View Full Version : cheapo NEX to Canon EF lens adaptor with F Control


Francisco Estrada
September 19th, 2014, 04:06 PM
How's it going guys. Just got my "EF-NEX EF-EMOUNT FX Lens Mount Adapter for Canon EF EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount" for about $105.

Here's what I bought:
Amazon.com : Signstek Newest Version Electronic Auto Focus EF-NEX EF-EMOUNT FX Lens Mount Adapter for Canon EF EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount NEX 3/3N/5N/5R/7/A7 A7R Full Frame Frame : Camera Lens Adapters : Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3ZFQK6/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1411163587&sr=1&keywords=nex+adaptor)
(sorry don't feel like HTMLing)

My experience so far. Only the F control works. Although it says auto focus and even IS is suppose to work with some lenses it hasn't for me. But really though I am happy enough knowing F control works. Also when changing F Stop on my camera you can hear it and its probably going to be loud enough for the mic to pick up.

The lenses I tried it with
Sigma 18-35 F1.8
tammy 24-70 F2.8
canon 18-55 F2.8

I read something in some of the reviews about an issue with reflective lighting when using full frame lenses but I haven't experience any of that yet..

Chris Harding
September 19th, 2014, 06:29 PM
Thanks

The AF probably only works with FF lenses or not at all. I have yet to see any adapter do auto focus successfully.

Just for interest if you switch the camera to full auto what actually works and what doesn't???

Chris

Marlon Martins
September 20th, 2014, 12:25 AM
good to know that the commlite adapter works with sigma 18-35mm. i will get one of those soon ;)

Francisco Estrada
September 20th, 2014, 02:31 PM
Hello Chris

When you switch from Manual to Auto itll go into auto shutter and auto gain but F control will stay manual which is nice. no error messages.

When you press the Auto Iris button itll give you a lens error message that you can just X out of and stays in manual iris.

When you switch to auto focus on the camera itl give you the same error message.

The error message doesnt seem to disrupt recording.

When you switch to auto focus on the lens the lens will just go to some random really out of focus spot. best to just keep the lens on MF and turn off IS.

IS seems to just stay off the entire time.


I read reviews about this causing other NEX devices to lock up when switching to auto something which forces you to hard restart the camera. So ill probably use it when filming shorter clips at first and be cautious.

I am trying to think what else I should test. Wouldn't want any surprises at the day of an event.
expanding focus, changing PP, and digi zoom are working.

I also honestly don't feel the need to updating any firmware. iam happy enough F control works.

Chris Harding
September 20th, 2014, 07:40 PM
Thanks Franscisco

That was great giving us all the info and issues.

So am I correct in saying that compared to a dumb adapter all it really does correctly is allow you to control the iris ??

Chris

Peter Rush
September 21st, 2014, 03:41 AM
Thanks

The AF probably only works with FF lenses or not at all. I have yet to see any adapter do auto focus successfully.

Just for interest if you switch the camera to full auto what actually works and what doesn't???

Chris

IMO you will never get AF to work to your satisfaction - both my Metabones adapters (one a speedbooster and the other the smart adapter) will perform AF but really slowly and not always accurate - even Metabones say that AF is not suitable for professional applications.

Pete

Wolfgang Wally
September 21st, 2014, 03:42 AM
Hi Francisco!

Do you mean that's is the same http://goo.gl/J2IfZz?
And do you know if it works with the Tamron 17-50/2,8 like this http://static.clickbd.com/global/classified/item_img/646770_2_original.jpg ? Thanks for Info!

Aaron Jones Sr.
September 21st, 2014, 08:16 PM
Hi Wolfgang,

I also have the Commlite adapter and I have the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 and they both work with this adapter.

Like it was mentioned above the AF does not work at all! But I knew that going in and I wanted to MF my zoom and focus. It does control the aperture automatically and works well.

I bought the Commlite From Amazon for $85 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DW0EV2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and the Viltrox EF-NEX II From Ebay for $130 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Focus-VILTROX-EF-NEX-II-Adapter-for-Canon-EOS-EF-Lens-to-Sony-NEX-E-Mount-/311003630221?pt=US_Lens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item486942ca8d). As of right now I would have to say that the both work exactly the same with no difference at all.

