i finally built a mini35 that i am happy with but still theres the issue of the upside down image. I just read a thread a few pages back about flipping the lcd image using magnets near the lcd but haven't been able to get it too work. i own a panasonic gs400. so does anyone out there who owns this camera or similar model (gs200 etc) been able to get this magnet trick to work?

Matt I'm not sure if consumer cams have that option. The panasonic DVX can do this because it has a feature that flips the image when you rotate the LCD around (so the person in front of the camera can view the image correctly). There is a magenet built into the body which causes triggers this. Because of this feature you can trick the camera into thinking the LCD is rotated when it is note (and thus the image flips). It's not a property inherent in LCDs.

the gs400 also has the feature that flips the image when you rotate the LCD around. so does that mean theres a slim chance that if i find the right spot to put the magnet of the right strength it should work?

Yes it should work then assuming that it functions the same way. I wouldn't know where that spot is though. On the DVX I believe it is on the right, lower side of the LCD.

Matt, can you post a couple screen grabs from your mini35 setup?

Older (cheaper) cams like my GL1 use a spring-loaded button to "detect" when it's time to flip the image. You can take the face off your LCD to find and trigger it permanently -- just a suggestion if the magnet trick doesn't work out for you.

- jim

as requested here are some images from my setup, they are just random things i thought would make for interesting tests of my mini35. oh yeah its the static model.

http://img64.exs.cx/img64/8208/skateboardnearfocus3sp.gif
http://img91.exs.cx/img91/9161/skateboardfarfocus2an.gif

http://img91.exs.cx/img91/5258/minihedgefarfocus7qz.gif
http://img91.exs.cx/img91/5748/minihedgenearfocus4ig.gif

http://img103.exs.cx/img103/1331/wallnearfocus9ce.gif
http://img103.exs.cx/img103/7585/wallfarfocus3xa.gif

The grain is still visable but only just and only if your really looking for it otherwise it is fine. the larger problem would be dust which you can see as large black dots. I will use it as is for short films etc as i beleive that even though the grain is slightly visible it is the action on screen which would be the focus. also i have gone as small as i can easily buy regarding aluminum oxide grit.

you definitely got the DOF down just fine. what is your setup like?

minolta 50mm lens ->lens cap with the back cut out ->small piece of pvc ->43-46 step up ring ->+7 CU filter ->Ground Glass ->3 empty rings -> +7 macro -> camera. if i can i'll post a pic later.