Konica AR to Nex adapters.

Dogtag · Joined: 27 Jul 2013 Posts: 166 Location: Holland del norte

Hi guys, I love the konica's I just do Sorry Smile

But in order to use them you need a good adapter.
I see people buy 80� adapters that are no better then the 10$(yes dollar not euro, including shipping!!) adapters.
I've had the no-name version the fotga version and used the kipon version. But the version I like the most is this one:
(including why I think this is great value for money).
The prost adapters Click here to see on Ebay.
Here's why (see picture) you see two adapters and their mechanism to keep the lens in place. In the red circle (left) you see a fotga and in the green circle (right) you see the prost. The main difference is that the prost adapter uses aluminium mount and leaf spring like system opposed the iron wedge system. The prost spring leaf system is more like the original konica body (leaf spring) and is able to cope with variations in lenses (some have a tighter or looser fit then others). But with the iron wedge, when placing a tight lens it becomes too loose for use with other lenses or you need to re adjust it (until the next time you use a tight lens).

They cost exactly the same price but the prost is so much better. (I buy all adapters from prost now)

Let me know any other good adapters for konica AR to nex, and why it good Smile

Edit changed ebay link, thx to calvin83

calvin83 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7554 Location: Hong Kong

Use only the item number within the ebay tag.
Click here to see on Ebay

Generally, I will prefer leaf spring over the "iron wedge" if the spring is well made in good strength and durability. After checking the Novoflex NEX/NIK adapter: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/737925-REG/Novoflex_NEX_NIK_Adapter_for_Nikon_Lens.html , I think the "iron wedge" may also has some advantage over the leaf spring.

ceedjay · Joined: 02 Dec 2013 Posts: 32

Hi !

I bought a Fotga adapter for K/AR to NX three months ago and got another one last week and I noticed straight away that they have modified the model. The release pin is not at the bottom of the adapter anymore (it is now on the left top side near the brand) which is actually nicer and the springs are no longer split/bent metal wedges but steel springs like those shown on your photos of the "not-fotga" adpater. That is quite nice, BUT, the chrome ring is not exactly the same (the slots have a slight edge that there wasn't on the first one I got) so the fit is tighter and for example my Hexanon 40/1.8 cannot be used as it doesn't get in (it has to be jammed in by force, not good !). And instead of being anodized black it is painted, so the finish is not satin anymore and there are spots where the paint is not dry (weel, it is sort of dry, I can't really explain).

So, at use, the second model is nicer (except with the 40/1. Cool

but the finish of the first one is better. If I have some time, I'll take photographs of the adapters.

Don't know if they have modified the product or if it is simply complete inconsistency in the build process.

Cheers.
Jay

monkjason · Joined: 02 Dec 2013 Posts: 301 Location: Beijing, China

I'm in China, and I could buy a good adapter ring by a cheap price far beyond your imagination, and more, the one with steady and firm bite on the camera. I cannot tell you the brand bcoz it has no brand, manufactured by a camera fan in his factory. Laughing

ceedjay · Joined: 02 Dec 2013 Posts: 32

Hi !

Oh, the general quality of the Fotga adapters is very good for the cheap price actually (I paid 15 euros including shipping). I just think they must have received messages from users asking for easier release and better fit so they modified their adapters accordingly, which is good. The only drawback is the finish. It looks different, but still the quality is quite good. Plus these adapters are really easy to shim, saving you the hassle of having to calibrate infinity stop on all your lenses. You just do it for the widest lens you have and it is OK for the rest of your lenses.

Cheers
Jay

Dogtag · Joined: 27 Jul 2013 Posts: 166 Location: Holland del norte

cyrano · Expire: 2016-12-30

Unfortunately for us UK buyers the Prost is not available here. Fotodiox seem to be generally reliable but they are not the same price as the Prost.

cyrano · Expire: 2016-12-30

I've ordered fotga adapters in different mounts-time will tll how they work. If Prost don't wish to sell here it's their loss, not mine.
Buyers market.

konicamera · Expire: 2014-06-14

cyrano · Expire: 2016-12-30

Rawit · Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Posts: 39

I have an Big_is adapter, which works well, but no infinity on my 50mm. Solid connection though, no movement. I will receive a Kipon one soon, the all black design is nicer (yeah, yeah, I know), so I will check soon how that works out.

The Fotasy one, don't buy it. Connection is very loose, tried with 3 lenses. Focussing is hard to do, especially on my 135. I've read reports of people even disconnecting their lens from the adapter just by changing aperture. The Fotasy design is used by other brands, but I think some brands use better materials and measurements.

cyrano · Expire: 2016-12-30

The biggest problem I have found with various adapters is actually being able to get them delivered from China, it almost always entails a months wait and even now I have filed for refunds on 6 from various sellers that just haven't arrived.