My A580 is starting to let me down
Printed From: Dyxum.com
Category: Equipment forums
Forum Name: E-mount APS-C
Forum Description: For discussion of all e-mount APS-C cameras
URL: https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=143912
Printed Date: 17 April 2025 at 15:18
Topic: My A580 is starting to let me down
Posted By: thomcher144
Subject: My A580 is starting to let me down
Date Posted: 27 December 2023 at 23:13
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My A580 is starting to give me troubles. At times it will not take an image, trouble focusing, etc. If I buy a Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera , how do the A mount lenses work with the adaptor? I have a ton of $$ invested in "A" mount lenes and would hate to have to replace them. Not in a hurry to replace, my trusty A350 is performing as if it was new. Thanks for responses in advance. ------------- TOM A350, A580, 550si, a complete set of Maxxum crossed x len's (minus the 300mm), Tam 17-50 2.8, 70-200 2.8. 70-300 5-6.3 USD, 90 2.8 macro Photographs are memories we can see and share. |
Replies:
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 28 December 2023 at 00:11
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With the A7iii you will need the LA-EA4, which works pretty well with all A-mount lenses from Minolta and Sony. Other makes are more hit and miss, but most will be fine (early Sigmas being more susceptible than most to AF problems). If you have lenses with internal focussing motors (SSM, SAM, HSM, etc) it's worth getting an LA-EA3 too since this allows you to use the A7iii's AF. The LA-EA4 has it's own AF system built in, roughly equivalent to the A99 standard. You may well need to use the adapter's AF microadjust to get some lenses to focus accurately. The LA-EA5 is a better adapter, but not with the A7Riii on which is acts like an LA-EA3 and will not focus srewdrive lenses. If you got an A7iv it would focus both types of lenses with the bodiy's AF. You say you have a lot of A-mount lenses - and APS-C bodies - bear in mind that APS-C lenses will have to be used in crop mode on the A7iii = lower pixel count than your A350. Of course you could just get a used A68 or A77ii, excellent A-mount APS-C bodies. |
Posted By: neilt3
Date Posted: 28 December 2023 at 01:34
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Although I use A mount and E mount cameras ( amongst others !) If your mostly interested in sticking with your A mount lenses , then I'd stick with A mount . I also have the a580 , though I were never really impressed by it's AF , though it was an improvement from my a100 . The main gear I use now is the a99ii and a77ii in A mount , with most of the Minolta lenses from the 16mm fisheye to the 400mm f/4.5 G and 500mm reflex in primes and the Sigma 12-24 to Sony 70-400mm G in zooms plus a few APS-C lenses . So I'm pretty much sorted . Before getting the a99ii , the a900 was my main full frame camera . I had been considering an a7iii as an upgrade for live view as the a99ii weren't coming up for sale . I'd finally decided to get one just as the LA-EA5 was announced and wouldn't AF my screw driven lenses on it , so cancelled . The LA-EA4 that I had wasn't impressive compared to what I had in A mount bodies . That's when I picked up a used a7Riv and LA-EA5 , plus a couple of native , full frame E mount lenses . Which was a good set-up . The used a7Riv was much more than a new a7iii , so a better option to me . It was not long after a used a99ii came up followed by the a6600 . Chuck into the mix a full spectrum NEX 6 , and I'm fixed up with anything I could need for a good few years . Well , there's always another lens though ! So if your happy with your A mount gear , consider sticking with it , just upgrade the a580 . ------------- see my photostream on flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/sets/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/ C & C welcome. |
Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 28 December 2023 at 09:42
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Seeing your signature, you have both screw-mount and SSM (USD) lenses. If you can stretch it, the A7 iv with the LA-EA5 makes the most sense. Another option is the A6600 or A6700 with the LA-EA5. https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/a6600-laea5-minolta-lens_topic140978.html - Look here for experience with the A6600 and LA-EA5. I would skip the A7 iii as the adapter is a hassle and if you go that route you want the best possible AF. Like the others said, a slightly used A99m2 or A77m2 also makes a lot of sense. ------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: XKAES
Date Posted: 28 December 2023 at 14:59
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There are tons of a-mount cameras out there, in great shape, with all the features you want, for very little money. Just choose the one with the features you need. Don't get stuck in the e-mount adapter trap. This FORUM has a list of all the a-mount cameras and their features. ------------- http://www.subclub.org http://www.subclub.org/minman http://www.subclub.org/minchin http://www.subclub.org/toko http://www.subclub.org/fujinon |