Marlon Martins
September 21st, 2014, 10:07 PM
there are a few reviews on youtube, one which the guy said it had problems with the viltrox, but the commlite worked well. so i guess the commlite is the cheapest "good bet"

Chris Harding
September 21st, 2014, 10:27 PM
I still admit I prefer a dumb adapter for aperture! That way I can also control DOF ...I have see issues where "smart" adapters will jump the iris for no reason when in auto and I certainly don't want that going on when I'm doing non-repeatable events like a wedding ceremony!

Both my dumb adapters have a ring on the adapter that allows you to open or close the iris to whatever you need. I still run my EA-50's in auto so based on how much light I "allow" the lens to let onto the sensor the cam then decides what shutter and ISO to use and exposure is close to perfect!!!

Just for interest do these guys make an adapter for Nikon mount to NEX?? and if you say, swing the camera from bright outdoors to deep shade, is the iris change smooth and fast???

Amazingly enough my cheapest adapter (a Fotga for $15.00) works the best as when I bought it, it simply was way too tight for the camera so using an emery board (my wife's nail file!!) I did a bit of careful sanding to get it just perfect. My Novoflex which cost me $220.. (also dumb) has now become a tiny bit sloppy so I need to be careful that I don't accidentally turn it!!!

Chris

Aaron Jones Sr.
September 22nd, 2014, 12:42 AM
there are a few reviews on youtube, one which the guy said it had problems with the viltrox, but the commlite worked well. so i guess the commlite is the cheapest "good bet"

I seen that video but, it was for the A7S. I have had no issues what so ever. If you ask me I would say they both have the same firmware and the only difference would be the housing. It is like they make a different housing and slap difference brand names on them and send them out. I kind of shy away from the Commlite because it has felt on the inner rim to prevent ghosting. I'm worried that the felt will shed and get particles on my sensor. So I default to my Viltrox. Just came back from Niagra Falls and i took my Viltrox and both of my Tamron lenses to get more experience with them both. I wanted to learn what I can and can't do with them. I did not have one problem at all. Commlite is the cheaper adapter and other than the felt I have nothing bad to say about either one. I do find that the viltrox may be just a tab bit more solid in terms of the connection.

Wolfgang Wally
September 22nd, 2014, 01:10 AM
Hi Wolfgang,......
I bought the Commlite From Amazon for $85 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DW0EV2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and the Viltrox EF-NEX II From Ebay for $130 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Focus-VILTROX-EF-NEX-II-Adapter-for-Canon-EOS-EF-Lens-to-Sony-NEX-E-Mount-/311003630221?pt=US_Lens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item486942ca8d). As of right now I would have to say that the both work exactly the same with no difference at all.

Ok, thanks. It's the same provider, so i will order there also and test ist!

Aaron Jones Sr.
September 22nd, 2014, 01:19 AM
One more thing I forgot to mention is that neither one of these adapters come with caps. I ended up ordering some off Amazon. It may be a good idea to keep that in mind.

Francisco Estrada
September 28th, 2014, 03:31 PM
Hello guys

Chris, yes it will only control Iris. I tried fooling around with AF around for a bit but I don't think there is no chance AF will ever work. (not that I would trust it if it did)

Woldgang, that was the other one I was looking at. It seems to be newer but I think its the same. Its got the same brand, text imprints, dots and screws. I guess the only difference is the color. I suppose having the white one is more useful in finding it when you have a million other black colored things in your camera bag.

OK UPDATE. I had no problems with it on a wedding I did last night. I wouldn't have thought that I would need iris control that much but I ended up using it when I alternating between shooting a bright stage and the darker dance floor. Or when I walked out to the lobby area where the lights were turned on more. I haven't check the video yet but I'll update this post if I do find something.

This might be more off the subject but I am thinking of getting another camera. I don't know if I am getting a 2nd canon 70D or the NEX VG30. I am leaning more and more to the VG30 and use it with a blackbird stabilizer that I am planning to buy.

Wolfgang Wally
October 2nd, 2014, 04:20 AM
Hi!
I get my Commlite today and it works, but ONLY manuell, no AF! Did anyone knows or is a "tricky way" possible by mounting the adapter to get it running?

Edit: Iris function is well! :-)

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 2nd, 2014, 12:41 PM
Hi!
I get my Commlite today and it works, but ONLY manuell, no AF! Did anyone knows or is a "tricky way" possible by mounting the adapter to get it running?

