Nikon DX on HD200U...how about it? at DVinfo.net

Jaadgy Akanni · August 17th, 2007, 10:49 PM

Anyone of you tried a Nikon DX on a JVC HDxxx series camera? I have an HD200 and 2 weeks ago I got a Nikon adapter to use my Nikon Ais and AF lenses on it. Now I'm curious to use a good quality Nikon DX Zoom lens, but I want to know what the focal length multiplier would be in this case. In fact I wanna know if the DX lens will cover the whole sensor or how much of it it'll cover. Someone please gimme some info on this-I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

Tim Dashwood · August 18th, 2007, 12:38 AM

When you say "Nikon adapter" I assume you mean the direct connect adapters made by Zöerk or Les Bosher?

The problem with using a DX lens is that you will have absolutely no aperture control. I'm not sure if DX lenses leave the aperture open, closed, or just stay where they were left the last time used on a Nikon.

Try not to worry yourself with "focal length multipliers." (I prefer to refer to it as a 'cropping factor.') You'll drive yourself mad constantly trying to compare field of view at any given focal length between 35mm and 1/3", especially since full frame 35mm is about 7.5 times bigger than 1/3".

Just remember that focal length = focal length. For example, if you are using a 18-70 Nikon zoom, then it will give you the exact same field of view as the Fujinon zoom lens in the 18-70mm range. There will be absolutely no change in the optical laws, meaning the exact same depth of field.
The benefit of a Nikon adapter is the wide availability of long focal lengths. Can you imagine how telephoto a 300mm on a 1/3" sensor would be? You would have a HD telescope!

As for coverage there will be absolutely no problems there. The standard sensor size of a digital SLR (DX) is around 24mm x 16mm (the same width as super-35.) The 1/3" sensor found in the ProHD cameras is only about 4.8mm x 2.7mm.

I've attached a frame size comparison chart I made earlier this year to demonstrate the various frame sizes of different formats.

Jaadgy Akanni · August 18th, 2007, 01:24 AM

Thanks for the response Tim. I guess it would work well if I could manage to at least set the aperture to its maximum and have it stay there, but according to what I've read, since the HD200 has no coupling to the meter, the lens would only work at minimum aperture. Someone should build an adapter. So the DX lens frame is like 5 times bigger than the 1/3 sensor frame. So if if were usable(if the aperture could be set to wide open) on the HD200, the Sigma 10-20mm would be a normal lens, and even a good relay lens for adapter like the M2 and Brevis.

Jemore Santos · August 18th, 2007, 10:11 PM

Hey Jaadgy, in all honesty when trying to work your head around different format lenses, the focal length stays the same, it's the angle of view that changes.

August 17th, 2007, 10:49 PM	#1
Jaadgy Akanni Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: new york city Posts: 346	Nikon DX on HD200U...how about it? Anyone of you tried a Nikon DX on a JVC HDxxx series camera? I have an HD200 and 2 weeks ago I got a Nikon adapter to use my Nikon Ais and AF lenses on it. Now I'm curious to use a good quality Nikon DX Zoom lens, but I want to know what the focal length multiplier would be in this case. In fact I wanna know if the DX lens will cover the whole sensor or how much of it it'll cover. Someone please gimme some info on this-I'd appreciate it. Thank you. __________________ I will be KING!

August 18th, 2007, 12:38 AM	#2
Tim Dashwood Wrangler Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 3,637	When you say "Nikon adapter" I assume you mean the direct connect adapters made by Zöerk or Les Bosher? The problem with using a DX lens is that you will have absolutely no aperture control. I'm not sure if DX lenses leave the aperture open, closed, or just stay where they were left the last time used on a Nikon. Try not to worry yourself with "focal length multipliers." (I prefer to refer to it as a 'cropping factor.') You'll drive yourself mad constantly trying to compare field of view at any given focal length between 35mm and 1/3", especially since full frame 35mm is about 7.5 times bigger than 1/3". Just remember that focal length = focal length. For example, if you are using a 18-70 Nikon zoom, then it will give you the exact same field of view as the Fujinon zoom lens in the 18-70mm range. There will be absolutely no change in the optical laws, meaning the exact same depth of field. The benefit of a Nikon adapter is the wide availability of long focal lengths. Can you imagine how telephoto a 300mm on a 1/3" sensor would be? You would have a HD telescope! As for coverage there will be absolutely no problems there. The standard sensor size of a digital SLR (DX) is around 24mm x 16mm (the same width as super-35.) The 1/3" sensor found in the ProHD cameras is only about 4.8mm x 2.7mm. I've attached a frame size comparison chart I made earlier this year to demonstrate the various frame sizes of different formats. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Tim Dashwood

August 18th, 2007, 01:24 AM	#3
Jaadgy Akanni Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: new york city Posts: 346	Thanks for the response Tim. I guess it would work well if I could manage to at least set the aperture to its maximum and have it stay there, but according to what I've read, since the HD200 has no coupling to the meter, the lens would only work at minimum aperture. Someone should build an adapter. So the DX lens frame is like 5 times bigger than the 1/3 sensor frame. So if if were usable(if the aperture could be set to wide open) on the HD200, the Sigma 10-20mm would be a normal lens, and even a good relay lens for adapter like the M2 and Brevis. __________________ I will be KING! Last edited by Jaadgy Akanni; August 18th, 2007 at 05:56 PM.

August 18th, 2007, 10:11 PM	#4
Jemore Santos Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tokyo/Sydney Posts: 297	Hey Jaadgy, in all honesty when trying to work your head around different format lenses, the focal length stays the same, it's the angle of view that changes. __________________ "eyes through a digital world"