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About the Techart Pro LM-EA9 adapter
It's now available for pre-order at B&H Photo for $399.
After 7 years of development, Techart officially released the new LM-EA9 adapter.
It's the company second generation Leica M-mount to Sony E-mount adapter, and it's capable of autofocus while reducing minimal focus distance for M-mount lenses.
Main Features:- Allows Auto-Focus when using a Leica M Lens on a Sony E-Mount body.
- Compatible with older and all latest Sony Full Frame & APS-C camera models.
- 4 radially positioned, small, quiet and light servo motors.
- Reliable USB Dock firmware update.
- Shifts Lens up to 4.5mm for autofocus.
- Supports heavier lenses without wobbling.
- Compatible with PDAF with AF-S (contrast detect) & AF-C (phase detect) modes.
- Shortens lens minimal focus distance (MFD).
- Stack additional adapters to enjoy autofocus with literally ANY lenses (EF / F / OM/ PK/ FD / LR / L39, etc).
- Compatible with 3-Axis Stabilization (pitch, yaw, and roll).
- Drives Lenses weighing up to 500 grams on its own and heavier lenses with hand support.
Many improvements are jammed inside this little powerhouse compared to its predecessor, the LM-EA7 model. I'm pretty happy about the mini-facelift lift too - they removed that AF motor bump eyesore at the bottom of the adapter, which is a welcome change, making it so much easier for the camera to click onto a tripod, and it tones down the motor noise too, by replacing one big motor with four smaller and quieter ones. Nice!
Take a look at this animation to see how the newly designed servo motors work:
After using the LM-EA7 model for the past few years, one of my biggest complaints has to be that nagging "wobble". You know the one - the annoying slight jiggle that causes unevenness on the focus plane. This happens because the entire focus unit was supported in only one section. The issue was accelerated when using larger lenses but after testing out a few copies, the wobble eventually would happen with all the units.
Finally, I'm happy to report -- that the radially positioned motors on the LM-EA9 model allows the 'lens carrier' to extend and contract evenly. Meaning, you guessed it... they fixed that annoying "wobble" issue. Techart recommends lenses up to 500 grams but heavier lenses can also be used with hand support.
Another great feature is the set up for quick firmware updates through LM-EA9's rear cap with electronics built-in and a Micro-B USB 2.0 port -- instead of the previously cumbersome bluetooth update method.
LM-EA9's rear cap with electronics built-in and a Micro-B USB 2.0 port
A potential issue for some shooters is that the adapter is noticeably wider than average and therefore the space between the grip and adapter is diminished. It does not affect my grip when shooting with the Sony A9 but could be an issue with other Sony bodies. Another shortcoming is the inability to set Focus mode to "MF", so this must be set as a custom button or in the case of the Sony A9 series and A1, it can be set via dial.
Sony A6100 + LM-EA9 adapter + Leica 35/1.4 Summilux v2. (Notice distance between grip and adapter is small)
Lens EXIF transmission:
A pre-set aperture value can be used to allow the lens' focal length to be recorded, so the correct focal length can be shown in the image EXIF. Also, in-body 3-axis stabilization can work accordingly when recognition is done. For example: Set to camera aperture to f/8 and take a picture. Change the aperture back to f/2. When taking another picture, "50mm" will be added to EXIF.
Here is a list of apertures that must be set for the correct focal length to appear on the EXIF data:
Both versions of the Techart Pro adapters require the camera aperture to be set to f/2 before taking a picture to allow proper exposure. With the previous model (LM-EA7), it was possible to write the lens working aperture to the EXIF with the help of exposure compensation, The procedure was to set the aperture on the camera the same as on the lens, then compensate exposure accordingly by using the exposure compensation dial or menu. For example: If the lens’ working aperture is f/2.8, set the camera aperture to f/2.8 (instead of f/2) while correcting the exposure by using exposure compensation " -1EV". If the lens is at f/4, set exposure compensation to "-2EV" and so on…
Unfortunately this is no longer feasible with the LM-EA9 because it requires wider apertures like f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, etc...to assign focal lengths and therefore this conflicts with the aperture EXIF recording method of the past.
Sony A9 + LM-EA9 adapter + Leica 35/1.4 FLE
Focus Speed and Accuracy:
The LM-EA9 adapter is compatible with Sony’s phase detect autofocus (AF-C) and although not as good as native E-mount lenses, autofocus speed and accuracy is much improved compared to the LM-EA7 model. With wide and normal lenses, I usually rotate the lens' focusing ring to infinity distance and let the adapter do its job. However, when shooting at very close range or with a telephoto lens, a tweak in the focusing ring distance may be needed to allow proper tracking. Macro shots require the lens to be set to 0.7m or shorter distances when available.
I’ve tried all focus area options and found the adapter to be most responsive and accurate when using Focus Area: Tracking (Center or Flexible Spot). The focusing point sticks to the subject, even if in motion. I tested it with cars coming towards the camera which are usually torture tests for AF lenses and found it to give accurate results. It's a great way to focus on the subject and recompose as the phase detect tracking sticks to the initial focused area.
Take a look at this 33 sequence with the Sony 6100 + Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux using Focus Area: Tracking (Center) to lock on the subject and follow the car towards my direction:
All images were in focus! Below are 100% crops showing the focused area showing the car every 7 frames. The LM-EA9 adapter was able to lock on the subject and track it with accuracy.
When shooting portraits, my best setting was "Focus Area: Wide". This setting allows Eye-AF (phase detect) to do its job and I'm quite happy with the results even when the model's face is not in the center of the frame. I've tested lenses like the Leica 75/1.4 Lux, 90/2 AA and 135/4 Tele-elmar. As long as one pre-focus on the subject, Eye-AF works great following the eyes as the model moves. Having AF increases the number of keepers compared to shooting portraits with a Leica M body.
Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f/2 ASPH.
Here is 30-image portrait session shot with the Sony A9 + Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f/2 ASPH. and Leica 75mm f/1.4 Summilux lenses:
Camera settings: "Focus Area: Wide" + AF-C (EyeAF)
Only two images were slightly out of focus due to the model's hands blocking both eyes or moving too fast between shots. With telephoto lenses, pre-focus is needed for the AF to work properly. My technique is to roughly focus on the subject by using the lens' focusing ring and then let the adapter do the AF tracking. I'm getting great results with Eye-AF.
Leica 75mm f/1.4 Summilux wide open
Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f/2 ASPH. wide open
Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f/2 ASPH. wide open
Crops at 100% magnification:
Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f/2 ASPH.
Leica 75mm f/1.4 Summilux
Final thoughts:
I'm impressed with the Techart LM-EA9's improvement in aesthetics and functionality. I consider it to be a step above the previous version in terms of durability as well -- no more wobble!
It looks like Techart fixed most of the gripes I had with their previous adapter and it's now more reliable, quieter and more enjoyable to use. Although it's still not perfect, if you have a Sony body and want to add AF to your manual focus lenses, I highly recommend the new LM-EA9 adapter.
It's now available for pre-order at B&H Photo for $399.
Further reading: Techart LM-EA9 FAQ
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