(SR5) The revolution is coming: NEX adapter with built-in translucent mirror!
Image on top shows an adpater with built-in mirror from Leica (something similar is coming from Sony now!)
Is this the end of DSLR-SLT cameras? That is the first sentence that came into my mind when I read the following rumor: According to my very best sources Sony is ready to launch a special Alpha to E-mount adapter with built-in translucent mirror and phase detection AF system!!! This means you can transform every NEX camera in a perfect A-mount compatible system! Something similar has been made by Leica with the Visoflex (Click here to see that adapter on eBay). The electronic viewfinder is not included on the adapter (you can attach it separately on the hotshoe). I don’t know the price yet, but it will definitely be much more expensive than the current simple Sony Alpha LAEA1 Alpha to E-mount adapter.
This could be the first step of major revolution that will make the classic DSLR (or SLT) obsolete. In a couple of years there might be mirrorless cameras only on the market. Going a huge step forwared (with my imagination) Sony could also develop adapters with built-in Optical viewfinder system! Wouldn’t that be cool? So you could have three cameras in one, Mirrorless (NEX), SLT (with EVF) and DSLR (with OVF). Ok ok, I know I am dreaming for now, but in my opinion that’s the way to go Sony!!!
But let’s make a step back, I know for sure that Sony will make SLT cameras for the next years (A77, A99 and so on). So those of you that still do prefer the “classic” camera design should not worry.
But I want to hear what you think about that “rumor”:
Loading ...Useful links:
The Leica Visoflex on eBay (Click here).
The current A to E mount adapter at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
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(SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!
mf
2 years ago |Anti Climax! hahaha
but I do like the idea though!
Chris Lewis
2 years ago |Anti-climax, yes but in a good way. I had fears that Sony were up to something we would all live to regret.
This is a small, but beautifully formed, concept which if it works well would make a very nice addition to my NEX experience and would enable people like me who like candid work to make better use of my longer Alpha lenses.
I hope it isn’t expensive and I hope we don’t have to wait for a year or two to get our hands on one.
santela
2 years ago |Honestly though, if they make something like this how is it gonna be more compact than a SLR camera? I don’t see any advantage in this thing other than the fact that now u can use both A-mount and E-mount lenses on the same camera.
Amateur Sony Shooter
2 years ago |If the adapter is only little bigger (thicker) than LA-EA, and provide SLT level of AF performance, I still think many people will buy into NEX system. It’s like have 2 cameras in one package. Of course, if you prefer good handling with A-mount lenses, SLT is the better choice.
Canikon killer? Don’t think so.
Wirralpix
2 years ago |It has to be deep enough to house a translucent mirror so it won’t be compact.
El Aura
2 years ago |The depth is given by the flange difference between the A and E-mount. It cannot be of any other depth, it will be exactly as deep as existing A to E-mount adaptors. Its diameter (or height and width) might not be compact but the length is given.
Amateur Sony Shooter
2 years ago |On second thought, there are few issues remain: supose this “modular” approach is a good idea, the cost of NEX body is not much lower than SLT body, while each generation NEX has better image sensor but that SLT AF adapter is not going to be as good as newer SLT camera (more AF points, cross & double cross points). So Sony will have to make new SLT AF adapter again. This will add significant cost to buyers, not to mention compromised handling.
The idea is very fresh and I give Sony full credit for thinking outside of box, but in practical I see limited apearl in market place. PDAF on sensor is the only way to retire old mirror system.
john
2 years ago |YUP
Mirrorless is the future.
Sony already have mirrorless offerings..NEX line.
So why would ADDING a mirror to a mirrorless system be considered progress?
Vastly improved CDAF or PDAF on sensor is the way to go.
SLT is great but just a stop gap solution.
Frosti7
2 years ago |because CDAF cant provide continuse AF as PDAF can, and now u can use both on nEX
El Aura
2 years ago |That assumes that:
(a) upgrading both NEX camera and PD-AF module together will be more expensive than upgrading your all-in-one SLT camera (possible but not guaranteed)
(b) being able to upgrade AF and sensor at different intervals will not have benefits for the users (upgrade only what you care about most)
CRYO
2 years ago |Agreed PDAF on sensor is the future, believe SONY’s R&D does going this way, but this tech takes time to refine, so SLT is the transit, eventually both A and E mount will be mirrorless, in sensor PDAF, live viewed, and with optional EVF.
A mount is limited by heritage, but with E mount, they can try many new things out of the box.
Don Cox
2 years ago |It will certainly have limited appeal, but that applies to all specialised accessories. Put the accessories together and you have a system rather than just a camera.
Are there any figures for total sales of NEX cameras? I guess if one NEX user in 500 buys one of these adaptors, they will sell enough to be worth while.
El Aura
2 years ago |“other than the fact that now u can use both A-mount and E-mount lenses on the same camera”
Which is the whole point, you don’t need to buy and carry two cameras.
emarsh
2 years ago |Well, isn’t that an advantage? If you don’t want to use a manount lenses, then don’t buy this adapter. Then you have a nex just like you had before this adapter, no skin off anyone’s back.
emarsh
2 years ago |That’s “A – Mount Lenses” not amanount.
Leo
2 years ago |Interesting. Please be compatible with NEX-7!