Posted By: Raabje
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 14:50
I had the same problem, my A580 went down. I already have a Nex-6 and I bought the LA-EA4 adapter. It does work, but I miss the anti shake in the body. So I searched around for a second hand A77 mk2, price is somewhere between 350-400 euro. To answer on Addy's comment, I almost did that, but like the A580 the A77 mk2 will surely also start showing problems. I don't want to repeat my frustration with a broken camera. I think the new A7II (799,- euro, but drains the battery pretty fast), or a second hand A6500 could be a successor of my Nex-6. My budget is limited for photography (I am not that active anymore). And at some point replace all my A mount lenses with E mount OSS lenses (If I do that I don't need a new camera, but I think I will like the IBIS in the body for my MF lenses). Other option is getting a real cheap A mount body, like under 90 euro, any model with SD card slots. If it breaks down it is not such a big deal. |
addy landzaat wrote:Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 15:47
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Any camera will fail at some point... (I wonder why you think an A77m2 will fail quicker then your NEX6). I would take the Sony A6100 over the A6500. Yes, the IBIS is nice, but the AF of the A6100 is so much better. If you can stretch it, the A6600 is better value for most of us then the A6500 (more money, but much better AF and bigger battery). I always felt the A7 II was the camera to avoid. Lesser sensor, so-so AF. The A7R II has a much better sensor and decent AF. Foto Hans Keuzekamp in Zwolle has a used one for €999,- and a year warranty. Addendum: the A6600 supports the LA-EA5 - all the modern mirrorless focus functionality with A-mount lenses  ------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: Raabje
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 16:45
Well, if I buy a A77mk2 for approx 400 at a camera shop and it breaks down after warranty, I loose that amount. I own the Nex-6 already, if that one breaks down, I don't loose newly spend money (I paid 175 in 2020). I think I feel more secure with newer equipment. Also I don't want to be stuck with A mount gear for ever. I did Google "A77mk2 problems", and then there comes a lot. I do know that the problems get enlarged on the internet, but it is a warning sign for me. Thanks for the advice on A6500 and A7II. I will make a new plan. |
Posted By: XKAES
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 17:14
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Add to your plan, that "things" -- AKA, your options, since you don't want to be "stuck" with the a-mount -- will probably look very different in just a couple of years. Maybe sooner! ------------- http://www.subclub.org http://www.subclub.org/minman http://www.subclub.org/minchin http://www.subclub.org/toko http://www.subclub.org/fujinon |
Posted By: QuietOC
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 18:25
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The LA-EA adapters don't support native mirrorless focusing. Sony developed a method to drive A-mount lenses in stills mode only using the on-sensor phase-detect pixels, but it is not the algorithm they use for E-mount lenses. One simple example is A-mount lenses are only focused wide-open, while native E-mount are generally always focused stopped down. The abilities of the LA-EA focusing are limited on all camera bodies. Sony occasionally adds more capabilities sometimes they remove capability. When AF capability was first added to the LA-EA1 it used contrast-detect only. Then Sony added the phase-detect to the A7II/A7RII, but allowed users to switch back to contrast-detect. Then Sony removed the contrast-detect ability. Now Sony has removed AF support for the LA-EA2 and LA-EA4 adapters--the A7RIV(A) was the last camera that supported AF with them. The full-frame mirrorless cameras have somewhat better support for A-mount lenses then the APS-C cameras since the full-frame models support A-mount Lens Compensation including the DT A-mount APS-C lenses. ------------- Sony A7RIV LA-EA5 Pentax Q7 5-15 15-45/2.8 8.5/1.9 11.5/9 |
Posted By: Raabje
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 19:34
Thanks for this, I was not aware of that. I have to say the newer models are out of reach for me at the moment. But good to know. I found out something annoying with the LA-EA4. I have this new Peak Design camera clip, for use on the strap of my camera bag. With the LA-EA4 adapter this clip cannot be used as it should. The camera can only slide in the holder backwards and then the Nex-6 is out of balance. |
Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 20:55
A-mount lenses are optimised for phase detect AF wide open, it makes sense E-mount cameras use that for adapted A-mount lenses. ------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 06 January 2024 at 21:47
