Techart PRO FAQ

What is the Techart PRO?

The Techart PRO adapter (abbreviated as “TAP”) is an autofocus adapter for manual focus camera
lenses when mounted on certain Sony mirrorless cameras. According to the Techart PRO website:

[The TAP] is basically a lens adapter with a motor and a printed circuit board, allowing the
camera to measure the focus and communicate with the motor, [which] will move the lens
closer or further away from the camera sensor to reach the focal point. The principle is
similar to the Contax AX camera in that the flange distance is adjusted to reach the focus.
The maximum z-shift is 4.5mm which is sufficient to cover the focusing distance for most
of the lenses. And the optical performance will NOT be affected for unit focusing lenses.

What are the main features of the Techart PRO?

Leica M Lens to Sony E-Mount Camera
Optimized for Use with A7 II, A7R II, and A6300 cameras
Shifts Lens up to 4.5mm for Autofocus
Supports PDAF with AF-S & AF-C Modes
Improves Close Focusing Ability
Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity & Mobile App
Stores 10 Sets of Lens Data
Compatible with 3-Axis Stabilization (pitch, yaw, and roll)
Drives Lenses Weighing up to 700g

FM member d-intrigue provided a realistic assessment of the Techart PRO:

had mine for several months, posted about it here

I only use adapted lenses, no native AF lenses. It’s on the camera pretty much all the time,
and haven’t noticed any undue battery drain. Then again, I don’t expect mirrorless
cameras to act like DSLRs when it comes to batteries; I rotate 3 of them.

The firmware is still somewhat buggy, occasionally gets confused, requiring a power-
down, or even unmounting/remounting the adapter. Currently using rev 3.

I find longer focal lengths require some manual focus assistance but once you’re
somewhat within the range (this is hard to quantify/describe) the adapter will lock focus
pretty quickly. Under certain lighting conditions it’s necessary to focus at a wider aperture,
then stop down. But if there is good light it will focus quickly even stopped down.

Tested it with many M lenses including the 35/1.4 ZM (which is an unbelievable optic) but
mostly use it with C/Y lenses: 28/2.8, 35/2.8, 50/1.7, 35–70/3.4, 135/2.8, 80–200/4.

I think of it as a ‘focus confirmation’ adapter, if that makes sense, for those who have
adapted lenses in the past using chipped adapters with DSLRs. Except, it actually does
confirm accurate focus, and with AF, of course.

Being able to absolutely nail focus with normal viewing (i.e., without requiring peaking or
focus assist magnification) is a real game-changer.

Having a built-in variable extension tube is super-cool, as well.

It’s not perfect by any means but I’m more than happy with it. Someone who expects it to
work as quickly and seamlessly as native AF lenses might be disappointed, but anyone
who has experimented with adapted lenses should be very, very pleased.

Can the Techart PRO be used with any Sony mirrorless

camera?
The Techart PRO has been designed to provide optimum performance with Sony cameras that
support 3rd party PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus):

Sony A7 II
Sony A7R II
Sony A6300

Techart do not recommend using the TAP with cameras that are CDAF-only or whose on-sensor
PDAF works only with native lenses (e.g. the A7, A7R, A7S, and A6000). A number of FM members
have reported poor autofocus performance with these cameras.

Which autofocus features does the Techart PRO support?

Focus Mode: AF-S, AF-C
Focus Area: Wide, Center, Flexible Spot (S/M/L
Smile/Face Detection

Eye AF is not currently supported.

Why does the Techart PRO does not autofocus with my Sony
A7 II / A7R II / A6300 camera?
The Techart PRO relies on PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus). Check Menu > Custom Settings
(Gear Icon) > 7 > AF System and see that Phase Detection AF is selected.

Why is my Techart PRO having difficulty finding focus?

FM member GMPhotography offered a useful tip:

Remember focus is best achieved on vertical lines and not horizontal. Always look for a
vertical contrast spot to get the best focus. This really is how Sonys work best.

FM member ecarlino suggested the reason for this:

The Nikon Phase-Detect module with 51 AF points has 15 points that are “cross-type
sensors” to be able to detect contrast in both vertical and horizontal lines. I believe these
are concentrated in the center of the frame.

I think none of the Sony On-Sensor Phase Detect AF points are “cross-type” and
therefore only capable of detecting “vertical” contrast (with the camera in landscape
orientation).

I am unsure of the Contrast Detect algorithm, but it’s likely that it’s reading row by row, left
to right so it also is only detecting vertical contrast - but i haven’t seen any details on that
algo.

FM member k-h.a.w offered a tip for focusing fast lenses more accurately:

For shooting a fast lens, like f/1.2 or f/1.4, wide open I use AF-C and Flexible Spot: S and
give it plenty of time (holding the shutter button halfway down) to focus precisely. On the
A7r.2 I use IBIS and have selected Phase Detection AF and Phase Detect. Area ON.

