The GG IS moving. And the motion is visible because of the first-rev GG I was using. Not too mention I had the shutter speed up higher than normal...


Jamey
Get on the List!

James, have you tested the Micro35 using Brett's chart @ http://www.cinematographerreels.com/mini35info.htm ? I think all of us are very excited about getting our hands on your plans (once they're done of course) but I'd like to see you use it on a res chart and Brett's solution... Thanks!

Funny you say that, I'd used Brett's chart for framing the image on the GG for the last year. Its just another example of Brett's great contributions over the history of the adapter projects.

Thanks Brett!

James, are you still looking into affordable relay systems?
Any success in finding one?

Kyle,
I'm finishing the guide first. Then I'll attack the relay. I've already made some progress on it, but I've got to stay focused before I head off in that direction. I'm pretty confident that a solution will be available soon!

james

Thanks James for the kind words....Your check is in the mail.

-Brett

Hey Guys,
I've updated some information on the site. I'm trying to get emails sent out to everyone but I'm not having much luck with the number of address... I'll have this fixed soon!

Here's the update:
www.micro35.com/welcome2.htm

Also, here's a solid model of the unit:
www.micro35.com/pics/3d.jpg

Thanks!

James can you tell us if we will need any special tools to get the quality you seem to have in your system? seems to me atleast one would need a lathe/mill/drill press...can you please comment so that everyone knows what it takes to build this unit? thanks for the help and this will help me make a decision on what to buy if anything..thanks again

Looks great James. When it is actually up for sale, can you post some res charts, etc? Thanks!

A drill will be the biggest tool you'll need. The lathe and mill were really just a waste of money. I was going to go for the oscillation device. There was no reason to.

James,

I am looking forward to reading your manual - but a few question that hopefully won't give too much away. What are we looking at here for expenses? Is there going to be lenses to buy and what prices ranges? What about motors and other equipment? Thanks

The materials will cost you less than $45 dollars. The guide will tell you where to get every part and how much it should cost you.

Thanks!

james,

what will it take to put one on a sdx900?

thanks.

James-
I have a DVX100 (not the A) model. It doesnt have as short of a minimum focus as the A-model. Is this going to be a problem with you adapter as far as framing up and focusing on the GG?

Very awesome, James!

Question: If I were wanting to use (or build) an anamorphic lens with this adapter, would I have to get one to stick on the front, or would there be room for a rear anamorphic? I gotta admit, I know little about the cylinder lenses and rear anamorphic and all that. It's just I've been reading a few threads and getting really excited about it!

Brett,
It should be fine with the Macro I've made. I've got a standard DVX100 coming over this weekend. So I'll get to try it out!

Ok James, so I am assuming I won't need a macro lens or otherwise, just the parts that will stay under $45.00 - that is pretty good! I have been pricing macro lenses and other parts and they are pretty expensive, so if I can pay you $35.00 for the manual and $45.00 for the parts - that is a darn good deal!
James, please post some more pics and movies!
Also, I know you are claiming this only works on the GL2 and the DVX100A - are you going to including mods for workarounds in other models?

Thanks!

The guide explains how to do it for any dv camera. It will also tell you how to make the macro (Real Achromatic Diopter) for ~$10.

James,

Will you be offering the guide in a pdf format?
Also, are the parts available outside the US?

Thanks.

Kyle,
Yes, the parts will be available outside the US.

No, the guide will never be sent out electronically. The drawing package alone cost me thousands of dollars. So I'd rather not have it out there floating around on the internet.

Thanks James, I understand.

For those who buy the guide, will they get updates (to the guide) as they come out?

Looks like I'll have to hop over to your site and put my order in...

Cheers.

Yep, the updates and improvements will get sent out to every customer.

Thanks Kyle!

when can you ship the guide? and when will I get it?

ohh and I almost forgot..will you have directions for the rods in the guide? I wan't rods for lens support ;) BTW PLEASE let me know how the dvx100 NON A works out - that is the camera I have ;)

I'd love to see some more footage before doing a pre-order or order.

Have any ETA on more samples?

Obin,
I'll ship the guide anywhere the available via US Mail or International Air Mail. A bonus in the guide will be directions on building the rods and the macro. I'll have the DVX100 tested soon. I don't see anyproblems...

Kyle,
The next post of footage will be something professional. There are several folks shooting shorts and music videos that will be available for posts.

James,

You say all parts required to build Micro35 described in the guide will be available for purchase outside the US.

Does it mean that you will include only links to websites of materials' suppliers that will ship the parts worldwide?
Or maybe these parts are 'universal' and widely used worldwide so you are sure that one can obtain them in every country?

I was wondering about that because ordering parts from different sources separately would greatly affect the total cost of adapter. In that case, would you suggest ordering all kit parts ($249) directly from you?

