Original video on Yoku (copied on Youtube for better performance)

Yes guys you are reading it right: [shoplink 43784 ebay]Techart[/shoplink] developed an M-mount to E-mount autofocus adapter! Just play the video above to see it at work. See it to believe it! As you see the adapter moves on the Z-axis to focus the image. Thechart is known for making the [shoplink 43784 ebay]Contax G to E-mount autofocus adapter (here on eBay)[/shoplink]. But there is yet no info about when they will sell the new M-mount autofocus adapter.

All development details can be read at Xitek. Here are some info about the adapter translated by our reader Chan (Thanks!):

Since we started developing FE mount autofocus adapters a few years ago, we always hoped to develop something that allows autofocus for Leica M mount lens. We weighed a few options, and finally decided to use an autofocus system that is similar to Contax AX, meaning a change in flange focal distance. It’s now put it test, and it has pretty good results on the A7R2. The focus sound is soft, and the focus is fast and accurate. The compatibility is also good as well, as the 7 M-mount lens we have worked well with the camera. We would start producing some adapters and give it out for tests.

1. It works best with A7II and A7rII (It should work with other E-mount cameras but we cannot guarantee the outcome)
2. It is compatible with ALL [shoplink 43785 ebay]M-mount lenses (Leica, Voigtlander, Zeiss)[/shoplink] (You don’t need to hold the lens if it’s under 300g, but you need to if it’s over 300g)
3. Manual aperture
4. EXIF, use the app to save 10 sets into the adapter, it should note down the aperture and shutter speed
5. The adapter will move the lens for 4.5mm
6. Support AF-S and AF-C
7. It should have macro
8. If Contax CY-M and leica R-M adapters are used, CY and R-mount lens will have autofocus too

We will recruit members from the forum to test it. Stayed tuned.

And here we are again: The Sony A7rII got again selected as camera of the year by an important photography site/magazine: Popular Photography writes:

Last night at the PMDA awards ceremony held at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, the Sony A7R II was announced as the 2015 Camera of the Year. There was quite a bit of competition for the title, but when it comes right down to it, the A7R II’s mix of high-level performance and boundary-pushing technology made it the final choice.

Sony A7rII store links: [shopcountry 43671]

Sony announced new XQD and SD cards. And before we talk about those there is an interesting note on the press text:

“In addition to the new XQD-M series,  Sony offers XQD-G series which is able to record up to 200 frames in continuous burst shooting with the latest high-speed cameras including models like Nikon’s D5*.
*(FX format 14bit lossless compressed RAW mode. For details, visit http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/index.htm)“

Means of course that Sony was well aware of the Nikon D5 launch and probably even made the sensor for the camera?

And now to the new cards press text:

Park Ridge, N.J., January 6, 2016 – Sony is expanding its lineup of memory card options for professionals to include newer and faster XQD and SD media, as well as card readers for the XQD and SD formats, and an XQD USB adapter, all designed to support the latest high-performance DSLR cameras like Nikon D5 or D500.

Sony’s newest SD cards, SF-M series, are UHS-II supported cards optimized for digital imaging devices including professional, DSLR and mirrorless cameras.  With high-speeds up to 260MB/s (read) and 100MB/s (write), SF-M series contributes quick data transfer to and from a PC with Sony’s new UHS-II supporting card reader, which maximizes SF-M series’ performance.

Both new media offerings are extremely dependable and durable, dust-proof, X-Ray proof, anti-static and magnet proof to protect the most sensitive photo and video content.  Downloadable File Rescue Software aids in the recovery of photos and videos that may have been deleted, including RAW images, MOV files and 4K XAVC-S video files.

“As digital imaging cameras become more advanced, capturing larger high resolution files, the demand increases for faster and more efficient ways to manage photo and video data, giving shooters peace of mind they’ll never miss a critical shot,” said Darin Scott, President of Sony’s AMEG, Americas Media and Energy Group.  “These latest media options allow files to be transferred and backed up even more seamlessly and efficiently, offering users the flexibility and convenience to embrace workflows that frequently require the need for content in real-time.”

Vello announced a new Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord for Sony Cameras with Multi Interface Shoe. You can buy it now for $29 at BHphoto (Click here). Here is the description:

The 3′ Vello Off-Camera TTL Flash Cord provides creative photographers with the ability to remotely fire Sony flashes with ADI / P-TTL capabilities and the Multi Interface Shoe. Removing the flash from the camera’s hot shoe allows the photographer to create unique and dramatic lighting styles that are not possible with a traditional shoe-mounted strobe. This coiled cord measures 3′, which is enough distance to accommodate hand-held lighting styles, or when keeping the flash mounted on a compact flash bracket. Also, off-camera lighting reduces the harsh shadows commonly encountered with direct on-camera flashes and gives your photographs a more natural look.
One side of the TTL cable fits directly into the camera’s hot shoe to ensure that all of the camera’s exposure data is maintained. The other side can be attached to any stand, tripod, or device with a standard 1/4″-20 threaded stud or flash shoe mount and the shoe has a locking knob to ensure your equipment is secure.

It’s good news to see Nikon releasing the Nikon D5 and Nikon D500. Not because I want to buy those, but because this will set the standard very high if Sony plans to release a new High End A99 successor and eventually a new A9 Full Frame E-mount series.
It was also surprising to see that Nikon aggressively underlined the mirrorelss weaknesses (See video here from minute 8:00). While some of the points they make are exaggerated Sony has to learn a couple of things from the Nikon camera release:

– Pro photographers need a reliable camera (no lag on operation, easy menu and so on)
– Pro photographers need a reliable autofocus (no missing autofocus shot, no EVF lag time)
– Pro photographers need a bigger body (better balance, better and less fiddly button position)

So dear Sony, just give us a Mirrorless D5 alike camera. Nikon priced it at $6,500 and I am sure for that price you can surely make an exceptional camera!

Gary Friedman sent me this:

Here’s my latest product idea for people who shoot with Sony’s new flashes:
https://goo.gl/photos/a9mxo6FpmYirPH2o8
This is a mock-up of low-profile, high-strength hot shoe adapters for Sony’s new MiS hot shoe. Now I can go back to carelessly throwing my flash into my camera bag without worry of bending those vulnerable pins or losing that tiny plastic cover. (Again.)
While I’m in Vegas covering CES for f2 Cameracraft I’m going to see if there is a manufacturer willing to take this on.
Feel free to share! :-)  I have no idea what the market size for this would be… hopefully your audience could let me know if this is something they would benefit from.