Voigtlander m4/3 noktons - Why no contacts?

[gavinlg]

I love the idea of these two f0.95 lenses. They looks like they're quite amazing optically for the price. But what gets me is why voigtlander didn't put electronic contacts on them. It would enable AF confirmation - which would make focussing so much easier.

One thing I can think of is that maybe the rear elements are too large to fit contacts on them - for instance the canon 85mm f1.2L has its contacts cemented onto the rear glass. Does anyone know for sure though?

[biomed]

These are completely manual lenses with no internal electronics.

[photomoof]

Originally Posted by gavinlg

I love the idea of these two f0.95 lenses. They looks like they're quite amazing optically for the price. But what gets me is why voigtlander didn't put electronic contacts on them. It would enable AF confirmation - which would make focussing so much easier.

They are not compatible with the new wifi cameras like the GH3, so they cannot be controlled remotely.

[biomed]

Originally Posted by photomoof

They are not compatible with the new wifi cameras like the GH3, so they cannot be controlled remotely.

The Voigtlander MFD lenses are as compatible with the GH3 as any other manual lens. The camera menu needs to be set to shoot without lens - just the same as any adapted "legacy" lens. I have used the 25 on my GH3 without any problems.

[Lflex]

Originally Posted by gavinlg

I love the idea of these two f0.95 lenses. They looks like they're quite amazing optically for the price. But what gets me is why voigtlander didn't put electronic contacts on them. It would enable AF confirmation - which would make focussing so much easier.

I agree, it would have been so much nicer if the enlarged focusing view popped up ( or whatever focusing support the camera supports) when turning the focusing ring.

[Vobluda]

Because Cosina doesnt know how to.

Originally Posted by gavinlg

I love the idea of these two f0.95 lenses. They looks like they're quite amazing optically for the price. But what gets me is why voigtlander didn't put electronic contacts on them. It would enable AF confirmation - which would make focussing so much easier.

One thing I can think of is that maybe the rear elements are too large to fit contacts on them - for instance the canon 85mm f1.2L has its contacts cemented onto the rear glass. Does anyone know for sure though?

[Lflex]

Originally Posted by Vobluda

Because Cosina doesnt know how to.

Are you kidding?

[biomed]

Originally Posted by Vobluda

Because Cosina doesnt know how to.

??? Cosina makes "chipped" lenses with Canon and Nikon mounts that interface with the camera metering system.

[photomoof]

Originally Posted by biomed

The Voigtlander MFD lenses are as compatible with the GH3 as any other manual lens. The camera menu needs to be set to shoot without lens - just the same as any adapted "legacy" lens. I have used the 25 on my GH3 without any problems.

Really? You were able to focus and change the aperture remotely with your phone or tablet?

I just don't see how that can be.

[biomed]

Originally Posted by photomoof

Really? You were able to focus and change the aperture remotely with your phone or tablet?

I just don't see how that can be.

I may be mistaken, but I don't believe the OP was talking about remote controlling the lens via WiFi. The CV micro 4/3 lenses function as any manual lens does when mounted on the GH3 body.

Here is the information from CameraQuest:

Aperture control is by the lens aperture ring, not the camera.

Focus is manual using the lens focusing helical without integrated electronic interface or EXIF recording.

The 25 lens worked the same as one of my Nikkor lenses on the GH3. Of course the CV 25 does not need a lens adapter. You are correct in that there is no electronic interface between any micro 4/3 body and the CV micro 4/3 17.5/0.95, 25/0.95 and the new 42.5/0.95 lenses.

BTW, have you used the WiFi remote control on the GH3? What little I have played with it, I have found IMHO that it has little usefulness other than downloading images to another wireless device.

Anyway I think we have been talking apples and oranges. I apologize for any confusion.

Mike

[photomoof]

Originally Posted by biomed

BTW, have you used the WiFi remote control on the GH3? What little I have played with it, I have found IMHO that it has little usefulness other than downloading images to another wireless device.

I have only used it on Canon bodies, but according to Panasonic and others it allows full control, which in a studio lighting setting is amazingly useful.

See this demo on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVxD5yvLA2s

The OP was pointing out that the most basic focus confirmation function is not available -- I was pointing out even more is not available. But yes as you point out the lens will mount and manually focus.