Curiosity: Using the DJI Focus Pro to autofocus with the Mamiya 7II medium format film camera!

Our reader Sune Eskelinen used the DJI Focus Pro to add autofocus on the Mamiya 7II with 80mm lens.

He writes:

Yes, it works. As long as you calibrated the DJI Focus pro properly (it only needs to be done once per lens). Unfortunately, my rangefinder is a bit off (I have time for a service soon), but the scale of the lens is exactly right, so the autofocus is a great help. Otherwise, I think it would be a perfect combo for the 210mm lens, which can be difficult to focus.

Another reader Alexander asked:

I wouldn’t advise it. The optomechanical construction of Mamiya 6 and 7 lenses is not suited for a follow focus motor nor a lidar AF one. Replacement focus assemblies are not available and if you manage to find one they’ll cost as much as the lens. Once the focus ring slips and they do slip the front block will go one way and that’s out and you will tear your flex cable because it will serve as a bungee cord 🙂

Sune answered:

It is not mounted directly against the lens. A ring with threads is mounted first, so the risk of the focus ring slipping is minimal. And it’s calibrated so the motor always stops before the end positions so it not damage the lens. And then it is set to the lowest torx on the motor. During the tests I did, it feels risk-free. I also always have it set to manual focus until the picture is taken. Then I switch to auto. And when the picture is taken I go back to manual.
But I’m not an expert like you, so if you think it’s a stupid idea, I’ll listen to you. The camera will soon be coming to you to calibrate the rangefinder. 😊