LA-EA4 Monster Adapter Circuit Board Installation
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- The LA-EA4r Monster Adapter retrofits a standard Sony LA-EA4 A-Mount-to-E-Mount Adapter so all of your old screw-drive A-mount lenses can be mounted to a modern E-mount body and get all the benefits of modern AF, such as Eye and Animal Eye AF, Subject tracking, and focus points all over the frame.
This was my very first attempt at replacing the board. It's all here, mistakes and all. I'm showing you this one so you can get a taste of the kinds of problems you might encounter if you've never done it before.
You can purchase your own unit at MonsterAdapter.com.
For more about this adapter please see my blog post at friedmanarchiv....
Just received mine and installed it. Gary makes it look easy... and it is, actually. In a few words:
1- setup your work plane on a high table, under good light.
2- use a white tray as a work plane so that none of those tiny screws fall and get lost.
3- use the adapter front and rear caps as holders for the screws.
4- proceed methodically and carefully: take your time. if you need to use force, then probably forgot to remove some screws.
5- minimum tools required: a #0 cross screwdriver and some fingers, preferably small ( I do not have small tweezers and did not feel good about using standard sized pliers for this delicate work),
6- be extra careful with ribbon cables: they are just about irreplaceable and quite fragile. pull them out firmly but carefully. push them in the same way.
7- actual time spent doing this modification: about 30 minutes, including watching Gary's video 2 times before actually doing it.
8- no special skills required otherwise. when in doubt, watch this video again or its Chinese-narrated counterpart. Simply turn the sound off if you don't understand the language.
Result: a working modified adapter. I use it on an A7II body. Focusing is slow but very accurate. Bonus: the adapter supports the AF APO II Tele Converters. Those work with the 200mm f2.8 HS APO and the 300 HS APO as well ( the old screw driven version)
Hi, would be nice to know where to buy this board and what is the price?
how would this stand against a mc-11
@@wb1247See the link in the video's description.
@@SpuddyIRL Apples and oranges. The MC-11 is for Sigma lenses with a Canon mount.
I have an a7iii. Is it possible that the newer LA-EA5 will be made compatible with this camera (via a firmware update) or does something prohibit this from happening for this body? Would be interested to know the cost of the new board (as shown in this video). Thanks
I don't believe there's a good technical reason for limiting earlier cameras to the LA-EA5. Here's where the Monster Adapter has an advantage - it works with any E-mount camera except the original A7.
:-o I can't believe that my wishes for a LA-EA5 adapter w/o mirror, with use of all focus fields and eye-AF and tracking AF come true! Is this real?
It's real. Testing it now. Send me an email (address is in the video description) and I'll keep you abreast of progress.
Gary Friedman - The Friedman Archives . Please keep me updated about the LA-EA4 monster.
And now there is an official LA-EA5 out :-o (however currently limited to few cameras only, but my guess is that all current cameras will get firmware updates)
Will this defeat the arbitrary f3.5 aperture limitation for SLT video AF..?
Screw Drive lenses auto focus video so much smoother and organically than USM/SSM/FlyByWire lenses. Try the Minolta 28-70/2.8 G. Incredibly smooth video AF and absolutely no focus breathing. It's a hidden gem for affordable cine lens.
No. It still focuses wide-open. This adapter is not really suitable for video anyway since the motor will be picked up by the camera's microphones. The reason the Minolta 28-70 has such smooth video AF is because it took a billion turns of the screw just to adjust the focus by a foot. :-) (I had one. AF wasn't fast. I sold it before video became a thing on cameras.)
@@FriedmanArchives Hey thanks for confirming Gary. And thanks for your efforts to help promote the AMount tech.
Yes I agree the G is loud and slow. Great for silent video of dreamy fashion. AF/MF button takes care of the rest. The perfect AMount vid lens is the 17-35G, because it is f3.5 native to the limitation. 80-200G is also very smooth even though it's torky for stills. The screwdrive behavior changes dramatically between stills and video AF. I've tested them all against the SSM ZA/G and even GMaster counterparts on a7rIII and a9. The a99ii plus screw drive Minolta lens win every time for organic smooth video AF. Oh.. And that 28-70G flare... Oh my beautiful.
how to update the firmware? i downloaded the file from the site, but not sure how to install
Firmware update guide
Thank you for using MonsterAdapter product. We will keep improve our
products through firmware updates to enhance your experience.
