Canon lenses on Leicas: Sigma MC-21

[kkdanamatt]

The SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-21 allows SIGMA SA mount and SIGMA’s CANON EF mount interchangeable lenses to be mounted on L-mount cameras

Fast and accurate AF
Tripod mount included
Exif data inclusion
#mc-21
PRICE: $249.00

Sigma is part of the Leica L-Mount consortium, so Leica must have agreed to this. You have to go 'way back to the original screw-to-bayonet M adapters, which Leica introduced in the 1950's, to find such a game-changing lens adapter. But even then, other screw-mount lens brands were never mentioned or endorsed by Leica. To my knowledge this is the first time that Leica has endorsed an adapter to use Canon lenses on Leica bodies.

 

[Archiver]

I wanted to follow up on this post with my experiences with the Sigma MC21. The adapter works on the SL2-S about the same as it does on the S5 and S1, all being contrast detection AF cameras. Sigma has issued firmware upgrades for a number of their EF mount lenses to make them work better with the MC21, and operation with Canon EF lenses is variable.

All the Sigma EF lenses I've tried (a grand total of two) rack back and forth when focusing, but generally focus accurately. The Canon EF 35mm f1.4 L refuses to focus properly, even when carefully aiming the AF field at a defined edge in the subject. The 70-200mm f4 IS II L focuses pretty slowly, and is not reliable for action.

It appears that AF works much better when using phase detection bodies like the Panasonic S5 II, S1 II and S1R II. I have yet to see reports from SL3 and SL3-S users. I would only recommend the Sigma MC21 to those who intend to use Sigma EF lenses, or manual focus lenses like the Zeiss Classic EF line, or later model Canon EF lenses. And even then, only to those who do not need rapid focusing. I have no idea how it performs with Tamron EF lenses.

 

[peterm1]

Anyone with a Leica SL (type 601 - the original SL) might want to double check to make sure it is compatible with this specific camera. The SL camera came out before the L mount alliance was up and running and had some firmware differences from later SL models and this issue has never been fully resolved. Accordingly, I found that some adapters which purport to work with L mount cameras simply do not work with the SL type 601 and EF lenses. If these adapters do work with Canon and Sigma EF lenses so much the better but it pays to check to be double sure.

As for me, given I have an SL (not the SL2 etc) I had to buy an URTH Canon EF to L mount adapter. I only needed it for Zeiss EF mount manual focus lenses and there it certainly works fine. But the URTH web site claims much wider range of compatibility. Also I do not recall if the URTH adapter works with later SL models and other brand L mount camera bodies.

 

[trix4ever]

Works a treat with these two beauties. I haven't tried them on my SL2-S yet. Or my Fp.

 

[trix4ever]

View attachment 4878243View attachment 4878244

Works a treat with these two beauties. I haven't tried them on my SL2-S yet. Or my Fp.

Yup. Tried them on my SL2-S and Fp, works perfectly. Have yet to try on my original SL but I don't expect it to function.
Will try it soon on my CL, the 17mm ts-e might make a great 25.5mm shift lens.

 

[trix4ever]

Yup. Tried them on my SL2-S and Fp, works perfectly. Have yet to try on my original SL but I don't expect it to function.
Will try it soon on my CL, the 17mm ts-e might make a great 25.5mm shift lens.

Ok, as expected on the SL the MC-21 flicks up a warning to update firmware, so basically it is incompatible.
Rather disappointed it does the same with the CL, bugger.

 

[Archiver]

Ok, as expected on the SL the MC-21 flicks up a warning to update firmware, so basically it is incompatible.
Rather disappointed it does the same with the CL, bugger.

I was about to warn you, some of the L-EF adapters like Viltrox will brick an original SL. Good thing the MC21 was just inoperable and not damaging.

Disappointing that it isn't compatible with the CL, either. That means it's likely incompatible with the TL variants.

 

[trix4ever]

@peterm1 put up a whole post about the issue with the original SL, so I felt safe to try it, he found the Urth adapter worked on the SL, makes me wonder if it would work on the CL, I really fancy trying the 17mm ts-e on it.

 

[peterm1]

@peterm1 put up a whole post about the issue with the original SL, so I felt safe to try it, he found the Urth adapter worked on the SL, makes me wonder if it would work on the CL, I really fancy trying the 17mm ts-e on it.

I am afraid I cannot answer as I do not know if it works on the CL. Wish I could help. 🙂 I can however, say I found the people at URTH to be very helpful and pleasant to deal with. I am sure they guaranteed that if my URTH adapter did not function on the original SL camera they would allow me to return the adapter and refund my money. But I did exchange several messages with them online to explain my dilemma and got this undertaking in writing I think! You might consider doing the same as regards the CL. I think the company is Australian based but their roots seem to be in China and even they had to converse with their (Chinese?) techs to confirm some answers to some questions I asked. I should add that both the firmware for the adapter and the firmware for the SL had to be the final versions for all to function as it should. I suspect the same might be required of the CL if indeed it is supposed to work with that system.

 

[trix4ever]

I just downloaded the compatibility list from Urth that @peterm1 put up in his post about the SL and it has no mention of either the 11-24mm EF, or the 17mm ts-e. Or any of the ts-e lenses for that matter. Or the CL. Double bugger.

P.S. all firmware already updated to latest. Maybe I'll send Urth an email.

Oh and on their website I've just seen they show photos of the CL being adapted to an EF lens...