Viltrox compatibility

[Peter7100]

I know Nikon are shortly taking Viltrox to court over copyright issues on their Z series.
Does anyone know if any of the current Z bodies have had software updates that prevent the use of Viltrox lenses.
Also, on some Viltrox Z lenses there appears to be no manual/AF switch, which therefore requires switching to manual via modes in camera. So if future updates prevent the AF from working on these lenses, would it still be possible to use the focus ring manually and capture shots, or could updated software in theory totally prevent any type of use with these lenses. Of course they might come to some sort of agreement at the hearing and then this shouldn't be an issue.

 

[BF Hammer]

I think look to what Canon did to lock out 3rd party lenses as what can happen.

I think Nikon's legal actions are taking place in China. I believe all that is at stake is electronic communication through the mount. Possible this is intended for pursuading Viltrox to pay up for licensing the Z mount and compromise achieved. But right now I am relieved I have not bought a Viltrox lens and I'll just wait and see on this.

Also lenses like the 28mm pancake are autofocus only and cannot be manually focused. Not enough room for the extra complications.

 

[Eduard]

I’ve been curiously watching this from the (Fuji) sidelines. It seems odd to me that Nikon (and Canon) are going down this path. In Fuji-land, the Viltrox lenses are viewed very favorably with a couple approaching stellar comments. The prices tend to be just lower than a used Fuji equivalent which seems to be a sweet spot. I have one of their primes. It does have some trade-offs, noticeable a lack of an aperture ring, but the results are excellent. I hope Nikon and Viltrox can reach an agreement.

 

[bluzman]

Y'all might want to watch this and then decide what you may want or not want to do.

Nikon is suing Viltrox : What this means for every Nikon user

 

[BF Hammer]

I have exactly 1 Z-lens that is not Nikon, and that is a 7-Artisans 35mm pancake. It is fully manual focus with no electronics in the lens. A fixed f-stop of f/5.6, so I can only adjust shutter and ISO. It's purpose is to be a body cap that can be deployed quickly to take a photo. I bought it used for under $70. That is about all the non-OEM lens I have been interested in buying for my Z kit, but I was kicking around the idea of the Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens instead.

Actually the body-cap idea has been working well for my storage and carry system as I modified it last year. Having the 35mm prime lens on the camera by default has been forcing me to make better lens decisions as I approach a scene instead of taking the lazy way with the lens that was already attached. And I more easily fit in an extra telephoto lens in the backpack now by making the camera compartment smaller.

 

[Peter7100]

I think I might still take a chance on the Viltrox 20mm lens, as I assuming that even if the court case goes against them, Nikon can't block AF use until such time there is a firmware update. Even then, I assume if you weren't to update the firmware then the lens would still work.