind of confused from reading all the posts and seeing all these brands and camera bodies being mentioned.
so, if I am not mistaken that pic of your son was taken with a Sony A7?
sure wish that Nikon would revive the S mount in digital form.
good looking kid, by the way. he looks like Robbie Rosa from Menudo :o :o :o
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on February 09, 2016, 04:49:21
Richard, you are correct, it was taken with the Sony a7II. The Commlite is for the Nikon f to Sony E mount with AF. Looking forward to trying some of my afs Nikons. Unfortunately my 85 1.4D and DC105 f2D will not AF but that's ok ;) . The Df remains my favourite camera ;D .
I'm looking forward to trying some different brands of lenses on the a7II but really want to use many of my Nikons . My selection of Nikon 105's works very well in MF but better/easier on the DF.
Rumours still around about a Nikon FX Mirrorless and , of course , a DfII :) . I've never used the S mount. Handled an SP and S3 at Gray's one afternoon but the buy-in was too much for me and I no longer had access to the Darkroom facilities I once had :( . Beautiful gear. I'll pass your comment on to my son A.J. but he already spends too much time in front of the mirror. Cheers, Edit: I do have a few Leica M and R mount lenses coming so the possibility of AF could be interesting but had always figure on MF.
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: richardHaw on February 09, 2016, 05:10:19
I have a few leads on the DF2 but it has not "materialized" yet as of now. all I can say is that there is something being considered :o :o :o
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on February 09, 2016, 10:05:46
OK, it works. I put the 24-85 vr, 70-200 f4vr and DC105 f2ED on the a7II. Not real testing but focus is not as fast and silent as the D750, Df, D3s but it is not slow. I could not notice any difference in speed with VR-on and VR-off. Focus seems accurate but that will require more detailed testing. I was using Flexible spot in all three sizes. Faster af below 120mm on the 70-200 f4 vr. At above hunts for a second (or less). It does report the DC 105 f2D and all exif. Even identifies the lens as a 105 f2 (even though I had the aperture set to f3.5 which was correctly reported.
The two zooms will be perfectly usable. Need to go through some more lenses 24-120 f4vr and 58 1.4G in particular. Funny, the 105 f2.8vr Macro really hunts and a AF lock seems to be random no matter which focus setting, light or contrast . Sigma 35 1.4 Art at 1.4 fast, positive lock in darkish room but with a high contrast focus point ;D . More to come and , eventually some images. Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: JJChan on February 09, 2016, 14:12:06
Sounds promising Tom!
I spent a short afternoon strolling around my family's farm - the A7II sucks battery and was down to 30% within the hour. That was with Angenieux APO 180mm so no MF - just IBIS - and turned off after every shot. I can't imagine how much battery the Commlite is going to consume.
The A7 still feels like a small computer - but I have to agree that the DSLR especially Df feels much more camera and intuitive. It has made me appreciate a lot of the design choices in the Nikon line that I had taken for granted.
If you can get hold of them, the SMC Takumar 85mm f1.8 and the second version SMC Takumar 135mm f2.5 are actually formidable little lenses - I was keen on getting the 90mm Minolta/Leica but the Takumars for the same price combined has taken that desire away.
I'll post some initial shots from these lenses if you like
JJ
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on February 09, 2016, 14:47:07
JJ, I'll check out the battery lif with the adapter. By all means post some images, I always enjoy your images :) . I have enough lenses to experiment with on the Sony coming and there are still some Nikons might pop up that I want to hold some cash in reserve.
So far the adapter seems better than I expected. I am quite happy with using MF but it does mean that the Sony can be used as the second camera without taking a full set of lenses. The a7II can share the same Nikon/Sigma lenses with the Df. I can take a native lens and maybe a couple of Voights along just for the Sony. I am probably looking forward to playing with the V/M 15 4.5 III more than the others arriving. My selection in the 85mm to 135mm is good enough ;) . Fortunately I have some buyers in queue for the ones I decide to sell.
I linked a Super Takumar 85 f1.8 to a post of Bjorn's, mint and expensive, but only the f1.9's available now. I'll keep adding the lenses used on the adapter and get around to some serious shooting/testing. Cheers, Tom
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: JJChan on February 09, 2016, 15:56:08
Tom Just checked the price on those Takumar 85mm 1.8s I got mine before Bjorn suggested it for quite a lot less and there were a few on eBay then.
Surely the Bear's inflationary skills haven't extended to the Pentax world like it has done to the Noct and Apo lanthars...... :-\
Title: Re: Autofocus with Nikon Ai, Leica M & R and Contax CY lenses
Post by: tommiejeep on July 17, 2016, 15:25:51
FW version 4.0 now available for Commlite Nikon -Sony AF adapter. http://www.commlite.com/en/down.php Ill up grade tomorrow and check it out. With FW 3.0 I lost the Sigma 35 1.4A and the 80-400 afs was worse. Did get the 60 2.8G macro but still no 105 f2.8 VR macro. On the whole it was an improvement to FW 2.0. I'll modify this post after installing and trying. Cheers, Tom