Sony NEX Converted Voigtlander 25mm 0.95 on eBay

Suwen emailed us and told us that he converted the low light Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 lens for the Sony NEX E-mount. He wasn't pleased with the micro four thirds to E-mount adapter since the lens couldn't achieve focus at infinity on the NEX. The converted CV 25mm f/0.95 lens is now on eBay.



As you can see from the video about, the Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 is great for low light with such a large aperture but since it was designed for the smaller micro four thirds sensor it vignettes on the Sony NEX's aps-c sensor. Check out Suwen's website for more sample photos.

Sony NEX-5 with Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95

Here was our post in December 2010 showing sample shots from the NEX-5 and the Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95.

Zeiss Compact Prime Lenses for NEX E-mount Announced

Carl Zeiss 85/2.1 Compact Prime on Sony NEX-VG10 by farwesttexasphotog from CP+

Carl Zeiss Cinematography officially announced that the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses will be available in the Sony NEX E-mount. CP.2 lenses have interchangeable mounts and with the short register distance of the NEX an adapter or mount was easily made. The NEX and the CP.2 combination was first shown in Japan at the CP Plus convention. This is great news for videographers who use the NEX-VG10 and the new NEX-FS100.

Sony NEX E-mount for Zeiss CP.2 Lenses

Zeiss has instructions on how to replace the lens mounts of Compact Prime CP.2 lenses to E-mount if you already have the set.

Focal Lengths of Zeiss Compact Prime Lenses (larger image)

The Zeiss Compact Prime lenses are available in the following focal lengths and apertures:

• CP.2 18mm f/2.6
• CP.2 21mm f/2.9
• CP.2 25mm f/2.9
• CP.2 28mm f/2.1
• CP.2 35mm f/2.1
• CP.2 50mm f/2.1
• CP.2 50mm f/2.1 Macro
• CP.2 85mm f/2.1
• CP.2 100mm f/2.1 Close Focus

Here is the press release from Carl Zeiss Cinematography:

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 30.03.2011.

During the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 9-14, 2011, Carl Zeiss will present two new mounts for the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses:

the E mount and the MFT mount. The MFT mount is particularly suitable for the new corresponding professional camcorders, while the brand-new E mount is perfect for the new Sony cameras like the Super 35 mm NXCAM camcorder. The MFT mount has been available since March. The new E mount is expected to be available beginning in June. Exactly a year ago, Carl Zeiss introduced the Compact Prime CP.2 series during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. They are the first lenses with interchangeable mount developed specially for filming with HDSLR cameras. Since then, there has been significant demand for these lenses among cinematographers and still photographers adding new video services. Carl Zeiss is now adding a new chapter to its Compact Prime CP.2 success story.

“With these new mounts, we respond to many of our customers’ wishes asking to use the lenses on these new HD video cameras,” said Holger Sehr, Product Manager for Cinematography lenses at Carl Zeiss AG, Camera Lens Division. “Thanks to the interchangeable mounts, now for five different camera systems — PL, EF, MFT, F and E mount — our Compact Prime CP.2 lenses deliver superb flexibility, can be used in many different market segments, and are attractive for both end-customers and rental houses.”

With the interchangeable mount and the 24x36 mm full-format image circle illumination, these latest members of Carl Zeiss compact lens family are extremely versatile. During the NAB Show, Carl Zeiss will present all nine fixed focal lengths of Compact Prime CP.2 series from 18 to 100 mm, which thanks to the new mounts can be used for a wide range of cameras — from SLR to professional camcorders through to professional cine and television film cameras. Moreover, the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are highly compact with a robust construction, so that they can withstand any demand of cinematographers and photographers on the set.

Click here for more information on Carl Zeiss Compact Prime Lenses.

Sony NEX-5 with Sirene 135 Large Format Camera

Sony NEX-5 with a 1920s Sirene 135 9x12 cm large format camera

Face emailed us with an interesting contraption. He had a Sirene 135, with a 13 cm lens and maximum aperture of f/8, that was collecting dust and a new Sony NEX-5. He cut a hole in the back of the Sirene 135 and attached an E-mount lens cap to it. The NEX-5 now functions as a digital back for this large format camera made between 1914 and 1926.

Face tells us that focusing is quite difficult since the lens needs plenty of light with a maximum aperture of f/8. He sets the NEX shutter at 4 seconds and uses the Sirene 135's shutter mechanism to take the shot. Amazing for a camera almost 100 years old.

