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Bob Shell CY adapter to Canon EOSD

H

herrstein

New Member
Does the Shell adapter work in mounting my existing MF Zeiss T* lenses to one of these new Canon digital SLR bodies? If so, how would that work with the focus, lens length, aperture, etc.?
Now that they make one for less than $1000 I am beginning to become interested.
 
I am about to order the Zoerk y/c to eos adapter. I do not know how it compares to the Shell version, but it is supposed to work well, retaining metering functions in AV mode, albeit at shooting aperture as there are is no mechanical or electronic coupling between the lens and body when using the adapter. We will see. In any case I have decided to go to Canon for auto focus, with a view to a digital future as well. I have thought a great deal about the AX and would love to have one - but it is clearly not state-of-the-art re AF, it is big and heavy, relatively expensive, and does not solve my other issue - long lenses. So I will end up with an RTSII with 35,50,85,135 - all of which theoretically will work on the EOS as well, with the adapter - and an Elan 7 with, over time, 70-200, 300 and 400 (eventually). If it goes well I will likely invest in a higher-end Eos body, though I doubt its necessary as the Elan 7 seems relatively robust, reasonably easy to focus manually, has mirror-lock, dedicated DOF preview, TTL flash etc. as well as a fast enough motor (all for under US 300). When full-frame digital becomes affordable in the Canon line up I will be ready for it, and will not have over invested in Y/C lenses (as much as I love the ones I use, there is distinctly less enthusiasm for the 80-200 zoom, and FFL over 135 as compared to Canon L offerings in that range - excluding the ultra-luxury fast long teles which are completely out of the financial ball park). I think this set up will be like eating my cake and having it too. Comments? Sorry if all this is not strictly germane to the thread. David
 
David:

I like your plan. Can you clarify for me what you mean by "albeit at shooting aperture"? Also, do you know how the lens will work with a flash on the EOS? (I don't recall if the canon flashes use distance as part of the calculation for flash exposure.)

Thanks.
 
I did finally contact Bob Shell and he informed me that the adapter would in fact work; the lenses would work essentially as AE lenses did on an aperture priority camera. I surmise that everything would have to be done with the lens stopped down to shooting aperture. That might make for some pretty dark viewfinder scenes (or LED views, I guess), unless I compose wide open, stop down, then shoot.
So David's note is my understanding as well.
Next question is, what would the conversion factor be for the focal length- would you know? Would it be the same 1.6 times that it is for the Canon EL lenses? I am guessing so....
 
Stephen: as there is no link between body and lens you must stop down to meter at the working aperture. I am looking at the Zoerk adapter - currently waiting on more info re compatability with various EOS bodies. I know for instance, that the Elan 7E meter will not function properly with non-EOS lenses. (See http://www.eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=E7EMFlens ) Will post more when I have further info.
 
I have just bought the Canon 10D and I also asked Bob Shell about his adaptor. I think it is very useful in my cases, as I own half a dozen C/Y Zeiss lens. I will be sad to sell my C/Y lenses in order to raise funds for the Canon L
lens counterparts. This is the only way of going digital with C/Y lenses. The 1.6x crop factor is very appealing for telephoto photography. Athough I also have the Contax N-lenses, N full frame digital is too expensive.

My only reservations with the adaptor are it is slow to use; with fast lens you can focus with aperture stop down but with slow zoom lens you need to open the aperture to focus (otherwise it is too dim)and stop down for exposure, and repeat this for the next shots. Also it is slow to change lenses.
 
Perhaps someone could say to me if these rings must be locked to the lens with a screw or something else or if you can switch off from a lens to another. I mean, can I buy only one of these adaptors for all my contax lenses?
 
David

It would be great if you can share with us your thoughts about the Zoerk adaptor.

I have both Bob Shell's and Stephen Gandy's (Camera Quest) adaptors. They both work quite well but they both have a little "slack" or movement after you've attached the lens onto the adaptor.

I have 3 adaptors but need one more. Anyone has one to sell? Please send me a PM if you do.

Bobby
 
>Having never used an adapter i am curious as to the camera settings when fitted. I am interested in using my CZ lenses on a EOS3 and possibly a future Canon digital. What is the procedure in taking a picture using an ada pter on a modern AF body and which is the best,cheapest adapter.

David.
 
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