First lens adapters for Nikon Z already appearing

those novoflex adapters aren't going to be selling for $40 or less, that's not how novoflex works.

for example, the cheapest novoflex adapter on b&h costs $95, going up to $830.

Sep 28, 2018permalink

NDT0001

Yes finally it has begun!! The era of any lens on any body is here! I have been anticipating this since I heard mirrorless was a thing and have been stopgapping with A7 series for a while . I have some fine PL glass and many EF lenses ready to be mounted on canon or Nikon body for a B camera.

Sep 22, 2018permalink

jeffharris

Any Lens on Any Body has been the norm for M4/3 for 10 years.

Sep 25, 2018*permalink

jackspra

Is the video quality so good on this camera that there is a rush to get it being able to use these lenses?

Sep 21, 2018permalink

camerosity

Apparently the answer to that question based on this news is, Yes.

Sep 21, 2018permalink

jackspra

Ok,great.

Sep 21, 2018permalink

Hasa

Especially with the Z6 there is no line-skipping with 4K video, but downsampling from about 24MP FF to 8MP and possibility of streaming via HDMI to an external recorder with a 5 inch screen that simulates the graded, final results. I have not tried this but the blurp is fantastic and the price of the Z6 plus recorder is probably less than just one of the pro cinema lenses. On the Z7 there is either line-skipping 4K from FF or on APS-C crop a 5K to 4K downsampling.

Sep 22, 2018permalink

barrystet

I wonder if there will be a market for FTE adaptors reverse-engineered for AF and eye recognition for all those too impatient to wait for Nikon to catch up to Sony once someone gets their hands on the FTZs and breaks them down?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

IdM photography

I have such an adapter, made by Commlite... It works very well with some lenses (e.g. Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art with F mount), not so well with others (Nikon 70-200mm f/4), not at all with my Nikon 19mm f/4E tilt shift lens...

AF never works for video...

Photographers with many Nikon F lenses should rather buy the Nikon Z7 than try to adapt them on Sony...

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

TheClueless

> It works very well with some lenses

I've yet to find one that works acceptably with the Commlite. Either way it'll be interesting to compare both when I get the Z's.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1561172/0

how well it works also depends on what sony body is used... here is the a9/commlite/300pf/1.4x shooting bif, looks like it rocks:

Sep 21, 2018permalink

Photone

Maybe the best opportunity of an adapter is the possibility to make a Tilt/Shift adapter for using all good Nikon F-mount lenses : )

Looking forward to smart entrepreneurs !

Sep 20, 2018permalink

I still prefer Adaptor-free FujiFilm and Sony.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Ahhh yes, I forgot Fuiji and Sony had native mounts for Cine lenses....

Sep 20, 2018permalink

MP doesn’t know what these adaptors are actually used for. And, anyway, since C&N have brought out cameras where adapters can be used, adaptors are all evil, dontcha know? 😉

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Psh not only are adapters evil but all lenses are evil too. That's why I just take off my body cap and let my sensor be exposed for the world. It's the only way to truly capture all the light when you don't have a pesky lens in the way.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Auuuurgh ... I should have read the full text. Yes, gentlemen, it is for cine lenses. Mea Culpa ... a blue adaptor? Jeeez ! Black is fine ...

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

M Chambers

Don't feel too bad. Sony didn't have an adapter specifically for cine lenses but they already had E mount lenses for specifically for video even before the very first NEX was released as the E mount was already in use for video camera.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Veselin Gramatikov

Nikon and Canon have all needed lenses on their own adapters :) And this is native adapters. So this is not the SONY story. When Sony start they did not have anything.

So far Nikon and Canon users do not suffer for lenses.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Bill_Clinton

it's the exact same story, Sony had their own native adapters from A mount to E mount.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

arbux

@Bill_Clinton - I see old habits die hard. Sony released 4 adapters over few years and only on latest bodies with version III of the adapter AF works good enough, though still not with all functionality (e.g. if eye af then 3fps or no eye af at all, slow focus in thelephoto).
Sony might have native adapter but it didn't provide native functionality nor performance.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Bill_Clinton

@arbux you should try it on a9 with latest firmware, it works flawlesly

Sep 20, 2018permalink

sony released ff milc back in 2013, when ospdaf was still on the cutting-edge, and few cameras had it.

it's fully stupid to try and compare that with where ospdaf development is today... all that canikon has to do now is pay to get ospdaf tech that's become widely available.

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

Gon0S

@arbux ?
What ? SONY own adapter cripple down body and lens features ?

WHAT ? This does not exist nor cannot happen when you listen to the storytelling !

This problem only exist with Canikon adapters ! SONY is the holy grail of adapters ! And adapted lenses work flawlessly or even better on SONY cameras. Whereas Nikon f-mount lenses are not working properly if you read carefull all the depressed people switching from Nikon now !

Sep 21, 2018*permalink

aris14

So MTF Services seems to be a third party official Nikon partner...

Sep 20, 2018permalink

photomedium

...or employ an extremely competent machine shop guy. ;-)

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Entropy512

Yup. Keep in mind that these are 100% manual adapters with no electronics - which means reverse engineering is a matter of busting out the calipers.

In short - they have an extremely competent machine shop guy. :)

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Hasa

There are other adapters like Z6 astrokit: https://www.primalucelab.com/astronomy/nikon-z6-astrokit-mirrorless-camera-with-astrophotography-adapter.html

Sep 22, 2018permalink

milkod2001

This feels like the solution nobody has ever asked for. Why would filmmakers and broadcasters who use expensive Panavision and Arri systems ever wanted their lenses to work with Nikon Z, still camera with way more limited video capabilities then their own systems? Useless adapter.

Now adapter to use Canon lenses on Nikon R would be something worthy to do.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Because no cinema manufacturer offers cameras that give Full Frame 4K images, stabilize their cinema glass, and record to 10bit LOG in a tiny package hanging on the back of the lens. Cinematographers have been using cinema glass on small cameras since the 5D days to the current widely adopted A7's.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Yeah, filmmakers love when their camera's have IBIS. That's why they gave more stabilization in the GH5s.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

GH5s's lack of IBIS is due to a technical limitation with the sensor size and mount diameter. And even if many filmmakers don't want IBIS, it's no secret that many do.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

No that's not why at alllllll. The reason it was taken out is because many people requested to take it out. Filmmakers were rigging it and turning off the IBIS but because the sensor is still on springs, it often moved a lot. It was because they took out the IBIS that they were able to put a larger sensor in the camera, not the other way around.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Something that tickles my funny bone:

When the first Sony MLs came out, the Canon and Nikon loyalists went “We have all the native lenses!”, and the Sony loyalists went “Bring the adapters!”

