Update regarding the External auto focus assist light for mirrorless cameras

 

Quite often I receive questions about this item, asking about the availability. The message I answer with is that this item is still sold and made, and I will continue making it and selling it as long as there is interest for it.

 

 

 

Currently I have two specifically designed sensor heads, one is made for the Nikon Z7/Z7 series the other is for the Nikon 1 and the Sony a6000 series cameras. Actually, the device works with any camera, as long as you can somehow install the sensor head above the AF assist light of the camera. Unless you have a Nikon Z6/Z7 body, the Sony a6000 type of sensor head is the most appropriate one to attach to the camera body because of it's shape. Never the less, if you have a specific wish for a type, just tell me your camera model and I will design a sensor head for that camera if possible. Of course, I will not charge anything extra for this work, but I can also not test it, and it may also take a few extra days. In some cases it is not possible to design it without having access to a camera body, so in those cases I have to decline this work, in that case you can decide to order with the universal sensor head separately delivered to you, in case you want to check it, or install it another way. The actual light sensor can also be attached to the camera using a simple black electric insulation tape, but it is not as nice. Never the less, it is the last resort, and it allows you the use of this external AF assist extender to be used on any camera.

Some people gave me feedback about installation of the black box on the flash and they said that they used Velcro instead of the supplied adhesive putty, which I include every time. I chose the putty because it is reusable, removable and leaves no stains, no residue which may be impossible to remove from the flash without strong chemicals, which may even damage the flash, so personally I advise against Velcro solution. The supplied adhesive putty is non-toxic, even though it should be kept away from children and pets. Also, only very little of it is needed, which means that you should not use all I include in the sending. Of course, this is up to you, but personally I found it sticks too hard if too much is used. Of course, a good question is "what's the definition of too much"? Well, I leave it up to you, but only a thin layer is needed to hold everything firmly in place. What is very important is that the small window of the sensor head is not covering the AF assist led of the camera, so that when the LED light up, all that light is passing to the sensor.

For all other details, please read this blog post: https://adapting-camera.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-external-auto-focus-assist-light-is.html

You can also watch the demonstration video I made about this device: 

Not much is changed from the original design. The box I am using now is slightly smaller, and I am using black round cord, which in my opinion looks better than the grey or white I used before. Also, another change is that I am using even stronger green LED now, but the main purpose is not to increase the intensity, but to reduce the power use to make the battery last longer. Increasing the intensity would  mean that the range increases, which would be good, but it would also be too strong for the eyes if the model is less than two-three meters (7-10 feet) from the camera, and in my opinion, that is too far in many cases. Never the less, the range is already good enough for most situations.

The installation of this device is very simple. It comes delivered with everything needed, except the battery, which you have to buy separately. Here is a short video showing some installation alternatives.

 

I have also received some questions about why I am not making it to project a pattern, instead of just a simple round torch like light. The reason is that to ba able to do that, the light must be even stronger, preferably laser and also needs a specially designed prism. This makes it very complicated, since I can't make the prism, it would also be tar too expensive to make, and probably not sell-able. I tried, but gave up the idea pretty early, already before the first device was made.

Anyway, thank you very much for all the feedback, and I am glad that you all like this item and thank you very much for the support.