Why does the Techart PRO drain my battery so quickly?

The excessive battery usage is a known issue/bug. Fred Miranda suggested a method to stop battery
drainage:

Once you store your camera with TAP connected, just remove the battery and insert it
back in. I have not found any drainage after doing this for a few days.
That could explain why battery drainage is not consistent and why I never found any
drainage when inserting a fresh changed battery.

In a later post Fred elaborated:

If you put a fresh battery and turn the camera off, there will be no drainage.
Alternately, if you have been using the camera and turn it off, drainage will occur UNLESS
you remove the battery and re-insert it.
Somehow, physically removing the battery and re-insterting it completely cuts the
connection with the adapter when the camera is in “off” position.

Why don’t the Techart people answer email messages

promptly?
FM member DavidBM provided a credible explanation:

My experience dealing with smaller companies in China and HK is that communication

beyond the selling phase is patchy at best. I don’t really blame them: they have few staff,
and running close to the edge, and they need to find competent English speakers to deal
with issues from folks like me that don’t write Chinese.

It’s not customer service as some of us have come to expect. But I factor it in to my
expectations. I’ve ordered a TechArt and am looking forward to it. But will they be around
to provide service and upgrades in a few years, and will they be responsive to ‘civilians’
like you and me? Maybe; but I’m not relying on it.

EDIT. Bite my tongue! They replied in this thread! Well done TechArt!

How does the Techart PRO affect image quality?

For unit focusing lenses (i.e. those in which the entire optical assembly moves back and forward as
the focusing ring is turned), the TAP does not affect image quality. For lenses with a floating element
(FLE) design (i.e. the distance between lens groups is adjusted as the lens is focused in order to
improve performance at close range), the TAP will have an effect on image quality. In this case, if
using the lens at close distances, it will be preferable to pre-focus manually before allowing the
Techart PRO to achieve accurate focus.

FM member freaklikeme elaborates:

I’m not saying it will be particularly impactful for every shooting situation, or that every
lens with an FLE will be impacted the same amount. FLEs are implemented differently.
Some are like the Canon FD 85L or your Summicron 75, where the rear group remains
static while the other groups move, or the Samyang TS 24/3.5, where the rear collection
of groups move until about 3M when the front group also starts moving. Some are like the
Touit 50 that moves multiple groups at different times in different directions. How tolerant
all of those lenses are to extension tubes should vary.

Using the TAP with floating element lenses is discussed at length in this thread.

Will the Techart PRO autofocus over the full focusing range of
the lens?
The autofocus range varies with the lens. According to Techart, the focusing ranges with the focus
ring on the lens is set to Infinity are:

15mm: 6.5cm –> Infinity

21mm: 12cm –> Infinity
24mm: 15cm –> Infinity
28mm: 20cm –> Infinity
35mm: 31cm –> Infinity
50mm: 60cm –> Infinity
90mm: 1.8m –> Infinity
135mm: 4.2m –> Infinity

Must the focusing ring on the lens always be set at Infinity?

No, the focusing ring on the lens can be set according to the circumstances. FM member k-h.a.w
explained in this post how he divides his lenses into groups:

• Normal to WA lenses, simply set the M lens to infinity, typically no pre-focusing required.
• Lenses where the reach of the adapter’s helicoid isn’t large enough, so pre-focusing is
necessary.
• Special lenses, e.g. with floating elements that need to be in the right position, also
require pre-focusing.
• Extreme close focus, using the adapter’s helicoid to achieve closer distances than
possible with a rangefinder camera doesn’t require pre-focusing but simply turning the M
lens focus to closest distance.

How should I configure my A7 II / A7R II to switch from

autofocus to manual focus and back?
Although this can be done via the (Android) configuration app, it is best to assign a Custom Button to
do this. Choose Menu > Custom Settings (Gear Icon) > 7 > Custom Key Settings and assign AF/MF
Ctrl Toggle to a button. FM member d-intrigue suggested using the Center Button[url=][/url] whilst
others prefer to use the AF/MF button.

The Techart PRO has a Parking feature which determines what the adapter does when switching
from AF to MF mode:

F36 parks the adapter at infinity focus

F40 parks the adapter at closest focus
F45 parks the adapter at the current focus

To implement this, set the aperture on the camera to the desired value, take a picture, then set the
aperture on the camera back to F2.

What is the heaviest lens that can be used with the Techart
PRO?
According to the Techart PRO FAQ, the adapter can support lenses “as heavy as 700g”. However,
multiple FM members have reported success with much heavier lenses as long as the lens is
supported firmly with one hand. In other words, instead of holding the camera and allowing the TAP
to move the lens back and forward, one holds the lens so that the TAP moves the camera body back
and forward.