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |Gah!! I was close
Sounds cool – rather obvious line to be going down really
Mike
2 years ago |No revolution. Do you really imagine people taking pictures using a NEX camera and such an adapter, particularly if it looks like the one on the screenshot?
Don Cox
2 years ago |It is easy to imagine people using such an adaptor. Wildlife films are an obvious application, especially of smaller creatures.
I see no reason why independent makers cannot bring out versions for Nikon or Canon lenses. There are no moving parts or electronics involved. They just need a source of semi-reflecting mirrors.
On the other hand, for many jobs the new viewfinder or live view may be better.
Mike
2 years ago |I should have written: “any significant number of persons” instead of “people”
SonyA77
2 years ago |I’m with mf, anti-climax…
Brendon
2 years ago |So we get a sleek, slim NEX camera with a big bulky adapter and an even bigger bulkier lens attached to it ? Sounds like an ergonomic nightmare !
I suppose it will be useful to some people though I wish Sony would concentrate on strengthening the Sony NEX lens line up instead.
My December
2 years ago |Isn’t option #1 and #3 in the poll is the same?
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |Not really – No. 3 is for people who are buying a NEX as their main camera anyway. No. 1 is for people who were going to buy an SLR/T but this makes NEX a viable alternative so now may be preferable.
NEX5
2 years ago |Yeah, nice idea, but it’s not what i expected… I have a NEX and I don’t see a reason to buzy something like this. We’d be happier if they concentrated on making more native E-mount lenses and creating PDAF.
Steve
2 years ago |+1
Yet another bit of stuff to expand the e-mount system, when in fact it doesn’t – it just turns it into an slt a-mount. And if I had wanted an slt, I would have bought one and not the nex.
Besides anything else, it’s likely that an NEX + slt converter will weigh more than an slt so it won’t steal sales from slt or mean the death of slt at all. And people ho buy NEX do so for the size, so they won’t want this either.
This is about as revolutionary as 0.45x wide angle lens converters = CRAP no-one uses.
I really hope this rumor proves false.
kchchow
2 years ago |I always say that unlike N and C, Sony has no baggage from its DSLR heritage. And hence, mirrorless is always the killer form for Sony to knock others off the perch.
in some way, this make the NEX a bit like GXR, with the NEX body being the main body and this adapter a mid-module. Of course, the advantage is not to have to buy a new sensor every time!!
also, now w/ this adaptor in place, NEX can go FF more readily. A NEX-FF will serve the existing A900 fans as well as being a leica-killer for classic lens user.
But then, the big question is: how much would the whole setup cost?
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“in some way, this make the NEX a bit like GXR” – not really. It makes it a camera with ’60s adapter.
“Of course, the advantage is not to have to buy a new sensor every time!!” – I think you misunderstood the rumor. Adapter won’t have sensor in it. Also it won’t make E-bayonet suddenly full-frame compatible.
“being a leica-killer for classic lens user” – Leica users won’t even consider it. That’s totally different target. Miles away from NEX or even: NEX with adapter from previous epoch.
mugen
2 years ago |If it can work with screw driven lenses will be great, Someone know that ?
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |Good point!
santela
2 years ago |As a NEX shooter this does not excite me.
However, this may mean that we will possibly see full frame NEX cameras? (AKA Leica M9 killer?) Now that’s revolutionary!
And I think Sony is behind on developing lenses for E-mount, so instead of actually coming out with any good native NEX lenses, they are just gonna give us a goofy looking huge ass adapter, and tell us to go buy their A-mount crap. GREAT.
Edgars
2 years ago |I’m not sure it makes SLT cameras obsolete. Ergonomics, two card slots, larger battery etc. is advantages of SLT/DSLR.
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |But this makes NEX an attractive option as a backup – though maybe not quite as intuitive, it CAN do all the things my main camera can do & when i’m traveling light i can strip it down to take with me. Saves me having to buy two cameras to do two different jobs
For the first time i am interested in the NEX line – i will have to see how it works in reality of course, but a no brainer for Sony IMHO
C
2 years ago |lol. Maybe my 50mm f/1.8 will take less then 7 seconds to focus.
As much as I want this I think I’ll have to pass. On the VG10 the kit lens works perfect for when I need AF, otherwise pulling focus is good enough.
Don Cox
2 years ago |I’m not sure the revival of a 50-year old gadget is a revolution, but this is obviously going to be useful to those who own both types of Sony camera.
A plain ground glass screen with a magnifying finder (looking downward) would probably be most useful in practice – better than an electronic finder. Grid lines on the screen (or easily changeable screens) would help.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“this is obviously going to be useful to those who own both types of Sony camera.” – yep, exactly. And that’s where it’s usefulness ends.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Would you like it to make your dinner too?
john
2 years ago |Unless future adapter adapters could be made to support AF in other mounts.
MajorTom123
2 years ago |Will it have screw drive? Or SSM/SAM only?
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |P.S. Andrea – what about an option of purchasing a NEX AS WELL as an SLT on the survey?
I doubt i’ll be moving away fom my big chunky cameras for purely handling & feel purposes &, although NEX is nice, i’ve never been that taken with it because of lens selection with AF issues so have not wanted to buy one prior to this.
This makes NEX a much more versitile & usable backup option – pretty pocketable with an E-mount lens for light travel but fully usable as a backup to your main A-mount camera – 2 cameras in one to save the pennies
P.S. Keep up the great work!