Edit: Iris function is well! :-)

AF does not work with any of the EF - NEX adapters. I mentioned it in post #8. (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-nex-ea50-all-variants/525033-cheapo-nex-canon-ef-lens-adaptor-f-control.html#post1862256) I hear it works a little with the Metabones adapter but I hear it does not work good enough to use for filming. I knew that going in. I wanted better quality footage by using some Canon glass. I have levers on my Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 thanks to Chris that works awesome in allowing me to manually adjust focus and zoom.

Serggio Lamas
October 3rd, 2014, 04:21 AM
hello
with this adapter will I have full control f iris f stop with any lens?
not interested Autofocus.

http://www.amazon.de/Commlite-Focus-EF-NEX-EF-EMOUNT-Adapter/dp/B00LM2G8GK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1411292293&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=Signstek+Auto+Focus+EF-NEX+EF-EMOUNT+FX+Lens+Mount+Adapter+for+Canon

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 3rd, 2014, 06:20 PM
hello
with this adapter will I have full control f iris f stop with any lens?
not interested Autofocus.

Commlite Auto Focus EF-NEX EF-EMOUNT FX Lens Mount: Amazon.de: Kamera (http://www.amazon.de/Commlite-Focus-EF-NEX-EF-EMOUNT-Adapter/dp/B00LM2G8GK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1411292293&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=Signstek+Auto+Focus+EF-NEX+EF-EMOUNT+FX+Lens+Mount+Adapter+for+Canon)

Yes if you put your cam into full manual. In my opinion it does well at auto iris. I use it with auto iris and i manually focus and zoom. I have the Commlite and the Viltrox NEX II adapters. As far as function they are exactly the same to me. the Commlite is a little cheaper. i just worry a little about the felt on the inner rim of the Commlite. i feel at some point it may shed and get particles on my sensor. That is just me being me though. So ai mainly use the Viltrox NEX II. I have the Commlite as a back up for the time being.

Serggio Lamas
October 4th, 2014, 12:54 AM
Thanks Aaron
care if it works in manual iris?
the VILTROX EF-NEX II

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 4th, 2014, 05:31 AM
Thanks Aaron
care if it works in manual iris?
the VILTROX EF-NEX II

I would assume that it would work in manual but I can not confirm that as of yet. I have always used it in auto. but if you are looking for an adapter to use in total manual you may like that adapter Chris Harding uses - Here @ Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Adapter-Built--Aperture-Camera/dp/B005ODK5LC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1412422358&sr=8-11&keywords=EF+-+NEX+Lens+adapter) Chris swears by this one where he uses the iris ring to adjust manually.

Serggio Lamas
October 4th, 2014, 06:06 AM
Thanks Aaron
When you have time, please see if you got the adapter work and manual from the washer cameras?

Wolfgang Wally
October 4th, 2014, 12:54 PM
hello
with this adapter will I have full control f iris f stop with any lens?
not interested Autofocus.

Commlite Auto Focus EF-NEX EF-EMOUNT FX Lens Mount: Amazon.de: Kamera (http://www.amazon.de/Commlite-Focus-EF-NEX-EF-EMOUNT-Adapter/dp/B00LM2G8GK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1411292293&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=Signstek+Auto+Focus+EF-NEX+EF-EMOUNT+FX+Lens+Mount+Adapter+for+Canon)

this is the same i mean in post #7 and #13 - no AF but well Iris!

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 4th, 2014, 06:34 PM
Thanks Aaron
When you have time, please see if you got the adapter work and manual from the washer cameras?

Will do...

this is the same i mean in post #7 and #13 - no AF but well Iris!

I think head is more concerned with be able to adjust the iris in full manual to see if there is any issues or conflicts with it.

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 12th, 2014, 01:22 AM
Hi Serggio,

I have to first eat some crow and say that Chris Harding was right about using the dumb adapter with aperture control ring. I got to my big wedding shoot today and when I went out to film the releasing of the doves I noticed a some issues with the auto aperture of the adapter I was using.

In auto Iris Mode...

1. The aperture did not close down enough for the outside shooting.
2. When I went back inside it did not open up enough and seemed stuck. Once I cycled power it went back to working again properly indoors.