Now, when Sony has a nice set of native lenses, and Nikon and Canon brings out a new mount, the Sony loyalists go “We have all the native lenses!”, and the Canon and Nikon loyalists go “Hurrah for adapters!”

Almost a mirror image of the argumentation - well, if the mirrors weren’t all gone, that is 😂

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

Oh, and something else - for all the focus on the absolutely-must-have 4K video feature - isn’t it just funny how many commenters here miss that these adapters are for cine lenses? And _not_ for your run of the mill still lenses?

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

Veselin Gramatikov

Not true. Z and R have all native lenses and adapters. Far different than Sony at the beginning. Thats why Sony have so many adapters.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Brand native, yes, but not mount native - if you want to split hairs - which, this being DPR, you probably _do_ want to...

Sep 20, 2018permalink

arbux

@mike CH - don't spread misinformation. Sony released multiple adapters over multiple years and only version III combined with latest bodies gives reasonable results. Earlier adaptes had a mirror in them! And even with adapter sony A lenses don't ofer the same functionality as sony FE lenses.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Huh? _What_ misinformation am I supposed to be spreading?

I’m talking about how people _reacted_, what arguments they used and the humorous situation in how the arguments have reversed in the meantime, nothing else.

Oh, and you might want to check my gear list before you jump to any further conclusions.... 😂

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

BEKippe

Technically brand native is the only critical part. Almost all adapter "issues" are from trying to convert the signals & protocols, which is why AF issues come up. If you are brand native, especially for brands with a closed spec, the communication is still native, and thus performance won't take a hit. The adapter becomes the equivalent of an extension tube or teleconverter.

Yes, slight mount misalignment can be an issue, but that doesn't stop people from using their extension tubes or teleconverters. And, as shown with this one, high quality versions can have alignment features built in to guarantee perfect parallelism with the sensor (even if the sensor to mount relationships is slightly out).

Sep 20, 2018permalink

mr.izo

looks like something from nuclear reactor, lol. perfect for nikon snobs..

Sep 20, 2018permalink

AbrasiveReducer

Pricey adapters for early adopters.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

kooistraalexander

I'm sure the users with panavision or Arri lenses don't see this is an expensive option.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

guyfawkes

Cheap Chinese made adapters they're not. Did you not read that they are pre-shimmed and come with extra shims? These are intended for the professional market and as mentioned above, guys who use Panavision and Arri lenses won't see them as expensive.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

vFunct

RIP Sony

Sep 20, 2018permalink

miric

Never mind. Sony may continue to manufacture nice 4K displays for video editing after loosing in their photo segment :)

Sep 20, 2018permalink

guyfawkes

And, pray, what precisely warrants anti-Sony bile in respect of these adapters?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

miric

RIP Sony :D

Sep 21, 2018permalink

Spectro

so we can mount anamorphic lenses, but if there is a cheaper option anamorphic lenses option I would do that.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

joaquin100

Nice macro set up, Kenko got competition :-)

Sep 20, 2018permalink

DS HK

An adaptor for filmmakers, no need to consider AF and aperture coupling that why it is the first for Z-mount.

It seems that MTF Service expects a good chance of Z-system on the film making market

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Entropy512

Honestly, the Z's strongest niche is manual focus cine with an external recorder.

That's one of the use cases in which it's unambiguously superior to anything in the Sony E-mount family anywhere close to that price point right now, and where the limitations it does have really don't affect the user.

(If Sony doesn't do 10-bit on the A7SIII that's gonna look really bad for them...)

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Johans81

First you brag that sony can use every lens that exist but for canon their lenses are to old lol..... No they are not to old. They are used on cameras that demand good results in autofocus like 1dx2 or on high mp camera like 5dsr...that they are to old are just bs

Sep 26, 2018permalink

BobT3218

The IBIS should be a boon for cine work.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

lilBuddha

I don't think so. If one is going to use cine lenses, gimbals and tripods and other steadying gear will likely be used, negating the IBIS.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

kooistraalexander

No way, working with those lenses you look for other options if you need that. Steadicam etc, but not IBIS. Cine work is a highly prof world that demands total control, not a sensor shifting around on its own.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

One word, GH5s

Sep 20, 2018permalink

lilBuddha

@its_a_knife
Yep. Panasonic themselves stated they left IBIS out because it isn't needed with external stabilisation and the unwanted extra heat isn't a plus, either.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Totally. I love my GH5 but the IBIS can get really annoying. Especially when I am locked off on my tripod and I am doing hard pans. The sensor moves way too much, even if i have it off.
I have seriously considered a GH5s but for other reasons, it's not the right move.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

vFunct

Gimbals are terrible compared to handheld, since gimbals have a mechanical, unnatural motion, especially when capturing dialogue and action. IBIS will be great at getting rid of that terrible gimbal effect.

Gimbals are only useful in landscape background shots. They should never be used in capturing action, where handheld will reign supreme.

And IBIS will help with these shots.

Sep 21, 2018*permalink

lilBuddha

@vFunct

Well, now at least we know what you do Not do for a living.
You should perhaps start a consulting business for the professional film industry. They, apparently, have not got the memo on how bad gimbals are.

Sep 22, 2018permalink

yuchuxinchen

could these adapters be more ugly?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Hubertus Bigend

Hardly, but that's traditionally not what counts in professional video production, where they're aimed at, I suppose.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

dr.noise

An adapter is a piece of metal pipe with camera/lens mounts on its ends. What do you expect them to look like? A kitten?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

ArthurS

Hey everybody, -we're talking about adaptors for pro cinema type lenses here, so things like AF or aperture coupling are irrelevant and not used/needed. So before you find fault with these adaptors take that into consideration. And before you use the existence of these adaptors as a reason to criticize Nikon, these actually make the Z cameras more useful to people doing video/cinema. So they don't so much "expose a shortcoming" as they "add a feature". Finally, Nikon will undoubtedly introduce more fully featured or "pro" if you will Z cameras, and these adaptors will work just as well on them.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

$DiffractionLtd$

DiffractionLtd

People criticized Sony for a slow-pace of lens introductions for their E-series cameras, but Nikon's lens road-map time-frame is slow enough for them to assume heavy use of adapters to use existing lenses, either Nikon's or others.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

sony has released something like 24 ff e-mount lenses in five years.

sony set the standard for new ff milc lenses at 15-20fps, with constant af/ae: http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/support/ilc/products/ilce9/continuousshooting/en/index.html?id=spt

I've seen nothing like that in any of this canikon milc buzz, and for the most part, old glass will not be able to match that performance standard.

so if you want the best glass for your new canikon milc, you'll have to wait for them to release it.

