Which adapter are you using with your CV 28/1.5 and the Zf? Does it have electronic contacts?
I have a Techart adapter which I find to be too heavy, especially with the poor ergonomics of the Zf. I also have a dumb adapter (Urth) but then I lose most of the focus tracking/confirmation functionality. Re: ergonomics, I notice you don’t have a hand or thumb grip on your Zf. You don’t find it to be difficult to shoot with no extra grip?
Thanks,
Steve
Hi Steve,
I use a combination of adapters and it works flawlessly with the Zf focus confirmation and focus trap features. My setup consists of a Megadap ETZ21 Pro+ chipped adapter, which converts E-mount to Z-mount, stacked with a Voigtlander Close Focus Adapter, which converts M-mount to E-mount which is "dumb" with no electronics.
In this configuration, the Megadap handles all the electronic communication with the camera, including setting the FL for IBIS through the camera menu. The Voigtlander acts as a mechanical M to E adapter in the chain.
You don't need the expensive Voigtlander close focus adapter, though. Any good dumb M to E-mount adapter should work fine. I just prefer the Voigtlander because of its build, tight tolerances, close focus capability, and light weight for what it is.
I sort of accidentally discovered how great the MF experience is on the ZF via adapting the Sony FE version. I had intended primarily to use this with the a7cr as a compact, high resolution set-up, but really enjoy using this on the Nikon more. Focus confirmation really speeds up the workflow and once I learned to trust the focus confirmation, eliminates the need to zoom to focus. Eye-AF confirmation is a bonus.
I could not get trap focus does not work with the FE version adapted to the ZF via ETZ21 PRO+, but maybe I'm missing something?
Mystik wrote:
I sort of accidentally discovered how great the MF experience is on the ZF via adapting the Sony FE version. I had intended primarily to use this with the a7cr as a compact, high resolution set-up, but really enjoy using this on the Nikon more. Focus confirmation really speeds up the workflow and once I learned to trust the focus confirmation, eliminates the need to zoom to focus. Eye-AF confirmation is a bonus.
I could not get trap focus does not work with the FE version adapted to the ZF via ETZ21 PRO+, but maybe I'm missing something?
Unfortunately, there's no workaround that I know of. This happens with both Voigtlander versions, whether Z mount or E mount adapted on the Zf, specifically when using focus trap. Instead of repeating everything here, take a look at this post, which breaks down the details:
But I agree with you, the Zf is a joy to use with manual focus lenses because it gives a very rangefinder like shooting experience. Instead of lining up a patch, you just get a clean green focus confirmation. No focus magnification or peaking getting in the way of composition and flow. Nikon really nailed it here.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Unfortunately, there's no workaround that I know of. This happens with both Voigtlander versions, whether Z mount or E mount adapted on the Zf, specifically when using focus trap. Instead of repeating everything here, take a look at this post, which breaks down the details:
But I agree with you, the Zf is a joy to use with manual focus lenses because it gives a very rangefinder like shooting experience. Instead of lining up a patch, you just get a clean green focus confirmation. No focus magnification or peaking getting in the way of composition and flow. Nikon really nailed it here....Show more →
Thanks for the tips on trap focus Fred.
I have a CV40 M mount en route (maybe third times a charm for me with this lens). Was planning on getting a separate Z to M mount, but sounds like the way to go is to stack a e-m adapter in from of the ETZ21 Pro.
I use a combination of adapters and it works flawlessly with the Zf focus confirmation and focus trap features. My setup consists of a Megadap ETZ21 Pro+ chipped adapter, which converts E-mount to Z-mount, stacked with a Voigtlander Close Focus Adapter, which converts M-mount to E-mount which is "dumb" with no electronics.
In this configuration, the Megadap handles all the electronic communication with the camera, including setting the FL for IBIS through the camera menu. The Voigtlander acts as a mechanical M to E adapter in the chain.
You don't need the expensive Voigtlander close focus adapter, though. Any good dumb M to E-mount adapter should work fine. I just prefer the Voigtlander because of its build, tight tolerances, close focus capability, and light weight for what it is....Show more →
Thanks, Fred!
I should have mentioned that I have no Sony gear so I was hoping that there’s an easier (but still lightweight) solution for M mount lenses on the Zf. Maybe it’s the TTArtisans 6-bit M to Z adapter that was recommended either in this thread or the “Focus Trap” thread? All the online photos I’ve seen of that adapter only show the front but I’m assuming (hoping) that the rear has electronic contacts?
