anonimo_svizzero Posted February 13, 2021 Share #1 Posted February 13, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have a Minolta AF mount (but manual) 135 mm STF 2.8 STF (T4.5). It is a very unusual and wonderful lens, and I was wondering whether it can be made to work on a Leica SL. There is a Novoflex adapter, so it is possible to mount the lens, but the adapter has no electronic connections, so it is just a mechanical mount. The lens has wonderful properties when used in the Smooth Trans Focus position, but to do so it needs to move to a wide open position the regular aperture it has in addition to the STF aperture. Has anyone figured an hack that allows to use this lens (or, for that matter, to use any Minolta AF lens wide open)? thank you Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 13, 2021 Posted February 13, 2021 Hi anonimo_svizzero, Take a look here Minolta (or Sony) STF 135 2.8 (T4.5) on Leica SL. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
padam Posted February 13, 2021 Share #2 Posted February 13, 2021 I guess the way to use it is to mount it on a Sony body where you have electronic connections, so it will open up the aperture and take out the battery so it gets stuck in that wide-open position. Then you are able to mount it on the SL with a mechanical adapter and shoot with it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonimo_svizzero Posted February 13, 2021 Author Share #3 Posted February 13, 2021 Thank you Padam, that makes a lot of sense. Thank you!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toyfel Posted February 13, 2021 Share #4 Posted February 13, 2021 You could use a Novoflex adapter, model LET/MIN-AF, to mount this lens to an SL body. Alternatively, use a less expensive Novoflex adapter, model LEM/MIN-AF, in combination with an M-to-L adapter (if you already have the latter). Both Novoflex adapters have a ring that engages the lens aperture mechanism such that you can manually open or close the lens aperture by turning the ring on the adapter. The adapter also works in the same fashion with many other Minolta AF lenses. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonimo_svizzero Posted February 13, 2021 Author Share #5 Posted February 13, 2021 Toyfel, yes!!! This does work perfectly. No need to hack anything. thank you so much!!! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 14, 2021 Share #6 Posted February 14, 2021 (edited) The STF lens has two lens diaphragms ... one AUTO 9 blade (rear of lens) and one MANUAL 10 blade (front of lens). The latter is step-less covering f4.5 to f6.7. Using the 'T' (Smooth Trans Focus) f4.5 to f6.7 range should provide optimum bokeh by virtue of its 'rounder' aperture perimeter ... and being manually operated via the lens aperture ring, should not require a Novoflex adapter ... a budget price Minolta AF to Leica M adapter coupled to a budget price i.e. 'non smart' M to L adapter should suffice. EXIF data will show the camera shutter speed but the aperture may not be 'as set' because no aperture data is transmitted. The SL 601 camera may 'interpolate' / 'guestimate ' the aperture if used in the camera's A aperture priority mode ... and will show the interpolated aperture figure in the EXIF data ... but it might not be correct. Whether this 'cheapo' solution suits a photographer is a personal matter ... I'd have no hesitation in using it but I'm well used to using third party lenses on my SL 601. When using the SL 601's 'magnified live view ', and juggling / inspecting same through the STF's aperture range, the lens' imaging characteristics when use in 'T' mode, could be previewed ... useful for static subjects and when able to take your time with compositions. The following review covers use of the lens on a Leica M10 https://www.35mmc.com/?s=STF. ... when used in Manual aperture mode the rear Auto diaphragm appears to be fully open ... so no Auto diaphragm adjustment required . Only one diaphragm can be operated at any one time ... the other defaulting to 'open aperture' From what I've discovered since researching the STF lens, hitting correct focus is just as important as selecting the optimum aperture ... for each particular subject / background. BW dunk Edited February 14, 2021 by dkCambridgeshire typo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toyfel Posted February 14, 2021 Share #7 Posted February 14, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) 1 hour ago, dkCambridgeshire said: The following review covers use of the lens on a Leica M10 https://www.35mmc.com/?s=STF. ... when used in Manual aperture mode the rear Auto diaphragm appears to be fully open ... so no Auto diaphragm adjustment required . Only one diaphragm can be operated at any one time ... the other defaulting to 'open aperture' No, the Novoflex adapter allows both apertures to be operated manually and independently of each other. And no, it is not required to have the main lens aperture set at f2.8, you can use any aperture you want, but the more you stop down the less the effect of the apodisation diaphragm on the bokeh will be. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonimo_svizzero Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share #8 Posted February 14, 2021 Thank you dkCambridgeshire. In the end, I went with the Novoflex adapter because I want to ensure that the auto blade stays open and lets the manual blade do its thing. On film, the lens is fantastic and maddening at the same time: I find it works really well with some subjects, particularly light ones that are close and set against similarly lit light backgrounds. In this case it hits a separation that I have not seen seen in any other lens. It become more pedestrian once the subject is more than 3 meters away. I look forward to seeing what it does on the SL sensor, fully recognizing that it will not be as sharp as a modern digital lens. Best 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 14, 2021 Share #9 Posted February 14, 2021 (edited) 22 minutes ago, toyfel said: No, the Novoflex adapter allows both apertures to be operated manually and independently of each other. And no, it is not required to have the main lens aperture set at f2.8, you can use any aperture you want, but the more you stop down the less the effect of the apodisation diaphragm on the bokeh will be. http://www.the135stf.net/handling.html. .... "Both aperture openings cannot be used at the same time. When one aperture is used the second is fully open" Edited February 14, 2021 by dkCambridgeshire Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toyfel Posted February 14, 2021 Share #10 Posted February 14, 2021 4 hours ago, dkCambridgeshire said: http://www.the135stf.net/handling.html. .... "Both aperture openings cannot be used at the same time. When one aperture is used the second is fully open" They showcase the use of the STF lens on the cameras it was designed for, namely Minolta AF and Sony Alpha DSLR bodies which by design control lens aperture electronically. So, yes, "Both aperture openings cannot be used at the same time. When one aperture is used the second is fully open" when used on Minolta AF and Sony Alpha DSLR bodies. But that's not at all the case we discuss here, where there is a purely mechanical Novoflex lens adapter involved. