Black is the offical "professional" color. Nevermind things are made black not to reflect light on the set etc. Some people don't even know the reasons, all they know is that if it's black, it's "professional" ;)
Just a tip.

Thanks Michael!

Any other input?

Thanks Wayne.

I think the aluminium is the best way to go. It makes for a more solid construction.
Any more inputs? Well, since you asked, I think you should really get some test footage made with better cameras, specially HD. That will seal and sell the performance of your adapter.

Do you have a website up yet?

Thanks Michael.

You correct about the testing with HD. Im in the process of getting it tested with a DVX100a and z1.

So your saying the aluminium box with a matte black finish, right?

Again, thanks for your input, Michael.

Wayne.

Yeah, go for the black.
Actually, since it will probably be built to order, you can be cool and give the buyer the option. Maybe some people with a VX2100 would like the silver aluminium look to match the body of the camera.
One thing you also should get going as soon as possible is a website, if you don't have one yet.

Michael,
Nice idea about the option of finish. Maybe even the option for luminance Pink with flowers? Hehe, im just kidding;) No really its a nice idea, the alu finsh does in fact look nice, but people may also want black, great sugestion.

The website is in the works, its been planned out as far as sections go, but still in the works.

Thanks again Michael.

Wayne.

Here is a pic of the alu box

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wayne.kinney/alubox.jpg

Thanks Wayne.

Looks pretty good. Much slimmer and streamlined.

The reason aluminum camera parts are black is that they are black-anodized. They're anodized for protection against corrosion, among other things. That nice bare aluminum box won't look that way forever, even if you set it on a shelf for a few years.

Anodization is a very inexpensive, evenly applied, and strong protection. It is typically applied before machine work. If you request a "hard anodize" instead of a "decorate anodize" it will also resist scratches very nicely. Though in my experience with many metal finishing shops, you have to tell them you really do mean a true hard anodized, and that they should just leave it in the tank and "cook" the s**t out of it.

And FWIW i like this box better than a round one.

Thanks for the advise on anodizing, Bill, research time (again):D

And FWIW i like this box better than a round one.

What round one? You mean like Craig suggested?

Thanks,
Wayne.

I like the new box

but definately anodize it black... How much would that bump the price up?

Are you upgrading the PCX lens or sticking with the old one?

Im waiting for new PCX lenses to arrive for commercial version, they are tried and tested ones.

Thanks,
Wayne.

how are you going to manufacture these?

factory? build them yourself for each order?

Lloyd,
They will be self made to order.

Thanks,
Wayne

Bear in mind you won't be able to test your adapter in its current form with a Z1 because of the Z1's protruding microphone.

Can you please shoot a resolution chart? You can find them at http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/respat/

Ben,
Yes someone mentioned this to me, so the lens will now sit at the top of the box rather then the bottom.

A res chart, some hard tests, I like it. Ill shoots it will and without the adapter on my cam for comparision.

Thanks,
Wayne.

let's see some new tests! :D

Lloyd,
Following shortly (hopefully the end of the week) will be the shots of that res card and some outside shots as requested. I have not posted in the last few days as i've been hard at work improving the SG35 and rails. I will also have a shot of the unit with the rails.

Thanks,
Wayne.

Just a thought about how to position the box and the camera.
Anyway check out this link. It's using a medium format lens but the idea is interesting...

http://tedramasola.9k.com/photo.html

It seems an one of a kind. Or is it for sale as well?
Interesting anyway.

But I found it on the DVX web site w while back. If you want to make one I have a medium format Bronica lens for sale. I just liked the way the box was mounted in front of the base plate.

Looks nice, but the support probably aint adjustable, just set for the dvx100.

Wayne.

Just thought I would post a pic of the high quality ground glass element which gives me the nice contrast and rich colour from the adapter, something most adapters fail to deliver.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wayne.kinney/GG%20disk.jpg

Res chart test and outside shots to follow.

Thanks,
Wayne.

Hello guys,
I stated in the original post that the SG35 would ship without a macro/achromat, and that the buyer would purchase his/her own to suit there own camcorder and preference.

Now im asking you guys if your would perfer to see a unit without achromat for £150, or a unit complete with achromat for around £170 -£180? I would use a proper achromat for highest quality.

Please let me know what you would perfer.

Thanks,
Wayne.

I would probably prefer with, but the choice is good to have - some people already have a good achromat, so by giving people the choice, you at least keep alot more people happy.

Mandy,
Thanks for your suggestion, thats very true. As long as people can screw the unit onto there own macro/achromat, then I guess thats fine.

So offer a version with and without achromat at different prices? What does everyone else think?

Thanks,
Wayne.

If you can get a high quality macro for 20 bucks more, I would say go for it. It would be much more convenient, since you can use the adapter out of the box. But, keep in mind that bundling a cheap macro with your package, even if trying to keep prices down, will only give your adapter bad press. If that's the case, it would be better to sell it without a macro at all. Just my opinion.

Sell it with either a very nice macro or no macro at all, is my opinion. If people want a cheaper adapter let them buy yours without the macro so they can try and find their own to fit their budget.

Michael and Ben, thanks for your replies.

I would choose nothing but a high quality achromat lens. From the begining the SG35 has been designed around image quality, I do not plan on compromising now. An 'out of the box' unit is more attractive, as you point out.

I will most likely fit an achromat lens with the unit, and also sell a version without.