The NEX sensor size is 23.4 x 15.6 mm which is more than 5 times smaller than the original 9x12 cm film plates that the Sirene 135 used.

Here are some impressive sample photos taken with the Sirene 135 and the NEX-5 digital back.









Thanks Face!

Sony NEX-5 with Leica 50mm Elmar-M Collapsible

Sony NEX-5 with a Chrome LEICA ELMAR-M 1:2.8/50 E39 50mm

Here is a nice portrait of a Sony NEX-5 and a collapsible Leica 50mm Elmar-M f/2.8. The effective focal length for the NEX camera is 75mm which makes for a nice portrait lens. This lens series was made between 1994 and 2007. The lens was available in chrome or black.

We will have samples soon from uintaangler.

Black Leica 50mm Elmar-M on a black Leica M6

Thanks uintaangler!

Sony NEX-FS100 Super 35mm Camcorder Released

Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM Super 35mm Camcorder

Cozi Video from Hangman Studios

Here is the newest NEX camera, the Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM camcorder. The camera shares the same sensor as the Sony PMW-F3 in Super 35mm format, which is 13.3 x 23.6 mm (0.52 x 0.93 inch) in size. The lens mount is the NEX's E-mount which gives maximum lens adaptability due to it's short 18 mm (0.71 inch) flange-back distance. NEX E-mount lenses, Sony Alpha lenses, and various 3rd party lens makers including Leica and Zeiss are all adaptable. The NEX-FS100 has a crop factor of 1.5x which differs from the other NEX cameras with their 1.8x crop factor when in video mode.

The list price for the body only NEX-FS100U is $5,850.00 and the NEX-FS100UK with the SEL 18-200mm OSS lens is $6,550.

The release of the NEX-FS100 is great news for NEX users since this ensures the more lenses will come for the E-mount. We'll add more information as we get them.

The NEX-FS100 is an interchangeable lens camcorder featuring a Super 35mm sensor equivalent in size to Super35mm film like that used in the PMW-F3, and a Sony E-Mount 18 to 200mm zoom lens. Developed specifically as a digital motion camcorder it is capable of producing footage with shallow depth of field similar to that of a film camera and capture with high image fidelity.

For more information on the FS100 Camcorder:

• Click here for the Sony NEX-FS100 Press Release.
• Click here for the Sony NEX-FS100 Price and Specifications.
• Click here for the Sony NEX-FS100 Product Brochure in pdf format.

Videos shot with the NEX-FS100 from F Stop Academy

Sony NEX Fisheye Sweep Panoramas

Fotosky came up with a new Sweep Panorama method for the Sony NEX cameras which gives the final image a fisheye effect. This is accomplished by swinging the NEX in an arc. The camera motion is somewhat like a pendulum. This takes some practice. Fisheye 3D Sweep Panoramas should also be possible. We would love to see some of your samples - email us.

Sony NEX Fisheye Sweep Panorama Sample Photos

Check out Fotosky's gallery for more samples.

These shots do not use the NEX Fisheye Conversion lenses.

Sony NEX Aftermarket Battery Grip

Sony NEX Aftermarket Battery Grip

Here's the Ownuser battery grip for the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 camera. It seems that grip can use two NPFW50 batteries to extend your shooting time. It also provides a better grip for shooting in the vertical position. All we see are wholesale prices which price each NEX battery grip down to $132.

Check out PCHome.com.tw for more information on the Ownuser Sony NEX Battery Grip.

Please email us if you have one.

Here is the Ownuser website where you can buy the battery grip for $99 shipped. We don't know all the details, so buyer beware.

Sony NEX Aperture Control for Canon EOS Lenses

Conurus has developed the electronic interface between a Sony NEX body and a Canon EOS / EF lens. This allows the aperture of a Canon EOS lens to be controlled by the Sony NEX.

Normally Canon EOS lenses are at minimum aperture when they are not on a Canon body. The lenses do not have aperture rings and when used with an adapter on a Sony NEX body, the aperture cannot be changed. This Conurus system changes that.

Hopefully they can miniaturize the system.

Sony NEX-3 with Conurus Canon Aperture Controller

Conurus specializes in converting Contax N autofocus lenses for use with Canon EOS systems.

