Using Minolta 200mm f2.8 APO G lens and Minolta AF teleconverters on SONY A7R iv

leigh4175 · Sep 4, 2023

I would be very grateful for any advice from members please. I am trying to use a newly-acquired Minolta High Speed APO Tele AF 200mm f2.8 on a SONY A7R iv body. I have found that without the teleconverter I get full function [auto-focus, & metering] perfectly. When I. add the Minolta AF 2* teleconverter I no longer get auto-focus, although metering is still fine. Is this because I have a setting wrong in the camera menu? Or is it to be expected with this combination?? ---- any information would be very gratefully received please?

xkaes · Sep 4, 2023

I don't have that camera, but I know my Sony will only work with some 2X converters and some lenses.

I've seen a variety of explanations, and Sony has some warnings on its website about its own converters.

So if your camera works fine and the converter works fine and the lens works fine, don't be surprised if they still won't work fine together.

Trying to figure it out MIGHT work, but I gave up a while ago. A newer converter might work, or a newer lens -- or both -- but no guarantee.

I still use converters, but I focus manually.

Paul Howell · Sep 5, 2023

I have same lens and converter, not the mirrorless body, on my older A700 it works just ok, on the A77II poorly, the AF is very iffy, may be that the loss of 2 stops it is shooting at 5.6 wide open, not enough light in dim lighting? The 1.2 and 1.4 might work better. I don't think the 200 had a matched converter like the 300 and 400 G lens.

leigh4175 · Sep 9, 2023

many thanks Paul and XKAES for your replies. I've decided [out of apparent necessity] to simply rely [when using the teleconverters] on good old-fashioned MANUAL FOCUS!!! I find with the SONY A7Riv focus-peaking assistance I am getting excellent results anyway ----- and the metering is perfect. I love the results from the old MINOLTA HS APO 200mm f2.8 lens, and without the teleconverters I am probably getting better results just by cropping and enlarging if needed.

xkaes · Sep 9, 2023

Some will disagree, but try it yourself. I bet you'll get better results with a converter than from cropping. Of course, the converter should be used stopped down. EASY test.

Paul Howell · Sep 10, 2023

Thinking about it over the past few days, I think my combo works better on the A700 as it does have the advanced AF phase and contrast AF of the A77II. . Other issue is both my A700 and A77II are APS C sensors, any issues with the corners do not show. Coming week I will try combo on my A900. As I have a couple of 400mm its been along time since I've used the 200 with a converter.

Using Minolta 200mm f2.8 APO G lens and Minolta AF teleconverters on SONY A7R iv

leigh4175

xkaes

Paul Howell

leigh4175

xkaes

Paul Howell

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