Hawk's Factory Close Focus Adapter Review

[cincyMAT]

Hawk's Version 2.5

Hawk's Version 2.5

I have a Hawk's Factory version 2.5. Here are a few things I've noticed:

1 - The lens release tab gets in the way of my finger tip when grasping the NEX 5n grip. There's not much clearance and I have pinched my finger a couple of times. I know, I'm a slow learner.

2 - The lens release button has a small spring that really doesn't do much to either help lock the lens in place or help when releasing the button. However this does seem to be getting smoother with a little use.

3 - It does offer a new functionality for my CV and Leica lens collection. Close focusing is accurate and fun to use.

Disaster_Area, thanks for your review. It's the reason I bought this adapter. Overall it's good value for the money.

 

[z.bruce.li]

@awaw: thanks for the comment about "L.M.E. Helicoid", I'll probably give it a try.

 

[z.bruce.li]

A short report on the cheaper "L.M.E. Helicoid" adapter from eBay: I received it yesterday and it works althought manufacturing quality is not the greatest. Baiscally you get what you pay for.

On the Leica M side I cannot mount my CV Nokton 35/1.4 initially, found out one of the 4 metal spring clips is not properly curved and set in place. After unscrewing the 4 screws and adjusting the metal spring, everything works fine now. I do have some unfound anxiety that my Nokton might get stuck there.

On the NEX side it mounts fine. The helicoid is reasonably smooth, although there is a small resistance near the middle of the range. I did not detect much wobble with this combo.

The pictures tells me this little adapter is worth its money. It dramatically improves close focus as advertised, and my Nokton is still plenty sharp wide open at the closest distance. The total thickness of the helicoid adapter is a bit more than the plain LM-NEX adapter, but still very compact compared to any SLR lens adpaters. Overall a winning solution to bring RF lens compactness and close focus capability together. Recommended with some reservation.

 

[Shac]

I have version 1 of the Hawk - love it - not sure whether a tab would be an advantage but just might try one. Mine has a spring on the lens lock button
Some posters on GetDPI have suggested the addition of a "detent (click stop) at the standard (non close-up end)" http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/sony/36741-hawks-nex%96m-adapter-suggestion.html
This seems a good idea IMO
JB - good review - thank you

 

[hteasley]

semordnilap has one on his NEX-5n, which is what got me to get a NEX-7 and a Hawk adapter. It's sort of awesome.

The one thing I've noticed is some of my CV lenses don't lock on. My Leicas do, but I have a couple of lenses that do not lock into the adapter. They're still usable, but I think infinity might be a bit off with those. The Super Wide Heliar is, I think, my favorite lens to use: I love what I get with that combo.

I've had a lot of fun with it. I'm pretty much using it almost exclusively for close-up work, and haven't gotten the Visoflex out since I got the NEX/Hawk setup.

 

[nemjo]

I always found the possibility of such item interesting, but the price seemed a bit high.
Patience gave it's benefit: I found a similar item at a Hong-Kong seller with a much lower price tag, namely 60 USD.
My findings are a bit mixed, but in general very positive.
First the negs: (well, it's only one thing) there are some suspicious grease inside the helicoid. I hope it won't spread out before I find the way to clean it up securely.
But then the positives: it works perfectly.

And the bonus: with that adapter finally I get infinity focus spot on...
The attached picture was taken with CV 35/2.5.

Regards,


nemjo

 

[dexdog]

I bought a used V2 Hawk adapter off ebay for $100 in the box. The adapter is brand new. This is a great tool for the NEX, and is usually attached to my favorite lens for the NEX, a 35/1.4 Nokton.

 

[firemist]

Mine is attached to my CV 28/2 Ultron. Here's a recent shot of some Lambs Ear in my garden