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What is the difference between 8 pin and 5 pin lenses?

Started Feb 24, 2006 | Discussions thread
sybersitizen Forum Pro • Posts: 24,269
Re: What is the difference between 8 pin and 5 pin lenses?

bobotech wrote:

Just wondering why some lenses have 8 pin connections and some have 5 pin connections?

The answer is here.

Why do some lenses have 5 contacts, and some have 8?

The original Minolta A mount had 5 lens contacts. Later, with the xi generation of cameras and lenses, 3 contacts were added. These were used as an additional power source and an additional communication path. They were required for the auto-zoom feature of xi lenses. Also see “What's a “xi” lens?”.

Later, the three additional contacts were also used for the (D) and SSM function. Also see “What's a “D” lens?” and “What's a “SSM” lens?”. So xi, D and SSM lenses necessarily have 8 contacts, while non-xi, non-D and non-SSM lenses need only 5 contacts. Basic information about focal length, aperture, etc. is communicated via the 5 original contacts. This means that even on older 5-contact bodies you can use 8-contact lenses. Of course, ADI, SSM and auto-zoom won't work, then, but basic metering and program mode operation will work just fine.

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