Stewe
2 years ago |Useless piece of shit. It’s not revolutionary, it’s really stupid. It’s like crutches. Just buy a77/65/35/33 if you want slt.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |Revolutionary? Bleah…. boring. I’m disappointed. Hoped it’d be something… revolutionary, or at least: something that would apply also to the SLRs.
admin
2 years ago |No Anticlimax. I told you the rumor is small. What’s big is the future behind that new product! I think this is the very first and concrete step that will make DSLR cameras obsolete. Of course all it is a long path and there will be future improvements to make.
So please don’t focus on the adapter onky. See the change that will come in future!
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“I think this is the very first and concrete step that will make DSLR cameras obsolete.” – hehehe, no way it’d ever happen. You know the history of cameras? You know the history of these adapters, their purpose?
They didn’t made anything to big cameras in past, even though at the time small cameras used same size of sensor as their big brothers. Now the small cameras are lagging even more behind the big one than just ergonomics – these days they are limited to the small sensor.
Many people here foreseeing the immediate death of traditional cameras have no slightest idea on what’s going on.
I have first-hand info that Sony doesn’t plan to remove Alpha mount not change it’s role in regard to E-mount, and your recent confirmation that the NEX-7 will be “X100 alike” only reassured me in that. NEX will remain as system in-between compact cameras and SLRs (whatever they would be SLT or DSLR) offering DSLR sensors in small package and smaller lenses. Adapter you see will help the A-mount photographers when they cannot take large camera (weight limitations) but need to use A-mount lenses, as well as – most importantly – it’ll be a solution for FS100 & VG10 shooters to the huge lack in lenses offer. (simple: It’s easier to make adapter than new lenses)
It’s in now way a product with the “big future behind“. It’s a solution for huge lacks in Sony offer currently.
Definitely it won’t “break the camel’s back” – maybe it will hurt the sales of Canon and Nikon mirrorless system a bit, but in now way gonna do any harm to them beyond that.
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |Pretty condemning but kind of where my line of thought is going – great for the FS100 & VG10 users – they can have speedy AF with a decent range of lenses. Interesting for A-mount only owners as they can buy a NEX as a pocket camera yet use it properly with their A-mount lenses when the need arises.
Much of a market or future beyond that….? I doubt it.
Looking at it from the other direction – people upgrading to NEX from P&S or have downsized from their entry level DSLR with kit lens (which i imagine is the vast majority of NEX users) – I really dont see any of them going for this. IF they do buy another lens it will perhaps be an upgraded zoom, perhaps a macro or even an old lens for novelty value.
If they are thinking of getting more serious with their photography they will buy an SLR/T if only for the LOOK of it – imagine turning up for a pro photoshoot with a little NEX & adaptor – you would probably be told to stuff off, even if it is capable of getting the shot. Image is everything!
I’d imagine you could quite effectively design websites with a £300 laptop from Argos with some beefed up internals – can you imagine wanting a new website & turning up to meet your guy & he has this weedy looking 13″ laptop…
Myst
2 years ago |well, considering that olympus made a killer contrast AF system, i would say that’s a more convenient way to go, you have a very fast AF, no translucent mirror to block light, and no mirror to add vibration. Besides contrast AF is more accurate than Phase detect, their only problem is the sensor itself, not really up to Sony’s sensors.
emopunk
2 years ago |EDIT
Marc
2 years ago |There is definitely a market for that adapter. And I think it’s a good thing that Sony is trying out new things and thinking outside of the box.
Nevertheless I’m still going to buy an SLT camera, either the A65 or the A35 (Andrea, more rumors about the specs and price of the A65 please).
There will be more and more new SLT models coming out than SLR models. And the trend is moving to completely mirrorless cameras. But the SLT/SLR cameras will be around for many years, don’t worry about a dying system.
I’m not worried about buying an SLT model in the next months and the newer, mirrorless technology flooding the market. I’m staying with my A-mount lenses and I prefer an SLT/SLR camera built for those lenses to a nice-looking and slim NEX with a bulky attached adapter.
Wirralpix
2 years ago |Why would you buy a NEX and then want it to behave like an SLT?
kchchow
2 years ago |second thought. the advantage of this over the previous LAEA1 adapter is only AF speed?
Then, I am not sure. Surely as technology advances, AF speed for NEX will improve to a point that the difference is not worth forging out for this.
If the purpose is for an OVF, then why not just get a normal DSLR?
Chris Lewis
2 years ago |It wouldn’t replace a FF SLT or DSLR for me unless there was a FF NEX. That said, I still think the Alpha cameras and the NEX cameras are very much like the Leica R and Leica M ranges which serviced very different needs.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“Alpha cameras and the NEX cameras are very much like the Leica R and Leica M ranges which serviced very different needs.” – Exactly. So: Alpha-doombringers – forget about it.
El Aura
2 years ago |And what is the equivalent of the SLT cameras? R or M?
Digital sensors and electronic viewfinders really do change the game. Why buy a SLT nowadays over a mirrorless in the Panasonic G3 form factor? PD AF + legacy lenses.
Why buy a SLT over a Panasonic G3-type of camera which includes such a PD module?
