Viltrox has unveiled its groundbreaking NexusFocus F1, hailed as the world's inaugural PL-E autofocus control system. This innovative device empowers manual PL cinema lenses to harness AI-driven autofocus capabilities when paired with Sony E-mount cameras. This development marks a significant breakthrough for contemporary filmmakers, especially those who favor the distinct aesthetic of vintage optics, as it promises to seamlessly integrate traditional glass with advanced focusing technology.
At its core, the NexusFocus F1 functions as an adapter that intelligently bridges the divide between manual cinema lenses and the sophisticated autofocus systems of modern Sony cameras. Viltrox emphasizes that this adapter was developed to address a decades-long void, stating on its Kickstarter page, "Vintage lenses are making a powerful comeback. Autofocus has become the industry standard. Between them, a gap has existed for decades. NexusFocus F1 was created to bridge that gap." This system capitalizes on Sony's phase-detect autofocus (PDAF) mechanism, translating electronic signals into precise mechanical adjustments of the manual lens's focus ring. This synergy ensures that even moving subjects remain sharply in focus, a crucial advantage for dynamic filmmaking.
The setup involves attaching the NexusFocus F1 adapter to a Sony E-mount camera, followed by the PL-mount lens, and then securing a focus gear to the lens. The system is managed via a dedicated smartphone application, which comes preloaded with an extensive library of lens profiles. These profiles facilitate accurate interpretation of the camera's focusing data, enabling precise control over lens movements. Furthermore, the adapter transcends basic focusing by incorporating multiple motors. One motor is dedicated to focus, while additional motors can manage the aperture control ring and even zoom on manual lenses. This transforms traditional manual lenses into highly automated tools, allowing for aperture adjustments directly from the camera's command dial and enabling power zoom functionality with compatible Sony cameras, such as the popular FX3.
Beyond its core functionality, the NexusFocus F1 integrates seamlessly with Sony's AI-based autofocus features, including subject detection, tracking, and face-eye detection, further enhancing its versatility. The system also supports both still photography and video recording, meticulously preserving full EXIF data. A notable advantage is its reliance on Sony's autofocus technology rather than LiDAR-based systems, which can be prone to parallax issues. By avoiding LiDAR's distance estimation, Viltrox guarantees a more consistent and reliable focusing performance. The NexusFocus F1 essentially replicates the autofocus information typically provided to an AF-equipped lens, but instead of internal lens element adjustments, it physically manipulates the manual focus ring, providing an automated solution for manual optics.
The Viltrox NexusFocus F1, while requiring external power and a somewhat complex initial setup, delivers a compelling proposition for filmmakers. Early bird kits are available, with shipping expected to commence in March. The single motor kit starts at just over $800, while a triple motor kit is priced around $1,050. These details, along with a comprehensive overview of the crowdfunding campaign's inherent risks, can be found on the Viltrox NexusFocus F1 Kickstarter page. This innovative adapter promises to revolutionize how filmmakers interact with their manual cinema lenses, offering the best of both vintage aesthetics and modern autofocus precision.