New Sony LA-EA5 Electronic Lens Adapter announced and going for $248 US.
Similar to the Sony LA-EA4 the new LA-EA5 lens adapter lets you use both old and newer A mount glass, ranging from Minolta A to the newer Sony A lenses in one adapter. However it has a better focus motor than the LA-EA4 in a smaller package and had no translucent mirror. So it works with both Phase and Contrast detection autofocus via the camera sensor which allows you to retain features that were only on native E-mount lenses like Face/Eye AF and tracking abilities. Unfortunately according to Sony the LA-EA5 does not support AF while recording video.
“The LA-EA5 Adapter enables the use of Sony A-mount lenses on E-mount mirrorless camera bodies, and maintains full lens performance, including AF with SSM, SAM, and even AF lenses without an internal motor, as well as relays in-camera corrective features. Maintaining the functionality of both the lens and the camera, this adapter is tested to support phase-detection autofocus in order to provide Real-time Tracking and Eye AF functions, as well as quick continuous shooting up to 11 fps with AF/AE tracking. AF and AE tracking are even supported with lenses lacking an internal motor when working with the Alpha a7R IV and a6600 cameras. The adapter has no optical components to affect image quality and its fully electronic design also retains Exif data transmission to benefit post-production and file management. Additionally, its sleek cylindrical design is well-suited to camera bodies with an attached vertical grip.”
Sony LA-EA5 for $248 US @ BHPhoto