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

vFunct

Nobody likes Sony cameras though, since they aren't good.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Johans81

Mil man why wont old glass do just fine?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

@crazyryoga - "they still have way more good lenses to adapt than Sony had."

no, sony can use most of the slr lenses that canikon already has on the market, which means that sony has more available lenses to use than both canon and Nikon put together.

@johans81 - old glass has slow af designs (no 20fps capability) and weaker p.q.

look how good the sigma art lenses are for example; you won't get there with old lens designs.

Sep 21, 2018*permalink

@crazyryoga - no, sony had the laea1/2/3/4 adapters available well before sony ff milc launched, so there were hundreds of a-mount lenses available for use on ff e-mount from the start.

beyond that, sony already had crop milc on the market for years before they launched ff milc, in fact sony has released something like 24 e-mount milc bodies; they have way more experience with milc than canon and Nikon combined together.

Sep 21, 2018permalink

@crazyryoga - congrats on proving that you don't know squat about sony, lol

because all of Konica/Minolta a-mount lenses work on e-mount, for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Minolta_A-mount_lenses

beyond that, there were dozens of ff adapters already on the market, well before sony ff milc was released, and that included f-mount, k-mount, fd-mount, leica, contax, m42, etc.

where are all of those adapters for Nikon milc, in particular?

you are way out of your league here.

Sep 22, 2018*permalink

$DiffractionLtd$

DiffractionLtd

I'd wager few are using rotten old 1980's Minolta zoom lenses on their A7's. They did so in the beginning with the A6000s out of desperation though, lack of lenses.

Sep 22, 2018permalink

i'd wager that using "rotten old" canikon zoom lenses on canikon milc isn't going to be any better.

@crazyryoga - your mom is calling you, it's past your bedtime.

Sep 22, 2018permalink

Terkwoiz

MILC man’s main point still stands - there’s now a large and ever-growing number of cutting edge lenses for Sony milc that offer a definite performance edge over old dslr designs - thousands of reviews and mtf charts are out there to prove this. It’s going to be a long while before Nikon and Canon build a base of comparable lenses. And his other point is hardly a minor one - for example essentially all of canon’s ef library performs better on an a9 than on canon’s own cameras. Who cares what Sony had available when the a7 was first released? What matters most is what is available at this very moment. Which makes all of this BS banter even more ridiculous - the Nikon and canon stuff doesn’t exist and won’t for months/years.

I think the new cameras look great and I’m looking forward to using all of them in the future. But it really takes a fanboy of epic proportions to use non-existent and speculative objects in a comparative argument.

Btw old Minolta lenses are awesome. 😊

Sep 27, 2018*permalink

Terkwoiz

😄

Say hi to your mom for me.

Sep 28, 2018permalink

he's posting from his moms basement, lol

Sep 28, 2018permalink

Terkwoiz

Take it easy MILF boy. Just having some harmless fun. Don’t hurt yourself. ☺️

Sep 28, 2018permalink

ny10522

Ugly blue. Why would you want to call attention to an adaptor?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

firesurfer

Company color, similar to DeWalt yellow or Ferrari red

Sep 20, 2018permalink

So, give me Ugly Blue Nikon adaptor ... black and blue papa said mama said Nikon loves you ...

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Deliverator

Ridiculous comment. Do you think it will show up in the video?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

jasomill

PL mount adapter locking rings are commonly finished in a contrasting colors, probably because black isn’t the easiest color to see when changing lenses in the dark on a camera often buried in so much rigging that it’s not immediately obvious where the camera ends and the other bits begin.

Also, MTF adapters are no joke; I have one of their PL mounts for Micro Four Thirds, and it’s the most solidly-built adapter I’ve ever used (including several of the pricier common brands like Novoflex, Metabones, and Wooden Camera). In addition to the replaceable, shimmable M43 bayonet, the PL ring is perfectly lubricated, easily removed for maintenance, and, at least with the one PL mount lens I own, is the first adapter I’ve found that locks tightly enough that I’m not constantly worried about accidentally twisting the ring loose when shooting handheld and bracing the lens near the adapter, yet easily loosens without any signs of strain from possible overtightening when, and only when, desired.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

$DiffractionLtd$

DiffractionLtd

It's a homage to Novoflex (colour and price).

Sep 20, 2018permalink

jasomill

Another (silly) way of looking at the cost is that you could buy a few dozen Z6s equipped with these adapters for the price of just one Alexa LF...

Sep 21, 2018permalink

DejayRezme

Can you 3D print adapters? Not for heavy lenses obviously, but for smaller manual ones?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

ProfHankD

As soon as I have a Z lens + body to take dimensions from and check fit, I'm sure it'll be easy -- I've published dozens of free 3D-printable adapter designs. It would be really great if Nikon would release a Z mount spec with a dimensioned diagram, but I actually still wouldn't trust dimensions until directly tested -- it's too easy to get little surprises. Catch is, I don't feel like spending a few thousand to buy a Z body + lens right now... and I'm busy with actual research work right now. ;-)

Sep 20, 2018permalink

guyfawkes

As the Prof says, should be relatively easy, but I'm not sure if the material is robust enough to take the stresses it will face; it's not just the weight of the lens, but the constant changing. The contact area between the lens mount and the adapter mount will be very small. It's not for nothing that plastic lens mounts were reserved for cheap beginner slr's and didn't make it further up the ranges.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

ProfHankD

guyfawkes: Actually, in many ways, ordinary PLA behaves a lot like aluminum. It's quite strong. The catches are:

1. PLA is not naturally opaque. Either pick your color very carefully (ideally, a black using carbon black rather than dye) or paint to light seal.

2. The layering of the printing process can result in significantly less strength between layers: delamination can happen. The cure for this is to print a little extra hot... which makes spans sag, so there's a need to avoid spans.

3. PLA gets soft around 160F -- so parts can deform if left on the rear deck of a car, etc. There are higher-temp materials, but the best fix I've found is heat-treated "dishwasher safe" PLA; it's rated as good to 212F, and can survive ordinary temperature ranges that don't harm your lenses, etc. BTW, cold is not a problem at all.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

DejayRezme

Thanks! That's a way more detailed answer than I was expecting :)

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Steve in GA

Didn't I read somewhere that Nikon was not going to make it easy for 3rd party lens manufacturers by making its Z mount specifications open-source?

If so, how did this adapter manufacturer get these products ready so quickly? Is Nikon helping them?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

riveredger

Where did you read thT?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

DtEW

The physical specs are easy to reverse-engineer to adequacy. It's the electronic protocols (which can even be encrypted) that are difficult to crack.

Do you read AF, aperture, or EXIF capabilities being claimed here?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

quiquae

All Nikon said was that they were not licensing the Z mount. I don’t think they ever claimed they were making it “not easy.”

