More Birger Mount News!!

"I called them today, spoke briefly with Eric. He doesn't want to get too specific in case things change, but here is what they (and we) are looking at for their Canon EF and EF-S to m4/3 adapter:

Dates:
Late November announcement- prices and release date.
Late December- probable release date

Prices:
A model for RC follow focus- "under $1500"
Basic model (using iris control on camera) "well under $1000, probably in the $700 range. But not in the sub-$500 range some were asking."

Auto Focus:
They're working on it, but "don't expect continuous auto-focus"

Quantity:
They will have "100s of units available" at release, and will produce "100s per week."
There's no lead time and would be a 2-4 week wait "at worst."
"


This was the Nov. 1st update.

Many of us are now having to look at having to buy new glass rather than use our existing Canon glass, just to get by. Hearing about their timetable issues in the past is concerning.
 
Why does everyone always have to use Red as an example of giving dates and missing them like they are the only company that gives dates? So far, Panasonic has been VERY upfront with their release date being Dec 27th, and all indications are they are going to make this date. I don't think it is unreasonable for a company to make a deadline to where they promise to get the part out. If the worst case were February then that is what should be given. The fact is people need to make a decision NOW on what they are going to do. Having NO indication when something is going to be available is just as bad, because what do people do? I've already ordered a crappy no-electronics converter so I can at least attach something to my camera when it comes in to start using it. But. given the projects I have to get started on, I too will have to make a decision to either buy some additional lenses (or rent) in the meantime.

I have no ill will towards Birger at all, and am glad they've taken on this project to fill a gap. That said, they don't get something out soon, people are going to be spending that money they had for the adapter on glass instead so they aren't sitting around with a camera and glass they can't really use.
 
http://www.birger.com/

Web site says the AF100 mount will ship on the 14th of Feb, not bad.

That's FANSTASTIC! I can't WAIT to order mine! Till then, I'll be using a cheap adapter from eBay and will manage with manual aperture (from the 5D DOF preview), and focus. This is GREAT news! Especially since I've ordered the Canon 16-35mm f/2.0 L-series lens! :thumbsup:
 
doesn't mention anything about the image stabiliser for lenses that may have it, quite a biggy for me

Well if he is supplying power to the lens, which would have to be done since the lens have a microcontroller in them (and I believe it is a 6805 specifically in Canon lenses) then it should work no problem. The question invariably being how much current does the OIS require and how much does the AF100 provide. Nevertheless, should be a simple question to answer.
 
From their site:

The rumors are true! Birger is coming out with a lens control system for EF mount lenses on the Panasonic AF100. Control for the iris, both auto and manual, will be from the camera. Continuous (video-style) auto-focus will be supported on most Canon "L-series" lenses. Power is provided by the camera for most lenses. Image stabilization is supported on "IS" lenses, and this feature can be turned on or off from the lens. Ships 14 February 2011. MSRP $700 for the adapter. Optional cinema-style remote control, available at additional cost, to be announced January 2011. Sign up for the "General News" email list to receive updated announcements. Photo below is a prototype on an engineering sample of the AF100, and a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 lens.

This is AWESOME news!
 
This is great news.

I don't have L-series lenses from canon but I do have the following:

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Does anyone know of any reason why these shouldn't work for the AF100?

thanks,

Simon
 
They will work. The trick is that the MOTORS in the "L" series lenses are good enough to allow for smooth focus.. Some other lenses are not.
 
They will work. The trick is that the MOTORS in the "L" series lenses are good enough to allow for smooth focus.. Some other lenses are not.

Hi Jay.
I think the real trick is if Birger (Viewfactor?) will lenghtens that too short focus throw on "L" series lenses, changing ratio from 1:1 to 1:2.
Impero can't do that, correct?
Remote ff will come from Viewfactor or Birger?
Thanks
 
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