Sony NEX 18-200 Lens on Safari

Here are some images from Ronbeau from his Ugandan Safari. He used his Sony NEX-5 and the SEL 18-200mm OSS Lens. The images below shows the high ISO performance of the NEX. They are also good examples of the Optical Steady Shot at work. Check out Ronbeau's gallery at dpreview.

92mm f/9.0 1/1250 iso 6400


178mm f/6.3 1/60 ISO 1600


200mm f/6.3 1/320 ISO 200


200mm f/6.3 1/320 ISO 250


200mm f/6.3 1/320 ISO 1000


200mm f/10 1/1600 ISO 6400


200mm f/6.3 1/320 ISO 500

Sony NEX-5 SEL 18-200 OSS Lens on Safari

Thanks Ronbeau!

Sony NEX-5 and Leica Summilux-C Cine Lens

Sony NEX-5 with a Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-C Cine Lens

Here is the newest Leica Summilux-C 50mm PL Mount for motion picture cameras mounted on the Sony NEX-5. The Leica Summilux-C line uses the Arriflex PL mount. PL to E-mount lens adapters have been around but this is the first we've seen the NEX using one. Check out FD Times for an excellent sample photo taken with the Summilux-C 50 and the NEX-5.

Leica Summilux-C Cine Lenses

Leica Summilux-C Prime lenses were introduced in April 2010 and will ship this year. The available focal lengths are 16mm, 18mm, 21mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 75mm, and 100mm. All with maximum apertures of f/1.4. Leica Summilux-C Cinematography lenses are available from BandPro. Initial pricing was around $180,000 for a set of 8 lenses.

Sony NEX DSLR via Leica Visoflex

Sony NEX-3, Leica Visoflex I, and a Leitz 280mm/f4.8 ver.2 Lens

Here is NikonD200 's Sony NEX DSLR with the use of the Leica Visoflex I from 1956. The Visoflex is attached to the NEX-3 using a Leica M to E-mount lens adapter.

Below shows how a Leica bellows can be used for macro shots using the NEX and the Visoflex.

Sony NEX-3, Leica Visoflex I, Bellows I and a Leitz 280mm/f4.8 ver.2 Lens

The focusing and composing is done through the Leica Visoflex viewfinder. A lever flips up the mirror and then hits the shutter release button.

Leica Visoflex in Action

So if you are looking for a viewfinder for your NEX, hunt down a Leica Visoflex.

Pictures from NikonD200 and video from Lowcomotive.

Thanks NikonD200!

Sony NEX-5 and NASAs Last Space Shuttle Launch

Sony NEX-5 3D Rig with Nikkor 20mm Lens

Dennis Biela sent us an email to share their Last Shuttle Project which uses the Sony NEX-5 in a 3D configuration. The Last Shuttle Project intends to show the an exclusive perspective on the final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle program.

The NEX 3D rig positions the two NEX-5 to provide a stereoscopic view for photos and videos. Two Nikkor 20mm f/4 AI Lens using Nikon F to E-mount lens adapters. A special IR transmitter was created by Bob Fisher the "Widget Guy" to trigger the cameras simultaneously. Below is a sample image from the NEX 3D Rig.

Shuttle Atlantis at the Orbiter Processing Facility taken with the NEX 3D Rig

Bob "widget Guy" Fisher and Trammel Hudson Prepares for the Last Shuttle Launch

More information on the Last Shuttle Project

You can help support The Last Shuttle Project by checking out the The Last Shuttle Kickstarter page.

Thanks Dennis B and good luck!

Samyang Sony NEX E-mount Lenses Coming

Samyang 8mm Fisheye Lens Designed for the NEX-VG10

Samyang announced that they will start making Sony NEX E-mount lenses. The first lens that Samyang adapted to the E-mount is the 8mm Fisheye Lens with a maximum aperture of 3.5. The Samyang 8mm f/3.5 FISH-EYE CS VG10 lens is optimized for videography with smooth aperture transitions and minimized vignetting.

The 8mm Fisheye converts to an equivalent 14.4mm field of view on the Sony NEX-VG10 Camcorder.

Samyang is the 5th 3rd party lens manufacturer for the Sony NEX E-mount. We can't wait for more value minded lenses with excellent optical quality from Samyang for the Sony NEX system.

Samyang 8mm f/3.5 FISH-EYE CS VG10 lens

Thanks Samyang!