K-H, how fast is the autofocus speed? I mean, say in comparison to one of your autofocus Sony lenses? I've heard from another friend this adapter works but is pretty slow and very expensive. Love to hear your thoughts on it.
Thanks Chuck. Great question with a complex answer.
In post #15 above you state using your a7R & a7S cameras.
Well this adapter is really built and optimized for the A7 II and A7r II (A7r2 is my short form). :thumbup:
Frankly, as expected, it sucks on my A7r but shines on my A7r2.
It really requires a camera with PDAF not just CDAF.
I have PDAF enabled on my A7r2 and use the TechArt PRO LM-EA7 autofocus adapter primarily on fast lenses wide open and with AF-C.
If the camera is properly set up one can easily switch from AF to MF and back.
One also can focus wide open and then stop down with proper metering.
Focus works best with contrasty subjects, even in available light or aperture stopped down a bit.
Then focusing can be exceedingly fast.
For non-contrasty subjects even plenty of light may not work in my experience.
Then the focusing is prone to hunt and may not achieve focus at all.
All my cameras are set to fire only when focus is achieved, whether in AF-S or AF-C.
It also depends on the lenses one uses.
Typical standard to WA lenses do not require manual pre-focusing as the reach of the adapter motor (helicoid function) is large enough.
Simply set the M lens focus to infinity.
Tele lenses may require rough manual pre-focusing so that the AF adapter can finish focusing within its reach.
Special lenses like a Summilux with a floating element FLE also need manual pre-focusing so that the FLE is in the correct position.
The 35 mm lens should have no problems at all.
In my experience, if the adapter achieves focus at all, it really nails it.
In the above Hummingbird picture, taken with an FLE lens, I had manually pre-focused on the feeder containing the sugar water.
When the Hummingbird hovered I put Flexible Spot S focus on the bird and fired.
Focus had to happen very fast before the bird moved on or I would not have gotten a picture.
All in all, considering the price of a Sony camera and a Leica lens, the $349 for the adapter seems justified IMHO.
Let me finish with an AF shot with the Voigtländer 15/4.5 III VM mount.