The Sony A7 thread [Merged]

[jankap]

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If you mean that compatibility with various M mount lenses is unclear, that is true.

This is the Leica forum. So compatibility would be the most interesting item. We have to wait, see and read, I think. So far vapor.

Jan

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[dwbell]

Do I assume you are in Europe or Asia? Seems those areas will be the first to get pre-orders based on a SonyRumor post.

 

Yup. EU. Pleasantly surprised by delivery date.

[naturephoto1]

This is the Leica forum. So compatibility would be the most interesting item. We have to wait, see and read, I think. So far vapor.

Jan

 

And how long did it take for M240 cameras to be delivered before we could start to find out if there were issues with the camera and comparability issues with both M and R lenses? To say nothing of the issues with the M8, M8.2, and M9.

 

 

Rich

[edwardkaraa]

Falling strap lugs, high iso banding, entire columns of stuck pixels, and previously cracking sensors, flacking sensor coatings, memory card issues, low quality LCD, outdated components, all of this makes me avoid buying any Sony products in the future

[naturephoto1]

I just had an on-line discussion with Spencer from Really Right Stuff (RRS) just about 10 minutes ago regarding an L bracket for the A7 and A7r cameras and he indicated:

 

"At this time we do not have a date when we will open the pre-order. At this moment we are still trying to get the camera in-house so we can start the design process. It will take roughly 4-6 weeks to design a plate and then we put it into production. When we start the production phase is generally when we open our pre-order."

 

So, at this point it appears that we will not be able to place orders for the RRS L bracket for these cameras probably till the end of December to the middle or so of January, 2014

 

For the 36MP A7r in particular and also for the 24MP A7 cameras I believe that these L brackets will prove to be invaluable when using the cameras on a tripod (with an Arca Swiss type QR clamp) particularly to get the most out of these sensors.

 

I know this is going to a long month and half or so for many of us waiting on the camera, accessories, and finding out what WA RF lenses that we will be able to use with these cameras.

 

Rich

[AlanG]

On the question of adapters, for use with sony alpha lenses, as the A7r does not use phase detection for autofocus, would it be correct to assume that the LAEA3 is needed?.... or am i missing something if i dont get the LAEA4?

 

Actually you have this incorrect. The LAEA-4 uses a semi transparent mirror and PD sensor to provide the fastest AF with Alpha lenses on either the A7 or A7r bodies. The phase detect sensor on the A7 makes focusing faster than the A7r but not as fast as either camera using the LAEA-4. Also, I don't believe the phase detect on the A7 will work on Alpha lenses via the LAEA3. Sony has a list of compatible lenses for the A7's PD AF and I think it is only the E mount and new FE mount lenses that are compatible with its Hybrid focusing. Everything else uses the contrast detect method. So get the LAEA-4 and you will have very fast focusing... I tried it at the show with a long zoom lens and it was very quick.

[AlanG]

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This is the Leica forum. So compatibility would be the most interesting item. We have to wait, see and read, I think. So far vapor.

Jan

 

True, a mystery for a few lenses. But a lot of people here will also be happy with either Sony model using FE AF lenses and just their 35mm and/or longer M mount lenses and all R mount lenses. This is the R solution that Leica promised but never really delivered.

[jedi996sps]

Actually you have this incorrect. The LAEA-4 uses a semi transparent mirror and PD sensor to provide the fastest AF with Alpha lenses on either the A7 or A7r bodies. The phase detect sensor on the A7 makes focusing faster than the A7r but not as fast as either camera using the LAEA-4. Also, I don't believe the phase detect on the A7 will work on Alpha lenses via the LAE3. Sony has a list of compatible lenses for the A7's PD AF and I think it is only the E mount and new FE mount lenses that are compatible with its Hybrid focusing. Everything else uses the contrast detect method. So get the LAEA-4 and you will have very fast focusing... I tried it at the show with a long zoom lens and it was very quick.

 

Thanks for the very useful clarification Alan, which i am sure will be of benefit to others on here too.

I think i get it now. As far as the A7r goes, the LAEA3 just gives you AE and exif connectivity, whereas the LAEA4 gives you these as well as PD autofocusing via the PD sensor in the body of the adapter.... for faster autofocusing.

 

I am also wondering, for the adapter that will be required for M lenses, none other that one i have found, transfer the exif data. Is the exif data perhaps used in say Lightroom for lens automatic correction?

[naturephoto1]

Thanks for the very useful clarification Alan, which i am sure will be of benefit to others on here too.

I think i get it now. As far as the A7r goes, the LAEA3 just gives you AE and exif connectivity, whereas the LAEA4 gives you these as well as PD autofocusing via the PD sensor in the body of the adapter.... for faster autofocusing.

