? about XL and 35mm film lenses at DVinfo.net

Rick Step · June 28th, 2004, 09:56 AM

I've got a question about modding the XL1 with film lenses (like they did in 28 days later). The budget for that movie was around eight million, so I doubt it's a good indicator of how the picture will turn out with a similar approach on a 100,000 dollar film. Has anyone here shot with the XL1 and film glass? If so, let me know what you think. Also, I'm not a DP or anything, but I've heard digital video needs more light than shooting on film...anyone know anything about this?

Also, if anyone has experience trying to sell a digital feature all advice is welcome. I'm assuming it's much harder to sell than shooting 35mm, but then again, it's all hard to sell.

Finally, if anyone here has any experience in the production and or sales of a digital feature that may be of use, please let me know. Thanks,

Rick

Rob Lohman · June 28th, 2004, 03:37 PM

28 days threads on this forum:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...&threadid=6445
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=11898
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=11412

Most people that shoot with "film" (35mm) lenses will probably
either rent or buy the mini35 adapter to allow a more cinematic
feel and DOF. There are some people here on the boards who
have used the adapter.

See also this thread.

Charles Papert · June 28th, 2004, 05:00 PM

The threads that Rob thoughtfully linked to will no doubt point out that "28 Days Later" was shot with prime lenses built for HD cameras, not film cameras. But that distinction is quickly blurring anyway.

As far as needing more light to shoot digitally, it depends. Film technology has improved to where some films are being shot entirely on high speed film stock that is more sensitive than digital cameras, however it is possible to boost the gain on digital cameras to meet that sensibility. Of course the picture quality will correspondingly suffer, but then again it's not as good to begin with.

I would say that digital video requires at least the same amount of lighting and probably more attention than film, particular in exterior shooting conditions. It's certainly possible to shoot video in available light, but it's less likely to look "cinematic". A skilled DP can sometimes pull this off.

The XL1s and Mini35 adaptor with cine lenses is a great look. The XL2 with the same front end is likely to be far greater. We'll have to see...! Here's some rumination on this setup.

Rob Lohman · June 29th, 2004, 02:04 AM

Thanks for adding the link to the article Charles. That's one I
forgot about. Whoops.

Rick Step · June 29th, 2004, 09:00 AM

Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I really appreciate it.

June 28th, 2004, 09:56 AM	#1
Rick Step Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 62	? about XL and 35mm film lenses I've got a question about modding the XL1 with film lenses (like they did in 28 days later). The budget for that movie was around eight million, so I doubt it's a good indicator of how the picture will turn out with a similar approach on a 100,000 dollar film. Has anyone here shot with the XL1 and film glass? If so, let me know what you think. Also, I'm not a DP or anything, but I've heard digital video needs more light than shooting on film...anyone know anything about this? Also, if anyone has experience trying to sell a digital feature all advice is welcome. I'm assuming it's much harder to sell than shooting 35mm, but then again, it's all hard to sell. Finally, if anyone here has any experience in the production and or sales of a digital feature that may be of use, please let me know. Thanks, Rick

June 28th, 2004, 03:37 PM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	28 days threads on this forum: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...&threadid=6445 http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=11898 http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=11412 Most people that shoot with "film" (35mm) lenses will probably either rent or buy the mini35 adapter to allow a more cinematic feel and DOF. There are some people here on the boards who have used the adapter. See also this thread. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

June 28th, 2004, 05:00 PM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	The threads that Rob thoughtfully linked to will no doubt point out that "28 Days Later" was shot with prime lenses built for HD cameras, not film cameras. But that distinction is quickly blurring anyway. As far as needing more light to shoot digitally, it depends. Film technology has improved to where some films are being shot entirely on high speed film stock that is more sensitive than digital cameras, however it is possible to boost the gain on digital cameras to meet that sensibility. Of course the picture quality will correspondingly suffer, but then again it's not as good to begin with. I would say that digital video requires at least the same amount of lighting and probably more attention than film, particular in exterior shooting conditions. It's certainly possible to shoot video in available light, but it's less likely to look "cinematic". A skilled DP can sometimes pull this off. The XL1s and Mini35 adaptor with cine lenses is a great look. The XL2 with the same front end is likely to be far greater. We'll have to see...! Here's some rumination on this setup. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

June 29th, 2004, 02:04 AM	#4
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Thanks for adding the link to the article Charles. That's one I forgot about. Whoops. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

June 29th, 2004, 09:00 AM	#5
Rick Step Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 62	Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I really appreciate it.