Photoclubalpha

https://presscentre.sony.co.uk/pressrel ... es-3030959
https://petapixel.com/2020/09/01/sony-u ... -af-motor/


There is one slight snag, at the moment screw drive AF is only supported on the A7rIV and A6600
We'll have to see if they expand that to other models, if not that's a big downer. No AF in video I can live without it myself

They did make it quite a bit smaller. So perhaps Sony do eventually listen, we can also expect used A mount lens prices to increase maybe if other models are supported

This is the compatibility list from Sony for the A7RIV
http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www ... 7RM4&cat=7

Things to ponder about!
1: The Minolta lenses are listed as supported (bar power zoom etc)
2: So far only 2 bodies support screw drive AF A7RIV and A6600, with SSM/SAM the other bodies support AF
3: No video AF on any bodies
4: FPS limited on non A7RIV and A6600 bodies (even with SAM)
5: Size way smaller than the LEA4 no SLT mirror (hats off on that front)

We will have to see if other bodies are supported for screw drive AF
I don't expect the really old ones to (original A7/A7II) or the older APS-C models (A6000 etc)

I would hope that the A7III will support it if they update the firmware, or the A6100/6400
Otherwise the adapter will be of very limited use, unless you happen to own those 2 bodies the LEA4 at least does work on everything (from what I am aware)

Looking at the reviews on Amazon, it seems buyers are confused about which models it works with for screw drive AF
Still only supporting 2 models for screw drive AF is strange, as many share the same logic/processor it's a mystery why they have not expanded support, and why even new cameras are not supporting it.
It was a nice idea, but looks like a burnt offering to A Mount users - a half baked concept/up sell to 2 rather poorly priced models
The A7RIV would never be on my to buy list, and the A6600 isn't either unless it got a huge price cut. What a shame perhaps they can remedy the situation.

For invested A Mount users at this time it's probably more sensible to just dig around for used bodies. Either way Sony seemed to not have thought this one through very well.

Some of the user reviews on Sony
https://www.sony.com/electronics/conver ... ws-ratings
Seems quite a few people bought it, and didn't know it about the lack of support for most bodies for screw drive AF.

Update: Evidently the new A1 is also working with screw drive lenses
So we now have 3 bodies A7RIV, A6600 and the A1. Unfortunately no sign of any other ones being added.
Strange the A7C and A7SIII are not working with screw drive lenses

Thought I would update this
The new A7IV now supports the LAEA5 adapter for screw drive or in lens motors
The A1 and A7IV do not work for AF with the LAEA4 from what I can see
https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/ww ... -EA5&cat=3

Unfortunately the A7IV is a bit pricey at around €2800, similar to a used A7RIV
Perhaps later on they might add more, "affordable bodies". Still something is better than nothing. As the adapter is over a year old, I wouldn't expect any more firmware for other bodies, which is a shame.