New TechArt LM-EA9 Autofocus E-mount to M-mount adapter seems to be on the way

Source: https://sonyaddict.com/2022/06/20/techart-lm-ea9-for-leica-m-mount-lenses-is-being-teased/

--
Best regards
/Anders
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Used camera brands over 40+ years:
Minolta, Nikon, Balda, Ricoh, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony.
*********************************************************************
In the photoworld all companies are polyamorous and it is just like a big swingers party behind the scenes.
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Any photographer can have a camera painted any colour that he wants, so long as it is black.
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Some of my images:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65325637
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64169208
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64221482
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65120847
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65121520
*********************************************************************
Article, how to FTP-transfer, edit & share RAW-images wireless out in the field:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4609147
*********************************************************************
Timeline over all mirrorless autofocus fullframe cameras:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65760019
*********************************************************************
Article about Sony EVF/LCD modes:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65550258
*********************************************************************

lattesweden said:

Source: https://sonyaddict.com/2022/06/20/techart-lm-ea9-for-leica-m-mount-lenses-is-being-teased/

Click to expand...

I've had mine for a few weeks now, but haven't really used it because of little time.

A few quick tests told me that:

- it did recognise the only 6 bit Leica lens I have (WATE).

- The manual FL also works, but if changed, the camera needs to be turned off & on or the adapter has to be at least partially remounted.

- The infinty calibration is WAY too short. Before using it seriously, I'll shim it. There are screws on the mounting plates, so shimming shouldn't be a problem.

-It seems decently made (apart from the infinity calibration). The FL adjustment wheel isn't the smoothest. Time will tell if it's reliable.

When I have time, I'll try painting 6 bit codes directly on some adapters.

Rol Lei Nut said:

lattesweden said:

Source: https://sonyaddict.com/2022/06/20/techart-lm-ea9-for-leica-m-mount-lenses-is-being-teased/

Click to expand...

I've had mine for a few weeks now, but haven't really used it because of little time.

A few quick tests told me that:

- it did recognise the only 6 bit Leica lens I have (WATE).

- The manual FL also works, but if changed, the camera needs to be turned off & on or the adapter has to be at least partially remounted.

- The infinty calibration is WAY too short. Before using it seriously, I'll shim it. There are screws on the mounting plates, so shimming shouldn't be a problem.

-It seems decently made (apart from the infinity calibration). The FL adjustment wheel isn't the smoothest. Time will tell if it's reliable.

When I have time, I'll try painting 6 bit codes directly on some adapters.

Click to expand...

I guess you mean you got the current version, the "LM-EA7"?
The new 9 version is not released yet.

I am not personally going to use it with Leica lenses, but with an additional adapter to use with Minolta SR and M42 mount lenses. And for portraits, so for me it has to work with Eye-AF. It seems the current "7" version is so so with that so I hope the new "9" version that is on its way will do better.

The bulge at the bottom of the current model has proved a pain on occasion so the new version has something to offer me even if the focus speed, weight limit etc are unchanged. I'll look forward to seeing a full review

Hopefully EXIF entrys have been improved as well - I've only once used this on my EA7 & it took me a while to make it usable again.

I suspect the short infinity focus is deliberate to ensure all lenses reach infinity properly. I've met legacy lenses that rely on DOF for infinity focus, which doesn't cut the mustard on today's high resolution digital cameras.

My LM-EA7 is still going strong, EyeAF working perfectly with my A7iii, I’ve watched a few videos demonstrating this new version and AF seems to be faster.

My local government handing out HK$2000 in August, so looks like I know what I will spend it on if this new version is released in time.

lattesweden said:

Rol Lei Nut said:

lattesweden said:

Source: https://sonyaddict.com/2022/06/20/techart-lm-ea9-for-leica-m-mount-lenses-is-being-teased/

Click to expand...

I've had mine for a few weeks now, but haven't really used it because of little time.

A few quick tests told me that:

- it did recognise the only 6 bit Leica lens I have (WATE).

