Sigma is now delivering a welcomed accessory to the L-mount alliance formed by Leica, Panavision, and Sigma in the form of an L-mount to PL mount lens adapter. The Sigma MC-31 was first introduced at IBC 2019. Since then, few details have emerged, including anything regarding its pricing and release date. We now have all the answers.
Sigma MC-31 L-mount to PL mount adapter
The MC-31 allows you to adapt PL mount lenses to native L-mount cameras like the Panasonic S1H or Sigma fp. The adapter has an aluminum alloy body so it's quite robust. It's not Terminator 2: Judgement Day tough, as The Terminator was made out of titanium alloy, but it's all systems go in terms of reliability in the field. The mount is made of brass and includes a locking ring to secure the lens. When using the MC-31 with the Sigma fp, you can further secure it to the camera using screws provided in the kit, which is a nice touch by Sigma as the fp has a very small footprint.
The adapter is shimmable at two different points. The flange depth can be adjusted on both the camera side and lens side to calibrate the back focus and lens accuracy. If you want to include accessories like a cage or tripod to a setup, there's a removable tripod socket to do so. You can also remove the screw thread to release the stopper of the locking ring. This allows you to mount lenses that require a closer fit than the MC-31 specs provide. Sigma finished the adapter using the same luminous paint of its cine lenses for quick adjustments in the dark.
Sigma fp can be used as a director's viewfinder
The adapter will be sold for $679 USD which is cheaper than the Leitz SL-PL Mount Adapter at $1,300. According to Leitz, the SL-PL and MC-31 are very similar in design and functionality and there are no added benefits to using the Leitz adapter over Sigma's version on PL lenses like the Leitz SUMMILUX-C. My guess is that Leitz might be lowering its price sometime in the future.
However, there are third-party L-mount to PL mount adapters, which we have covered extensively, that are less expensive. Wooden Camera has one for $499, c7 has an option for $360, and the PL adapter from Fotodiox is around $150.
Pricing & Availability
The MC-31 will begin shipping February 27th for $679 USD. You can find more info here.
Source: Sigma