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Good shot Nikon will actively block third parties like they've been doing since forever. As the exact opposite of Fuji, they actually take away third party lens and battery compatibility via firmware updates.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

novoflex is about to release adapters in november that enable the use of
Canon FD (not EOS)
Contax/Yashica
Leica M
Leica M39
Leica R
Minolta MD and MC
Minolta AF/Sony Alpha
M42
Novoflex A-Mount
Olympus OM
Pentax K
T2
both companies would have to have been supplied with cameras or technical specs.
nikon isnt going to help sigma though. since every lens nikon has released in the last 2 years has been immediately followed by sigma releasing the same lens for hundreds less. can you blame them?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

This is what bothers me with Can1kon ... WHY ARE NIKON AND CANON NOT MAKING ADAPTERS PART OF THEIR CAMERA DESIGN ... like, a camera with non-removable adapter ... I mean, it is already there ... because adapter is thick and bulky ... it jiggles ... it makes camera heavier ... it makes lenses look longer ... WHY?

Do not get it at all .... If migrants wanted to assimilate to new camera because they have pre-existing expensive lenses they wouldn't remove the "adapter", right? Since, they have bought the adapter they wouldn't be buying same focal length for mirrorless, right?

But they went into production just the same ... without consulting ....

A blue flange? Are they kidding me? Do they have pink ones available? I'd like to buy one as my bracelet .... It would look nice on my arm ...

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

riveredger

These companies want you to buy new lenses...

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Ever heard of industrial super glue?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Ebrahim, you're telling us when we buy Can1kon mirrorless it comes with industrial strength super glue? Cool.

It is no wonder why dSLRs are in downward spiral. FF Mirrorless will go way way way down digging their own graves ... I hope there is an adapter to their coffins.

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

aww. im sure that you hope that every camera company that you dont own gets buried in that grave too. so edgy.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

dr.noise

Because the advantage of adapters is that you can... yes, ADAPT different lenses to your camera. Not only native system lenses, but theoretically any lenses. Using different - that means, removable - adapters.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

I don't get it, are you worried that a Nikon FTZ adapter on a Nikon Z7 makes a fragile system for you? Even third party adapters on the less-firm Sony bodies like a Metabones adapters are simply like having a super strong EF mount, I'd imagine the FTZ and Eos R-EF adapters are even better، since they're made by the same people who are making the F mounts on their DSLRs. Only difference is that the mount is interchangeable. Even the highest-end cinema camera are now all shifting towards industrial-grade interchangeable mounts. It's definitely a better option than a Z camera with built-in F mount.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Are adapters cool again? It never was cool before. Hope it never will. Can1kon should make a mount that accepts pre-existiing lenses as integral part of their camera not make their migrant customers buy adapters in different colors. I see there is sky-blue and silver adapters available. I am still waiting for pink ones .... so I can switch from color-to-color depending on my mood swings.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

dr.noise

Adapters are super cool. I have a park of M42 lenses which I use or have used with Canon, Sony, Sigma, BlackMagic and Oly. Thanks adapters.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

cosinaphile

they are super cool super user friendly super versatile super cheap

and ....aaaa ...... they dont jiggle! [usually ....lol]

also, a permanently attached fixture would not, by definition, be an adapter

Sep 25, 2018*permalink

Canikon circa 2013: Hahaha, you Sony losers don't have any lenses and have to use adapters!

Canikon circa 2018: Yes! Someone made an adapter for us!

Sep 19, 2018permalink

arbux

Only sony fanboy could write such a nonsense.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Note from an unbiased Canon user with no axe to grind:

Sony users have an extremely extensive range of E-mount glass that does not need adaptors.

Nikon Z6/7 users have just *three* S lenses and need an adaptor to use Nikon FX glass.

Canon's EOS-R users have just *four* RF lenses and need an adaptor to use Canon EF glass.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

quiquae

Sony’s adapter solutions were widely derided because Sony’s adapters were gimped solutions that either forces the body to abandon hybrid PDAF (LA-EA3) or disable the on-sensor AF altogether and replace it with a whole mirror and AF module (LA-EA4).

Nikon and Canon’s solutions are much more elegant and transparent, supporting most existing lenses without any asterisks.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

@quiquae

The LA-EA4 was made to use with the A7R and A7S (LA-EA2 for APS-C), which were CDAF-only. The LA-EA1/3, while not supporting 100% of native AF features at the time (due to processing limitations), still offered DSLR-level features. The A9 is the first E-mount camera capable of full native AF via the LA-EA3.

The only weird thing about these adapters is that the 1/3 did not support screw driven lenses, while the 2/4 did. Then again, Nikon's adapter only supports AF in less than 1/3 of their AF lenses, due to the complete lack of screw drive support (LA-EA3-style only). Only Canon, with a fully electronic mount since the beginning of their AF era, has no mechanical compatibility limitations. Same reason so many of their lenses are compatible with EF to E adapters with equal performance to the LA-EA1/3.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Spectro

la-ea3 was terrible, slow and didn't focus a lot of sony a mount lenses on my a7. sold it. Got it because the a7 had like 2 lenses on release the kit and 55mm. Didn't want the la-ae4 because it had a slt like the slts dslr.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

@BlueBomberTurbo, I think you need to read Sonys own list of notes on what limitations there are for the LA-EA3. and the list of 11 compatible lenses. you can find the information you are missing here.
https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/support/ilc/products/ilce9/continuousshooting/en/amount.html
The 1/3 of nikon lenses that the FT-1 supports AF for is 90 lenses.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

le_alain

@quiquae
you don't loose PDAF with LAEA3 now
and Sony gave a solution for AF lenses without motors, LAEA4, and what solution nikon gave for their AF lenses without motors ?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

quiquae

@le_alain Yes, I know, but we’re talking about what Canikon users were reacting to in 2013, not today.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

@Spectro

"la-ea3 was terrible, slow and didn't focus a lot of sony a mount lenses on my a7."

Things have changed. It's VERY fast on my A6300 with my Sigma 70-200 2.8 II. And it now supports the A9's crazy fast AF and 10fps continuous.

"Didn't want the la-ae4 because it had a slt like the slts dslr."

And at the time, the LA-EA4 was much faster than the 3.

@cosmicnode

"I think you need to read Sonys own list of notes on what limitations there are for the LA-EA3. and the list of 11 compatible lenses. you can find the information you are missing here. "

Don't need to. I own the LA-EA3, and have owned the LA-EA2. Love the performance of the 3. Didn't like the mirror of the 2, for obvious reasons. And the adapters are compatible with third party lenses, too. Something people are having issues with on the Z adapter already.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

"The 1/3 of nikon lenses that the FT-1 supports AF for is 90 lenses."