- The manual FL also works, but if changed, the camera needs to be turned off & on or the adapter has to be at least partially remounted.

- The infinty calibration is WAY too short. Before using it seriously, I'll shim it. There are screws on the mounting plates, so shimming shouldn't be a problem.

-It seems decently made (apart from the infinity calibration). The FL adjustment wheel isn't the smoothest. Time will tell if it's reliable.

When I have time, I'll try painting 6 bit codes directly on some adapters.

Click to expand...

I guess you mean you got the current version, the "LM-EA7"?
The new 9 version is not released yet.

Click to expand...

Actually, my mistake: I mixed it up with the TTArtisan M-E 6Bit Adapter I do have. That's what happens when I don't read to original post carefully enough... :-|

lattesweden said:

I am not personally going to use it with Leica lenses, but with an additional adapter to use with Minolta SR and M42 mount lenses. And for portraits, so for me it has to work with Eye-AF. It seems the current "7" version is so so with that so I hope the new "9" version that is on its way will do better.

Click to expand...

I also use the M adapter as an intermediate adapter for many other mounts. I had the LM-EA7 for years, but sold it since I didn't like using it in practice.

petrochemist said:

The bulge at the bottom of the current model has proved a pain on occasion so the new version has something to offer me even if the focus speed, weight limit etc are unchanged. I'll look forward to seeing a full review

Hopefully EXIF entrys have been improved as well - I've only once used this on my EA7 & it took me a while to make it usable again.

I suspect the short infinity focus is deliberate to ensure all lenses reach infinity properly. I've met legacy lenses that rely on DOF for infinity focus, which doesn't cut the mustard on today's high resolution digital cameras.

Click to expand...

The new construction seems to be made by four small motors that work together to move the flange, see the last video down on this page: https://leicarumors.com/2022/06/22/...ea9-af-adapter-for-leica-m-mount-lenses.aspx/

I’m hoping this is released July/August, our government is handing out a cash handout with the first batch in August and around the amount these adapters tend to be.

They’ve already got the firmware up in their app:

Proplus888 said:

I’m hoping this is released July/August, our government is handing out a cash handout with the first batch in August and around the amount these adapters tend to be.

They’ve already got the firmware up in their app:

Click to expand...

Instead of a Government handout I have just been given a pay rise backdated to January. It will be quite tempting to spend the extra on one of these, but fuel & other costs are climbing at a horrendous rate so it may not be that long till I need it just to get to work!

petrochemist said:

Proplus888 said:

I’m hoping this is released July/August, our government is handing out a cash handout with the first batch in August and around the amount these adapters tend to be.

They’ve already got the firmware up in their app:

Click to expand...

Instead of a Government handout I have just been given a pay rise backdated to January. It will be quite tempting to spend the extra on one of these, but fuel & other costs are climbing at a horrendous rate so it may not be that long till I need it just to get to work!

Click to expand...

Or to keep your home warm next winter.

Don

Here’s a slightly more in-depth video of the new adapter but it’s in Cantonese:




AF seems to be much faster and less jittery, and should be much quieter.

Interesting bottom cap with the adapter contacts and what looks like a USB-C port on the side for I guess firmware updates. No videoAF still, but the tester did mention that they hoped Techart will release a firmware update to enable this in the future.

Proplus888 said:

Here’s a slightly more in-depth video of the new adapter but it’s in Cantonese:

AF seems to be much faster and less jittery, and should be much quieter.

Interesting bottom cap with the adapter contacts and what looks like a USB-C port on the side for I guess firmware updates. No videoAF still, but the tester did mention that they hoped Techart will release a firmware update to enable this in the future.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the video link, the autotranslate works really well.

There is a short preview text also over at Fred Miranda in the thread about it there.

From what it seems, it will be much better than the current "7" version.