To the ergonomics of your setup, I guess you don’t have any issues with the Zf as your setup looks like you don’t use a front hand grip or rear thumb grip?
Thanks again, Steve
P.S. I had never heard the term “focus trap” but will ask about it on that thread.
May 25, 2026 at 09:11 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
I should have mentioned that I have no Sony gear so I was hoping that there’s an easier (but still lightweight) solution for M mount lenses on the Zf. Maybe it’s the TTArtisans 6-bit M to Z adapter that was recommended either in this thread or the “Focus Trap” thread? All the online photos I’ve seen of that adapter only show the front but I’m assuming (hoping) that the rear has electronic contacts?
To the ergonomics of your setup, I guess you don’t have any issues with the Zf as your setup looks like you don’t use a front hand grip or rear thumb grip?
Thanks again, Steve
P.S. I had never heard the term “focus trap” but will ask about it on that thread....Show more →
Hi Steve,
If you want to use the M mount version of the lens, yes the TTArtisans 6-bit M to Z adapter has contacts and will give you focus aids, but there are several other options. You might just want to pick up a Nikon Z mount version of the lens that does have electronic contacts. There is also the Shoten M to Z adapter that is slightly heavier than the TTArtisans 6-bit adapter, but comes with 4mm of built-in hellicoid and also has electronic contacts.
I am not sure whether any of those allow focus trap as I have never used that but they should all allow proper recognition of the focal length for IBIS and the use of focus aids. Two things I find very important when using adapted lenses.
See this thread for details about what lenses and adapters work with focus trap:
Focus trap is where you set the focus point to where you want to shoot and the camera takes the shot once the system registers that the target is in focus. I don't personally use it ever, but it is something that some people like.
I agree with Steve. I've tried several adapters that go directly from M to Z mount, and the best one so far has been the TTA 6-bit adapter. It automatically sets the focal length for 6-bit coded lenses, or you can use the clever focal length selector built into the adapter itself. It just works, and it's also very light at only 50g. Unfortunately, it now seems to be discontinued and has become difficult to find.
The second best option, in my experience, is the Shoten M-Z "E" (electronic) adapter. However, you have to manually set the FL by taking a photo using a selected camera aperture. It's more cumbersome because of the extra steps and the need to take additional photos just for setup, but it does work reliably.
Even if you don't own any E-mount lenses, I would still consider the Megadap ETZ adapter paired with a simple dumb M-E adapter (especially with a macro ability), since it works surprisingly well for adapting M lenses to Z mount. It sounds odd using two stacked adapters, but the Megadap is so thin and light that it almost looks like part of the camera mount itself.
If you want to use the M mount version of the lens, yes the TTArtisans 6-bit M to Z adapter has contacts and will give you focus aids, but there are several other options. You might just want to pick up a Nikon Z mount version of the lens that does have electronic contacts. There is also the Shoten M to Z adapter that is slightly heavier than the TTArtisans 6-bit adapter, but comes with 4mm of built-in hellicoid and also has electronic contacts.
I am not sure whether any of those allow focus trap as I have never used that but they should all allow proper recognition of the focal length for IBIS and the use of focus aids. Two things I find very important when using adapted lenses.
See this thread for details about what lenses and adapters work with focus trap:
Focus trap is where you set the focus point to where you want to shoot and the camera takes the shot once the system registers that the target is in focus. I don't personally use it ever, but it is something that some people like.
The price is $59. Seems low for an adapter with electronic communication with the body.
If it’s the right one, for $60 I could give it a try as it would be nice to save weight vs the Techart Pro adapter I currently use which weighs in at a massive 155g (granted, it has AF functionality).
Fred Miranda wrote:
I agree with Steve. I've tried several adapters that go directly from M to Z mount, and the best one so far has been the TTA 6-bit adapter. It automatically sets the focal length for 6-bit coded lenses, or you can use the clever focal length selector built into the adapter itself. It just works, and it's also very light at only 50g. Unfortunately, it now seems to be discontinued and has become difficult to find.
The second best option, in my experience, is the Shoten M-Z "E" (electronic) adapter. However, you have to manually set the FL by taking a photo using a selected camera aperture. It's more cumbersome because of the extra steps and the need to take additional photos just for setup, but it does work reliably.