So, I was using the Viltrox NEX II Adapter. I also have the Commlite but I was not going to try it as I'm convinced that they will perform the same seeing that it looks as if they have the same firmware. So I wanted to make sure I updated this thread with my findings. The auto aperture does not work well outside. I'm now going after the Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount Adapter with Built-in Aperture Iris ring (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ODK5LC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2WJSG8PESSOZG&coliid=I2OU0MGKHGC52W) after this experience. I'm sure I can find it cheaper Ebay.

So, Chris you were right and my hat off to you sir! To everyone else that want to use these AF adapters be cautious to extreme lighting conditions as it seem they can not adjust properly in too low of light or too high level of light. When i'm indoors it works fine. But I do not want to get caught in this situation again. So I will be selling the Viltrox NEX II and getting a Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount Adapter with Built-in Aperture Iris ring (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ODK5LC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2WJSG8PESSOZG&coliid=I2OU0MGKHGC52W)


Edit: Serggio, to answer your question, I'm not sure as of yet. I put the cam in full manual and adjusted the ISO to a good point and started shooting. I'm not to verse on aperture settings just yet. Will find out more soon.

Chris Harding
October 12th, 2014, 04:02 AM
No need to apologise Aaron... I have seen many posts where the iris also jumps for no reason so what happens is you get a glitch in the footage. Any dumb adapter actually works well but just remember it's up to YOU now to remember to stop down when outside. However if you don't all is not lost as the camera will just crank up the shutter speed. What I do is just watch when the shutter starts going up and then stop down until it's around 100 or even 200 ...that also allows you to move into the shade and let the shutter drop to 50 without having to apply gain.

I did something just as horrific on Friday at a wedding!! The bride was rushing me to do the stedicam shoot so I quickly changed lenses on the b-cam and went and did the stedicam shoot. It was really bright so I couldn't see the LCD in the sun that well but everything looked normal.

When I looked at the footage, the wind had blown 3 pieces of freshly mown grass at the Church into the sensor area while I changed lenses and I now have all the footage with 3 neat blotches in the sky area. I tested the camera again but of course by then the debris had fallen off and the sensor was clean. Bummer as I cannot shoot it again!

When is your world champ wedding shoot? Or have you already done it??

Chris

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 12th, 2014, 03:40 PM
Hi Chris,

The boxing champ wedding was the one I just described. it was yesterday. They went outside to release doves and it was a very bright day and....

Sorry to hear about your sensor issue. may be you can scale the footage to where the blemishes are off screen if it is just The sky. I know that is a conundrum to have to do that and not have the scenery you wanted but...

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 12th, 2014, 04:16 PM
Any dumb adapter actually works well ...

I have read a few reviews saying that the full frame lenses maybe a little too heavy for the some dumb adapters. From what i was reading is that the release button eventually stops working and the adapter stops locking in the lens. So i would rather get one that someone has used and had no issues with.

...but just remember it's up to YOU now to remember to stop down when outside. However if you don't all is not lost as the camera will just crank up the shutter speed. What I do is just watch when the shutter starts going up and then stop down until it's around 100 or even 200 ...that also allows you to move into the shade and let the shutter drop to 50 without having to apply gain

This is my next area to learn. I have to get a better handle on how to adjust the aperture in manual. As of right now i really only have tried adjusting the ISO and Gain. Another thing that kind of throws me off is the shutter speed. I'm not sure why adjust.

Aaron Jones Sr.
October 12th, 2014, 04:28 PM
I Found this in my search so far:

http://www.petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2012/10/graphic.jpg



with a minimal explanation here: A Great Graphic for Understanding How ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed Work (http://petapixel.com/2012/10/03/a-great-graphic-for-understanding-how-iso-aperture-and-shutter-speed-work/)

Chris Harding
October 12th, 2014, 06:28 PM
I seriously use mine in full auto! It works perfectly!! Just switch to full auto on the camera and based on the fact that a manual lens in on the front it will control just shutter and ISO automatically. If shutter starts to ramp up seriously to anyone over 1/400 or more I then stop down the iris manually . When I go inside and the shutter drops to 1/50th I then simply open the iris ... it's best to try and keep the iris stopped down as much as you can. That way you have a decent DOF. I would much rather have my lens at F4 inside with 12 or even 18db of gain at a wedding ceremony than keeping the lens at F2.8 at no gain as the DOF then becomes a lot more critical.

Chris