I still have two questions unanswered:

• How good is the actual hit rate on the Eye-Detect.
• How will it feel to handle with regards to the distance to the grip, the adapter ring is larger than the mount so it will eat up some finger space. See image below with a screen capture from the video. It is an A7C it is mounted on.

--
Best regards
/Anders
*********************************************************************
Used camera brands over 40+ years:
Minolta, Nikon, Balda, Ricoh, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony.
*********************************************************************
In the photoworld all companies are polyamorous and it is just like a big swingers party behind the scenes.
*********************************************************************
Any photographer can have a camera painted any colour that he wants, so long as it is black.
*********************************************************************
Some of my images:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65325637
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64169208
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64221482
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65120847
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65121520
*********************************************************************
Article, how to FTP-transfer, edit & share RAW-images wireless out in the field:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4609147
*********************************************************************
Timeline over all mirrorless autofocus fullframe cameras:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65760019
*********************************************************************
Article about Sony EVF/LCD modes:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65550258
*********************************************************************

lattesweden said:

Proplus888 said:

Here’s a slightly more in-depth video of the new adapter but it’s in Cantonese:

AF seems to be much faster and less jittery, and should be much quieter.

Interesting bottom cap with the adapter contacts and what looks like a USB-C port on the side for I guess firmware updates. No videoAF still, but the tester did mention that they hoped Techart will release a firmware update to enable this in the future.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the video link, the autotranslate works really well.

There is a short preview text also over at Fred Miranda in the thread about it there.

From what it seems, it will be much better than the current "7" version.

I still have two questions unanswered:

• How good is the actual hit rate on the Eye-Detect.
• How will it feel to handle with regards to the distance to the grip, the adapter ring is larger than the mount so it will eat up some finger space. See image below with a screen capture from the video. It is an A7C it is mounted on.

--
Best regards
/Anders
*********************************************************************
Used camera brands over 40+ years:
Minolta, Nikon, Balda, Ricoh, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony.
*********************************************************************
In the photoworld all companies are polyamorous and it is just like a big swingers party behind the scenes.
*********************************************************************
Any photographer can have a camera painted any colour that he wants, so long as it is black.
*********************************************************************
Some of my images:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65325637
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64169208
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64221482
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65120847
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65121520
*********************************************************************
Article, how to FTP-transfer, edit & share RAW-images wireless out in the field:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4609147
*********************************************************************
Timeline over all mirrorless autofocus fullframe cameras:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65760019
*********************************************************************
Article about Sony EVF/LCD modes:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65550258
*********************************************************************

Click to expand...

TBH, the hit rate of EyeAF with the LM-EA7 on my A7iii was very good, but from that video it looks even better as he was taking quick shots with the model still moving about before she was set for the pose.

I see several sellers in HK listing it now for HK$3000, slightly more expensive than than the LM-EA7. I’ll grab one in a few months, been moving house and spending tons on new furniture.

Its launched now: https://www.dpreview.com/news/25134...-smaller-m-mount-to-e-mount-autofocus-adapter

Reviews:

I would give it a fly if they made one for M4/3 - it now looks like a good product*.

But I am not going to change my habits and buy Sony just so I can buy one of these.

Perhaps now that is seems better sorted they might male it for other mount systems as well?

* Strange that we always find out the problems with the previous model when they are solved by its replacement.

I found that out about the Sony A7II when the A7III was reviewed. Anyone with any real doubts should read the A7III review. Was the A7II worth buying - well of course - right up until the A7III was made. But of course that is why we all buy new cameras - when an update pops the happy bubble of the previous incarnation.

Luckily the GM series is dead and I don't have to find out all the update goodies I have been missing out on ..... Once a cynic, always a cynic ....

Of course I do know well that I should have waited just a few short months and bought the A7RII.

Tom Caldwell said:

I would give it a fly if they made one for M4/3 - it now looks like a good product*.

But I am not going to change my habits and buy Sony just so I can buy one of these.

Perhaps now that is seems better sorted they might male it for other mount systems as well?

