[TIPS] Using classic lenses on a Sony E-mount camera
The most popular body for old lenses
Sony E-mount bodies - the NEX series, a5000 and a6000 series, a7 and a9 - have a short flange distance and a full-frame sensor on the a7 line, which makes them ideal for classic lenses. Rayqual makes adapters to Sony E for Leica M, Leica R, Canon FD, Nikon F, Contax/Yashica, M42 and many other mounts.
What is inside a Rayqual Sony E adapter
- A light-shielding plate inside the mount covers the electrical contacts and was redesigned for full-frame sensors.
- The inner wall is shaped to reduce internal reflection as much as possible, so the lens keeps its own contrast and character.
Recommended camera settings (example: a7C)
- Assign Focus Magnifier to the AF-ON button: MENU, Camera 2, Custom Key, AF-ON button, Focus Magnifier. Each press steps the magnification; the control wheel moves the magnified area.
- If you want a half-press of the shutter to cancel the magnification, set AF in Focus Magnifier to OFF (MENU, Camera 1).
- Set Release without lens to Enable so the shutter fires with a manual lens attached.
The a7C was confirmed to work with Rayqual adapters in October 2020. Being small and light, it pairs well with compact M-mount lenses such as the Voigtlander Ultra-Wide-Heliar 12 mm F5.6 and Carl Zeiss Biogon 28 mm F2.8 ZM, and with an optical finder for zone focusing.
More: Recommended settings for other bodies / Sony E example photos