Cloud Workshop's FTZ Adapter Covers
A Chinese manufacturer has created custom covers for Nikon's FTZ lens adapters, aiming to improve the look and feel when using older DSLR lenses on modern
Chinese manufacturer Cloud Workshop has released a series of custom covers designed for Nikon's FTZ lens adapters. The covers aim to conceal the elongated gap that appears when using older Nikon F-mount lenses with newer Z-mount mirrorless bodies via the adapter.
The covers are available for specific lenses, including the Nikon 58mm f/1.4 G and the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED. Listings for these products have been found on the Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao.
Aesthetic and Handling Improvements
The primary function of these accessories appears to be aesthetic. The FTZ adapter creates a noticeable taper between the lens and the camera body, which some photographers find visually awkward, especially with larger, bulbous lenses. The new covers fit over roughly half of the FTZ adapter and the rear portion of the attached lens.
They are designed to thicken the adapter's thin profile and blend more seamlessly with the lens barrel. The covers feature textured grips similar to those found on lens control rings. While largely a cosmetic upgrade, the manufacturer suggests they may also improve handling by providing a more comfortable surface to cradle with the supporting hand.
Compatibility with Adapter Versions
A key design consideration was compatibility with both the original FTZ Adapter and the later FTZ II model. The original adapter includes a protruding tripod foot at its base, a feature that was streamlined in the second version. Imagery from the product listings shows that the covers have a specific gap to accommodate this tripod foot, confirming they work with both adapter generations.
The Retro Camera Connection
The product imagery notably features the Nikon Zf camera. This choice is logical, as both the Nikon Zf and the Nikon Zfc are retro-styled mirrorless bodies that photographers often pair with vintage Nikon lenses. Using an unadorned FTZ adapter with these aesthetically focused cameras can clash with their classic design. These covers offer a way to maintain a more cohesive look while utilizing older glass.
Mike, a former editor of N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine. He noted that while using an FTZ adapter, the tapering it creates can feel slightly uncomfortable when holding the lens. The new covers from Cloud Workshop present a potential solution for photographers who prioritize both form and function in their gear.