* Strange that we always find out the problems with the previous model when they are solved by its replacement.

I found that out about the Sony A7II when the A7III was reviewed. Anyone with any real doubts should read the A7III review. Was the A7II worth buying - well of course - right up until the A7III was made. But of course that is why we all buy new cameras - when an update pops the happy bubble of the previous incarnation.

Luckily the GM series is dead and I don't have to find out all the update goodies I have been missing out on ..... Once a cynic, always a cynic ....

Of course I do know well that I should have waited just a few short months and bought the A7RII.

Click to expand...

Techart have made an adapter similar to the older LM-EA7 for Nikon Z. One can guess that they will soon make a refresh of that one based on the now released LM-EA9 for Sony. So if you prefer a Nikon FF body that might be a way.

Regarding the LM-EA9 Techart states that it is compatible with A7R, though I would not buy the adapter for use with that body until someone else had made a test and reported how well it works.

The A7RII was almost 1000 USD more expensive than the A7R at release (2300 USD vs 3200) and the A7RIII was even more expensive than that and the A7RIV even more. This has been Sonys tactics, new models are always more expensive than the previous one, but you get an improved model. One have to buy into this, or chose another camera provider.

When I started with photography in 1980 I borrowed my fathers Minolta SRT101 and some lenses. After a while I took my hard earned money I had made working extra after school, and bought a Minolta XG1 body. That was an entry model that turned out to have been deliberately dumbed down in an engineered way that probably had costed extra to achieve that. That made me quite angry when I realized it. The exposure metering in it also broke down twice in a year, leaving me with ruined films when it happened. So I went to Nikon and stayed there until 2004.

Even today I avoid the XG1 model, I have some Minolta SRT101 versions and also some X300, X500 etc, but I will never get the XG1 and versions of it, so yeah I know how you feel Tom.

But if you want to get a Techart LM-EA9 I would recommend looking at the 24 Mpix A7III, not as high resolution as the Sony "R" series but the A7III has a very good AF. A friend uses the A7III with the LM-EA7 and is quite happy so the LM-EA9 should do even better with it. And used prices on the A7III are quite reasonable here in Sweden at least.

But the LM-EA9 is not without quirks it seems from the reviews, one have to live with those.

--
Best regards
/Anders
*********************************************************************
Used camera brands over 40+ years:
Minolta, Nikon, Balda, Ricoh, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony.
*********************************************************************
In the photoworld all companies are polyamorous and it is just like a big swingers party behind the scenes.
*********************************************************************
Any photographer can have a camera painted any colour that he wants, so long as it is black.
*********************************************************************
Some of my images:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65325637
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64169208
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64221482
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65120847
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65121520
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66357766
*********************************************************************
Article, how to FTP-transfer, edit & share RAW-images wireless out in the field:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4609147
*********************************************************************
Timeline over all mirrorless autofocus fullframe cameras:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65760019
*********************************************************************
Article about Sony EVF/LCD modes:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65550258
*********************************************************************

Thanks Anders - I am easily led - best that I stay away from temptation ....

I am really quite glad that I don't have a camera body that this adapter works on. Thanks for your advice - it was good of you to offer it.

Although a bit sad that the GM5 has not been updated in reality I am quite happy that it never has as it saves me the bother "of will I or won't I ...." (Temptation)

In the same I am quite at ease my G9, GX9 and great big S1 in L-Mount. All work fine and I even happy with the with the Canon 5Ds dslr body as i know that i have one of the best made dslr bodies for the EF lenses that I have kept in circulation.

If the market has not plateau-ed then it looks like this old duck has reached his own personal plateau.

People seem to forget that the main limitation with these adaptors is the lens used!
Backlight, off centre focus, uncorrected lens design, low contrast etc etc are going to weaken the ability of the camera to AF this thing.

The design has not magically made the focussing ability any more effective! It maybe slightly quicker to move the lens and now have more stability with 4 motors but the limitations of using adapted glass are still there!

I have mine on order.