Please note that firmware is not allowed to downgrade. Once you have
upgraded to a higher version of the firmware, you cannot revert to a lower
version.
You need to prepare the following equipment to update the firmware.
l A computer running Windows operations. The Windows version is at least
Windows 7, and other supported versions include Windows 8, 8.1,
Windows 10, etc. Earlier versions may not support firmware update
operations.
l A USB data cable to connect your computer and camera. It is
recommended that you use the data cable that comes with the Sony
camera.
l The latest firmware upgrade package. The latest firmware update
program can be obtained from the official Weibo/Facebook of
MonsterAdapter.
l An E-mount camera. (Please note that E-mount cameras and NEX-5, NEX-
3, and NEX-C3 cameras cannot be used to update the firmware)
l Please make sure that the battery level of the camera is above 70%, and
the battery level below this level cannot be upgraded.
Please follow the steps below to set it up:
l Mount the adapter to the E-mount camera;
l Mount any lens on the mount on the adapter;
l Plug one side of the USB cable into the computer;
l Plug another side of the USB cable into the camera;
l Remove the memory card from the camera.
Start to upgrade
1. Turn on the power of the camera and make sure that "USB Mode: Mass
Storage" is displayed on the camera screen.
If it does not enter this mode, please unplug the USB cable from the camera,
enter [Settings]-[USB Connection] in the camera menu, and select [Mass
Storage];
2. Run the firmware update program on the computer
Click "Next", the program will go through a few seconds of connection
detection:
3. Confirm the version through the update program
The lower left corner of the update program will display the current firmware
version of the adapter and the version number to which it will be upgraded.
Confirm the current and upcoming firmware version
At this time, the camera screen will prompt: Please follow the computer
instructions.
4. Perform firmware update
Note: It is strictly forbidden to operate the camera and the adapter during the
upgrade process, even including removing the battery, shutting down, etc.,
otherwise irreparable damage will be caused to the camera or the adapter.
MonsterAdapter is not responsible for the consequences of this behavior.
Click "Next" to update the firmware of the adapter.
The firmware update process is very fast, and it can be completed in about 3
seconds .
The computer will have a progress indicator bar and there will also be a
progress bar on the camera side.
5. Complete the update, reset the adapter
After the update is completed, the firmware update program will have the
following prompt.
The update is successful, you can click the "Finish" button to exit. The update
is successful, you can click the "Finish" button to exit.
There will also be corresponding prompts on the camera screen at this time.
Please unplug the USB cable from the camera and turn off the camera.
Remove the battery inside the camera and reset the adapter. Then replace the
battery, power on and confirm the version number of the adapter to verify
that the upgrade is successful. The method is: [Menu]-[Settings]-[Version]
At this point, the adapter firmware upgrade is complete.
Gary, is it possible to use adapter with removed glass? 🤔
If you look closely at this video you'll see that I remove the glass and don't replace it.
@@garyfriedman2005 yes, but without monster adapter. Will adapter works with removed glass only?
@@Latvijasfans No, it will not work without the glass.
@@garyfriedman2005 btw, whats new with Lea4r V6? How better it is comparing with v1? Im planning to buy.
Each firmware revision gets faster AF and a wider range or lens compatibility. So it's definitely better than v1.
Are you selling these adapter? I’m afraid to do it myself.
I considered it but decided not to due to a lack of spare time.
Been waiting for this functionality forever, can't wait to see how it performs. Not sure i'll be up to replacing the board myself though
Hello, where can I buy or order the board?
I haven't found anything on the net so far.
Greetings Thomas
Much more information about this adapter, including where to buy it, can be found on my blog post here: friedmanarchives.blogspot.com/2021/05/my-last-post-about-monster-adapter-la.html
@@FriedmanArchives Not found on where to buy & price from your blog
Bonjour Gary,
Je suis français et ne maitrise pas bien l'anglais 🙃
Je l'ai commandé chez Aliexpress pour 161€.
