35mm adapter for video camera

[spinner]

Hi, guys!

Well, there is no question about equipment or technology that I don't run past you all first, so I am bringing you an adapter for your consideration. I was wondering whether or not this would be something that I should consider investing in down the road.

http://homepage.mac.com/twocik23/Menu30.html

I was wondering if there was something less expensive that would do the same thing, (this is about $370 to $1300), whether or not I really need this. I certainly want to get the most out of my camera, but since money is an object, could I find a less expensive workhorse type of adapter.

I would love your opinion on this 'thing'....

--spinner

 

[knightly]

Looks good, the questions I would ask is if the lens that comes with it is fixed to it or can you get other lenses with the same mount (Nikon, Canon) to interchange...The focussing is done right on the barel there, you'll want to consider getting a focus knob for it (or making one) that puts the focus on the side to make it easier to turn without dutching the camera left or right. There are several other companies that make similar products as well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field_adapter

There is a list near the top of options...I've also made one and provided a post here earlier...still working on it though:

http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=9516

This was based on the plans at mediachance (good explanations of what it does as well):

http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/dof/index.htm

Images it takes look good, but questions would be:
Interchangeable lenses?
Static or Rotating Ground Glass?
Light loss?
Support/warranty?
Cost...do your homework with these...some are really expensive...others not so much.

I love what these do, they get rid of one of the big failings of digital...rendering detail in the background of the image where less light info gets to the ccd to record. This goes a long way to getting rid of the digital look.

<edit>These do take more time to shoot with as you need to be much more concerned with focus than normal on a digital camera.</edit>

 

[WideShot]

http://letus35.com/letus35.html

http://redrockmicro.com

There are quite a few more, if you are interested. I also did a thread talking about how to build your own last year I think, do a search. The theory is simple if you have the time and the inclination.

The letus right now is getting very good reviews but there are half a dozen commercial adapters available now.

Do you *need* one? No, not at all. In fact documentaries and reality-type tv probably shouldn't use these adapters because of light loss and the fact that you have to rack focus on the lens. But narrative filmmakers wanting to make something a bit more filmish than simply applying grain and scratches in post should really consider one of these, as the added DOF and 35mm'ish ways that the light plays with the primes is great. But dont underestimate the price of the primes, look into that.