Even if you don't own any E-mount lenses, I would still consider the Megadap ETZ adapter paired with a simple dumb M-E adapter (especially with a macro ability), since it works surprisingly well for adapting M lenses to Z mount. It sounds odd using two stacked adapters, but the Megadap is so thin and light that it almost looks like part of the camera mount itself....Show more →
Thanks again, Fred.
I assume the TTA M to Z adapter that B&H lists doesn’t have electronic contacts given that it’s only $29. It also gets horrible reviews so it must not be the right one.
I could see getting the Megadep ETZ adapter with a dumb M-E adapter but given that I’ve already put in a similar dollar amount into my Techart Pro TZM-02 ($200-ish used), and the weight savings would only be 40 grams, I’m hesitant to go down the Megadep route. Just wish my Techart didn’t feel like such a tank on what is already a fairly heavy body (the Zf). The Zf is odd as the specs don’t seem like it should be heavy but for some reason, in hand it does. Must be the poor ergonomics on what is otherwise a fantastic camera.
I posted in the other thread about the Shoten and may look into getting that as it’s cheap enough not to worry about it if it doesn’t work out.
I'm not typically a fan of adapting lenses but the Megadap ETZ is a marvel of an adapter. I came into the ZF as a Sony shooter with a bunch of FE glass, but use the ZF a lot.
I'm not a super critical sports and wildlife AF guy, but I have done a bunch of portrait, wedding and event work on the ZF with FE glass and everything about it feels like a native Sony body, plus benefits from some of the things that Nikon does better than Sony. The adapter is so slim that I forget its there most of the time. ZF to me is the coolest "Sony FE" body for sure.
I assume the TTA M to Z adapter that B&H lists doesn’t have electronic contacts given that it’s only $29. It also gets horrible reviews so it must not be the right one.
I could see getting the Megadep ETZ adapter with a dumb M-E adapter but given that I’ve already put in a similar dollar amount into my Techart Pro TZM-02 ($200-ish used), and the weight savings would only be 40 grams, I’m hesitant to go down the Megadep route. Just wish my Techart didn’t feel like such a tank on what is already a fairly heavy body (the Zf). The Zf is odd as the specs don’t seem like it should be heavy but for some reason, in hand it does. Must be the poor ergonomics on what is otherwise a fantastic camera.
I posted in the other thread about the Shoten and may look into getting that as it’s cheap enough not to worry about it if it doesn’t work out.
You may be able to find one on eBay, though I'm not sure. I got lucky, FM member @bemei generously sent me his all the way from Israel. I'm very happy with it.
Just for reference, the Megadap ETZ21 Pro+ weighs 44 grams. Then you need to add the weight of the M-E adapter. The TTartisan 6-bit adapter weighs 55 grams total.
May 25, 2026 at 04:53 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
The price is $59. Seems low for an adapter with electronic communication with the body.
If it’s the right one, for $60 I could give it a try as it would be nice to save weight vs the Techart Pro adapter I currently use which weighs in at a massive 155g (granted, it has AF functionality).
Thanks,
Steve
I don't believe the one you linked is the right one. I am pretty sure this is the right one and you are buying directly from Shoten:
Actually, I believe that both of you are right. The link @Steve Miller shared is the correct one. The adapter needs to have the 'E' designation (for electronic, meaning chipped).
The version @Steve Spencer linked is also correct, but it's for the new macro variant of the same adapter. Both support focus confirmation and adapt M-mount to Z-mount.
When my oldest was a baby, I'd bring a camera everywhere. Kind of fell off of that as I got more "serious" with photography. Sent that dude off to college and am glad to have all random photos from back then. I'm now fully embracing the dad cam again. 28mm fits the bill perfectly.
Very nice images, and seems to have that M240 vibe to the rendering, makes one wonder why would one spending more for M bodies if it's just for the rendering...
Mystik wrote:
28mm is the ideal dad cam lens.
When my oldest was a baby, I'd bring a camera everywhere. Kind of fell off of that as I got more "serious" with photography. Sent that dude off to college and am glad to have all random photos from back then. I'm now fully embracing the dad cam again. 28mm fits the bill perfectly.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Actually, I believe that both of you are right. The link @Steve Miller@ shared is the correct one. The adapter needs to have the 'E' designation (for electronic, meaning chipped).