 

I am also wondering, for the adapter that will be required for M lenses, none other that one i have found, transfer the exif data. Is the exif data perhaps used in say Lightroom for lens automatic correction?

 

There is one or potentially is one that is presently out of stock made by Phigment Tech. It does not and to the best of my knowledge, Paul has indicated that it will not have CE certification.

 

Here are the links:

 

https://www.phigmenttech.ca/lmnex/

 

https://www.phigmenttech.ca/lmnex/index.php?page=product

 

Look at the Product information including the compatibility, and the links.

 

When Paul gets these in stock, I would think that a member in Canada or the US could ship the adapter to you hopefully to avoid issue of there being a problem getting through customs since it lacks CE certification.

 

Karl (k-hawinkler) has one that he is using with his NEX cameras as do I. I tested the adapter with my Minolta CLE MC 40mm f2.8 Rokkor-M lens at PhotoPlus and the camera recognized there was an M mount lens on the camera and when I adjusted focus the camera automatically went into magnified view as it supposed to do with the current firmware for the adapter.

 

Rich

[jankap]

I am also wondering, for the adapter that will be required for M lenses, none other that one i have found, transfer the exif data. Is the exif data perhaps used in say Lightroom for lens automatic correction?

 

That is a problem with Leica, indeed. I use the Ricoh GXR, that delivers still less exif data automatically. The canicons have no problems here.

It is not necessary for the picture, but afterwards one reasons, what f-stop one used. I have downloaded the software Reveal now. Herewith I can correct the exif data (from my memory).

Jan

[algrove]

I just had an on-line discussion with Spencer from Really Right Stuff (RRS) just about 10 minutes ago regarding an L bracket for the A7 and A7r cameras and he indicated:

 

"At this time we do not have a date when we will open the pre-order. At this moment we are still trying to get the camera in-house so we can start the design process. It will take roughly 4-6 weeks to design a plate and then we put it into production. When we start the production phase is generally when we open our pre-order."

 

So, at this point it appears that we will not be able to place orders for the RRS L bracket for these cameras probably till the end of December to the middle or so of January, 2014

 

For the 36MP A7r in particular and also for the 24MP A7 cameras I believe that these L brackets will prove to be invaluable when using the cameras on a tripod (with an Arca Swiss type QR clamp) particularly to get the most out of these sensors.

 

I know this is going to a long month and half or so for many of us waiting on the camera, accessories, and finding out what WA RF lenses that we will be able to use with these cameras.

 

Rich

 

Thanks for that info Rich. I am not sure since I do not have a7r in hand, but the universal answer right now will possibly be the MC-L RRS L bracket. It fits my M just fine and once I receive my M grip this afternoon I will see how it works on that grip where one might be able to leave it on the grip facilitating battery and SD card changes by using the grip thumb wheel to remove both grip and attached L bracket in one go.

 

Sorry, I got off track, but this L bracket might ALSO work on the a7r which would make it a simple solution that could, suffice to say, work on many different platforms. Since there is no grip necessary from RRS for the a7r, but just a QR L, I would think about this bracket. Once I get the M grip setup with this bracket I will post a photo for you.

[naturephoto1]

Thanks for that info Rich. I am not sure since I do not have a7r in hand, but the universal answer right now will possibly be the MC-L RRS L bracket. It fits my M just fine and once I receive my M grip this afternoon I will see how it works on that grip where one might be able to leave it on the grip facilitating battery and SD card changes by using the grip thumb wheel to remove both grip and attached L bracket in one go.

 

Sorry, I got off track, but this L bracket might ALSO work on the a7r which would make it a simple solution that could, suffice to say, work on many different platforms. Since there is no grip necessary from RRS for the a7r, but just a QR L, I would think about this bracket. Once I get the M grip setup with this bracket I will post a photo for you.

 

Lou,

 

I have the RRS Universal L Bracket as well. But the problem with the Universal L Bracket is that it will cover access to the camera battery cover. The new L bracket should not and should allow access to replace batteries without removing the L bracket from the camera.

 

Rich

[jedi996sps]

There is one or potentially is one that is presently out of stock made by Phigment Tech. It does not and to the best of my knowledge, Paul has indicated that it will not have CE certification.

 

Here are the links:

 

https://www.phigmenttech.ca/lmnex/

 

https://www.phigmenttech.ca/lmnex/index.php?page=product

 

Look at the Product information including the compatibility, and the links.

 

When Paul gets these in stock, I would think that a member in Canada or the US could ship the adapter to you hopefully to avoid issue of there being a problem getting through customs since it lacks CE certification.