Does the Techart PRO provide autofocus only with Leica M

lenses?
No, other manual focus lenses with a longer flange distance (such as legacy SLR lenses) can also be
auto-focused by inserting the appropriate M-mount adapter between the lens and the Techart PRO.
For example, Contax C/Y or Olympus OM lenses can gain autofocus by adding a C/Y->M or OM->M
adapter respectively.

Where do I buy the adapters for non-Leica M lenses?

Techart sell a wide range of Leicaist brand adapters in their store. However, the same Leicaist
adapters can be purchased at lower prices on eBay.

FM members have reported varying degrees of success with other inexpensive XX->M adapters. In
order for it not to interfere with the protruding motor of the Techart PRO, the adapter needs to be
quite narrow at the M-bayonet end. The Leicaist adapters are tapered to achieve this.

Do non-Leicaist XX->M adapters also work with the Techart

PRO?
According to posts in the Techart PRO AF adapter now In Stock! thread, some inexpensive adapters
have been reported to work with the TAP. The following list shows all the adapters that are known to
work.

Canon EF(EOS)

Leicaist EF->M adapter

Canon FD

Leicaist FD->M adapter

Contax C/Y

Leicaist C/Y->M adapter

K&F CY->M Concept adapter
Fotodiox CY->M adapter

Hexanon AR

Leicaist AR->M adapter

Leica R

Leicaist LR->M adapter

Fotodiox LR->M adapter
Novoflex LEM/LER adapter

Minolta MD

Leicaist MD->M adapter

Fotodiox MD->M adapter
Fotasy MD->M adapter

M42

Leicaist M42->M adapter

Fotasy M42->M adapter

Nikon F

Leicaist Nikon AI->M adapter

Fotodiox Nik->L/M adapter
K&F Nikon AI->M Concept adapter

Olympus OM

Leicaist OM->M adapter

K&F Concept OM->M adapter

Pentax K

Leicaist PK->M adapter

Fotodiox PK->M adapter

How do I attach the Techart PRO and lens?

1. Turn off the camera and remove the currently mounted lens.
2. Align the white dot on the Techart PRO with the white dot on the camera’s lens mount and
rotate the adapter clockwise until it locks into place.
3. If you are using a legacy SLR lens, attach the XX->M adapter.
4. Align the red dot on the M-mount lens (or on the XX->M adapter) with the red dot on the
Techart PRO and rotate the lens (or adapted SLR lens) clockwise until it locks.
5. Turn on the camera.
6. Set the aperture on the camera body to F2.
7. Set the aperture on the lens to the desired working aperture.

Can I use the Techart PRO with an L-bracket?

Various FM members have reported incompatibility with the TAP and certain L-brackets. The
following L-brackets are said not to interfere with the TAP:

L-bracket for Sony A7II / A7RII (USD50.00 from the Techart Store[url=/][/url])
RSS L-bracket
LB-A7M2 L-bracket on eBay
Neewer NW-A7M2 L-bracket on eBay
A7IIL L-bracket on eBay

Does SteadyShot (IBIS) work with the Techart PRO?

Yes. There are two ways to approach this:

Configure either three Custom Buttons (or, alternatively, three Function Button options) for
SteadyShot Adjust (Auto/Manual), SteadyShot (On/Off), and SteadyS. Focal Len. With
SteadyShot (On) and SteadyShot Adjust (Manual), you can then use SteadyS. Focal Len. to set
a value from 8mm to 1000mm.
Set SteadyShot Adjust to Auto and set the correct focal length to be recorded by the Techart
PRO as explained later in this FAQ.

How do I update the firmware?

The Techart PRO firmware is updated via Bluetooth using a mobile phone app.

1. Download and install the Firmware Update app using the links on the Techart Downloads page
for iOS or Android.
2. Ensure that both the phone and camera batteries are fully charged.
3. Make sure the Auto-Lock of the phone is set to Never (iOS) or Sleep is set to 30 minutes
(Android).
4. Attach the Techart PRO adapter to the camera body (see above).
5. Turn on the camera.
6. Set the aperture on the camera body to F90 and take a picture.
7. Turn the camera off.
8. Launch the Techart Update app.
9. Select the firmware version from the list.
10. Press Update.
11. Wait for the update to complete (approximately 10 minutes).
12. When the firmware update success message appears, wait for ##at least one minute before
turning the camera back on.
13. You can check that the firmware has updated correctly by accessing Menu > Setup (Toolbox
icon) > 6 > Version. The Techart PRO firmware version is displayed under Lens.
14. Reset the Auto-Lock or Sleep setting on the phone.

