mini35C or mini35-400? at DVinfo.net

James Patrick · August 28th, 2009, 04:43 PM

I have been looking at the mini35C and I am wondering if it is worth the risk to purchase it or should i go with the mini35-400

the mini35C will be for a JVC HD200UB camera and i am concerned it may only ever fit that camera (and the 700) and nothing else ..

If i go with the mini35-400 i have to deal with 1 - 2 stops light loss as opposed to the .5 with the mini35C.. should that be a big concern?

I do not want to be limited to certain lighting situations and i plan to shoot in low light indoors as well as outside.

Any input from you guys in helping me decide is appreciated.

James

Bob Hart · August 28th, 2009, 10:58 PM

James.

If you are using any 35mm adaptor in the conditions you describe without lighting assistance, you may need to re-examine your reasons for wanting to use it, if applicable, your business plan and available time span in which the system generates revenue to recover the investment. The enhanced production value does not come alone with a 35mm adaptor but all the other established practices as well - lighting, set dressing, camera skills, composition, sound management, etc..

Reading between the lines, it seems you may want to do one-man reactive agile portable work with it. My apologies if I am wrong. No 35mm adaptor treats the operator kindly in this respect. The Mini35C will be the best of them for weight and rigidity.

My own sense is that you may be better off with a bare camera or jumping ship to a digital SLR like the Canon EOS D5 MkII (have I got that model right?) if the shallow depth-of-field 35mm film sized image option is what you want in that environment and learn to live within the current limitations of that camera system, or limit its use and intercut with your bare JVC camera footage.

If you intend to stay with the JVC HD200 style camera family, then the Mini35C will be preferable if an unassisted low-light environment is going to be the norm. P+S will likely provide other relay lens options for other "in-camera image flip" cameras as they come onto the market but you will remain wedlocked to these camera types.

Western Australian DP/steadycam specialist Jim Frater is using a Mini35C on a HD250 and he is happy with it.

James Patrick · August 29th, 2009, 11:00 AM

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the response.

I definitely plan on using the assistance and effectiveness of lighting..

Matt Ryan · October 22nd, 2009, 03:00 PM

The Mini35C has been updated for use with the new HM models as well. P+S will continue to update compatibility as new cameras are produced. You definitely want the Mini35c if you want to save 2 stops of light, save about 3 pounds of weight, and keep the unit compact at about 4 1/2 inches long instead of 9. I am selling my unit for the JVC which has been checked out by ZGC and is being sold through them. If interested here are the details:
Asking $4700 for adapter. It is in the hands of ZGC the U.S. distributor where it was cleaned and tested (Now compatible with the HM700 model as well). It was rated in mint condition with no problems what so ever. Please contact chris@zgc.com (email) 973.335.4460 if interested in purchasing and to review test and cleaning report. There has been multiple interested buyers so if you are looking to purchase you might want to contact her as soon as possible. This will save you a load of money over retail!

David W. Jones · October 22nd, 2009, 04:04 PM

My thoughts... I used to rent a P+S mini35 and Zeiss super speed lens kit for shooting commercials, but that seems like oh so long ago now. When Letus & Brevis started putting out a product that equaled the output quality of the very expensive P+S I purchased them and my clients could not see any difference in quality.
And even that seems like oh so long ago, as I have replaced using a 35mm lens adapter with an HDSLR camera for the style of shots I was getting with the Mini35.
IMHO, investing in a Mini35 right now is a foolish expenditure.
Used ones aren't even selling now, because the tide has turned when it comes to 35mm adapters. Why use one when there is something better available for less money.

Ted Ramasola · October 23rd, 2009, 02:30 AM

ditto on David jones.

I too have an hd100 and hd200 which i used with an adapter. I realized the HDSLRs can do the same for lesser cost.

7D arrives next week.

Bob Hart · October 23rd, 2009, 09:51 AM

Ted.

And the wheel turns full circle - you return to your stills-camera roots - and still video capable.

Best of both worlds perhaps until medium format sensors go video capable as well.

However I won't condemn you to shooting on a video capable camera with a plate-camera sized sensor, though I understand this is what Jim Jannard has in mind with his concept Monstro sensor.

Ted Ramasola · October 23rd, 2009, 10:39 AM

Bob,

I know, it's funny, when the few items that survived through generational/technological changes are the manual lenses.
It might be a modern canon 7D but the lenses have witnessed history in the 70's.