 

Karl (k-hawinkler) has one that he is using with his NEX cameras as do I. I tested the adapter with my Minolta CLE MC 40mm f2.8 Rokkor-M lens at PhotoPlus and the camera recognized there was an M mount lens on the camera and when I adjusted focus the camera automatically went into magnified view as it supposed to do with the current firmware for the adapter.

 

Rich

 

Thanks Rich, indeed, that is the adapter that i have been looking at and wondered why it was not possible to ship directly to the UK

[jedi996sps]

That is a problem with Leica, indeed. I use the Ricoh GXR, that delivers still less exif data automatically. The canicons have no problems here.

It is not necessary for the picture, but afterwards one reasons, what f-stop one used. I have downloaded the software Reveal now. Herewith I can correct the exif data (from my memory).

Jan

 

Thanks Jan, the post above from Naturephoto, highlights the adapter that i have been looking at, which does transport the exif data, so, if you wish, you can dispose of the software :-).. the only issue you will have, which is the same boat that i am in, is that obtaining it, may involve a bit of extra effort and some good will by members on here

 

It is good to know that the software does not 'require' exif data.

[charlesphoto99]

I suppose it is inevitable that when a new camera is released, some here go into a tailspin justifying their Leica M cameras. Heaven forbid any camera should take Leica lenses!

 

I look forward to actually learning something about how either camera works with Leica lenses generally, and wides more particularly.

 

Stereos, yeah diverting (I'm a Roksan, Musical Fidelity, Bowers & Wilkins fan myself), but please - you don't need to feel threatened because another camera comes along that might find its way into you camera bag ALONG WITH YOUR LEICA.

 

Blah blah, Leica cameras better with Leica lenses, blah blah Sony don't know what they're doing ... Relax. Your M(240) will go just as well now as it did before, even if the Sony does work well.

 

Jeez Louise.

 

Threatened? Really, are you serious? The only thing threatening in photography is the fact that pros are generally getting paid what they did in the mid-90's (or less) and consequently very few (at least that I know of) can rarely afford the gear to make their work better. But that's a whole 'nother subject.

 

Just saying' maybe it's okay to not always jump after the next best thing (esp when there's really no such thing) and use and be happy and become good with what you have instead of always being in testing mode (ala Huff, et al). Yeah, sure if one didn't already have an arsenal of M's etc then the A7 looks like it will be a cool camera but otherwise why not just use an M for M lenses that one has one already?

[IkarusJohn]

Threatened? Really, are you serious?

Yep, totally. There are plenty of posts over the last 94 pages (and in pervious threads) of people saying (a) Sony won't make a full frame sensor mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, ( Sony can't make such a camera, © Sony won't make a camera to use other people's lenses, and (d) only Leica can make a camera to use its wides.

 

In the midst, I sense a lot of angst from Leica owners that such a camera will make them very insecure. Just saying, you know, why all the lines of text saying how bad this camera will be, when we still haven't seen a single raw file taken with the A7R with a Leica wide.

 

Might be an idea to suspend judgment until we actually see something, and it if is a truly fabulous camera, your Leica cameras will continue to work as well, and maybe Leica will also make such a camera.

 

Just saying' maybe it's okay to not always jump after the next best thing (esp when there's really no such thing) and use and be happy and become good with what you have instead of always being in testing mode (ala Huff, et al). Yeah, sure if one didn't already have an arsenal of M's etc then the A7 looks like it will be a cool camera but otherwise why not just use an M for M lenses that one has one already?

 

So that's the choice? "always jump after the next best thing" or use and be happy with what you have?

 

The alternative is, of course, use and love what you have and be aware that based on an optical coupled rangefinder, the camera is good with wides (to a point - you have to add an additional viewfinder for anything beyond 28mm), and for focal lengths up to 135 (with a magnifier), and no zooms ...

 

For some of us, that has meant adding a D800E or 5D3 type camera, with the huge problem of adding another system and size and weight of the gear.

 

You will note I do not refer to the M(240) - I added my D800E and two fabulous lenses for less than the cost of the M(240), and I don't need to add to the issues I already have with Leica M cameras. I'm one of a few who felt that the M(240) does not add enough over the M9P I already have and love. Particularly with the issues the M(240) has had in its gestation.

 

So, the possibility of adding an compact camera which can (possibly) take my existing M lenses (I won't be buying any Sony lenses) and my Nikon lenses is really very interesting - at a cost less than a typical Leica lens.

 

What's not to like, if it works. Not "jumping" on anything - just very interested in a camera people want, and Leica steadfastly refuses to make.