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“Why buy a SLT over a Panasonic G3-type of camera which includes such a PD module?” – ergonomics, full support for A-mount accessories, proper balance of body+lens set. There’s no reason to buy G3+adapter really – big, looks ugly, chunky, incompatible with accessories, poor ergonomics, poor balance with lenses, lack of Full Frame option… list goes on.
El Aura
2 years ago |So, you already have seen a G3 with such an adaptor to know that it is big, looks ugly, chunky, incompatible with accessories, poor ergonomics, poor balance with lenses?
Did you ever see a camera with a TC+lens? Did it look big, ugly, chunky and had poor ergonomics and poor balance?
Such a module by definition has the depth of existing mount adaptors. And nobody forces them to make the mirror cover fully the frame, it can be much smaller if it covers only the area that current (D)SLR PD systems cover.
You seem to imply that using a lens such the Olympus 43 35-100 mm f/2 on, eg, a Panasonic G3 (with adaptor) is always going to be so inferior to using it with an, eg, Olympus E3 that anybody wanting to use low DOF lenses (ie, largish lenses that really benefit from PD-AF) will never be happy with a smallish body like a G3, adaptor or no adaptor, and will anyway get a DSLR (or maybe SLT). In short that nobody will ever use a large lens on a small body and thus such adaptors are pointless.
And what does Full Frame have to do with this? Do you mean that any product that is not FF is useless anyway?
Very weak
2 years ago |This is a very very very weak rumor…
I have expected some TRULY mindblowing technical revolution like:
- serious increase in dinamic range (from 10-12 stop to above 20 without HDR trick)
- higher + noise free iso, like 100K (102400), 200K, 400K, 800K, 1600K
- new mindblowing CMOS Foveon like sensor with global shutter, made from black silicon (see http://www.tomshardware.com/news/black-silicon-photography,6485.html)
- ultra new lenses with zero distortion, zero cromatic aberration, and constant sharpness in the full zoom range, also from f/1.0 to f/22
- 4k or 8k raw video with maximum 240 fps
So this news… this NEX adapter… is nothing. It wasn’t worth waiting in the past few days.
Wake me up when something brilliant new technology will be in the rumors.
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |REALLY!!! Go to sleep & wake up in a few years if you want that kind of revolutionary jump…
P.s. some of those will NEVER happen so it may be a very long sleep…
Timbah
2 years ago |If they do this with different mounts (Nikon, Pentax and all the Medium Formats are possible, Canons are not really) then they could gain a lot new users who don’t want to give up their existing system but would like a secondary camera… or Nex as primary but to be able to use existing lenses from other systems.
Totalreader
2 years ago |If sony has told goodbye to Bayer and hello Global Shutter is there would be a revolution.
And so – next gadget, no more
john
2 years ago |Not the end of A-mount by any means but should help shake up the mirrorless market.
Except for the what, 3! E-mount lenses now both camera lines lose 1/3 of a stop.
Sure will plug the gaping hole in E-mount lens lineup though.
This could be revolutionary IF they make similar adapters for Canon/Nikon/Pentax/Leica so they too auto focus.
I’d much rather have PDAF on sensor OR much improved CDAF and do away with all mirrors.
Mike
2 years ago |Didn’t Sony reps state like 90% of all DSLR buyers never even buy additional lenses? I guess that number more or less also applies to NEX users. Then how are they expecting any significant number of people buying such obscure adapters?
Without mass-production and any competition, the price will stay high which makes it also little attractive for power users.
saiman
2 years ago |I fully agree with the admin here…. that IS the way to go! The key is here providing more choice. How can that be anti-climax? It’s an awesome news, Andrea!
However, I will still buy an SLT, and let the NEX system grow more matured before I buy.
But Sony is surely set on the right path, and I can see very bright future ahead.
Btw, admin, do you know if this adapter will support the screwdrive AF? Or, are we still talking about SAM and SSM only?
Lastly, given the ongoing Japan crisis, I think it is understandable the delay in releasing new NEX lenses. I hope people of the NEX camp would be patient, and enjoy the A-mount and the third party lenses for a while.
Bernd
2 years ago |Funny how almost every camera specific invention of the last 70+ years seems to be re-invented now and sold to the public as a great step forward. Maybe next week Sony is going to offer a large black cloth to put over camera and photographer’s head as the perfect way to make the display picture clearly visible even in bright sunlight
FullFrame NEX (24x36)!
2 years ago |Kick butt, Sony!!!
Sony is really innovating, Nikon and Canon need to watch out!
Please give us a FullFrame NEX!
A FullFrame NEX combined with this adapter will really put Sony light years ahead of the competition!
Thanks for the post, Andrea!
saiman
2 years ago |Btw… this reminds me about FS100 !!! O.M.G. ..and how it can be transformed into an SLT!!! that is just WOW!!!
Again… i’m adding… this is an amazing news!! … The key part here is modularization of our digital camera…. Buying any E-mount camera will now be like buying a sensor and a processor. Then, you make your custom camera out of it that matches with particular needs of a shoot. Brilliant!
Totalreader
2 years ago |summary price and size of NEX plus adaptor is not interesting in comparison with SLR/SLT
NEX5
2 years ago |The more I think about it, the worst it sounds. It could be interesting for those who allready have A-mount or old Minolta glass, but that’s it.