Correct. Nikon doesn't have an AF answer to the majority of their legacy lenses, despite always parading around the fact that F-mount has been around and unchanged forever, ensuring compatibility with all of their cameras. Kind of a slap in the face to their customers.

@quiquae

"but we’re talking about what Canikon users were reacting to in 2013, not today."

They've been saying the same things for the past 5 years, up until a few weeks ago. ;)

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

@BlueBomberTurbo so you wont read Sony's fact sheet, ignore the facts, thats expected of you. 11 sony lenses work on the Sony adaptor with caviats, 90 work on the Nikon adaptor, looks like Sonyboys getting slapped in the face. You should read this Sony post https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4321292 OH I see you are getting slapped in that to.

Sep 21, 2018permalink

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Minolta_A-mount_lenses
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sony_A-mount_lenses

@cosmicnode

Looks like I can read the fact sheet better than you. That's only for full-on sports performance. Sony/Minolta A-mount has TONS of lenses, and they can ALL AF via one Sony adapter or another, instead of being left out in the rain like Nikon's screw drive lenses.

For reference, here are lists of all the first party A-mount lenses that can be used properly (AF, AE, aperture control, EXIF) via adapter:

Good shot there's more than 90 in there, too. ;)

Sep 22, 2018*permalink

BlueBomberTurbo. Wikipedia!!!, are you saying Sony's list of Fully compatible lenses is wrong, Wikipedia get so much wrong they are unbelivable. people even believe the E mount is bigger than the F mount due to them, lol. this is what you said "The A9 is the first E-mount camera capable of full native AF via the LA-EA3." this i what sony say.
*1:
When the aperture value is greater than F11, the focus does not track the subjects.
*5:
8 images per second at maximum depending on attached lens.
*7:
Aperture is locked during continuous shooting.
hardly full compatability

Sep 22, 2018permalink

http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/compatibility.php?area=us&lang=en&mdl=LA-EA1&cat=7

@cosmicnode

OK, how bout compatibility lists from Sony themselves?

http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/compatibility.php?area=us&lang=en&mdl=LA-EA2&cat=7

http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/compatibility.php?area=us&lang=en&mdl=LA-EA3&cat=7

http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/compatibility.php?area=us&lang=en&mdl=LA-EA4&cat=7

And remember, these are only Sony lenses. Minolta has WAAAY more lenses than Sony, and they're also compatible with all of Sony's adapters, because they're technically the same company.

Sep 22, 2018*permalink

"*1:
When the aperture value is greater than F11, the focus does not track the subjects."

That's true of E-mount cameras in general. Who tracks anything at F/11, anyway?

"*5:
8 images per second at maximum depending on attached lens.
*7:
Aperture is locked during continuous shooting.
hardly full comparability"

Yes, A-mount cameras are limited in exposure and focus features past 8fps. The aperture system slowed things down.

All of these limitations are imposed by the native mount, not the adapter. Maybe you need to do more research so you don't get slapped up. ;)

Sep 22, 2018*permalink

@BlueBomberTurbo The discussion is about your comment " The A9 is the first E-mount camera capable of full native AF via the LA-EA3." but still with only 11 lenses. and limitations described by Sony, you are now saying the A9 and the native mount has limited AF and exposure capabilities, that's pretty poor for a modern camera. 11 lenses Sony, 90 lenses plus independants Nikon, but full AF and exposure capabilities at all f stops.

Sep 23, 2018permalink

le_alain

"but full AF and exposure capabilities at all f stops"
Exposure capability at all fstop is not a problem, till you are in the metering limits,
but where do you read that Z6-Z7 have AFC and tracking at all fstop ?
Curious, can you give a link to this data ?
Thanks

Sep 23, 2018permalink

@cosmicnode

"The discussion is about your comment ' The A9 is the first E-mount camera capable of full native AF via the LA-EA3.' but still with only 11 lenses. and limitations described by Sony, you are now saying the A9 and the native mount has limited AF and exposure capabilities, that's pretty poor for a modern camera. 11 lenses Sony, 90 lenses plus independants Nikon, but full AF and exposure capabilities at all f stops."

Here's the thing, the limitations AREN'T caused by the adapters, OR the A9. They're caused by the lenses themselves, and the original A-mount bodies, which weren't anything near modern by today's standards. Minolta/Sony never had a sports camera until the A77/II, so lenses before then didn't need to actuate the aperture that fast. They were limited to 8fps with full AE.

Continued...

Sep 24, 2018permalink

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAPhQwJng4I

Go beyond that, and ALL A-mount cameras lose automatic aperture control (Aperture Priority only, held open during burst). This was decades before the A9. Even the A99 II, which launched LAST YEAR, is made SPECIFICALLY to use these lenses, has the exact same limitations. As before, this is not an A9 or adapter limitation, as much as you'd like it to be.

If you want faster performance, grab some Canon lenses, which mechanically perform even better than the best A-mount lenses due to their fully electronic nature. And the AF is absolutely amazing, even on slow lenses like the Sigma 150-600, and even with a TC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR_Vo84cwW0

Sep 24, 2018*permalink

@le_alain

"Exposure capability at all fstop is not a problem, till you are in the metering limits,"

Exactly. DSLRs are limited to F/8. Why is F/11 now an issue?

Sep 24, 2018permalink

@BlueBomberTurbo "Exactly. DSLRs are limited to F/8. Why is F/11 now an issue?"
Nikon bodies will AF with a lens that has a max aperture of F8 and continue to AF when the aperture is stopped down to F11 or smaller, Sony cannot AF when the lens is stopped doen to F11 or smaller, you need to learn to differentiate between these different abilities. As No nikon lens has a aperture as slow as F8 the only time this feature is needed is with teleconvertors. However even new Sony lenses such as the 400mm f2.8 cannot be used at full frame rate due to this if you set the aperture at F11 or slower. continued

Sep 24, 2018*permalink

*1:
When the aperture value is greater than F11, the focus does not track the subjects.
*2:
15 images per second at maximum depending on attached lens.
*4:
The focus does not track the subjects when the SEL16F28 lens is attached.

Sep 24, 2018permalink

*8:
When the aperture value is greater than F11, the focus does not track the subjects. When the SEL400F28GM lens is attached and the aperture value is greater than F11, the focus tracks the subjects at 10 images per second at maximum. (The camera system software must be Ver.3.00 or later. When [Aperture Drive in AF] is set to [Focus Priority].)
*9:
12 images per second at maximum when shooting uncompressed RAW. When the SEL400F28GM lens is attached and the aperture value is greater than F11, it will be 10 images per second at maximum regardless of the RAW File Type setting. (The camera system software must be Ver.3.00 or later. When [Aperture Drive in AF] is set to [Focus Priority].)