Thanks,
Wayne.

i would prefer it with the achromat included...what would you do? find the appropriate achromat based on the users camera? i've got a dvx100a...

thanks! now hurry up, will ya?!!

:)

gary

Gary,
An achromat to work with all cams has now been sourced.

Pics of the unit with support with be up next week. Following outside test footage.

Thanks for your interest and patience.

Wayne.

Ok, with all said and done, when will the adapters be ready for commercial sale or can you please give us an update and more test footage.
You know more products are coming out everyday, so we need updates in order to make sure that your product is still up to the latest kits for adapters.

.... more test footage please

Thanks Eniola,
I have not posted for a while as i've been working hard reworking the adapters design around the new improved aluminium box.

I will however have photos of the unit, with 15mm rod support up on either thursday or friday.

I also will get some outside shots and also that res card test.

Thanks for your interest,

Wayne.

Hello,
I have taken two pics of the SG35 unit:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wayne.kinney/SG35_01.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wayne.kinney/SG35_02.jpg

Has speed control at the top and power socket on the side to connect to either battery pack (8 AA's) or a 12v main supply.

I have not quite finished the support rods, so a pic of this will follow this weekend, along with the promised footage.

Any comments welcome,
Thanks,
Wayne.

Very nice pictures, Wayne, I love it.

Quyen

Wow the finishing looks good.. ooh but 8AA batt sounds a little heavy...eagerly waiting for some outdoor samples..Keep up the good work!

Wayne that looks very nice. When can I get my hands on one? I live up the road from you in Lewes and have a DVX waiting to hook up to it.

Thanks for your replies guys.

ooh but 8AA batt sounds a little heavy

There is a more expensive power option should the user wish to use it. This is the use of 3 cell Lithium Polymer packs. These give 11.1v, can be bought in very high capacities meaning long life, and are very light. They do require a special charger though.

I chose the 8AA batteries in my design for the best mix of price/accessibility. The user is by no means stuck with this power option.

When can I get my hands on one? I live up the road from you in Lewes and have a DVX waiting to hook up to it.

Stephen, its rare to find people from the UK around here, especially just up the road. I would love to meet up with you once the unit is ready to test it out.

Thanks,
Wayne.

Right,I hope to see the specs once its ready. Thanks!

Stephen Pipe,
Is it possible for you to give me a ring or for me to ring you? I would really like to meet up with you, us being so close.

If you could email me your number that would be great.

Thanks,
Wayne.

Awesome Wayne,
Two question though, since you are in England and I am sure most of your customers will be from the U.S, how can those of us in the U.S get an adapter that is compatable with the American power supply. I know Europe uses 240volts but I am not sure.
As for me, I will not wanna use any battery cuz I need the rotor running at all times and at the same speed during the shoot.

Also, the pictures you posted, is that how the commercial product will look like?

Footage please, thanks.

Hi Eniola,
Regarding the power supply, the input is 12v DC, so all you need is an AC to DC adapter should you want to run from mains.

The last 2 pictures i post of the unit give a good idea of what the final unit will look like, the placement of some things will be slightly different, and also it will have a small on/off switch on the side also.

Sorry I have not posted any footage, but I ordered a new drill press, so was waiting for this to arrive before continuing. The Drill arrived yesterday, so good news is I will have footage uploaded over this weekend. I live in a beautiful seaside town here, so lots of things to shoot.

Thanks,
Wayne.

Hey Wayne,

The device looks great and I do believe the glass is really going to help against any colour abberation that is seen through the plastic GG. After looking at the picture of the unit, I suppose there is not way of getting around it looking like the Micro35, project boxes etc. Are you concerned about Micro35 saying yours look too much like theirs? I know you have alot of different features, like variable speed, glass GG, different motor etc - ? Great job Wayne.

Mandy,
Good point and its something i have thought about, but to be honest, take any black box and put an SLR lens on it and it looks like the micro35.

The internals of the SG35 will be different from the micro35, i have deisgned and built the spinning glass mechanism myself, and choose optics that i feel are best from my own experiementation.

I do not beleive there are any problems.

Im off to shoot the outside footage over side weekend, im very excited. Will post up the video on Sunday.

Thanks,
Wayne.

After looking at the picture of the unit, I suppose there is not way of getting around it looking like the Micro35, project boxes etc. Are you concerned about Micro35 saying yours look too much like theirs?

Well first, the M2 folks can't really say anything, because their unit itself is a rip-off from the P+S Mini35, and looks basically the same as their early series. Second, if there's anybody in the homebuilt business who can say anything at all, is Agus(sp). He started the whole homebuilt wave.

Very true,
I talk to Agus over msn on a daily basic. I offered to send him a unit for no charge, but he just wanted the glass and mechanism, so im sending him that to say thank you.

Wayne.

Very nice Wayne, a good heart will get you more places than anything else. Yes, I think we owe a great deal of thanks to Agus, but also to P+S for the idea!
And of course, the guru himself, Bob Hart...

Very nice Wayne, a good heart will get you more places than anything else.

I wish I could say I agree but I've seen the schmoozers and suckups get a lot further in the world than the good-hearted, LOL

Still, us friendly ones gotta help each other out. God knows the conniving bast*rds won't! :)

Nice job; Keep it up, Wayne

Ideal world Bill, ideal world! Isn't the sky rose-coloured in yours?