1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your Meike 35mm F1.4 APS-C Manual Focus Lens. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product and retain it for future reference.
The Meike 35mm F1.4 is a large aperture manual focus lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Sony E-mount. It features a fixed 35mm focal length and a wide F1.4 aperture, making it suitable for various photography styles including landscape, product, and portrait photography.
Image: The Meike 35mm F1.4 Prime Lens, showcasing its design and potential photographic results in various settings.
2. Product Overview
2.1 Key Features
- Fixed Focal Length: 35mm, providing a versatile wide-angle perspective.
- Large Aperture: F1.4 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field (bokeh).
- Manual Focus: Offers precise control over focusing.
- APS-C Compatibility: Designed specifically for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras.
- Multi-Coated Optics: Reduces flare and ghosting, enhancing image contrast and color accuracy.
- Durable Construction: Features a robust metal build for longevity.
2.2 Lens Components
Familiarize yourself with the different parts of your lens:
- Focus Ring: Used to adjust the focus manually.
- Aperture Ring: Used to set the desired aperture (f-stop).
- Lens Mount: Connects the lens to the camera body.
- Front Lens Cap: Protects the front element of the lens.
- Rear Lens Cap: Protects the rear element and mount when the lens is detached.
Image: The Meike 35mm F1.4 lens shown from various perspectives, highlighting its compact design and manual control rings.
Image: A detailed view of the lens, showing the focus and aperture rings with their markings for precise adjustments.
3. Setup
3.1 Attaching the Lens
To attach the Meike 35mm F1.4 lens to your Sony E-mount camera:
- Align the red dot on the lens barrel with the corresponding red dot on your camera's lens mount.
- Gently insert the lens into the camera mount.
- Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.
Image: A close-up of the lens mount, showing the red alignment dot for proper attachment to the camera body.
3.2 Camera Settings for Manual Lens
Since this is a manual lens with no electronic contacts, your camera needs to be configured to operate without a lens attached. This is a common setting for mirrorless cameras when using third-party manual lenses.
- Enable "Release without lens": Navigate to your camera's menu settings and enable the option "Release without lens" or "Shoot without lens". The exact wording may vary depending on your camera model.
- Set to "M" Mode: For full manual control over exposure, set your camera to "M" (Manual) mode.
- Utilize Focus Peaking: To assist with accurate manual focusing, enable "Focus Peaking" in your camera's menu. This feature highlights in-focus areas with a specific color.
- Magnify View: Use the magnify function on your camera's LCD or electronic viewfinder to zoom in on your subject for critical focus.
Image: The Meike 35mm F1.4 lens mounted on a Sony E-mount camera, demonstrating its compact fit.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Focusing
The Meike 35mm F1.4 is a manual focus lens. To achieve sharp focus:
- Look through your camera's viewfinder or at the LCD screen.
- Rotate the Focus Ring on the lens until your subject appears sharp.
- Utilize focus peaking and magnification features on your camera for enhanced accuracy, especially when shooting wide open at F1.4.
Note: The focus throw on this lens is relatively long, requiring more rotation for focus adjustments. This can be beneficial for precise focusing but may require practice for quick adjustments.
4.2 Adjusting Aperture
The aperture is adjusted directly on the lens using the Aperture Ring. This lens features a de-clicked aperture ring, allowing for smooth, stepless adjustments, which is particularly useful for video recording.
- Rotate the aperture ring to select your desired f-stop (from F1.4 to F16).
- A wider aperture (smaller f-number like F1.4) allows more light and creates a shallower depth of field.
- A narrower aperture (larger f-number like F16) allows less light and creates a deeper depth of field.
4.3 Recommended Usage
This lens is versatile for various photographic applications:
- Portrait Photography: The F1.4 aperture provides excellent subject isolation and creamy bokeh.
- Landscape Photography: Stopping down the aperture (e.g., F8-F16) yields sharp images with extended depth of field.
- Product Photography: The 35mm focal length and sharp output when stopped down are suitable for detailed product shots.
- Low-Light Photography: The large F1.4 aperture excels in dimly lit environments, allowing for lower ISO settings and faster shutter speeds.
Image: The Meike 35mm F1.4 lens on a camera, illustrating its suitability for portrait, landscape, and architectural photography, along with its multi-layer coating.
4.4 Video Review and Sample Footage
For a comprehensive review and visual examples of the lens's performance, including sample footage and discussion on its manual operation, please watch the following video:
Video: A detailed review of the Meike 35mm F1.4 lens by Emily from Micro Four Nerds, covering its features, performance, and practical usage tips for both photography and video.
5. Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your lens.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a lens cleaning solution to clean the glass elements. Use a blower brush to remove dust before wiping.
- Storage: When not in use, always attach both the front and rear lens caps to protect the lens elements from dust and scratches. Store the lens in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Handling: Avoid dropping the lens or subjecting it to harsh impacts.
Image: The Meike 35mm F1.4 lens displayed with its protective front and rear caps, essential for safe storage and transport.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your Meike 35mm F1.4 lens, refer to the following common solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Camera does not recognize lens / Cannot take photos | "Release without lens" setting is not enabled. | Go to your camera's menu and enable "Release without lens" or "Shoot without lens". |
| Images are blurry / Difficult to achieve sharp focus | Incorrect manual focusing; Focus peaking not utilized. | Practice manual focusing. Enable and use "Focus Peaking" and magnification features on your camera. Ensure sufficient light for focusing. |
| Vignetting or soft corners at wide apertures | Characteristic of wide aperture lenses, especially at F1.4. | Stop down the aperture to F2.8 or narrower for improved sharpness across the frame. Minor vignetting can often be corrected in post-processing. |
| Dust on lens elements | Exposure to dust during use or storage. | Use a blower brush to remove loose dust. For stubborn particles, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Meike |
| Model Number | MK-35mm F1.4 Sony |
| Focal Length | 35mm (Fixed) |
| Maximum Aperture | F1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | F16 |
| Lens Type | Wide Angle, Manual Focus Prime Lens |
| Compatible Mountings | Sony E-Mount (APS-C) |
| Lens Structure | 5 Groups 8 Elements |
| Visual Angle (APS-C) | Diagonal 43°, Horizontal 37°, Vertical 25° |
| Product Dimensions | 2.6 x 1.93 x 1.93 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | HK Meike |
Image: Diagram illustrating the APS-C visual angles (diagonal 43°, horizontal 37°, vertical 25°) for the Meike manual lens.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Meike website or contact your retailer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Online Resources:
- Visit the Meike Store on Amazon for additional product information and accessories.