Sep 24, 2018permalink

AshMills

Presumably the B4 adapter has optics inside to correct the lack of prism and expand the image circle. (ie will cost $2000)

Sep 19, 2018permalink

the only one i saw listed was PL and was 350 euro i believe.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Vadimka

Great, now we have excellent adapters for Zeiss Bayonette, PL and Panavision, now all we need is to have decent Nikon body to put them on.
(please don't waste your time making one for Canon new mirrorless).

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

NDT0001

are you the type of person who expects the function and features of an alexa mini in a $2500 body? Because it sounds like it.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

keisvot

To me it sounds like Vadimka is just talking about the adapters and the lenses that these adapters are made for which are not cheap.

The article says "The lenses the adapters are aimed at are PL, Panavision, B4 and Arri bayonet, so they are intended to appeal to filmmakers and broadcasters."

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

Vadimka

NDT0001, I don't expect mini alexa at $2500, but I do expect at least GH5 or better. I understand the reasons behind Canon making a poor mirrorless body, (protecting their big moneymakers/large profit margin DSLRs), but Nikon has no excuses, they should have done better, at least on video side.

Oct 3, 2018permalink

scokill

Woo hoo! Said nobody.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

NDT0001

your criticising more options and more flexibility in lens options between systems? Whats wrong with you?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

scokill

Lighten up Francis....

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Old Cameras

If you call me Francis... I’ll kill you.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

PLShutterbug

He just did.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Dylthedog

Wow. That looks like a feeding basking shark.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

LessMirrored19

Z-mount : 3 native lenses
E-mount : 94 native lenses
.. Nikon is already closing factories and shutting down and leaving market place for competitors in many countries but Z-mount is more future lol
.. I know why Freud died with unanswered questions.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

TomCodyPleasedToMeetYa

Utter nonsense. Why do you feel the need to make up rubbish about Nikon? Did they steal something from you? Why are you so keen to revel in the demise of a company? Would you find it funny if the employees are all made redundant? Is it not good for photographers to have choice and competition?

Go back to your homework little boy.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

AshMills

Will be interesting if anyone can build an Emount->Z mount adapter...

Sep 19, 2018permalink

NCB

Nope. Nikon has been streamlining its operations which is why it's now in profit. The only markets it has actually left are problematic ones like Brazil.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

mandm

Everyone remembers the headline ‘Extraordinary losses from April to December of 2016’.
BUT, you like others missed the rest of the information.
Nikon’s Camera/Photo Division is Profitable and has been Profitable.
Nikon is shutting down or selling off its money losing Semiconductor Lithography business and that’s the reason for Nikon’s ‘Extraordinary losses from April to December of 2016’, but when some people here comment, they forget that part and like to post inaccurate information.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Spectro

mental illness is a serious problem today

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Jon555

Nikon's always made money selling cameras and lenses. The "Extraordinary Losses" wasn't losses from doing business but an accounting thing (they changed the book value of some things in another division, which ends up in your profit/loss statement as that's how accounting works).

Sep 20, 2018permalink

LessMirrored19

If I wanted to adapt I will simply get E-mount body with better AF capabilities and features lol
But Z-mount have better lighting gathering lol but that's another story I'm not story teller..

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Ever posted a comment without "lol" in it?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

SheepStar

Why would they? Everything they post is a joke.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Dheorl

Ah yes, professional cinema lenses, famous for their AF capabilities...

Sep 19, 2018permalink

sandy b

Not better video AF than the Z7 so far.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

I wish I could like Dheorl's comment more than once so instead I am here giving the ol its_a_knife stamp of hilarity

Sep 19, 2018permalink

ewelch

Why go with the amateurs, when you can hang with the pros? Whatever they're paying you to astroturf, it's too much.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Those E-mount bodies sure are really great at AF'ing manual focus cine lenses, aren't they?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

@Androole

"Those E-mount bodies sure are really great at AF'ing manual focus cine lenses, aren't they?"

Actually, yes. Just add a Techart Pro, and even cinema lenses can be AF'd!

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Haha, I actually did realize that after I typed it.

But I'm going to defend my original point by saying that the Techart Pro can only drive lenses as heavy as 700g, so it wouldn't be able to handle PL lenses which are typically >800g + the 100g adapter for Leica M required.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

https://c7adapters.com/en/product/pl_mount_-_leica_m/167

Just add a PL to M adapter with tripod foot between the lens and Techart Pro, and you're fine for mounting the lens side of the combo to your support, eliminating weight issues.

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

That would be a bit iffy. The Techart adapter would now be pushing on the body instead of the lens at that point, and the 3rd gen A7s weigh 650+ g, plus you're holding on to it with presumably some amount of force. So the body is going to be pistoning back and forth on your tripod as autofocus it and try to adjust other controls? Seems a bit...unergonomic.

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

its a good thing. you dont speak well.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

PLShutterbug

@paradiddlesix66: It’s a bad thing that you don’t write well.

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

Dr Blackjack

Good news! but nothing groundbreaking. We always knew plenty of dumb adapters for this mount would come. The true challenge comes with AF adapters.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

fishy wishy

Okay, hands up... if you really wanted to use other system lenses why weren't you already on Sony with some much cheaper bodies and adapters too?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Johannes Zander

...because Z-mount is so much more future proof.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

But a PL mount adapter for Sony is the same price/more expensive....

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Mateus1

... because A7III ergonomics, EVF, WR + video suck compared to Z6. It's now the best FF for video, period.
And soon we will see more adapters for Z well build for the 1/3 of this price.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

Rensol

to Mateus1
You even did not try it yourself but already making claims!

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Mateus1

Yes, I make claim: Nikon ergonomics is the best, and Sony A7x really suck.
All the rest it's already known.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

TomCodyPleasedToMeetYa

Future proof. So laughably stupid. Really? The F mount was around for DECADES and I am pretty sure some decent pics were taken with it. I am also pretty sure some decent images have been taken with the Sony A7 range. Yet suddenly the EF mount his no future? SO many morons on here with their fanboy stupidity.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Mateus - You are exaggerating a bit. Most Nikon cameras have excellent ergonomics and reviews so far suggest that the Z6/7 are also very good. Canon also have mostly excellent ergonomics although IMO the EOS-R is sadly a step in the wrong direction. Early Sony a7 series had dreadful ergonomics but current modes are greatly improved, although still have some way to go. Isn't that a more reaistic appraisal?

