Mirror lenses (2)

Very good use of that Rokkor. Sharp. I like #3, it reminds me of the ironwork here in Charleston.

Bob J wrote: I did a review of the 500AF compared with a Vivitar 500 (same lens as the Samyang 500 I think): https://www.35mmc.com/26/10/2021/minolta-af-reflex-500-review/ I use the 500AF for aircraft quite a bit, both with the A99 and with an A7ii/La-EA4 combo. On either setup there is only one focus point, do you still only get one with the LA-EA5 or does PDAF off the sensor give more flexibility?

I do know that the MonsterAdapter EA4 conversion allows a wider AF area, but I cannot give any more details.

I did a review of the 500AF compared with a Vivitar 500 (same lens as the Samyang 500 I think): https://www.35mmc.com/26/10/2021/minolta-af-reflex-500-review/

I use the 500AF for aircraft quite a bit, both with the A99 and with an A7ii/La-EA4 combo. On either setup there is only one focus point, do you still only get one with the LA-EA5 or does PDAF off the sensor give more flexibility?

Fred_S wrote: At that time I felt it didn't suit me well. I was never happy with the results. I don't have a better one now, just two manual versions (Samyang 300mm and Rokkor 500mm).

Fred: I have the LA-EA4 adapter but have not been pleased with the consistency of focus, so most times I manually focus it. I don't expect Sony to ever support my camera with the EA5. I think I would use it more if I did the Monster conversion to the adapter. Until then, there are three others I will pick up first when manual focusing. But the Vectis 400 gets the most use.

Fred_S wrote: woodrim wrote: Very nice, crisp images, Paul. I wish that adapter worked on the A7 II. Here are some recent Vectis 400 from the AF adapter. Almost regret I sold my AF500 reflex! That combo of yours seems to work well too Mike. I like that pose of the pelican in the second shot

What? You sold your AF Reflex? Do you have a better mirror?

Very nice, crisp images, Paul. I wish that adapter worked on the A7 II.

I'm sorry I haven't been here much. I still only get out one afternoon a week and the rest of my time goes to business and family.

I've found the super-long mirror lenses to be difficult to use and generally they're not as good as the 500mm. However, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the Vivitar Solid Cat 800mm. I came up with the bright idea of trying an Olympus M43 to accomplish the extra reach. I only considered it because I thought the greater pixel density will provide better images than my 24mp full frame cropped for the same angle of view. The jury is still out, but I have discovered that the Oly sensor has a thick filter and it seems to be challenged by my 500mm mirror and mirror lenses in general. I'm beginning to think it would be better to suck up the expense for an A7r IV (probably used) and crop to the field of view needed.

A few words about the Monsteradapter for Vectis. I had posted last year that there would be another production and it has finally come, although much later than I had expected. I had been sent one of the AF adapters and asked to participate in testing. I would have liked to have said more about it but was sworn to secrecy, so could not tell you mine was AF. I think all the Vectis 400 images I've posted have been from the AF adapter. It was not without a couple of bugs but still works pretty well. I find the AF to be quick and accurate. I had no problem using the MF version, but the AF does make it a lot easier.

Here are some recent Vectis 400 from the AF adapter.

    

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