Contax G to MFT adapter - anyone?

[monza]

Alex, I had extensive discussions during the design phase with the mechanical engineer who designed this adapter. Basically, the gearing provides faster focus, but does not reduce precision.

It really comes down to how much thumb control you have. I find myself using thumb and forefinger; this way you have as much control turning it clockwise as turning it counter-clockwise. It's pretty fast to get accurate focus.

 

[monza]

Even though the gears are very small they are designed with the proper shape to ensure smoothness. Click on the image to watch.

 

[monza]

 

[Halcyon]

I'm pretty pleased with the focusing. Now just have to get the spring rate correct for the lens release button.

Hi Monza,
Your adapter shines and I'm longing to getting one! Two questions first:
> I suppose the hole on the right side is intended to lodge the release button. Don't you fear its protrusion could reduce access to the camera release button?
> On your picture, the finish seems a bit rough. Will the final appearence be softer?
Gérard

 

[monza]

If you look at the photo, the lens release is actually directly above the camera body lens release button...it doesn't conflict. I'm not sure what you mean by rough, it's a hard anodized machined aluminum with a teflon infill, that's what it is going to look like.

 

[Alex Souvorov]

Alex, I find myself using thumb and forefinger; this way you have as much control turning it clockwise as turning it counter-clockwise. It's pretty fast to get accurate focus.

Two fingers sound like much better control Related to this question. When I change direction of focusing I feel some free play in the focusing wheel. Part of it is in the lens focusing mechanism and nothing could be done about it. But I think that a good deal of it is in the tolerance of the focusing screwdriver. What is your approach to this part?

Any ETA on pricing?

Alex

 

[monza]

There will be a bit of play, where the thumbwheel will turn a couple of degrees back and forth before actually engaging focus. This is because the focusing screwdriver cannot mesh too tightly into the receptacle on the lens, otherwise it would be very difficult to mount the lens. It already is a little tricky aligning the screwdriver with the receptacle, but a few minutes of practice makes it relatively easy.

I'm still haggling with the manufacturer on pricing, should have that done shortly.

 

[monza]

I really like the 35/2 Planar. These were shot at f/2.

 

[Halcyon]

I'm not sure what you mean by rough, it's a hard anodized machined aluminum with a teflon infill, that's what it is going to look like.

I was referring to the 'lines' effect that can be seen on the picture below:
View attachment 29460

 

[monza]

CNC machining lines, they are visible but not in any way are they 'rough.' They are smooth to the touch. Yes, it's possible to spend more money to minimize this but I don't want to raise the cost of the product needlessly.

 

[Halcyon]

I do like the 45/2 too, a very great lens. This one shot at 2:
View attachment 29461

 

[Halcyon]

I understand it would be probably more expensive to obtain a perfectly smooth surface and selling price would overstep the line (it's what Leica or Hasselblad do all the time!). Maybe can you disclose some indication on your introductory price or is it still too soon to get an idea about it?

 

[monza]

I'm still negotiating with the manufacturer on pricing.

Question: should it include a micro 4/3 rear lens cap?

 

[Halcyon]

IMO it's not necessary. More important is the rear bayonet design in order it ensures a tight fitting to any cap (often too loose on cheap stuff).
Just compare, for instance, the Panasonic DMW-MA1 adapter with any RJ adapter. No risk to lose your rear cap with the first!

 

[monza]

Yep, original Lumix cap fits snug.

 

[FaradayCage]

Wow, monza, wow. I'm drooling. This is my primary reason for shopping for a GF1 or E-Px. I've got the old Contax G2 rangefinder with the 28mm, the 45mm and the 90mm and now they can come back to life. I'm getting sold on the GF1 for a variety of reasons but perhaps the E-PL1 will do (hating the plastic panels though.) Do you foresee any problems fitting on the front of an E-PL1? Rear lens cap is nice but most will likely have one already from existing m43 lenses, no?

 

[Alex Souvorov]

I do like the 45/2 too, a very great lens.

Yes 45/2 and 80/2.8 are very good with mFT. Unfortunately I had to rule out 28/2.8 after the test.

45/2
http://alexsouvorov.smugmug.com/Places-I-visited/San-Diego/P1090760/826022299_d9hP3-XL.jpg

80/2.8
http://alexsouvorov.smugmug.com/Places-I-visited/San-Diego/P1090767/826023440_kijgG-XL.jpg

 

[Alex Souvorov]

Second attempt at showing images

45/2
View attachment 29464

80/2.8
View attachment 29465

 

[monza]

It will fit fine on the E-PL1 and E-P2. I recommend using the viewfinder for critical focusing. Rear cap is handy if you leave the adapter on the lens.

Alex, nice shots. I think you mean 90/2.8, tho.

 

[scho]

I'm still negotiating with the manufacturer on pricing.

Question: should it include a micro 4/3 rear lens cap?

My vote for including a rear m43 lens cap. I like to leave the lens mounted to the adapter and I'm always looking for extra m43 lens caps. I concur on the 35 2. It is a sweet little lens.