Is the MTF the least costly option for B4 to the Sony F3?

There aren't many options for that combination.

The F3 doesn't use Sony's E mount. The F3 uses what Sony is calling a F3 mount. MTF builds several adapters for the F3 mount. They are not cheap but the quality is excellent. I have MTF adapters for Canon FD and Nikon for the F3. I am very satisfied with both of them.

Sorry I meant B4 directly to F3 mount. Yes I am currently using an MTF Nikon to F3 adapter without any complaints. By the way since you have the Canon FD mount, does the MTF adapter engage the aperture arm on the lens or do you have to prop it engaged so the lens iris ring works properly? I recall a cheap Canon FD mount Cinevate use to make and you had to put a toothpick in the lens to prop the arm. It left a bad taste in my mouth ever since.

The MTF adapter for the FD lenses has the post to engage the IRIS release on the lens.

As long as you mount the lens with the correct procedure the iris functions normally.

I believe the MTF B4 to F3 adapter is the cheapest way to use a 2/3" B4 lens on an F3 by quite a large margin. The adapter was designed to be low cost from the outset as a way to allow people like myself to use lenses that might otherwise be gathering dust. Don't expect a 2/3" B4 lens (with any adapter) to perform the same as a dedicated PL mount zoom like the Cabrio or an Optimo. Nor will it perform like a 2x or 3x DSLR zoom or prime lens, these are much simpler lenses with a lot less glass so will generally have less flare and better contrast as a result. What using a B4 lens on an F3 does give you is that all round flexibility you get on a traditional ENG camera being able to zoom in and out through a massive range from very wide to very long with acceptable image quality and constant focus.

I've tried the Abakus, the Abelcine adapter, and the MTF.

While the first two have superior optics, they add a lot of weight to the front, and extend the front of the lens quite a bit. I chose the MTF adapter because of reduced weight, shorter length, and lower price. Please note, the 2/3" lens must have a 2X extender in order to work with the MTF adapter.

Cheers,

Tom

Hi Thomas,
Please can you tell something more about testing the Abakus and Abelcine adapter. I believe it is possible to use your B4 lens without using the extender. Witch one is better: The Abakus / Abelcine in combination with your B4 lens without using the extender of the MTF in combination with your B4 lens and using the extender? Thanks a lot.

I believe the Abel Cine is the better of the two and you are correct you don't need the extender with the Abekas or Abel Cine.

Thank you, Ik can't wait for a test with my 2/3 inch Canon HD 18x28 and the new F55. I hope this will give me a good contrast and sharpness on 4K

Marc, if you plan to use your B4 2/3" lens on a 4k camera you can adapt your ENG lens physically using adapters without optics, and do the 1.5x magnification in post.

It is the same effect as doing it in the adapter except you will not lose the extra light loss or quality going through the additional magnifier built into the adapter. Not to mention it will probably cost less than the Abelcine or even MTF adapter.

So shooting 4k on a s35 sensor camera you will end up with something around 2k cropped with the 2x doubler engaged which you can crop to fit HD 1920x1080. Without the 2x doubler engaged you would end up with something more like 720p.

Hi Dennis, now I am working with an EX-3 with the canon HD18x28. I use this combination expecially for filming birds so for me this is the perfect solution (in HD), now I want to switch to 4K, so I hope I can use this lens for 4K telework and don't want to crop it back to 2K. I am looking for the best solution for this perfect lens on a s35 sensor (F55 for example).

Yes if you don't want to fuss around in post to re-magnify 2/3" lens x2.5 to fit super35mm frame then the Alister/MTF is a perfect choice.

Here is a video a fellow who just picked up the adapter recorded on his F3, absolutely beautiful but I wish to have seen some more powered zooms which would be my intention for using 2/3" lenses on my F3 or future 4k camera.

B4 lenses on the Sony PMW-F3 Editman Sweden – theeditman (http://editmansweden.com/2012/11/05/b4-lenses-on-the-sony-pmw-f3/)

Thank you, Please let me known if there is a good demo-film from the Abakus or Abelcine adapter with a 2/3" lens (HD), I would like to see that one to compare with the MTF adapter.

The Abel Cine HDx35 with HJ18x28 was deemed acceptable quality by a BBC nature series 'Survivors' that has been trialling the Red Epic. But that's primarily for 2k TV production.

I don't think the MTF adaptor was around to compare with when they did pre-production tests, at least two yrs ago.

I haven't been in touch with anyone on that series since then.

Read Rolf's comments on the same setup but on Arri Alexa. some infos about the HD35 | rolf steinmann blog (http://rolfsteinmann.de/blog/?p=978)

Is it possible to use a -B4-to-EF- adapter with an EF-to-SonyF3 adapter?

I bought the MTF B4 to F3 and I must say I am not very impressed. It tends to flex and leaks light regardless of how well I support the lens. I resorted to putting on a little gaff tape to seal the leaks.

Works as advertised, but barely. As always, you get what you pay for.

maybe your adapter is defective, have you contacted MTF or your supplier? I know my first MTF adapter for the F3 had issues and I had to exchange it for another one..

Yes, it designed to work with an F3 to EF adapter, so F3(FZ)-EF-B4.

I'm using one with an F5 up here in arctic Norway shooting the Aurora, or at least I should be, it's been rather cloudy so far.

John sorry to hear you are not impressed with your adapter. I'm looking to buy one used, so if you have any interest in selling yours please let me know.. thanks,

When using one of these adapters, which aspect ratio of the is preferred. ie. 4:3 or 16:9 lens?

The aspect ratio really makes no difference.

Re Light leaks. I assume you are using the supplied support arm for the adapter? This is there to minimise the flex in the mount. Making a a bolt on cover to go across the FZ to EF part of the mount was considered. This would prevent any light leaks and firm up the mount, but make it hard to quickly switch between different cameras and mounts. Light leaks is not a common issue, the EF mount has 3 adjustable tabs that can be expanded with a small screwdriver to give a tighter fit.

Thanks, what is the difference then between 4:3 and 16:9 mode on a B4 lens and would I care to have one over the other for use on the F3 or F5/F55 ?

Anyone know?

Thanks, what is the difference then between 4:3 and 16:9 mode on a B4 lens and would I care to have one over the other for use on the F3 or F5/F55 ?

I assume you are talking about a lens with a ratio converter built in. The 4:3 option introduces a 0.82x reducer into the image path so that the image circle becomes smaller to make best use of a 4:3 crop from a 16:9 sensor. As soon as you engage the 2x extender though, the ratio conversion is removed anyway. So you can leave it on 4:3 or 16:9 it won't make any difference with the MTF adapter as you will need to have the extender engaged for that.

Thanks for confirming that. Appreciate it.