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

User - Yes, sadly dpr is overrun with fanboy stupidity. Thankfully there are also a good number of commentators making realistic and constructive criticisms too.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Let's just say at this point all FF MILC's suck at video. Like they're all fine for hybrid shooters but I think more low budget video centric people are buying up the GH5/s. Probably Fuiji as well now with the X-T3.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

thorgal

This news may shock you: Nikon's video is better than Sony's :)

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

ewelch

Because you can use over 300 Nikon lenses instead?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

peterwr

Rensol: *I've* tried it. As far as I can tell at this stage, Mateus1 is correct. Z6/7 is superior to Sony ergonomically, the video looks good, and it'll work with all the Nikon lenses I've tried, the earliest being from the 1960s.

I quite like Sony products, and the Zeiss connection is a plus for stills, but as a professional stills *and* video guy, if I were in the market for a do-it-all camera, I'd be waiting in line for the Nikon.

I still hate the back focus button, mind...

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Deliverator

One reason the Z cameras and this adapter will appeal to film makers: 10-bit, uncompressed 4-2-2 video through the HDMI port.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

You can't get uncompressed video out of the Z7 HDMI. ProRes 10 bit 422 through an external recorder is still compressed.
Also you can also just use a GH5/s or Fuiji and get 10 bit in camera and save you the trouble. Hell, can even shoot anamorphic with the GH5/s.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Deliverator

False. The output over HDMI is uncompressed. The bitrate is dictated by whatever codec and compression level you choose to record in your external recorder.

... and neither of those cameras you mention are full frame...

Sep 21, 2018*permalink

Ummm no. It's possible to send uncompressed down an HDMI but the camera is not outputting and uncompressed signal. It's a 10 bit 422 signal. 422 means it's compressed. Chroma subsampling is a form of compression. I mean even ProResRaw isn't actually RAW. You would have a lot more information in a PRXQ.

Also, who cares if they're not full frame. The BMPCC has been used in several Marvel movies, and you don't get anyone that's like "Oh, I can tell that shot was done on a smaller sensor." The Full frame vs smaller sensor conversation pertaining to video is for beginners and youtubers.

Sep 21, 2018permalink

Naw, it's 2018. You can make pretty much any camera match.

By your logic all blockbusters should be shooting on the Alexa65 opposed to the Alexa just because it has a bigger sensor. Like even the original Alexa wasn't full frame. It seriously doesn't mean much.

Sep 21, 2018permalink

I've no idea whether FF video looks better than crop, although it would seem logical. But either way, with stills photography, FF definitely produces greatly superior image quality to APS, especially at higher ISO levels (assuming sensors of similar age, construction and from the same company).

Sep 21, 2018permalink

Old Cameras

Thank God it has no electronic contacts, they’d be made by Lucas: Loose Unsoldered Connections And Splices.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

User4286416121

Lucas
Prince of Darkness

Nice!

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Dylthedog

@Old Cameras - quick update - they don’t do everything electronic in the UK you know...

Sep 19, 2018permalink

User4286416121

Out of smoke

Sep 19, 2018permalink

AbrasiveReducer

If the car starts, it's a Triumph.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

I'd really like to see an adaptor that allowed my Canon EF glass to be used on the Nikon Z7 with full compatibility. It would save me from waiting another 5 years for Canon to release a decent FF mirrorless.

I'm a lot more impressed by the Z7 than by the gimmicky prosumer EOS-R.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

Dr Blackjack

It took Metabones forever to get it to work usably with the semi-open E mount so I fear it may be a llloooonnnnngggg wait if it ever does come

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Dr Blackjack - I fear you are absolutely right, but I like to dream :)

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

new boyz

Canon lens + Nikon body + Sony sensor... who would have thought.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

AbrasiveReducer

Great & fairly priced lens selection + body with decent menus and human ergonomics + the best sensor. A shame it takes 3 sets of engineers to accomplish, but this is the competition DPR users say is so great.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Elonlukatski - No that would be ridiculously expensive and the advantages of the Nikon Z7 body over the no-so-good EOS-R body are not huge enough to justify it. For the moment I'll just continue with my Canon DSLR bodies and hope that Canon bring out a better mirrorless while I'm still alive!

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Elonlukatski - Yes, I intend to try an EOS-R when I next get to a photo store.

I'm sure it will prove interesting, especially to see what the quality of the EVF is like. But I think it's extremely unlikely that I'll buy one, given the single card slot, lack of AF toggle, very slow burst with C-AF, and seemingly awkward ergonomics.

I think I'll just have to wait until Canon bring out a "mirrorless 5DSR" with a better sensor than the current 50MP version.

Sep 20, 2018*permalink

UncoyDP

The Canon EOS R is an *okay* camera if you never plan to shoot any video. (Ergonomics are a bit weird - Nikon managed to put more of their essence into the Z line).

No IBIS, unusable video to protect Canon's Cinema line. The EOS R is the nail in the coffin of my life as a Canon shooter (still have some great lenses and a 5D III). Look for it on eBay. Nikon primes G 1.8 primes here I come (with a couple of 1.4 thrown in). Would love an EF to Nikon electronic adapter.

Sep 24, 2018permalink

Uncoy - I agree that Nikon put more of their essence into the Z7. I've shot Canon DSLRs for years, but I don't like the EOS-R at all - it comes across as a failed experiment in ergonomics, and a prosumer device rather than a serious tool. Sony cameras have by far the best specifications and performance (for stills) but they just don't feel "right" in my hands.

If I was desperate to join the switch to mirrorless I just wouldn't know which brand to go for at the moment.

Luckily my Canon DSLRs do just about everything I want them to do - although I really do wish Canon would pull out their corporate fingers and produce a sensor that matched that in the Sony a7Riii.

Sep 24, 2018*permalink

UncoyDP

It's funny Entoman, I'm okay with the sensor in the EOS R - good colours and lots of detail. Wouldn't outresolve most of my glass. The lost Canon experience and the deliberately kneecapping of good tech is what kills me. I'm sure the deliberate crippling of what could be excellent cameras and hybrid cameras is demoralising for the Canon engineers.

The pursuit of mediocrity is hardly inspiring.

Just read up on Nikon colours again (skin tone, landscapes are fine). Dispiriting reading. Switchers in the people categories struggle post-Canon. I've got a Fuji X-H1 here which I really like but find that skin while somewhere in the pleasing Canon gamut tends to take a nearest pixel colour resulting in peculiarly even skin tone, with little variation. Called the wax museum look.

Canon really holds us with a gun to our heads. When my Z6, I'll do my best to get attractive skin tone out of Nikon with some of the alternative RAW development tools.

Sep 25, 2018permalink

cdleon

Apologize my ignorance, but should we expect the adapters for MANUAL lenses (Zeiss, Leica, FD) to be this long?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

otto k

They will be as long as the difference in flanges are.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flange_focal_distance

Canon FD flange focal distance is 42mm. Nikon Z is 16mm. You can expect an adapter to be about 26mm in length. The Cine Arri PL mount mentioned above has an FFD of 52mm, so the adapter is a good 10mm longer than Canon FD.

