MFO-1 and focus limiter

[Dave_Hicks]

8 minutes ago, Byron said:

So, this is an MFO and a Kraken plus 6 stacked. The real question is why would you want to stack them though? The SMC and the MFO are different, for different purposes. The only reason I stacked these is I couldn't get the ring off my Kraken to put it into a bayonet holder so the only work around was the screw it into the MFO .... However it all works fine and dandy 

Two words: Strap Wrench

[Davide DB]

3 hours ago, Byron said:

So, this is an MFO and a Kraken plus 6 stacked. The real question is why would you want to stack them though? The SMC and the MFO are different, for different purposes. The only reason I stacked these is I couldn't get the ring off my Kraken to put it into a bayonet holder so the only work around was the screw it into the MFO .... However it all works fine and dandy 

 

 

Beautiful image! It’s impossible to know whether it would’ve turned out the same without adding the MFO.

 

My question is, does the Black Mojo focus range adjustment also happen with M43 lenses?

Edit: my bad, I've just discovered that Nauticam updated its M43 N85 port chart with MFO: https://drive.google.com/file/d/180prPNEGE2nAfoxEYAq9FLkWj6XOiV-M/view

 

 

[DriftC]

On 4/8/2025 at 11:29 PM, Tom Kline said:

I use a lens shade in the threads of my SMC-1. Probably a good idea with the MFO unless one is overly concerned with extra drag.

@Tom Klinewhich lens hood do you use in your SMC1? That sure would be nice in rivers to prevent inadvertent scratches! 

[Tom Kline]

1 hour ago, DriftC said:

@Tom Klinewhich lens hood do you use in your SMC1? That sure would be nice in rivers to prevent inadvertent scratches! 

The hood is shown in the link that I posted up-thread. Scroll up and click. It is generic, i.e., no brand. The only text on it is 67mm.

[Dave_Hicks]

1 hour ago, DriftC said:

@Tom Klinewhich lens hood do you use in your SMC1? That sure would be nice in rivers to prevent inadvertent scratches! 

He shared a link to a generic shade designed for a top side lens.

 

I just made a 3d printed tpu rubber shade for the MFO and will try it tomorrow. I will share the design after testing.

 

I am always happy to send out copies for the cost of shipping.

[shokwaav]

Does the MFO-1 work with the Sony 28-60mm?

[Johno1530]

On 3/14/2025 at 1:37 AM, Dave_Hicks said:

I shot my new MFO-1 last night with a Nikon Z8, 105mm F-mount, and Nauticam housing, dual flip with the MFO-1 and Subsee +5.

 

Quick observations are that the Subsee is likely going on the shelf. The MFO both reduces and extends focus range to over a meter and reduces it beyond what the 105 can do by itself. The Subsee +5 has been my go-to macro accessory as it also reduces the shooting distance while not magnifying too much. However, it has a very limited range of maybe 30cm. I often have it flipped down and then mistakenly try to shoot something larger beyond its range, causing a delay to flip it up. The MFO can get in tight but also provides useful range.

 

The first critter I spotted last night was a pretty large Pacific Ruby Red Octopus, about 12 inches long, This is about as big as they every get. I was able to take full body shots from about 1 meter away no problems. 

 

Here are two sample photos:

f16, 1/200s, iso250

 

f16, 1/200s, iso100

The bottom is amazing 👍 love it. 

[OneYellowTang]

This thread has been very useful for discussing the MFO. We have two in our family... I've been using mine on the front of my Z8+105 - no noticeable change to focus speed, however the slight bit of magnification is quite useful. I just don't ever take it off (unless I'm looking to shoot super macro).

Where the MFO really shines is on my daughter's A7RV+90mm in a blackwater setting. This is a game changer... this combination is now more than useful shooting translucent and moderately translucent subjects.

Alex M discussed this during a recent Underwater Photography Show episode...

 

Edited 10 hours ago by OneYellowTang

[hedonist222]

7 hours ago, OneYellowTang said:

Where the MFO really shines is on my daughter's A7RV+90mm in a blackwater setting. This is a game changer... this combination is now more than useful shooting translucent and moderately translucent subjects.

 

How is it a game changer? 

And why is it a game changer with her but not you. 

 

Thanks. 

[OneYellowTang]

55 minutes ago, hedonist222 said:

 

How is it a game changer? 

And why is it a game changer with her but not you. 

 

Thanks. 

The Sony A7 series (started with the A7III, A7RIV, and now the A7RV) with the 90mm lens (specifically shooting blackwater) suffers from the lens hunting (often) while trying to grab focus on translucent and semi-translucent subjects (think jellies, salps, etc.). There are a few shooters that claim this combination is fine shooting blackwater - that's not really the case - if you compare this set up with either a Nikon D500 or a D850 with a 60mm lens, there's a massive difference - you would need to experience this to really understand.

The MFO prevents the 90mm lens from hunting about 80%-90% of time for most blackwater subjects -so it's very much a game changer in this scenario (actually, for translucent subjects, it's the difference of being able to get a shot or not - given the quick, 3D movement of subjects, etc in a BW setting). By eliminating the lens hunting for focus it has significantly changed the type of subjects my daughter is able to shoot with her rig in this scenario.

 

For the Nikon Z8, I shoot BW with the FTZ adapter and 60mm lens. Hunting & getting focus is not on issue with this combination...I haven't decided if it's as good as either the D500 or the D850 with the 60mm lens, but it is fairly close (at least). The slight bit of extra magnification might be interesting on a BW dive - I might try this in Anilao in a few weeks.

 

Edited 1 hour ago by OneYellowTang