LA-EA4r Monster Adapter vs LA EA5

This video compares the Sony LA-EA5 A-mount to E-mount adapter with the 3rd party modified LA-EA4 called the LA-EA4r or "Monster Adapter". Which one is better? More info, including where to buy the circuit board, can be found below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I forgot to mention one of the caveats of the Monster adapter: It doesn't handle SSM or SAM lenses, whereas the LA-EA5 does (if you have the right body). Life is full of tough choices, isn't it?
The Monster adapter was originally mentioned in my blog post from 2020: friedmanarchiv...
Here's a video showing my first attempt at doing the upgrade: • LA-EA4 Monster Adapter... (No audio on this.)
Here's a video showing the early prototype vs. the A99 II: • Monster Adapter Near-F...
Here's a better test of the 500mm f/8 in good light using pre-production firmware: • LA-EA4 "Monster Adapte... This video has 3 tests; the first showing off Eye AF, the 2nd showing the lens on an A99 II for reference, and the 3rd showing a similar test on an A7R IV.
More early tests of Human and Animal Eye AF using pre-production firmware (the product is much more stable now): • Monster Adapter Eye AF...
Earlier videos explaining the differences between the LA-EA1 through LA-EA4: • The Sony A-mount to E-... And part 2: • The Sony A-mount to E-...
I will NOT be taking on the role of distributor, nor will I be offering the upgrade surgery service, however you can purchase the circuit board at www.monsteradapter.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this adapter make my lenses focus faster than the LA-EA4?
A: Probably not.. The goal is to add new intelligent focusing modes that you can’t get with the LA-EA4. Do not expect increased speed to be the primary benefit.
Q: Will I be able to use SSM and SAM lenses on it?
A: [Updated March 2023] Yes, he is currently working on updating the firmware to handle an initial set of SSM lenses.
Q: I have a very popular 3rd party lens. Will it work on this adapter?
A: No.
Q: Will it work with video?
A: No. The designers are adamant that the focusing would not be smooth and this would call attention to itself in videos, and so it is intentionally not supported. Plus motor noise would be picked up by the camera’s built-in mics if you don’t use an external mic.
Q: Will it AF closed like native E-mount lenses?
A: No; it will meter and focus wide open just like all A-mount lenses.
Q: What if I attach a lens not on the ‘currently supported’ list?
A: It will be Manual Focus only.
Q: How are firmware updates done?
A: The same way you do for a lens or a normal adapter. Attach the adapter to a camera body, connect the camera to a computer via USB, and run some software.
Q: Will Xi lenses be supported?
A: Those lenses were not known for their optical excellence. And not many people have expressed interest. So currently it’s not on the ‘to be supported one day’ list.
Q: Will it work with the A7S II?
A: No - the camera it’s connected to has to have phase-detect AF points baked into the sensor. Neither the A7S II nor the original A7s have this - they are contrast-detect AF only.
Q: Will it work in conjunction with a matched 1.4x teleconverter?
A: That’s much harder to do in software; so while it won’t be initially supported that’s something that can be added down the line.
Q: Will the board swap also work with the LA-EA2?
A: No. The board shape and connector pinout are similar but different. If you try to install this board on an LA-EA2, it might burn the adapter.
Q: How about other Zeiss AF lenses?
A: Only two have the screw-driven AF. Both are supported.
Q: Is all the normal LA-EA information retained in EXIF metadata?
A: Yes. In all of my images taken with the adapter, the EXIF information shows the lens’s focal length and max. aperture.
Q: Will you be able to easily reinstall or remove the AF mirror in case you wanted to use other lenses not on the list - in current LA-EA4 mode?
A: You can restore the mirror if you want to, but if you want to go back to the old functionality, you’ll have to restore the original circuit board.
Q: Where can I find a list of currently supported lenses?
A: You can find that and other support questions on their facebook page: / monsteradapter-1102102...
Disclaimer: I get no financial reimbursement for my postings on this subject (although, let's face it, I should after putting in all this work. :-) ) They sent me the sample board, and that was it.
Discussed in this video: Sony A1, Minolta 100mm Macro lens, Minolta 80-200 f/2.8 G lens, Minolta 500mm f/8 mirror reflex lens.