The version @Steve Spencer@ linked is also correct, but it's for the new macro variant of the same adapter. Both support focus confirmation and adapt M-mount to Z-mount.
It seems odd that the $60 adapter I linked to is similar to the $240 one Steve linked to. I’m all for a great deal but 75% off seems too good to be true. Does it make sense that a reputable brand is selling a chipped M to Z adapter for only $60?
Steve
May 26, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Steve Miller wrote:
It seems odd that the $60 adapter I linked to is similar to the $240 one Steve linked to. I’m all for a great deal but 75% off seems too good to be true. Does it make sense that a reputable brand is selling a chipped M to Z adapter for only $60?
Steve
Who knows, but the macro adapter I linked is relatively new and perhaps they are fazing out the non-macro adapter and selling it at a clearance price. I do think $60 is cheap for an adapter with electronics. I am not familar with the one you linked so I am not sure how they are similar or different. Personally, I would go with the TTartisans 6-bit adapter if I was happy with an adapter without macro and the Shoten macro adapter if I wanted an adapter with macro extension. I find the extension useful as some M lenses have a pretty long minimum focus distance (MFD) and the extension compensates for that nicely.
Steve Miller wrote:
It seems odd that the $60 adapter I linked to is similar to the $240 one Steve linked to. I’m all for a great deal but 75% off seems too good to be true. Does it make sense that a reputable brand is selling a chipped M to Z adapter for only $60?
Steve
---------------------------------------------
Steve Spencer wrote:
Who knows, but the macro adapter I linked is relatively new and perhaps they are fazing out the non-macro adapter and selling it at a clearance price. I do think $60 is cheap for an adapter with electronics. I am not familar with the one you linked so I am not sure how they are similar or different. Personally, I would go with the TTartisans 6-bit adapter if I was happy with an adapter without macro and the Shoten macro adapter if I wanted an adapter with macro extension. I find the extension useful as some M lenses have pretty long minimum focus distance (MFD) and the extension compensates for that nicely....Show more →
It's much easier to produce a simple adapter without a 6mm helicoid extension while still maintaining strict tolerances and parallelism. That requires very tight manufacturing standards, and it also appears to be built from brass.
All Shoten "macro" adapters already cost around $200 to $250 even before adding electronics to this new version, so I honestly don't think the price will come down much. On their website, it converts to roughly $200 USD from Yen. As a comparison the Voigtlander macro adapters cost more than $300.
I definitely see the wisdom in getting a macro adapter even if it costs more and it's heavier. It's one of the big advantages of using M lenses on a mirrorless camera, since it lets you focus much closer and gives you a lot more flexibility in composition, especially with a 28mm lens.
Steve Spencer wrote:
Who knows, but the macro adapter I linked is relatively new and perhaps they are fazing out the non-macro adapter and selling it at a clearance price. I do think $60 is cheap for an adapter with electronics. I am not familar with the one you linked so I am not sure how they are similar or different. Personally, I would go with the TTartisans 6-bit adapter if I was happy with an adapter without macro and the Shoten macro adapter if I wanted an adapter with macro extension. I find the extension useful as some M lenses have a pretty long minimum focus distance (MFD) and the extension compensates for that nicely....Show more →
Thanks, Steve. I’d buy the TTA 6-bit M to Z adapter but as far as I can tell, they no longer sell it. I’ve never bought anything on EBay but for $60, I guess I’ll roll the dice and see if the Shoten electronic adapter I linked to does the trick.
Fred Miranda wrote:
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It's much easier to produce a simple adapter without a 6mm helicoid extension while still maintaining strict tolerances and parallelism. That requires very tight manufacturing standards, and it also appears to be built from brass.
All Shoten "macro" adapters already cost around $200 to $250 even before adding electronics to this new version, so I honestly don't think the price will come down much. On their website, it converts to roughly $200 USD from Yen. As a comparison the Voigtlander macro adapters cost more than $300.
I definitely see the wisdom in getting a macro adapter even if it costs more and it's heavier. It's one of the big advantages of using M lenses on a mirrorless camera, since it lets you focus much closer and gives you a lot more flexibility in composition, especially with a 28mm lens....Show more →
Thanks, Fred.
I’m going to first try the $60 Shoten electronic adapter and see if that does the trick. I haven’t found that I’m shooting inside of the 0.5 meters that the CV 28/1.5 gets me so for now, I’ll try the low cost, non-macro capable option.
