Anhui, China—The Laowa Magic Format Converter (MFC) was introduced by Venus Optics. It is the first adapter for the Fujifilm GFX system with optics for Canon and Nikon full-frame lenses.
The patented optics system inside the MFC enlarges the image circle of any full-frame lens and fits it onto the relatively larger Fujifilm GFX 50S mirrorless, medium-format camera’s sensor. It has a focal length multiplier of 1.4x and reduces the maximum aperture by 1 stop.
The Laowa Magic Format Converter is different from the existing GFX adapter. The GFX adapter currently available adapts Canon and Nikon lenses onto the Fujifilm G-mount body with no resizing of the image circle. However, due to the relatively smaller image circle of Canon and Nikon full-frame lenses, most of them are not able to completely fill the Fujifilm GFX sensor. This can result in vignetting and also degraded peripheral sharpness in the images.
Venus Optics’ MFC takes advantage of the short flange distance of mirrorless cameras and incorporates a patented optics system to expand the image circle of the lens without compromising image quality. The enlarged image is said to correct vignetting while also maintaining the optical performance of the lens in the medium-format system.
The Magic Format Converter is particularly useful with ultrawide-angle lenses. Vignetting tends to be stronger when an ultrawide-angle, full-frame lens is adapted to the GFX sensor. By using the MFC, GFX 50S users will be able to enjoy an ultrawide angle of view without the need to crop away unusable corners of the images. When the MFC is used with the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens, it will become a roughly 17mm f/4 lens on the GFX 50S. The angle of view will be 116° (equivalent to approximately a 13mm lens in the 35mm format). Consequently, it is one of the widest lenses available for the GFX system.
Second Laowa Magic Converter from Venus Optics
The Magic Format Converter is the second member of the Laowa Magic Converter line. Venus Optics announced the Magic Shift Converter (MSC) last year, which will ship this month. Furthermore, the MSC shares the same patented optics system as the MFC. The MSC expands the image circle of full-frame lenses. It converts them into a shift lens for use with Sony full-frame, E-mount cameras.
Laowa Magic Format Converter Availability
The Laowa Magic Format Converter will come in two versions. It will be offered as Canon EF to Fujifilm G as well as Nikon AI to Fujifilm G. Both are expected to start shipping in July 2017. Pricing will be announced.
Venus Optics is currently inviting photographers who own a Fujifilm GFX 50S to test out the adapter and provide feedback. Those interested can e-mail the company at marketing@venuslens.net.