C’est la version 07
Quelle bonheur 🤗
Mise au point sans à-coups et rapide. (Essai sur 28-70 F2.8 G)
Merci beaucoup pour votre vidéo explicative du montage.
30 Minutes et cela fonctionne nickel 😛
Bonne nouvelle! Et je ne savais pas qu'il était disponible sur AliExpress. Merci d'avoir partagé votre expérience!
@@FriedmanArchives Oui, la version 07 apporte vraiment une mise au point rapide ! Cela vaut le coup de la faire. En plus part rapport à la LAEA4 non modifiée, la mise en place de la carte Monster apporte le retour de l'objectif monture A en position de l'infini à l'arrêt de l'appareil. LAEA4 non modifiée ne le fait pas !
Bien à vous Gary.
Nice, luckily i not yet sold my LAEA4! Where to get the Monster adapter?
Thank you so very much, did it just now. It’s absolute awesome. Now I’m very satisfied with my old Minolta Lenses 🥰
Happy to help!
Hope it works well! It's also finally publicly available in China today.
Where is this update coming from ? When will Sony finally give us uptodate versions of their A mounts adapters ? Their treatment of their A mount customers really is a shame.
The A99 II was the greatest gift to A-mount owners ever. It's still my preferred studio camera.
Gary Friedman - The Friedman Archives Coming from you, this is quite a compliment! But I am thinking of people like me who have neither a studio, nor the equivalent of 4000 usd to buy this type of camera.
I just bought a A7 III and would hope to get optimal results from my collection of Minolta primes. Maybe I made the bad choice and should have gone for an A77 instead ?
Thanks Gary, you made the process very easy and gave me the confidence to do it. My minolta 300 2.8G will get a run out for the first time in years 😁
Woo hoo! Good luck with the project.
Guy, any comment about this LA-EA4r & LA-EA5? How the focus?
I have had mine for three years and now when I attach it to the camera the autofocus motor turns on and won't just off. Have to take the battery out to get it to stop. No functionality.
Send me your email address and I'll put you in touch with the guy who designed it. Gary at Friedman Archives dot com .
@@FriedmanArchives I think it malfunctioned due to the fact I put a third party a mount from the late eighties on it last. Wasn't compatible with the adapter and may have done something to the unit. A7ii A7Rii
I have the same problem, motor turn constantly. I haven’t done any firmware updates (stock). Will it be the cause?
@@KelvinChanMcSquared Same advice as above - send me your email and I'll put you in touch with the guy who wrote the software.
Absolutely not worth it. ~$200 for the adapter + $200 = ~$400 and it's big & clunky. I get better results on my A7R II using Canon EF lenses via a cheap Canon EF > Sony E adapter. If you really want to use A mount lenses a Sony A99 is a much better solution.
Or the A99 II which is my personal favorite. 🙂
@@FriedmanArchivesHave you seen the price of those used? WOW! Makes no sense. That's why I got a A7R II with the same sensor for $500. on ebay!
@@GeorgeStar:-) No wrong choice!
@@FriedmanArchivesNo but I'm just wondering why it's 4X more.
@@GeorgeStarSupply and demand. The A99 II is the best A-mount camera body ever made with ergonomics to match.
if all modern features work, it means you're using the AF system of your camera and not the focus module in the LA-EA4 (so it becomes more of a LA-EA3 with screwmount.... or a LA-EA5 with support for older bodies :P).
Doesn't that mean that you can remove the mirror as well permantly? There is no reason for light to travel up to the focus array if it isn't used anymore, right?
Yes, and if you looked at the video carefully, you'll see that removing the mirror was the first step that was performed.
@@garyfriedman4001 my bad.. I thought it put back in. At the end of the video it looked like something was still in the path.
I'm curious, do you suppose the monster adapter could be used to transform an LA-EA2, and to be used with FF?
I was told that there's not enough room in an LA-EA2 for the circuit board - apparently it's a completely different design. (Yeah, not intuitive...)
@@FriedmanArchives Will the LA-EA4 with Monster adapter allow autofocus when used on the A6700?
@@ronniejonsson Just tried it. YES, it works with screwdriver-driven lenses, but not for SSM or SAF lenses whose motors are built-in.
