Leica CL and Canon AF adapter

[fuchs]

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Hi all! 

I have been testing the Commlite CM-EF-L autofocus adapter with several Canon EF lenses on my Leica CL, and I am glad to report that it works. As expected, AF-C and focus tracking is not supported, but the AF-S works reasonably well. Focusing speed and precision with most lenses is at almost native T/TL lenses level. So:

-AF-S works (no tracking). Touch AF also works.
-IS with Canon stabilized lenses works.
-EXIF data is transferred correctly to the files, save for the F/1.2 that is reported as F/1.3 (something I had already seen with other third party AF adapters on Sony cameras).

I used A and M modes, on Firmware 4.0. Adapter firmware is upgradeable via an USB port on the adapter itself. There are no new FW listed on Commlite’s site, and it worked right out of the box. 

The lenses that I tested, and worked, so far are: 14/2.8L-II, 16-35/4L-IS, 24/2.8 IS, 24/1.4L-II, 40/2.8 STM, 50/1.2L, 50/2.5 compact macro (with and without the Lifesize 1:1 converter), 85/1.2L-II and 100/2 USM.

The only glitch I have experienced is that Battery level is not correctly reported to the camera, and the first time I mounted the adapter on the CL, I got a warning message about the “Camera possibly not displaying reliable battery charge levels with this lens” that did not repeat. In fact, after a hundred exposures with different lenses, the battery appeared as depleted. The workaround I found was shutting down the camera, taking off the battery, mount a native TL lens, put again the battery in and the charge was there again, correctly reported at about 2 / 3.

During next week I will try to test the adapter with more Canon FF lenses, and EF-S APSc lenses. I am very interested to see how the compact EF-S 10/18 zoom and EF-S pancake 24/2.8 perform on the CL.

So, after all the let down expectatives we CL users held on the MC-21 adapter by Sigma, I am glad to share that there’s still a light on the path to use many more lenses options!

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Edited April 25, 2022 by fuchs
Correction

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[ruskkyle]

I had no idea about this adapter, but that’s fantastic that it brings almost full functionality to EF lenses on the CL! Will definitely try it out. Cheers!

[Boojay]

Well that's interesting news, may have to try one of these, thanks for the heads up.  Does this allow aperture control also?

 

 

 

Edited April 25, 2022 by Boojay

[tritentrue]

Commlite also made two iterations of an adapter for using EF lenses on Sony E-mount.  The first had issues with both fit and locking up the camera.  The second iteration, dubbed "Pro," fit well, was dependable, and worked very well.

If I had more than one EF lens, I'd be inclined to give it a try.

[fuchs]

4 hours ago, Boojay said:

Well that's interesting news, may have to try one of these, thanks for the heads up.  Does this allow aperture control also?

 

 

 

Yes, it allows full aperture control from the camera dials

 

[tritentrue]

11 hours ago, tritentrue said:

Commlite also made two iterations of an adapter for using EF lenses on Sony E-mount.  The first had issues with both fit and locking up the camera.  The second iteration, dubbed "Pro," fit well, was dependable, and worked very well.

If I had more than one EF lens, I'd be inclined to give it a try.

Just realized I had a sizeable brain fart 😳 when typing the above.  The adapters I had were for Nikon F to Sony E.

As much "adapting" as I've done over the last ten years, I guess something like that was bound to happen.

[ehecatl]

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I have this adapter and can confirm that it works. I can also confirm that it drains the battery FAST. I can also confirm that taking off the lens and putting a TL lens back on the CL restores the battery life. I’m not sure how I feel about this fix. I’m currently in Ecuador for six weeks and I brought my Canon T5i and three lenses for astrophotography (which might be difficult since it is now the rainy season). I also brought my CL with the 18-56 TL lens. I packed the Commlite CM-EF-L adapter that I would have more choices for my CL and I could avoid packing my M lenses. I have a Rokinon 8mm that I was planning on using on a hike at Cajas park, but now I’m not sure. I prefer not to carry the t5i because that is mainly my astrophotogaphy camera.

 My CL is still running FW 3.2, so I wonder if updating it it to the latest firmware will help with the battery issue.

That being said, it is pretty nice to use my EF lenses on the CL and be able to use autofocus and control aperture.

[Boojay]

On 6/7/2022 at 7:22 PM, Saussure said:

Do you know if the adapter works with an EF 100-400 lens on the CL? Thanks

 

I no longer have the EF 100-400 sorry so can't help there, but I did get one of these adaptors to test.  My remaining EF lenses are 135L 200L and 50 1.2L.   Behaviour with the 50L is as reported by @fuchs,  autofocus works pretty well.   However, with the 135 and 200 autofocus is pretty useless, lots of hunting to the point where you feel you may be damaging the lens, so MF is best, having said that I almost feel it worth the price of the adaptor just to have aperture control on what are two of my old favourites.  

I am tempted to try another copy of the adaptor.  Here in the UK I could only find it at Amazon or fleabay from China.   Not being the most patient person in the world I ordered from Amazon, it arrived at the weekend and frankly looked from the packaging and the adaptor itself as though it's probably been out and about for sometime, so just to be sure it will go back and I will wait for a  replacement, hopefully a new one this time,  to see if any better results can be had.  

Anyone else here have any results to report?   

 

 

Edited June 13, 2022 by Boojay
typo

[Boojay]

Update to above.

I just tried to source another of the adaptors from fleabay.   The seller did have it listed as compatible with the CL but messaged me asking what model camera I wished to use the adaptor with.   Once I had told them it was the Leica CL they refunded, saying as Commlite have not tested the adaptor with CL they do not advise it's use, I've suggested the seller should update the listing🤔.  

I have e-mailed Commlite myself for further clarification... seems a shame given some success reported here.   I still may try a replacement from Amazon.

 

 

 

[Matlock]

1 hour ago, Boojay said:

Update to above.

I just tried to source another of the adaptors from fleabay.   The seller did have it listed as compatible with the CL but messaged me asking what model camera I wished to use the adaptor with.   Once I had told them it was the Leica CL they refunded, saying as Commlite have not tested the adaptor with CL they do not advise it's use, I've suggested the seller should update the listing🤔.  

I have e-mailed Commlite myself for further clarification... seems a shame given some success reported here.   I still may try a replacement from Amazon.

 

 

 

I have the Commlite adaptor and it works very well on my CL.

[Boojay]

36 minutes ago, Matlock said:

I have the Commlite adaptor and it works very well on my CL.

Peter, can I ask which lenses you have tried.  

[Matlock]

1 hour ago, Boojay said:

Peter, can I ask which lenses you have tried.  

So far I have used my 20 - 35mm 1:3.5 - 4.5 to very good effect.

[Matlock]

7 minutes ago, Matlock said:

So far I have used my 20 - 35mm 1:3.5 - 4.5 to very good effect.

I have just given it a try with my 75 - 300mm. A certain amount of AF hunting but still useable. 

[yueytan]

2 years late to the game but this is a fantastic thread. Gonna pick up one of these adapters and give it a go! 😃