How do I configure the focal length of the lens so it is

correctly recorded in the EXIF data?
If the Techart PRO is used as shipped from the factory, a focal length of 15mm will be recorded in the
EXIF. The Techart PRO can store up to ten focal lengths, with the default settings as follows.

F11: 15mm
F13: 18mm
F14: 21mm
F16: 24mm
F18: 25mm
F20: 28mm
F22: 35mm
F25: 50mm
F29: 90mm
F32: 135mm (MF only)

To change the focal length to be recorded in the EXIF:

1. After switching lenses, turn on the camera.

2. Set the aperture on the camera body to the corresponding aperture (listed above) for the
desired focal length (e.g. F22 for a 28mm lens).
3. Release the shutter (i.e. take a picture)
4. Set the aperture on the camera body back to F2.
5. Set the aperture on the lens to the desired working aperture.

Note that the default setting F32 for a 135mm lens switches the Techart PRO into Manual Focus
mode. There seems to be general agreement amongst FM members that this was a poor choice by
the Techart engineers. Firstly, because alternating between AF and MF is best achieved by setting a
Custom Button on the camera for AF/MF Toggle. Secondly, because AF is just as desirable for
135mm lenses as for other focal lengths. However, this default setting for the 135mm focal length can
be modified via the LM-EA7-CONFIG app.

How do I set focal lengths other than the default ones listed
above?
The default focal lengths can be modified via Bluetooth using an Android mobile phone app. (Note:
Currently there is no iOS version of this Configuration app.).

1. Ensure that both the phone and camera batteries are fully charged.
2. Download the Android APP for data settings (LM-EA7-Config.apk) from the Techart Downloads
page to your Android phone.
3. Install the LM-EA7-CONFIG app.
4. Set the aperture on the camera body to F90 and take a picture.
5. Turn the camera off.
6. On the phone, go to Settings and in Display preferences set it to sleep after 10 (or 30) minutes
of activity (so the display doesn’t turn off during the update).
7. Still in Settings, open the Bluetooth preferences. The LM-EA7 (i.e. the Techart PRO adapter)
should be listed as an available device.
8. Launch the LM-EA7-CONFIG app.
9. The configuration app opens with a scrollable list of apertures, enabling you to change the focal
length, parking behavior, and focus mode for up to ten lenses.
10. Modify the default settings as desired and press CONFIG.
11. When the configuration info has been successfully updated, turn the camera back on and set
the aperture on the camera body back to F2.
12. Test that it has worked by setting the aperture on the camera body to invoke a different focal
length then take a picture.
13. Set the aperture on the camera body back to F2, take a picture, and check the EXIF data.
14. Reset the phone’s Display settings if necessary.

Why does the EXIF data always show F2 even though I set a
different maximum aperture with the LM-EA7-CONFIG app?
The EXIF will show F2 no matter what maximum aperture you have set via the config app. Fred
Miranda asked the Techart people about this and they explained that, although they originally
intended for the aperture value to be recorded into the EXIF via the app, they couldn’t get it to work
properly, so that functionality is currently blocked.

Why are my pictures overexposed when I set the aperture on

the camera to a value other than F2?
When a legacy lens is attached via a dumb adapter the aperture value in the EVF on the LCD shows
as “F–”, because there is no electronic communication between the lens and the adapter. Correct
exposure is then achieved by setting the camera to either A or M mode and using either a fixed ISO
or ISO Auto.

However, in order to provide autofocus via Sony’s 3rd party PDAF protocol, the Techart PRO
emulates a Sony LA-EA3 adapter, in essence “pretending” to be an E-mount lens. The Techart
engineers have chosen to emulate a 40mm SAM lens, probably because no such lens exists. Unlike a
real A-mount lens whose aperture can be controlled electronically, the aperture on a legacy lens must
be set manually. But the TAP still has to to provide an aperture value and F2 was the value chosen.
Consequently, no matter what aperture is set manually on the lens, the TAP has been designed to
give the correct exposure only when the aperture on the camera is set to F2. If the aperture on the
camera is set, for example, to F2.8 then the camera increases the exposure to compensate and the
picture will be one stop overexposed.

However, there is a way of circumventing this restriction, which is explained in the next topic.

Is there a way that I can have the actual aperture recorded in

the EXIF?
FM member joe256 has reported a method of recording an aperture value (from F2 to F8) in the EXIF,
whilst still exposing correctly:

Learned something new (to me at least) about the TAP. You can put the f/stop set on the
lens in the EXIF (2.0 - 8.0) in addition to the focal length AND maintain the correct
exposure. You do this by using exposure compensation. Set the aperture on the camera
the same as on the lens, then compensate accordingly by dial or menu:
f/2.0 = 0, f/2.8 = –1, f/4.0 = –2, f/5.6 = –3, and f/8.0 = - 4 . F/8.0 has to be done in the