@Vitaliy_Kiselev - "Tried to fix mount, but SLRMagic become so afraid, so they refused to help me or provide any information. Said that they'll send new lens as it'll be ready."
I had a similar experience with an SLRMagic 35mm f1.7 lens. It was obviously a C-Mount lens that had been converted to a M4/3 mount, and the machining didn't quite fit properly on my GF1. SLRMagic sent me a different type of M4/3 mount plate, along with three screws to attach it to the exposed back of the lens. It works now, but at heart, it's a CCTV machine vision lens, perfect for simulating the look of surveillance camera videos.
Have to say, SLR Magic has great customer service. I reported the problem with my lens and the new lens was shipped that day, should be here by Tuesday. After I get it, I ship the other back.
I'm interested to hear how the new models that you guys are waiting for perform. I love the look of this lens. I want one, but the issues that it seems, everyone has had, make me nervous about pulling the trigger.
Just got mine yesterday. Overall I'm pleased with the IQ but the lens mount moves slightly when focusing the lens, which causes the image to shift from side to side when focusing. I'm waiting a few days to see if perhaps this "settles in" but if it doesn't I'm asking for a replacement, as it would be anathema during a shoot if the entire image shifted every time I pulled focus.
I also found the focus ring to have a bit of play right out of the box, but working it in for a few minutes took care of that. Now it focuses as smoothly as any of my old Canons.
Not much to add that hasn't already been said by EOSHD, Seb, et al. It's very cinematic, usably sharp enough even wide open, and its speed and FOV give a whole new lease on life to M43. I really didn't think glass for this system would ever get this wide, fast, and good. Until now it's been pick two.
How critical is the focus on this lens? Other than macro shots, it's essentially hyperfocal, right? Does anyone see problems with lens filters being in focus? I would love to add one of the fast wide primes to my MF (Canon FD) lens kit. Has anyone used a zip-tie focus gear and follow focus on this lens?
Where did you get it? Also, I'm concerned about the loose fit. Everybody seems to be reporting it. Does anybody have a 12mm F1.6 that fits properly on the camera?
@Shaveblog SLR Magic will ship you a brand new lens. My mount was loose, I received the the replacement very quickly and I'm shipping back the first lens today.
@Vitaly Do you think it could be possible on long term to hack GH2 internal lense compensation mechanisms in a way that it could correct (at given preset like: N12mm f/1.6 Noktor@2.0) for manual lenses?
I wouldn't go so far as to suggest the SLR Magic 12mm is hyperfocal - you still need to pull focus just like any other lens. Even wide open it's sharp enough to reward careful focusing vs. just covering a zone and hoping for the best.
I'm not sure if this is official policy or not but I emailed SLR Magic from its eBay seller's page and they accepted my order. Had the lens in hand a week later.
Yes, I've given up on this lens "settling in" and have emailed SLR Magic for a replacement. Owing to the time difference in HK I haven't heard back but expect to this evening.
The 12mm is really a great lens on a hacked GH2 and the combination is phenomenal. If they can just lick the loose mount issue they'll have a winner. Even Ciecio7 took awhile to nail the machining on his 1-piece M43 lens adapters. Hopefully SLR Magic will do the same, because optically this lens has a lot going for it. And if they can swap focus and aperture ring positions, all the better!