This will make NEX big and bulky, it will raise the cost, it will remove 1/3 F-stop of light, it will be anoter place that will collect dust to be seen on pictures…
I was hoping Sony will anounce PDAF on sensor or very fast CDAF and global shutter. Now that wolud be revolution! To get away from mirrors and all mechanical parts of camera. It would reduce cost and make the camera smaller and lighter.
Who wants to buy NEX and make it big with adaptor and A-lenses?
Who wants to buy NEX and make it behave like SLT or SLR? Then just buy pure SLT or SLR?
NEX users need native lenses, especially pancakes. Mirror is gonna dissapear sooner or later, and I don’t want to buy A-lenses. When I want to play with lenses there are numerous adapters for old manual lenses and they cost next to nothing on ebay.
Miroslav
2 years ago |Way to go Sony! A revolution indeed. They should have made that in the first place instead of SLT line.
Is this the end of DSLR-SLT cameras?
Yes. If that thing make lenses work as well as A55, then why would anyone buy a SLT or DSLR? Ergonomically, NEX need bigger bodies to make that combo look normal.
I hope other manufacturers follow with their adapters.
@Andrea – when will that adapter be available?
El Aura
2 years ago |What if you want a small package with wide-angle and standard zooms and primes but also fast AF with tele lenses?
You seem to imply to get two camera and lens systems. This feels a bit like saying that if you for some occasions want a camera without a battery grip and for others one with a grip, you should best get two cameras (instead of a camera with a removable grip).
Of course, the ergonomics of a camera with a built-in grip are better as will be the ones of a SLT camera but are they better enough to warrant the purchase of a second camera (+ overlapping lenses)?
Miroslav
2 years ago |“You seem to imply to get two camera and lens systems.”
No, but NEX need bigger bodies as well to balance better with bigger lenses. Ever seen NEX-5 with 18-200 lens? Sony has to make full range of bodies, like Panasonic does: from GF3 to GH2.
Milan
2 years ago |Would it also work with the Nex FS-100?
john
2 years ago |I can’t believe I shaved my legs for this.
NEXfive
2 years ago |…best comment so far
Valdemar
2 years ago |I am interested in the NEX system because of its small size and image quality. Seems Sony is doing everything they can to add weight to their bodies: this adapter, the bulky upcoming lenses, the existing A mount adapter, etc.
They seem unaware about the “always with you” potential the NEX would have with Leica M size glass.
snrvl2
2 years ago |Leica started making the Visoflex in 1934 and stopped doing so in 1964 (they had a decent slr by that time). Obviously they realized that either for macro or long lens telephotography a dedicated SLR was far more useful then a RF with some form of adapter.
i do not see any reason for Sony to more or less copy the idea. both macro and long tele is not where you buy a NEX for. and if you still want to use it that way you are better of with a tripod and some hood for the LCD panel to be able to focus accurately.
the whole idea of a body that can accept a lot of different glass through adapters is more or less a marketing gimmick suitable to lure owners of legacy equipment into buying a NEX – i wonder how many of them in the long term will use legacy glass.
NEX is a system that stands on it’s own, aimed at two distinct groups of people: those that want to move up from a simple P&S and people who bought a dslr and are not having the success with it that they thought. a third group are the hobbyists that have other glass and use it with a adapter – but that is a minority that is willing and able to live with the restrictions the use of a adapter brings about.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“a third group are the hobbyists that have other glass and use it with a adapter – but that is a minority” – it is a minority in systems like m4/3 or NX. In Sony E system I dare to say that it’s about half of users if not more. Sony has too small offer to lure people only on current lenses, but they lure them with largest amount of possible adapters, including adapters to other mirrorless systems, like m4/3 itself.
It’s a great thing never the less, as it plays huge role in educating people in photography and many folks do manual focusing first time in their life with NEX & lenses through adapters.
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |I see quite a few Nex cameras about but have NEVER seen one without either of the kit lenses attached….
On online forums there may be a few who use adapted lenses, but out in the real world it will be a tiny percentage – hands up who has seen a NEX with a non E-mount lens out & about (other than in your own hands!)…
Sky_walker
2 years ago |It all depends on a part of the world. Even: country. I used to think Nikon rules the europe as in my City I almost never seen any Canon SLR. When however I went to my first vacations with SLR I noticed that everyone use Canon cameras – there were only 2 Nikons through all my time spent, and it was barely 200km away from my city.
So… the fact you haven’t seen this doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Ah-ha
2 years ago |I guess this is Sony making it easier on themselves by not releasing new NEX lenses but making a huge library available? Easy solution that would take years to solve otherwise. Everyone here is knocking it but it really is a nice way to have the option to use a-mount when you don’t need the compactness (like at home) and take it off when you have to put it in your man purse on your way to yoga class. Can’t do that with an SLT. Revolutionary? According to the dictionary, perhaps. According to SAR readers expecting some fullframe or a77/N7 specs? Nope.
shade
2 years ago |As a 14 year old boy I was excited about a new generation of inline skates that could detach the wheels to use as normal shoes.
I ordered them and by the time I put them on my feet, I felt a rush of disappointment. Too bulky as inline-skates (compared to normal ones), too bulky as shoes (compared to normal ones), the usefulness was there, but they were as far from sexy as anyone can imagine. And it was not the quality, the build quality was fine.
Bottom line, I returned them. I have never again seen someone use them.
