Ian,
It looks like making an adaptor is too pricey because of the narrow (2mm)
difference EOS/OM, ... unless we could order a few hundred, and even then, the
cost would still be over a hundred pounds - about USD 160.
tOM
------- Forwarded message follows -------
From: SRBFILM@xxxxxxx
Date sent: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 02:14:31 EDT
Subject: (no subject)
To: tom@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi,
In order to maintain infinity focus, the effective thickness of the adaptor
will be only 2.00mm. This means that to have any strength for heavier lenses,
the adaptor will need to be made from stainless steel. Normally when making
adaptors, we try to utilise standard parts such as extension tubes or T mounts
to save us cutting bayonets from scratch. This is not possible in this instance
due to the thickness, and we will have to cut both male and female bayonets
from a solid piece of stainless steel. Initially there is the turning
operation, involving form tools to cut the bayonet undercuts. On the EOS side,
there is the bayonet profile to be milled and the slot for the bayonet release
pin. The hole for the bayonet stop screw will need to be drilled and tapped,
together with provision and fitting of the screw. On the Olympus side, we again
need to cut both the bayonet profile, and the small slot within one of the
bayonet ears to engage with the lock pin on the lens. The bayonet profile will
also have to be slotted longitudinally, and the split deformed to provide
springing. Additionally, we have to incorporate a pin which grabs the actuator
on the lens as it is twisted in position, and which allows the diaphragm to
move when the aperture ring is adjusted. I am not sure if this can be
incorporated during milling, or whether there is a need to make it as a
separate unit and fit it with screws. A description of an adaptor I have seen
on the internet (source unknown) would suggest the latter.
Nitty gritty time. All the elements of the above will require jigs and fixtures
to be made, and with the best will in the world, I would estimate a cost of
about 1000 pounds. We have made similar items way back in the year dot when we
used to make Nikon mounts at the rate of several hundred each month, so we do
have the capability. Because of the numerous machine element s, there is
considerable machine setting, and this has significant cost impact unless there
is high quantity. We had occasion a couple of years ago to cut Nikon female
bayonets in a quantity of about 25, and the cost worked out at about 40 pounds
each. With all the additional work my guess is we are going to hit £120, plus
the amortised cost of the tooling (for 20 units this would be an additional £50
each). My guess is you are going to be looking at a cost to yourselves of about
£170 each on a batch of 20.
Since the introduction of the EOS, we have been asked about 4 times for an OM
adaptor, so the market isn't exactly jumping. Also, there is evidence of the
adaptor being available elsewhere. I also have reservations on the fitting in
that there may be some danger of damaging the electronic contacts within the
EOS body if you have an OM lens that has a protruding reflection shroud on the
rear. I may be wrong here, and this would need investigating by someone who was
familiar with the widest possible range of OM lenses.
As a matter of interest, Novoflex produce an adaptor to use Nikon lenses on EOS
and this retails in the UK for GBP 109.00.
I hope that gives you some idea. The prices quoted are 'top of the head', as I
haven't discussed them with my workshop foreman, but I am usually not too far
out. So they are subject to confirmation should you wish to proceed further.
Please let me assure you that subject to final design checking, it will be
possible for us to make these, but our experience in retailing adaptors is
shouting that it would not be attractive for the domestic end user. We are
currently making specialised adaptors (Nikon fit) in batches of 150 for a
manufacturer of image analysis cameras. These are complex and similarly priced,
but they are being used on units costing several thousands of pounds.
Please forgive the detail of this reply, but I felt it important to justify the
reasons for my initial reluctance.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Ian - SRB FILM SERVICE
------- End of forwarded message -------
---------
2003 Jun 28-30 in Ottawa:
http://www.CanadianCameraConference.ca
tOM Trottier, ICQ:57647974 http://abacurial.com
758 Albert St, Ottawa ON Canada K1R 7V8
+1 613 860-6633 fax:231-6115 N45.412 W75.714
"The moment one gives close attention to anything,
even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious,
awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself --
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