Multimedia
Blogs
Forum
Affordable HD
Whitepapers
Newsletters
Events
Advertisers
DCP Directory
MillimeterHDV Camcorders and Film Lens Adapters
Jun 11, 2007 10:35 PM, By Steve Mullen
Cinevate Brevis35
Those who shoot 24p with camcorders that have small imagers—less than 1/2in.—have long used various types of adapters to overcome their camcorders' far-too-large depth of field (DOF). Those shooting with JVC ProHD camcorders now have a new option: the JVC HZ-CA13U. Before looking at JVC’s adapter, we’ll look at alternative solutions.
There are several non-JVC options to reduce DOF. These include the Cinevate Brevis35, Redrock Microsystems M2, and the P+S Technik Mini35.
Redrock Microsystems M2
All of these operate in a similar manner. A 35mm still camera lens or a 35mm cine lens is mounted on the front of the adapter. The attached lens projects an upside-down image on a ground-glass screen exactly as it would on 35mm film. You set the aperture and focus with the attached lens. The inherent DOF of the attached lens becomes the DOF of your video camera.
P+S Technik Mini35
The ground-glass screen has texture, which has several consequences. First, the texture could be visible. To hide the texture, the ground glass is spun at high speed or rapidly shifted side to side. This requires battery power and may create audible noise. Second, the ground-glass screen can cause up to over two stops loss of light.
Mini35 used with a Sony Z1
The Brevis35 system is inexpensive, at about $1,000. Because it is lightweight (9.2oz.) it is ideal for use with small camcorders such as the Sony HVR-V1U or Canon HV20. According to Cinevate, the Brevis35 has only a 0.5 f/stop-to-0.7 f/stop loss of actual measured light with an F1.4 50mm attached lens.
The Redrock M2 is also inexpensive, at about $1,300. A more expensive version, at about $1,750, provides an Arriflex PL lens mount. This enables cine lenses with an Arriflex PL lens mount to be attached. They can be prime (non-zoom) or zoom lenses. Redrock also offers a DIY kit with a Redrock ground glass for $45.
For about $650, you can purchase a microFollowFocus Indie Bundle from Redrock.
Mini35 Compact
The P+S Technik Mini35 comes in two flavors: the original Mini35 and the newer Mini35 Compact for 1/3in. CCD cameras with a detachable lens.
The P+S Technik adapters feature the company's Interchangeable Mount System (IMS) for shooting with Arri PL, Nikon, Panavision, Leica, Carl Zeiss-Contax, or Canon EF 35mm lenses. The Mini35 is relatively heavy at 5.62lbs., while Compact is lighter at 3.97lbs.