 

Anybody got a WATE for sale? Nah, just kidding - will stick to my resolve not to buy anymore Leica glass (except maybe the R 28-90 zoom).

 

Cheers

John

[pico]

Although appealing, the all-singing, all-dancing camera system has yet to be born. [...]

 

It will never exist, and you and I probably agree as to why. Wherever aspirations exist, regardless of their merit, there will be makers of solutions to problems that exist outside of the paradigms, or solutions to problems that only exist in the minds of people who cannot make a difference anyway. Simple is better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[k-hawinkler]

There are other mounting options for tripod use, namely:

 

Novoflex ASTAT-NEX Tripod Collar for Sony NEX Lens ASTAT-NEX B&H

 

Below I indicate to which adapters the ASTAT-NEX Tripod Collar attaches.

 

Novoflex Lens Adapter Leica-R to Leica-M Body LEM/LER B&H Photo

Novoflex Adapter for Leica M Lens to Sony NEX Camera NEX/LEM B&H <=== ASTAT-NEX Tripod Collar

and/or

Novoflex Adapter for Leica R Lens to Sony NEX Camera NEX/LER B&H <=== ASTAT-NEX Tripod Collar

 

Novoflex Lens Adapter for Nikon Lens to Leica M Camera

Novoflex Adapter for Leica M Lens to Sony NEX Camera NEX/LEM B&H <=== ASTAT-NEX Tripod Collar

and/or

Novoflex Adapter for Nikon Lens to Sony NEX Camera NEX/NIK B&H <=== ASTAT-NEX Tripod Collar

 

For big heavy lenses one would mount the lens on the tripod anyway.

So in that case the ASTAT-NEX Tripod Collar is better removed.

The Novoflex adapters are extremely well made, not cheap, but worth it IMHO.

It's the same as with a tripod! You either buy the best one first or you buy again!

 

Of course, my favorite adapter for mounting an M lens on a NEX camera for freehand use is this one.

 

https://www.phigmenttech.ca/lmnex/index.php?page=product

 

Reason being, as soon as you begin to focus lens magnification switches on.

Once something is in focus, focus peaking is engaged. Very slick!

Hopefully the Phigment adapter will work for all my Leica M lenses on the A7R as well.

If not, I have no doubt that Paul Habsch from Phigmenttech will make it work.

 

So, just for fun I cobbled together the following systems:

 

Sony NEX-7 + Phigment E-M Adapter + Novoflex M-R Adapter + Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH 28-90/2.8-4.5

Sony NEX-7 + Phigment E-M Adapter + Novoflex M-R Adapter + APO-Telyt-R 180/3.4

Sony NEX-7 + Phigment E-M Adapter + Novoflex M-R Adapter + APO-Extender-R2x + APO-Telyt-R 280/4

 

I wanted to know whether the Phigment adapter would pick up on focusing action of the R lens? Indeed it does. WOW!

With M lenses I had already noticed that a lens with a shorter focal length is more sensitive than one with a longer one.

So again here the 28-90 switches on magnification pretty fast, faster for 28 mm than for 90 mm.

The 180/3.4 requires a considerably longer throw - rocking back and forth a bit helps - but it will switch on magnification eventually.

For the APO-Extender-R2x + APO-Telyt-R 280/4 switching on magnification by focusing sometimes works, but it is not reliable.

Please note, I am using Firmware version 3 of the Phigment adapter.

 

Of course, one can always switch on magnification by pressing a button at the back of the camera.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[algrove]

Lou,

 

I have the RRS Universal L Bracket as well. But the problem with the Universal L Bracket is that it will cover access to the camera battery cover. The new L bracket should not and should allow access to replace batteries without removing the L bracket from the camera.

 

Rich

 

You are right Rich. But if you attached the L backed to the M handgrip then you use the thumb screw of the hand grip to loosen it (with L backed attached to its tripod socket) and in this way you access the battery and SD card easily. I will post photos next week.

[Ecaton]

Which m wide angles work with the A7 and A7r?

I saw this very same question before, multiple times actually, just with different camera makes. Something like:

Which m wide angle lenses work with the M9/M?

 

For me, the only relevant decision criteria between the M and the Sony are RF, ergonomics, versatility, sensor performance, size&weight, price. And guess which one has the upper hand in the pros/cons list......... A USD 5300 price premium for the truly enjoyable RF experience, a focusing solution inferior for anything longer than 75mm, faster than f2.0, macro, ultra wide. That is the key question for my personal decision making here. Cant`wait to mount one of the very best m lenses on a A7®, the 90mm apo Summicron.