Right now I got the same feeling for this “practical addition” to SLTs. It’s lacking so much elegance that consumers/enthusiasts will never use it, and Pros will prefer to buy/carry 2 bodies if they need the utility of both worlds.
El Aura
2 years ago |That is of course the critical question: will a NEX with this adaptor be noticeably inferior in handling to a SLT camera? This seems like a reasonable concern but if it does not add more bulk than a TC would add on a SLT/SLR, this downside could be very minimal.
(If this adaptor will work with existing NEX cameras, the second part of your analogy – skating shoes without the skates – would not be any worse than a pure NEX.)
shade
2 years ago |Yeah, that’s true…..
maybe it’s one of those things that people will buy, use twice and then but it in the closet to all the other toys
deniz
2 years ago |this is what olympus should do. a phase detect 4/3 adapter with optical viewfinder. with just one adapter they can save the 4/3 lens line and expand m4/3 to a whole new concept.
but im not sure why sony would do this. maybe they want to move nex users to a mount by adapting a mount lenses?
El Aura
2 years ago |I don’t think an optical viewfinder would work, look at the position of the focussing screen on existing 43 DLSRs compared to the sensor. If you were to supplant the optical viewfinder system of these cameras onto a m43 camera, it would protrude very much into the camera.
Said differently, superimpose a 43 optical path onto a m43 optical path and you will see that the m43 mount sits square where the 43 mirror sits. And if you wanted to add a mirror on front of the m43 mount it would require the mount to be further pushed out towards the lens, ie, you would a completely new set of lenses again.
Sony is in a better position because the E-mount is, particularly in relative terms, much closer to the sensor.
Alexandre
2 years ago |this is very, very good news, it means A-mount wont die tomorrow and if the Nex-7 became to be a more professional, bigger and ergonómic camera, those who have a huge coleccion of A-mount lens (like me) can take full advantage of this! an
INSTANT SLT AND PHASE DETECTION AF, just by mounting an adapter, lt looks like a future modular system!
thank you Sony, finally you got one right! this is a realy game changer with fantastic possibilities
john
2 years ago |Yes for those with a huge collection of A-mount lenses they can buy a NEX7 ,mirrorless camera, and ADD a mirror.
Alexandre
2 years ago |A-mount and all the SLR’s are dead (we just dont know when the funeral is), SLT’s are a transition model, and when the in sensor PDAF arrives SLT’s will follow the SLR’s to the graveyard, the future will be E-mount, and if they offer me the possibility of taking full advantage of my A-mount lenses in the future that has to be good news!
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“A-mount and all the SLR’s are dead” – they are as much dead as PCs were in 2008. LOL
john
2 years ago |Maybe there is a reason DSLR’s are big.
http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/iphone-slr-mount/
When on sensor PDAF arrives,lose the mirror but not the size.
Go mirrorless A-mount.
FullFrame NEX (24x36)!
2 years ago |I shoot a Nikon D700 and have been using my Sony NEX primarily for Leica/Voigtlander lenses and some legacy lenses I have from other manufacturers.
Sony is getting ready to release (for FullFrame) a new 50mm 1.4, a new 50mm 1.2.
The rumor was reported here on SAR:
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/hot-patent-discloses-a-new-sony-50mm-f1-2-and-f1-4-fast-lens/
(I read somewhere that one or both of the upcoming 50mm’s from Sony are going to feature the concave front element design similar to the old Zeiss Contaflex lenses.)
I love shooting 50mm’s on a FullFrame format. This adapter is great, I’ll definitely be adding new Alpha lenses to my lens collection.
saiman
2 years ago |I must add… Another huge benefit over SLT.
SLT does not allow shooting without the transluscent mirror (i.e. the imaginary flip-up mode is not possible). So, there will always be the loss of 1/3 stop of light and ghosting issues, making photography in some situations un favorable.
But with this new adapter and NEX… you can enjoy the power of SLT, and whenever any situation demands, you can switch back to the current adapter, and use NEX like like an SLT in flip-up mode.
Again… just adding more pro like choice.
And, to all the people worrying about ergonomics and ease of use, I see many people carrying two dslrs for ease of use and not go through the hassel of changing lenses. Whereas, the poor enthusiasts like me live with one camera, and will also never carry two cameras for portability.
Similarly, some will carry a an SLT and a NEX for ease of use. And, some will carry just the NEX and the adapter. That’s how I see it.
john
2 years ago |“SLT does not allow shooting without the transluscent mirror (i.e. the imaginary flip-up mode is not possible). So, there will always be the loss of 1/3 stop of light and ghosting issues, making photography in some situations un favorable.
But with this new adapter and NEX… you can enjoy the power of SLT, and whenever any situation demands, you can switch back to the current adapter, and use NEX like like an SLT in flip-up mode.”
So you would have to buy BOTH adapters to take advantage of AF or no light loss with A-mount lenses.
Sounds Great………for Sony.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“i.e. the imaginary flip-up mode is not possible” – it is possible. Both physically and technically. Ba! there’s more: Flip-up mode was in original patent describing SLT technology, so Sony have thought about that too.
Why we don’t see it now can have few reasons. One of them being a need of leaving some features for next generations of cameras (yes, you never put all gimmicks into your first camera), another being rumored issues with current mirror being too fragile for constant flip-up, even if it’d be available only in single-shot mode. As things progress I’m sure we gonna see it implemented at some point (probably the full frame camera in next year… or at least: I hope so).
john
2 years ago |Slt mirror in its current state is too big to lock upright.