Ted

August 28th, 2009, 04:43 PM	#1
James Patrick New Boot Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Orange Count California Posts: 21	mini35C or mini35-400? I have been looking at the mini35C and I am wondering if it is worth the risk to purchase it or should i go with the mini35-400 the mini35C will be for a JVC HD200UB camera and i am concerned it may only ever fit that camera (and the 700) and nothing else .. If i go with the mini35-400 i have to deal with 1 - 2 stops light loss as opposed to the .5 with the mini35C.. should that be a big concern? I do not want to be limited to certain lighting situations and i plan to shoot in low light indoors as well as outside. Any input from you guys in helping me decide is appreciated. James

August 28th, 2009, 10:58 PM	#2
Bob Hart Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PERTH. W.A. AUSTRALIA. Posts: 4,477	James. If you are using any 35mm adaptor in the conditions you describe without lighting assistance, you may need to re-examine your reasons for wanting to use it, if applicable, your business plan and available time span in which the system generates revenue to recover the investment. The enhanced production value does not come alone with a 35mm adaptor but all the other established practices as well - lighting, set dressing, camera skills, composition, sound management, etc.. Reading between the lines, it seems you may want to do one-man reactive agile portable work with it. My apologies if I am wrong. No 35mm adaptor treats the operator kindly in this respect. The Mini35C will be the best of them for weight and rigidity. My own sense is that you may be better off with a bare camera or jumping ship to a digital SLR like the Canon EOS D5 MkII (have I got that model right?) if the shallow depth-of-field 35mm film sized image option is what you want in that environment and learn to live within the current limitations of that camera system, or limit its use and intercut with your bare JVC camera footage. If you intend to stay with the JVC HD200 style camera family, then the Mini35C will be preferable if an unassisted low-light environment is going to be the norm. P+S will likely provide other relay lens options for other "in-camera image flip" cameras as they come onto the market but you will remain wedlocked to these camera types. Western Australian DP/steadycam specialist Jim Frater is using a Mini35C on a HD250 and he is happy with it. Last edited by Bob Hart; August 28th, 2009 at 11:17 PM. Reason: error

August 29th, 2009, 11:00 AM	#3
James Patrick New Boot Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Orange Count California Posts: 21	Hi Bob, Thanks for the response. I definitely plan on using the assistance and effectiveness of lighting..

October 22nd, 2009, 03:00 PM	#4
Matt Ryan Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hollywood, CA. Posts: 110	The Mini35C has been updated for use with the new HM models as well. P+S will continue to update compatibility as new cameras are produced. You definitely want the Mini35c if you want to save 2 stops of light, save about 3 pounds of weight, and keep the unit compact at about 4 1/2 inches long instead of 9. I am selling my unit for the JVC which has been checked out by ZGC and is being sold through them. If interested here are the details: Asking $4700 for adapter. It is in the hands of ZGC the U.S. distributor where it was cleaned and tested (Now compatible with the HM700 model as well). It was rated in mint condition with no problems what so ever. Please contact chris@zgc.com (email) 973.335.4460 if interested in purchasing and to review test and cleaning report. There has been multiple interested buyers so if you are looking to purchase you might want to contact her as soon as possible. This will save you a load of money over retail!

October 22nd, 2009, 04:04 PM	#5
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	My thoughts... I used to rent a P+S mini35 and Zeiss super speed lens kit for shooting commercials, but that seems like oh so long ago now. When Letus & Brevis started putting out a product that equaled the output quality of the very expensive P+S I purchased them and my clients could not see any difference in quality. And even that seems like oh so long ago, as I have replaced using a 35mm lens adapter with an HDSLR camera for the style of shots I was getting with the Mini35. IMHO, investing in a Mini35 right now is a foolish expenditure. Used ones aren't even selling now, because the tide has turned when it comes to 35mm adapters. Why use one when there is something better available for less money.

October 23rd, 2009, 02:30 AM	#6
Ted Ramasola Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Allen, Texas U.S.A Posts: 1,117	ditto on David jones. I too have an hd100 and hd200 which i used with an adapter. I realized the HDSLRs can do the same for lesser cost. 7D arrives next week.

October 23rd, 2009, 09:51 AM	#7
Bob Hart Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PERTH. W.A. AUSTRALIA. Posts: 4,477	Ted. And the wheel turns full circle - you return to your stills-camera roots - and still video capable. Best of both worlds perhaps until medium format sensors go video capable as well. However I won't condemn you to shooting on a video capable camera with a plate-camera sized sensor, though I understand this is what Jim Jannard has in mind with his concept Monstro sensor.

October 23rd, 2009, 10:39 AM	#8
Ted Ramasola Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Allen, Texas U.S.A Posts: 1,117	Bob, I know, it's funny, when the few items that survived through generational/technological changes are the manual lenses. It might be a modern canon 7D but the lenses have witnessed history in the 70's. Ted