I have E mount bodies (A6000, A7Riv) and a large collection of A-mount lenses. I was tempted by a cheap price (£250) on an A77ii recently - with a two year warranty. It's not going to get a huge amount of use, but I've been enjoying using it in the past few days. I'm not convinced that the model is less reliable because it's an old model - the problems come from wear and tear - get a body with a low shutter count and it should last well enough. Mine has a bit under 17,000 shutter activations - I reckon it will see me out. It is also worth remembering that the cheaper E-mount models are older than the A77ii (2016) - an A7Rii (2015) or A7ii (2014) may well be more attractive looking forward, but the one you buy may well be older than they A77ii you could buy and they will not have the AF capabilities with A-mount lenses that the A77ii has - the LA-EA4 adapter (2013) is also older. The younger you are the more the move to E-mount makes sense, using LA-EA4 technology to allow use of your A-mount glass while you save up for some E-mount raplacements is not a bad idea at all, but, if you have a lot of lenses to upgrade, it will cost a bundle. |
Posted By: LAbernethy
Date Posted: 07 January 2024 at 02:18
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When my a580 died I was fortunate to source an a99 and a77 (new old stock) for less than a new a6000 with kit lens. If you want to stay with a-mount I recommend the a77, a77ii, a99, a99ii if you can source a low shot, good condition model. If you want a new e-mount camera, get a new e-mount camera, and by new I mean a latest generation model. A new a6000 will just frustrate the crap out of you. I also suggest you look at your a-mount lenses as a sunk cost and forget about adapters. Go native. I'm sure you have two or three favorite lenses in your line up and many you rarely use. Get the two or three equivalent native favorite lenses and forget the rest. Sell the dust collectors if you can but don't stress about it. |
Posted By: Raabje
Date Posted: 07 January 2024 at 16:42
Yes, this resonated for me. Today I was thinking, what lenses to keep, and I did some manual focus lens test shots in the backyard. But the whole experience was negative, with the speed booster II adapter, it was annoying to do. So as a result I just have put my whole MF lens and AF lens collection on the Dutch marketplace website. I will only keep my Zeiss 16-80mm zoom A mount zoom lens, and the 70-300G A mount zoom lens. I will let these two (and the LA-EA4 adapter) go after I have bought proper E mount lenses. |
Posted By: thomcher144
Date Posted: 02 February 2024 at 15:03
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Thank you everyone for the remarks ! I have found an open box A77II with lens at a local dealer for $899.00 Hopefully they will take my A580 on trade. I think this will be my best choice as I will not have to deal with any adaptors. Thanks again, TOM ------------- TOM A350, A580, 550si, a complete set of Maxxum crossed x len's (minus the 300mm), Tam 17-50 2.8, 70-200 2.8. 70-300 5-6.3 USD, 90 2.8 macro Photographs are memories we can see and share. |
Posted By: Hezu
Date Posted: 02 February 2024 at 15:36
------------- http://hezu.1g.fi/ - Galerie Hezu |
Posted By: neilt3
Date Posted: 02 February 2024 at 15:40
The a77ii a very good camera . Certainly a very capable one that you'll find much better in every aspect to your a580 . Have fun with it .  ------------- see my photostream on flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/sets/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/ C & C welcome. |
Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 02 February 2024 at 16:00
This is with my A77m2 and the Sony 70-400G: https://addy101.smugmug.com/Other/A77ii-in-the-garden/i-P9RRqcM/A">  ------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: thomcher144
Date Posted: 09 February 2024 at 18:08
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OK I really like the A77II I purchased. Open box w/ < 1000 clicks. My only issue is the hot shoe for the flash. Is there an adaptor so I can use my "A" Mount flashes on the A77II ? Everything I have seen goes the wrong way, mount new style lens on "A" mount body. I have 4 different flashes all A mount, 2 Maxxum, 1 Sony, & 1 Sigma ring flash. ------------- TOM A350, A580, 550si, a complete set of Maxxum crossed x len's (minus the 300mm), Tam 17-50 2.8, 70-200 2.8. 70-300 5-6.3 USD, 90 2.8 macro Photographs are memories we can see and share. |
Posted By: neilt3
Date Posted: 09 February 2024 at 18:44
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324712884123?hash=item4b9a65679b:g:si0AAOSw30Fg7XFC&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0L7ACYsK4HIK88SQkLQLIQznIY72yzK%2FtQrUGdgtKiff47Ke8iF60en5yC4dMFIw%2Byc%2B0ADahR6a0QOIBCqFq7hsBWNAzZgP4NX63YmhN%2FT7DEd8D10l2ZcRB64wJAIWDUn5k9%2BE2xXxFphCXlPRPkwasHoDscql8ZDQrGGpKAliB5rQrO09HOpNumMWgfPtl4leYkFydYmztvNzvO9GEX4rw0jae6BNGiSZh8daz3aTP1EySMLZY5vzn1eVMPVLOAygrTCEVxgVQhOL4lOpCJE%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5q98fKxYw - Sony ADP-MAA Third party ones are also available for less . https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254255508434?epid=1340312902&hash=item3b32cf2bd2:g:7ToAAOSwvs9lJBrl&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0FWYUTgX%2FscM3geNdpLhKYNGflKvvbKZ63Q3Jdh83gHjIB10lxsHFsi9slgqCQlezsn23FsBLdflzGBOWCjgmHjgYNREVxlCYW5ILQQXJuU7UwRClWJ2H6Q4S2a9XcWdN4pSDJx6bqvsOCRlKO31eZYnitKHETFKN8CtBmY8x9rkcf%2B73dyjyhTqcLXQEeyMtKIP1ICQT%2FKHQwoTMQMk5TtN6GVqaRoGNEkhMwuSWyhI0mZgKmCceAp1hAdFSLRotBAK6PXTPdx5q346MT1MyVw%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5698fKxYw - Meike MK-SH21 ------------- see my photostream on flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/sets/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/ C & C welcome. |