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 15, 2021 Share #11 Posted February 15, 2021 This morning I ordered a Chinese "Sony 'A' to Leica L adapter" ... cost £26 plus shipping and enables aperture adjustment ... when it arrives will advise if it works OK and if manufacturing quality is acceptable. BW dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonimo_svizzero Posted February 15, 2021 Author Share #12 Posted February 15, 2021 Dear dunk, Thank you - please let me (and all of us) know. I think we all look forward to your report. Best regards, Claudio Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 15, 2021 Share #13 Posted February 15, 2021 6 minutes ago, anonimo_svizzero said: Dear dunk, Thank you - please let me (and all of us) know. I think we all look forward to your report. Best regards, Claudio Although ordered from a UK source i'm not sure if will be shipped from the UK or if shipped from China ... if latter might be more than a few days before it arrives. Quite likely that some European branded adapters are actually made in China ... as are Leica branded accessories. dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 15, 2021 Share #14 Posted February 15, 2021 3 hours ago, dkCambridgeshire said: Although ordered from a UK source i'm not sure if will be shipped from the UK or if shipped from China ... if latter might be more than a few days before it arrives. Quite likely that some European branded adapters are actually made in China ... as are Leica branded accessories. dunk Seems the adapter is en route from Australia ...seller has +61 international dialling code ... maybe China via Australia ... but I paid for express shipping so might arrive quicker than the 'free postage' option. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 16, 2021 Share #15 Posted February 16, 2021 I was a little hasty ordering the Sony A to L mount adapter as already have a perfectly good K&F Concept Sony A to Leica M adapter ... and the Leica M Adapter T ... i.e. M to L adapter I bought the Sony A to L mount adapter years ago to test 'used' Sony A mount lenses sent to my niece in USA for her Sony A900 and A850. https://www.kentfaith.co.uk/search_Sony%20A%20mount%20to%20Leica%20M/KF06.322_minolta-a-sony-a-lenses-to-leica-m-camera-mount-adapter. ... includes aperture adjustment ring Other Sony A to Leica M adapters are likely available. There are several non-smart M to L adapters available e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manual-Adapter-Voigtlander-Camera-Typ701/dp/B07ML5BP3S/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1PBURXB44KCLG&dchild=1&keywords=leica+m+to+l+mount+adapter&qid=1613490570&sprefix=leica+M+to++l+adapter%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-6. ... The above combination costs less than the Novoflex Sony A to Leica L mount adapter. BW dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonimo_svizzero Posted February 17, 2021 Author Share #16 Posted February 17, 2021 Dear Dunk, Thank you so much for pursuing this so much passion!!! Best 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 17, 2021 Share #17 Posted February 17, 2021 13 hours ago, anonimo_svizzero said: Dear Dunk, Thank you so much for pursuing this so much passion!!! Best The GOBE Sony A to Leica L mount adapter arrived today https://uk.mygobe.com/search?type=product&q=Sony+A+to+Leica+L+adapter ... good value and excellent fit when tested with Sony A 70-210 AF lens on my SL 601 ... no sloppiness / looseness ... aperture stops down fine using the adapter's aperture adjustment ring. Can't fault it but GOBE adapters feedback on Amazon varies ... both good and not so good. However, some users/buyers might be rookies? Sony A to L adapter is now out of stock. I have a Sony A 135mm STF lens on order ... but no shipping advice received. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
serhan Posted February 18, 2021 Share #18 Posted February 18, 2021 (edited) I use my CV 125mm 2.5 APO macro lens with Sony A-Leica M mount adapter with mech aperture control.. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited February 18, 2021 by serhan 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/317969-minolta-or-sony-stf-135-28-t45-on-leica-sl/?do=findComment&comment=4143624'>More sharing options...
anonimo_svizzero Posted February 18, 2021 Author Share #19 Posted February 18, 2021 Serhan, this is a beautiful photograph. I need to research the lens now... thank you for confirming that other adapters also work. best Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonimo_svizzero Posted February 18, 2021 Author Share #20 Posted February 18, 2021 8 hours ago, dkCambridgeshire said: The GOBE Sony A to Leica L mount adapter arrived today https://uk.mygobe.com/search?type=product&q=Sony+A+to+Leica+L+adapter ... good value and excellent fit when tested with Sony A 70-210 AF lens on my SL 601 ... no sloppiness / looseness ... aperture stops down fine using the adapter's aperture adjustment ring. Can't fault it but GOBE adapters feedback on Amazon varies ... both good and not so good. However, some users/buyers might be rookies? Sony A to L adapter is now out of stock. I have a Sony A 135mm STF lens on order ... but no shipping advice received. Dunk, I am curious to read your take on the STF lens when it arrives. I really enjoy it in certain situations. best Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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