By Dan Chung
Redrockmicro have beaten Birger Engineering and MTF services to be the first to actually offer for sale an adapter which offers active aperture control for Canon EOS lenses on Micro 4/3 cameras like the Panasonic AF100 and GH2. Passive mechanical adapters which are commonly available have no way to control the aperture of Canon glass so the lens aperture is stuck wide open.
Based on the company’s original Livelens adapter for their Encore 35mm adapters it offers simple push button aperture adjustments in 1/3 stops- but none of the extra features like AF and Image stabilization that Birger engineering are promising (although their adapter still has no release date). The adapter requires 9V power in order to work but the company claim 20 hours operation with a single cell. There are a few limitations and compatibility issues so please read the tech specs properly.
For a limited time it is available at US $442.50, normally US $487.50 from the Redrockmicro webstore. There is no word from Redrockmicro about possible future versions for cameras like the Sony F3 or Nex range.
Here’s is a rip from the Redrockmicro site:
How does LiveLens mft work?
The LiveLens mft is a lens adapter that fits onto any micro four-thirds camera body, and provides a Canon EF lens mount on the other side for attaching any EF-compatible lens. an on board computer and electronics power a small control panel that allow you to adjust the aperture of the lens, open or closed, in 1/3 stop increments.
Does LiveLens do what I need it to do?
Absolutely. LiveLens technology has been used by many professional productions for over three years, demonstrating the reliability and capability of LiveLens. With a few exceptions it works with most EF-compatible lenses.LiveLens mft uses true active EF lens control technology, not fake extra iris, mechanical-only lens mount, or other non-performing poor quality “solutions” found on the Internet today.
How is it powered?
The LiveLens mft is powered by an external 9v battery, which can be switched on and off.
How long does the 9v battery last?
The 9V battery can power the unit for about 20 hours depending on how frequently aperture is adjusted.
Will this adapter work on all of my lenses?
The Redrock Micro LiveLens MFT will work on most Canon EF Lenses. However, there are a few exceptions. LiveLens mft does not power focus by wire lenses like the 85mm f/1.2 and 300mm f/2.8. It also does not work with Canon or third party teleconverters, extenders, or macro tubes.
How would I support long or heavy lenses?
If you plan on using long or heavy glass, we’d suggest a microLensSupport to ensure the lens is secure and properly supported.
Can I use the camera to control aperture?
Currently the lens aperture is controlled only through the LiveLens control pad, not the camera.
Will this power the image stabilizer of my IS enabled lenses?
Currently the LiveLens MFT powers only the aperture control of the lens, and does not provide power for image stabilization.
How does this differ from the LiveLens for the M3?
The underlying control technology of the LiveLens MFT and LiveLens for M3 is identical. Where the LiveLens MFT differs is it’s custom-built flange that attaches the unit to the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. LiveLens for the M3 has been proven to work for over three years in production environments and gives LiveLens mft this proven reliability.
