Metabones Speed Booster Canon EF to MFT Firmware Update Adds Autofocus For Panasonic Cameras

The Micro Four Thirds format offers some significant benefits, not just in terms of cost, but also in performance and size compared to DSLR. The latest crop of mirrorless cameras from Panasonic such as the Lumix G7, the latest GX8 and the venerable GH4 offer internal 4K recording at reasonable and manageable bit rates, affordable recording media and the option to adapt various third party lenses via adapters. Even though there are a number of very good MFT native electronic lenses such as the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8, which includes image stabilisation (one of the best all-rounder lenses for the GH4 in my opinion) most shooters prefer to also adapt 3rd party lenses. The Metabones adapters from the Speed Booster line offer this ability and them some – as in the case of the Speed Booster XL, which not only allows for an extra stop of light, but also brings up the FOV to that of a Super 35 chip with a 1.5x crop in 4K DCI Cinema mode on the Panasonic GH4.

Metabones did also recently announce a new Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x in both Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, and just a few days ago they also released the latest firmware update 1.7 for their Canon EF to MFT Speed Boosters, enabling autofocus support for Panasonic cameras and fixing some bugs.

See details of Firmware Update 1.7 for the following models below:

• Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster Adapter (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BM1)
• Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster S Adapter  (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BM2)
• Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds T Speed Booster XL 0.64x Adapter  (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BT3)
• Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds T Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x Adapter  (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BT4)

ABOUT THIS DOWNLOAD

• Name: Firmware update V1.7 for  Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster 
• Release date: 24 July 2015
• Benefits and improvements
  • Autofocus for Panasonic cameras
  • Fixed a camera-becoming-unresponsive issue after double-tapping on the touch screen of a Panasonic camera
  • Fixed EF Extender recognition issue with EF70-200/2.8L IS II USM

Previous Firmware updates 

HISTORY:

• Name: Firmware update V1.6 for  Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster S
• Release date: 1 Jun 2015
• Benefits and improvements
  • Fixed iris click noise issue while zooming a variable aperture zoom lens. Fixed OM-D E-M1 depth-of-field preview button inoperative issue.
  • Improved connection reliability if lens is attached to adapter after camera is powered on.
  •  Fixed an intermittent pincushion distortion issue on Panasonic bodies.    
  •  Fixed IBIS on OM-D series of Olympus cameras.
  •  Fixed lens hot swapping with passive MFT mount of BMCC. 

• Name: Firmware update V1.57 for  Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster S
• Release date: 3 Feb 2015
• Benefits and improvements
  • Fixed OM-D E-M1 depth-of-field preview button inoperative issue
  • Fixed focal length display on OM-D E-M1 with variable-aperture zoom lenses
  • Fixed EF70-200/2.8L II IS USM IS switch inoperative issue

Panasonic GX8

To download the latest firmware follow these instructions and/or head over to Metabones:

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

The latest version of the firmware update is compatible with Apple Mac OS X version 10.9.X:

• Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks or later

COMPUTER HARDWARE:

The latest version of the firmware update is compatible with the following hardware:

• A suitable USB 2.0 port

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

Important notes:

• When performing the firmware update, please don’t disconnect the USB cable, otherwise, the adapter may become inoperable due to the sudden power shutdown
• Don’t connect the adapter to any camera and lens when performing the firmware update.

How to download the firmware updater:

1. Make sure that you are logged on as a user with administrative rights.
2. At the bottom of the page, read the disclaimer and agree to the terms and conditions by clicking on the checkbox. Then, click on the Download button.
3. The download of the [MetabonesApp.dmg] file will start.
4. Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).

RUN THE SOFTWARE
Once the file has downloaded successfully, you’re ready to upgrade the Firmware update V0.55 for the adapter.

STEP 1: START UP THE Metabones App

1. Close all currently running programs on your computer.
2. Double-click the [MetabonesApp.dmg] file you downloaded to start up the Metabones App.
   (Note: Please start up the Metabones App in the primary monitor)
3. Connect your the adapter to the computer by using the USB-MicroUSB cable.
4. Then, follow the instructions in the Metabones App to update the firmware.

[via 43rumors]

B&H Affiliate Links:

Speed Booster XL 0.64x Adapter for Micro Four Thirds-Mount Cameras – $649

Canon EF Lens to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster “S” Version – $599

Lumix DMC-GH4 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera (Body Only) – $1,498

Lumix DMC-G7 Micro Four Thirds with 14-42mm Lens (Black) – $798

Lumix DMC-GX8 Micro Four Thirds Camera (Body Only, Black) – $1,198

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.

Claim your copy of DAVINCI RESOLVE - SIMPLIFIED COURSE. Get Instant Access!