Posted By: LAbernethy
Date Posted: 09 February 2024 at 19:43
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Depending on which flash units, how much you use them, how you use them, I wouldn't bother with the adapter. The built in flash will act as a trigger for the older flashes to go "off camera". Rare use for some straight up bounce, ok. Any tilt shift swivel, get a native flash like the Sony HVL-F43M. It comes down to the amout of tork or stress on the shoe. The Minolta 3600HS and Sony HVL-F58AM put different stresses on the mount; and the screw lock of the Sony ADP-MAA Hot Shoe Adaptor, that works adequately for the Sony HVL-F20M is inadequate for the Sony HVL-F58AM. "Will it work?" "Yes." with the caveat that I've had "breaks and losses". Heavy off camera work, I would suggest a remote trigger and something like the AD200PRO. The one thing I really missed about the Minolta iISO flash shoe was the "auto lock". |
Posted By: Wētāpunga
Date Posted: 09 February 2024 at 21:21
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I used the Sony ADP-MAA adapter for a while, and still do for my Sony macro twin-flash. It works fine. However, I did find the adapter clunky to use with the larger flashes, and eventually replaced my other flashes with ones that use the modern Sony hot-shoe. ------------- α1, α7cii- Voigtländer 15/4.5, 110/2.5 M; Zeiss Loxia- 21/2.8, 35/2, 50/2 & 85/2.4, Zeiss Batis- 85/1.8 & 135/2.8; Sony 24-105/4 & 100-400/4.5-5.6; Sigma 70/2.8 M; Sony 135/2.8 STF |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 10 February 2024 at 12:31
I have Sony and Pixel (TF 335) adapters - both work well. |
Posted By: Raabje
Date Posted: 11 February 2024 at 19:06
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I also got an other A mount camera, A68. It will be delivered in a few days. Price was probably good, 200 euro for the whole set with the 18-55 kitlens, extra batteries and memory cards. I tried to sell my 70-300G and CZ16-80, Minolta 24mm and 135mm but there is no interest at all. The telelens needs anti-shake and the lens is pretty bulky anyway, so I thought the best thing to do is replace my broken A580 when there is a good deal. The A68 is not a A77mk2 but from my understanding it comes close. This A mount setup could use a nice compact 35mm prime (to act like a 50mm), I will look around for something decent. |
Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 11 February 2024 at 21:41
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I feel the A68 gives a lot of bang for your buck. I have and love the Sigma 35/1.4 DG HSM Art and it is wonderful but not small. I would probably go for the cheap and cheerful Sony DT 35/1.8. The Minolta/Sony 35/1.4G is nice and the Minolta 35/2 as well, but they are somewhat expensive. ------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: LAbernethy
Date Posted: 12 February 2024 at 00:56
I didn't like the Sony a68 and sold mine on quickly. In particular the EVF which is a touch smaller and duller than the OVF of the a580. If you switch back and forth between the EVF of the a77ii and the a68, you will soon tire of the EVF of the a68. If it's a light weight 35mm you're after, I will recommend the SAL35F18. A surprisingly good lens. It out performs my SAL35F14G at a fraction of the cost. |
Posted By: wangavagusbanjo
Date Posted: 12 February 2024 at 01:20
| +1 for SAL35F1.8 A great little lens optically. The only real downside is it feels a little flimsy. |
Posted By: Raabje
Date Posted: 12 February 2024 at 08:10
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Yes thanks everyone, I just read a review about the SAL35F1.8 on Kurt Munger webpage, and this lens is recommended. Can be bought used for about 60 euro. Main purpose for the A68 is a platform for my zoom lenses (untill someone buys them for a fair price, if that will ever happen). But I can see myself walking around with the A68 with just one ore two small primes. Or a setup with two cameras, my Nex-6 with a prime and the A68 with a prime in a small bag. Instead of changing lenses, just change camera. |
Posted By: 4paul
Date Posted: 12 February 2024 at 12:58
ja yes! ------------- There is a difference between a shaky or out-of-focus photograph and a snapshot of clouds and fog banks. - Schrödinger |
Posted By: thomcher144
Date Posted: 12 February 2024 at 14:58
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I just ordered a Sony ADP MAA flash adaptor. This should take care of my problem. I have no problem running the Maxxum or Sony flashes wireless, it was mounting my Sigma ring flash that was my issue. I use it mostly for macro. Thanks again for everyone's input. ------------- TOM A350, A580, 550si, a complete set of Maxxum crossed x len's (minus the 300mm), Tam 17-50 2.8, 70-200 2.8. 70-300 5-6.3 USD, 90 2.8 macro Photographs are memories we can see and share. |