Thanks,
Mateusz

I'd suggest save $200 and order the parts yourself. They are widely available.

James,

From what I've gleaned from your posts, the ground glass is moving, but not oscillating. Can you tell us if the GG is rotating?
Is the rotational axis within the visible frame or outside it?

Using high shutter speeds or certain lighting conditions will there be a whirlpool/vortex effect in the centre of the frame?

Thanks.

Hey Kyle,
My tests with the second gen gg shows no movement in both light and dark situations.

James,

I tried to create my own PayPal account for further buying your guide. I got confused. Poland was not on the list of coutries 'respected' by PayPal. Then I tried to check the option of paying by credit card but it was the same. This means I cannot register nor pay for the guide.

Would you accept any other ways of payment?

Thank you,
Mateusz

Thanks James for all your hard work... Sounds like your being as honest as anyone can be with the pricing scale and also encouraging us to buy and build our own and save the money. Also the 200.00 difference is a bit more then expected for just getting us the parts, but then again YOU will be the one paying upfront for the parts in hopes to sell then in a kit form. I guess that’s why they call it a business. Again as with all the other more video and pictures would be much appreciated before I can honestly spend the extra cash.. Also why did the cost of the manual go from 30-45 dollars? Thanks again..

OK, thanks.

I understand you don't want to divulge too much before the guide comes out.

I guess it's wait for the next lot of footage (hope it's soon!), then get the guide.

Cheers.

<<<--
Would you accept any other ways of payment?
-->>>

i second that, money order for example

Hey Guys,
Email me at sales@micro35.com and I'll shoot you an address.

Craig,
I'm really trying to arm everyone with the technology they need to make quality projects that appear to be big-budget productions. At the same time, we've got to put an end to these high-dollar equipment prices that no one can afford!

The added cost to the kit is just the labor for preparing the parts for assembly. So if you can drill and use a hack saw, SAVE YOURSELF SOME MONEY AND JUST GET THE GUIDE!!!!.

Two reasons on the price increase. One, the drawing package is freaking awesome (which cost me quite a bit). Second, I wanted to be able to say, "For less than the price of this guide, you can build your on micro35."

I've gotta get back to work! See ya!

I am sold. when you can show me some un-compressed DV codec footage from the dvx100 and it is problem free I will buy the guide. I will also most likely spend the big cash on the Dan GG adaptor that looks VERY professional..I guess I will have both types and keep what works best for me ;) I would be happy to post projects on here that we shoot with a GG adaptor..the one thing Dan has going is a SMALL SIZE and CNC cut metal housing ...I think his adaptor will be a much more professional rig but the price IS 10x higher so I would hope so!! ;)

I still question the how stable the unit will be when your under the gun shooting while using the focus on a 35mm lens...that is my biggest fear I sure hope the Rod system helps with this ...I wait to see more footage!

Sounds like a great plan Obin!

By the way, the housing for the micro35 is cast aluminum. Damn tough, but very light. The only movement with my rig on the horse video was the flemsy Canon Autofocus EOS lens set to manual. The first rack of the statue was with my tighter sigma.

I'll be posting more info on the site within the next few days. I'll have updates, faqs, and even a forum for the micro35 customers!


Thanks Everyone!

James, almost forgot - does your micro35 deal with the reverse image problem?

Mandy,
The guide addresses this issue!

Thanks!

edited... it was about reversing image.... you say it addresses this... does this mean that you have tested this solution and it works with your adapter??? and is this a fix in post prod.?

it would be either a magnet or a mirror attached to the LCD I would guess.

such is the price to pay for such a device. personally I can live with it.

word.

I updated the micro35.com site with some older footage.

file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/jamey/Desktop/Micro35.com/micro35tests.wmv

for guitar clip.

james,

i cannot reach your site, do you hava some server problems?

just curious.

filip

fixed the broken link!

Server's up.

http://www.woolnet.net/

If you are in need of a better host.

Nice. Thanks Kyle. I've just gotten used to being able to run my own.... Probably not practical anymore...

Thanks!

still no website at micro35.com

James, I was able (@ 7:01p PT) to load your webpages & download your "First Post 11/25/04." The shot where you stopped the ground glass was instructive.

Is it maybe online image compression, or do I see some aberration, in this clip, in the outer 1/5 of your image? Have you shot any tests with resolution or color charts for reference? If so, could you post them?

All in all, your results look solid & useful.

John, the first two are utilizing older materials. For a more up to date view try the last one listed. It's not fully up to date (as he has a new GG) but it's the closest.

Aaron, thanks, I noticed that. The latter looks cleaner, but the colors in the footage content makes it hard to look for chromatic spread. I wouldn't base my ultimate expectations on online video, but I'd be very interested to see some more systematic optical tests of this gadget.