Mirror protrudes outside of lens mount.
It is larger than standard SLR mirror with more acute angle and was designed that way to minimize reflections on sensor as much as possible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ndnuRsm5FQ
Could this be solved in the future? Probably with increased cost and size of camera.
In the mean time the mirror is easily removed for single shot without AF.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDhVkmxaHzw
Jennzhen
2 years ago |Adapter with translucent mirror inside will be more expensive than the current A to E-mount Adapter.
Then you may also want to buy the add-on EVF, which means more $$ to spend.
In the end, it probably makes more sense to buy a-mount camera instead of NEX with those 2 add-ons.
If you just want NEX as backup, but does not want to carry additional NEX lenses in addition to a-mount lenses … then why not buy the smallest and lightest a-mount camera as backup?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a NEX user … and yet the idea of getting a-mount adapter never appeal to me.
If Sony does not release better lenses for NEX, then I will just buy A77/something. Then NEX + kit lens will become the backup.
El Aura
2 years ago |“In the end, it probably makes more sense to buy a-mount camera instead of NEX with those 2 add-ons”
And in the end it might make more sense to buy a Panasonic G3 instead of a GF-X plus a viewfinder. Conclusion: there is no point in Panasonic offering a viewfinder for the GF-x cameras.
(That is following your logic.)
Paul W
2 years ago |Assuming this gives full AF on all A-mount lenses then why not – I’m all for a wider range of system accessories for Sony’s range. Is there a possibility I wonder whether this might also offer mirror lock up on an SLT?
This also sounds like confirmation that there is an accessory EVF coming for the NEX range that is hot shoe mountable (3MP OLED ???)
Amgis
2 years ago |http://sonyalphanex.blogspot.com/2011/03/sony-nex-dslr-via-leica-visoflex.html
Jacky
2 years ago |It is better to have on sensor PDAF or a super fast CDAF.
Adding the translucent mirror will reduce light to the sensor.
Frosti7
2 years ago |one of the best rumors ever.
Finally i can get only the NEX-7 and attach PDAF lens if i need to shoot action/sport during the day, and then in the evening when im going out i’ll just snap a pancake on – and i have a slim/small unoticable camera for social events
Thats basically a multi-functional body, can be either small or big whenevr you choose
Frosti7
2 years ago |btw, i’ve made this mock-up a week ago
http://i54.tinypic.com/2liapaf.jpg
Carl
2 years ago |The sensor needs to be further away. It needs to be equal to 18mm from the back of the adaptor.
Alexandre
2 years ago |yep, i was afraid my 70-400 SSM would die with A-mount, now it will live forever muahahah
Mihai
2 years ago |If this adapter is the first step towards a modular system them it really is a revolution coming. I would love to see something(a NEX) that you can transform it in an Alpha camera with full grip and all else, and then transform it into a video camera or a small rage finder as it best suites you. Just think how nice would be to be able to change just your sensor module or just your auto focus module and so on. It would really be a revolution coming.
Carl
2 years ago |Sony Visoflex. I’m only really interested if it’s paving the way towards a full frame NEX.
Falcon75
2 years ago |ehhh??? Is this all???
What’s the point anyway?
For us who want to good SLR/SLT camera… what’s this for???
For me, I want a fast camera, with fast AF, with multi frames/sec, with high image quality in high ISOs, with a good hand grip confortable for shooting several hours, with confortable and intuitive buttons so I don’t need to take my eye out of the OVF/EVF….
NEX is nothing to me… except (if I had the money) I could buy a small NEX to take family pics on free time…
I don’t see the big deal on this thing… Pretty useless in my point of view!
Once again, I think Sony is going on opposite way…
And I still see nothing good coming out of the A77 to replace my A700…. And delays and more delays and the totally lack on news….let’s hope I’m wrong…
And in the end, there are some good rumors, and lots of speculation about high Iso image quality… but honestly, I’m affraid we might all be disapointed in the end… you know, when the expectations are too high, nothing is good enough!
Let’s see…
About this Rumor… Totally useless, in my opinion!
If I want a big camera, I can buy one… not a small one with a huge accessory!
00aeiou00
2 years ago |This is great news!!!! The killer app is for the VG-10 and FS100!! With this, we could have constant fast focusing for our videos!
J
SLTPro
2 years ago |Great to see things moving forward! But to be honest as a pro I’m only interested in NEX as a second camera and I’m sure they will make awesome portable second cameras! For me personally the Alpha game changer will be a full frame mirrorless alpha mount pro camera with on sensor phase detection, sealed body, 26 Mpix (More than enough!!) a shit hot focusing system High ISO performance to beat at least the 5DII an preferably approaching D3s territory.
I love my A900 but I just wish I could cram that FF sensor inside my A55, and fix the buffer overflow issue as I just love everything about that sweet little SLT! If I need to settle for an A77 for now I might just do that…
redfern
2 years ago |It has always seemed to me that the SLTs were a stopgap on the road to a future mirrorless A-mount camera with PDAF on sensor. But since that camera is not ready yet, the SLTs were the best they could do.
