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 p.1 #2 · Programmable chips - An initial report. | |
BUILD QUALITY:
First, These M42 adapters ARE anodized, not like the cheaper ones shown in the Bob Atkins review. They are also aluminum, and seem very well machined. They are not 2-piece, like the Kaiden Nikon type, but I doubt that matters with an M42 adapter.
They are flanged.
Infinity focus seems perfect, at least with the two lenses I have. (Vivitar series-1 200/3, and Mamiya ZX 135/2.8)
The only thing I dislike is that there is no locking mechanism, but that's also true of every other M42 adapter I've used or seen.
Considering that this chipped-adapter cost only $10 more than the chip alone, it's quite a bargain. -if the chip works!
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The installed Chip looks VERY exposed. It's just out there on top, with no protection!
Perhaps this is also due to the M42 mechanism, but hopefully there's some way to add some protection on the sides. I'll have to experiment.
These adapters came with a Canon-type rear cap, and it's the GOOD kind, not the cheap kind that always falls off. Nice.
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THE BAD NEWS:
So far, I haven't been able to figure out how to program the EXIF data. The instructions make no sense at all. Massive frustration ensues......
THE GOOD NEWS:
The chip is definitely giving some exposure & AF goodness, and this is pretty exciting. Here's the deal, as best as I can figure it out so far:
Once you set the initial AF reference (very easy) the focus-confirm works, but NOT in manual mode. You must be in AV mode.
Additionally, the bloody thing actually make the camera's AE work correctly, at least from f/4 on.
(The HappypageHK chip also does this.) With faster than f/2.8 or so, the metering seems a tad off, (slightly dark) but with f/2.8 and larger, it's amazingly dead-on. At all distances and all lighting scenarious - even indoors in semi-darkness. It feels like I have a Canon lens attached, set to manual focus.
Except for one more thing: You can't actually fire the shutter until you reach the focus point. This kind of blows if your calibration is off , or if you want to compose first, then focus, and your subject isn't centered.
Another uber-cool feature is that, in AV mode, You can hold down the shutter-button, then focus, and the shutter will trigger as soon as you hit the mark. This makes tracking a moving object child's play. This basically gives you autofocus, and auto-exposure to boot. - My HappypageHK chip does NOT do this. It's a beautiful thing.
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If they can figure out how to make the exposure control work with fast apertures, this technology will really be something.
I'm wondering if the new Zeiss ZE lenses work this way? If not, I think I'd actually rather use a CZ with these chips.
Edited on Dec 05, 2008 at 01:34 AM · View previous versions
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