You can look up the FFD for your adapting lens mount and subtract 16mm from it to get an approximation of the adapter size:

Sep 19, 2018permalink

cdleon

@techjedi Thank you.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

SantiagoV

It will be the same if the lens adapted uses manual focusing or autofocus. The distance between the sensor and the camera lens mount is the problem. In the Nikon Z that distance is arround 16mm, if you are going to adapt a lens from a camera with a diferent distance, let's say 44mm, the adapter hight will be 28mm plus the male bayonet mount.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

350 quid 🤣

Wait for a 40 quid fotodiox or maybe sigma will make one like in mc-11 if the nikon gets enough sales

Sep 19, 2018permalink

These adapters are for Cine lenses. 350 is trivial and likely worth the cost to ensure a robust connection that isn't likely to damage each side of the mount or fail under stressful conditions. A good tight shooting rig should eliminate the stress on the adapter, but its not a place I would skimp.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

That's great but no.videographer is going to use these I iti. Cameras they just a rent good enough and there's better out there for less money even in nikons own camera range

Sep 19, 2018permalink

sandy b

You will be surprised how capable thesee Nikons will be shooting 4K video for the price. The new video AF is very good, as are the video specs. Paired the the new $600 Atamos, they will be formidable. The Z6 with lens and Atmos, under $3000.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

makofoto

So Sigma said there were 3,000 different lens/camera adapters! 3,001 and counting ...

Sep 19, 2018permalink

I like the fact that these adaptors are supplied with shims - loose-fitting adaptors (and extensions tubes & converters) are irritating, allow dust and humidity to enter, and potentially impact on image sharpness at low shutter speeds due to the amount of "lens wobble". It would be nice if other adaptor manufacturers were able to supply shims.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Well the only reason they're on their is because they're for Cine lenses mounts which always has a shim.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

its-a-knife - Thanks, I'm aware of that, but it doesn't alter my argument for shims to be made available for other adaptors, to compensate for loose fittings.

And yes, in case you are wondering, I've experienced loose fitting Canon extension tubes (5DS > Canon 25mm tube > Canon 300mm F4) and loose-fitting metabones adaptors, which can be a real irritation if used with a long moderately heavy prime (a7Rii > metabones Mkiv > various Canon EF glass).

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

Beaverhelmet

The shims supplied have nothing to do with wobble or mount tightness. They are supplied to adjust the total length of the adapter, making infinity mark and distance scale usable on cine lenses.

Loose fitting Metabones? Really? If there's one thing you can say about the Metabones , is that they are on the tight side. I have four of them and they are all nice and tight, even with a EF 70-200 f2.8 L II.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

Beaverhelmet - Yes, really. Manufacturing tolerances vary, even with high quality products from Metabones and Canon. I had to make my own shims out of thin plastic to compensate for loose-fitting adaptors and tubes. This isn't an issue with lighter lenses, but does become an issue with my heavier 300mm and 100-400mm optics.

The problem isn't with the camera bodies or the lenses, which fit nice and tightly when matching 5Ds and 5D4 to Canon glass. The problem is with specific examples of adaptors and extension tubes that are not built within tight enough tolerances.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

the shims are for setting the correct backfocus distance, which is also how you maintain proper parfocal capability in a video zoom lens.

Sep 20, 2018permalink

JanMatthys

Nice! Now if the first Z cameras start to actually apear, that would be nice too!

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Eliot Kramer

Mind boggling, camera is not out yet fully and people are already adapting.
Kudos to them.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

snapa

That is only because, adaping lenses are required for it to work for so many people. If not, so many people would not be talking about it!

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Zorak

Lol at the price.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

All adaptors are overpriced, but if they save you buying new lenses then the cost can be justified by the user, if not by the manufacturer.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

You pay $20,000 - $40,000 for an Arri PL lens and you are concerned about the price of this adapter?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

@techjedi

Good chance the majority of users would rent those lenses, not buy.

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

SheepStar

And Nikon's video spec on the Z6 and Z7 is basically the best for a FF Mirror-less camera, especially the Z6.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

@BlueBomberTurbo I dont think rent vs buy changes the math. Would you use a cheap adapter to mount a rented lens that was worth that much?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

(unknown member)

100% mechanical ?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Cine lenses typically never have electronic parts unless it has a servo zoom built in.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Satyaa

Does that mean all operations will be manual... focus, exposure, etc.?

I am not familiar with cine lenses or adapters; hence the question.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

peterwr

Satyaa: Yes, it does. Cine lenses are traditionally 100% manual; add-on accessories are available for remote control of focus and iris, but automatic focus and exposure is virtually unknown.

They're also made to much closer tolerances than stills lenses and are typically supplied in high-precision matched and calibrated sets, hence the expense compared to the usual lenses you'd find in a camera store. If you'd like to know more, Adorama has an informative page on the subject:
https://www.adorama.com/alc/what-is-a-cine-lens-and-how-is-it-different-from-a-photo-lens

HTH...

Sep 19, 2018*permalink

ttietsch

Ugly, bulky, expenisve - thanks god that I decided to go with Fuji,

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Akgbkd

are all fuji fans this lame or u r just special? maybe the former one.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

That's the most fanboyish thing I've ever heard.

You know what these adapters are for, right?

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Impulses

MTF Services' adapters for Fuji (if they make them or were to make them) would probably look exactly the same...

Sep 19, 2018permalink

These adapters are. For. Video, the z series. Suck at video. Much better options out there from other manufacturers like Sony, lumix. Etc etc

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Amd holy crap Britain made something? 😂😂😂

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Jeeeez, does nobody know what a cine lens is? Like if you've ever seen a PL lens then you would immediately understand the design of this adapter.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

barrym - Ever heard of Benbo tripods - some of the best and most versatile tripods in existence?

Made in Britain and not to be confused with the similarly named Benro products (also very good) that are made in China.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

ttietsch

Ok haven't seen the specific video use case. But in general I don't like cameras with adapters. It completly eats up the weight advantage of every DSLM system.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

"The z series. Suck at video" ha?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

How much continuous video can you shoot on 1 small battery?

Sep 20, 2018permalink

Jay Ellington

Those look to be built like tanks. That is some seriously nice craftsmanship.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Damien Demolder

i haven't used these particular adapters, but I have used their PL to Micro Four Thirds to fit a Cooke anamorphic to the Lumix GH5 - and it was very well made indeed.

Sep 19, 2018permalink

Solid enough to bolt an oil pipeline together...

Sep 19, 2018permalink