Now, with this adapter, Sony seems like it’s getting closer to creating a mirrorless A-mount camera but is concerned about alienating the E-mount users. So if and when that magical mirrorless A-mount arrives, they have to offer a way for the E-mount users to transition easily to A-mount lenses. Hence this becomes another stopgap.
My concern is that when they finally do create a mirrorless A-mount, they will merge systems and orphan the E-mount line. It feels a lot like they are rethinking the idea of creating a different mount and are trying to find a way to easily backpedal from it.
emopunk
2 years ago |I really don’t understand such an enthusiasm. Do you think that shoting with a small body (nex-5 for example), this kind of periscope adapter and Sony 70-200 f2.8 should be a better experience than shooting with an A900 + same 70-200? Am I the only one seeing insanity in all of this?
El Aura
2 years ago |Why do you compare a FF camera with a cropped one? And why do you compare an (adapted) SLT camera with an optical viewfinder one? And where do you get the periscope idea from?
The Leica module had a periscope to provide a through-the-lens viewfinder. No liveview capable camera needs a this optical viewfinder aspect for this this, nor does the referred to SLT cameras use the mirror for any viewfinder purposes.
The picture is there to show that somebody already did create a mirror-containing module for a mirrorless camera in the past (for the purpose of focus and framing). With SLT it would by definition not be for framing, only for focus, which means there would be by definition no ‘periscope’. But people see the picture and cannot abstract from it, in their mind this module will look like the picture and be as bulky.
Anon
2 years ago |LAME!!!
emopunk
2 years ago |Moreover, this maneuver looks quite suicidal in a marketing meaning. This would make Sony lose the few pros they have in the System, and definitively make Canikon quiet ’cause they don’t have any competition from Sony in pro photography market. They should instead have been separating further NEX and alpha system. First more consumer oriented, the latter more professional with a network of services for pro users and image quality as first goal. This way I imagine lots of people won’t invest any further in Alpha system and they’ll start to look around..
imjohnsmith
2 years ago |Is this the end of DSLR-SLT cameras?
No. This is the end of Alpha cameras.
hanugro
2 years ago |I would rather buy an a-mount camera that provide 3 shooting modes. fast fps dSLT, slow fps/single shoot dSLR (translucent mirror flip), and manual focus mirrorless mode (with the translucent mirror lock up).
Amateur Sony Shooter
2 years ago |I have another concern. Maybe Sony want to retire A-mount system and concentrate on E-mount business? They have so much going for E-mount: its their own standard optimized for still AND MOTION pictures. Sony have repeatedly said they see future as still & motion pictures converge together in single platform. Through this SLT AF adapter, all the SAM/SSM lenses are no longer orphan any more, for those with screw drive lenses owner, well, that’s too bad. They are the victim of Sony’s own evolution.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |“Maybe Sony want to retire A-mount system and concentrate on E-mount business?” – Nope, they don’t. Why would they anyway? Leading 2 systems is in their best interest income-wise. Plus: they can lure clients on pro-users of the A-mount system.
aperture-arts.de
2 years ago |No need for such a device! I thought for something revolutionary like a new SLT FF with enormous Mpx or ultra high ISO, new sensor technology, new lenses ….
Letten
2 years ago |This might make my buying decision easier. I’m looking at Panasonic G3, Nex and SLT.
I’m a P&S upgrader. Used to have a SLR many years ago but uncertain if it grows into serious hobby.
I don’t have legacy glass and I might just buy two lenses to start with, but this would mean a Nex could grow into a more serious camera if the need arises.
tipper
2 years ago |I don’t understand the hype about SLT Sony is making.
For me the SLT technologie is just a bridge technologie to total mirroless designs. Contrast autofocus will be as fast as SLT focus and other solution will come for phase dectection focus without mirror.
The only interesting thing about the adapter might be an integrated AF Motor for the A-Mount Lenses that’s all.
Rob
2 years ago |Sorry, the whole thing leaves me cold.
john
2 years ago |And it will lose IBIS! on NEX bodies on all A-mount lenses compared to Alpha cameras.
This is not revolutionary.
Not even progress just a sideways move.
Add a mirror to a mirrorless camera and lose IBIS
Will NEX7 have IBIS…maybe but…
This just fills the gaping hole in the E-mount lineup and buys Sony time to either bring out dedicated E-mount lenses so they don’t lose ground to MFT or implement on sensor PDAF
Still waiting….
Red
2 years ago |non-fullframe? NEX’s loser forever :-j
Helena
2 years ago |Uff, no revolutionary as I thinked. Sony, make E-mount lenses: 50mm f1.8, 30 mm f2.0, 60 mm macro, a “cheap” “no optimized for video” 18-200 mm… ¿another gadget? bah.
Bill
2 years ago |Agreed. The lack of lenses for the forseeable (to me) future had me pass by the Nex that I really wanted and buy a G2 and a 20mm f/1.7 lens and manfrotto tripod for under $600. Now I am saving up for more fast glass that exists today.
Please do not think I am trolling. I watch this forum daily as I can still eBay my relatively small investment and buy a Nex if they have *native* fast glass.
Peace,
Bill
sholky
2 years ago |So if this would make DSLR/SLT obsolete, it would mean having a camera with crappy ergonomics, poor battery life and no image stabilisation, and I’m supposed to do something serious with it? Come on…
MrMJS
2 years ago |Sounds like an ergonomic nightmare to me