@@FriedmanArchives Thanks Gary! I tried the LA-EA4 without Monster adapter on the A6700, manual focus only on screwdriver lenses. Your info is encouraging.
@@ronniejonsson The LA-EA5 should work too, on all lenses not just the screw-drive ones.
Can't wait for final board available for anyone willing to get it.
Oh Lord. It took years for Sony to do this adapter in 2021 Х) You are a brilliant master
They could have done it at any time sooner, but they didn't invest time till 2020 (not 2021).
Thanks for this great instructional video, Gary. Installation went without a hitch! It is amazing to see so many focus points on my 500 AF Reflex lens!!
Glad it was helpful!
Just finished the LA-EA4 to LA-EA4r conversion. Not a job for big fingers!! And reconnecting the cable connectors is a bit of a pain. However, job done and it works well. Now to see if there is a firmware upgrade? Thanks Gary for a thorough overview of the process.
So the PCB is $200.00?
Will the say 16-35/2.8, 70-200, 300/3.8 perform the same as E-mount lenses?
And now la ea5 came
When will the adapter be available?
Not sure. I'm still waiting for a firmware update that will make it more stable. You can get the latest news by sending me an email to Gary at Friedman Archives dot com.
When this wille he available?
Send me an email at Gary at Friedman Archives dot com and I'll put you on the update list. There's a lot of information to share!
Have emailed for the updates. Great job, now I've seen this video I would definitely have no trouble fitting it myself. Waiting to see how well it functions. Michael in Northern Ireland. 😀
OMG finally, it's real?
what's real?
Yes, it's real. Email me to be put onto the notification list.
WoW if this really works well enough I would finally get a mirror less next to mine A99
Hi, is this board available now?
Where I can buy this new board?
Not available yet. Send me an email and I'll keep you on the notification list. Gary at Friedman Archives dot com .
@@FriedmanArchives I will. Thanks! (what's the expected price? Do you have any clue maybe?)
Search for LA-EA4r on Taobao.com
I wish it was possible to retrofit more devices.
Is continues autofocus for video works after modification?
No AF during video after modification.
@@FriedmanArchives Hello,dear Gary! Did you test La-ea5?
@@Latvijasfans Yes. See my youtube video here: ua-cam.com/video/Xy4GZURBkF0/v-deo.html
will the board swap also work for the LA-EA2?
No
I have used the LA-EA4 with the autofocus Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 "DG" AF 3x Teleconverter for the Sony a-mount and the autofocus performance was poor. Maybe with this electronic board is better.
Don't count on this device for faster AF with 3rd party lenses. It's main benefit is to bring modern focusing features to older Minolta screw-drive lenses.
Is there no sound in the video?
Correct, there is no sound in the video. Just hum to yourself. :-)
Nice! i'm happily owning my Sony A850 with several Minolta AF lenses: 50mm 1.4, 28mm 2.8, 70-210 f4, and a 35-70 f4. i have a 75-300 also and a big 500m APO type lense. I have the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D that my daughter uses sometimes. then I still have my LA-EA1(i think that's the one) I used to use it on my Nex-3 but I now only have a Sony A3000. I rarely use it but sometimes record 1080p video on it. Are you familiar with the A3000? It's an inexpensive mirrorless e-mount camera.
I am familiar with it. They tried to make it look like a DSLR. :-)
@@FriedmanArchives yes it's very light weight and i think tiny. I needed an inexpensive camera that took good photos and purchased a used one. but later had the opportunity to get a better camera and went with the A850. I think it's really an A900 though. I mean there are three differences only between a850 and a900. actually the a3000 might be good for someone who cant carry a heavy camera around all the time but then again my a850 with the big beercan is probably on the heavy side. my nex-3 was wearing out so i got the a3000.
i was in the market for a camera when my a100 died and then my a300 died and then my nex-3 started having problems. i got the a850 but also a bundle with lenses and a flash is where i got the 7D. it was perfect except you had to very slightly unseat the compact flash card for it to read it. that's it. i can hear press conferences with people shooting 12 fps or whatever. i think i get 3 frames per second. lol.
The adapter does not work with zoom at the moment