More Questions about Nikon Lenses on JVC at DVinfo.net

Scott R. Smith · May 7th, 2007, 03:30 PM

I work on a nature show (with plants and animals) and we recently started using the HD250. Sometimes I need more zoom than the stock lens has, so I'm thinking about getting the adapter and a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom-Nikkor Lens. For those of you that have used Nikon lenses on the JVC cameras (especially those doing nature/wildlife):

Sound like a good lens choice?

How well does the zoom and focus work when using a Nikon lens with adapter? How is the back focus adjusted? Is this a setup where any kind of quick adjustments are out of the question?

Also, do you really need one of the rod lens support system for a 300mm zoom nikon?

People have mentioned needing a heavy tripod when using nikon zooms. I have a Cartoni Focus head on Cartoni Composite 2-stage legs. Weighs like 11 pounds. Heavy enough? Or do I need a really heavy one? We have a pretty heavy O'Connor tripod but would rather not bring it. Part of shooting wildlife in the field is carrying the equipment, and I don't want to bring anything heavier than necessary.

Oh, and how well do Nikon macro prime lenses work for flower closeups? Anyone doing that?

George Huczek · May 7th, 2007, 06:35 PM

I can't answer the above, but I'm also interested in finding out where I can get a lens adapter for the JVC body to attach Leica or Canon FD lenses?

Scott R. Smith · May 7th, 2007, 09:05 PM

Bear with me, as I'm still trying to figure this stuff out.

As far as I know, there are three places for basic Nikon lens adapters. These add around a 7X magnification factor to your lens.
MTF in London at http://www.mtfservices.com/ <---this company also claims to make one for the Canon FD lenses
Zoerk in Germany at http://www.zoerk.com/
Les Bosher at http://lesbosher.co.uk/

Then there are 3 that make ones that change your depth of field. These aren't just adapters, they are much more active components for making your video look like film. I think they have little to no zoom factor.
Letus 35 at http://www.letus35.com/
RedrockM2 at http://www.redrockmicro.com/micro35.html
Brevis at http://www.cinevate.com/

Then there's a P&S Mini35 at http://www.pstechnik.de/en/ . I'm still learning about this stuff, and am not sure where this one fits in. Oh and looks like another at: http://www.sgpro.co.uk/

As I am in a position to NEED the added 7x magnification for wildlife video, I am interested in the first three. Are there any other adapters that should be added to this list? Are any made in the U.S.?

Coco Bermudez · November 8th, 2007, 02:00 AM

Why does everything look so magnified? I just added a 55mm nikon lens usinf an MTF adapter I just bought. WHOA! everything is so...so close.

Chris Barcellos · November 8th, 2007, 02:24 AM

55 mm on a 1/3 chip camera is the equivalent of about a 400 mm lens. Wide angle for 1/3 chip camera is about 4.5mm.

Coco Bermudez · November 8th, 2007, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Barcellos

55 mm on a 1/3 chip camera is the equivalent of about a 400 mm lens. Wide angle for 1/3 chip camera is about 4.5mm.

so what good are these adapters? Wild Life?

Is there a chart that compares the mm lens equivalent?

Claude Mangold · November 8th, 2007, 06:07 AM

Scott, I've used the mini-35 both with Hasselblad (wow !!!) and with Nikon primes.
Two things: 1) reduced DOF requires very exact focussing work - camera assistant with tape measure required, or VERY good field monitor 2) mini 35 with rods and battery and all adds substantial weight. I cas still be used handheld but it's a big weight and not very handy for wildlife docu I would think unless you are filming for the 16/35mm type market.

Maybe Canon or Fujinon have a more powerful zoom lens for the 250 ? Be sure to test it before buying.

Ralph McCloud · November 8th, 2007, 08:34 AM

I use the Redrock Micro adapter on my JVC 200 cam. I use 3 Nikon lenses (28mm, 50mm, 85mm)

Once these lenses are attached properly (which takes some setup time) there is no zoom to them.

When properly setup, the results are spectacular, however I would not recommend this setup for "running and gunning" or shooting anything that you don't have total control of focal length and a great monitor to judge your focus. Focus is so critical with this setup.

Hope this helps steer you in the right direction. Would you be offended if I said "Go Gamecocks!" :)

May 7th, 2007, 03:30 PM	#1
Scott R. Smith New Boot Join Date: May 2007 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 19	More Questions about Nikon Lenses on JVC I work on a nature show (with plants and animals) and we recently started using the HD250. Sometimes I need more zoom than the stock lens has, so I'm thinking about getting the adapter and a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom-Nikkor Lens. For those of you that have used Nikon lenses on the JVC cameras (especially those doing nature/wildlife): Sound like a good lens choice? How well does the zoom and focus work when using a Nikon lens with adapter? How is the back focus adjusted? Is this a setup where any kind of quick adjustments are out of the question? Also, do you really need one of the rod lens support system for a 300mm zoom nikon? People have mentioned needing a heavy tripod when using nikon zooms. I have a Cartoni Focus head on Cartoni Composite 2-stage legs. Weighs like 11 pounds. Heavy enough? Or do I need a really heavy one? We have a pretty heavy O'Connor tripod but would rather not bring it. Part of shooting wildlife in the field is carrying the equipment, and I don't want to bring anything heavier than necessary. Oh, and how well do Nikon macro prime lenses work for flower closeups? Anyone doing that?

May 7th, 2007, 06:35 PM	#2
George Huczek New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Prince Albert, SK Canada Posts: 24	Along similar lines ... I can't answer the above, but I'm also interested in finding out where I can get a lens adapter for the JVC body to attach Leica or Canon FD lenses?

November 8th, 2007, 02:24 AM	#5
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	55 mm on a 1/3 chip camera is the equivalent of about a 400 mm lens. Wide angle for 1/3 chip camera is about 4.5mm. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

November 8th, 2007, 08:34 AM	#8
Ralph McCloud Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Posts: 80	Nikon lenses I use the Redrock Micro adapter on my JVC 200 cam. I use 3 Nikon lenses (28mm, 50mm, 85mm) Once these lenses are attached properly (which takes some setup time) there is no zoom to them. When properly setup, the results are spectacular, however I would not recommend this setup for "running and gunning" or shooting anything that you don't have total control of focal length and a great monitor to judge your focus. Focus is so critical with this setup. Hope this helps steer you in the right direction. Would you be offended if I said "Go Gamecocks!" :) __________________ Myrtle Beach SkyTour http://www.myrtlebeachskytour.com

May 7th, 2007, 09:05 PM	#3
Scott R. Smith New Boot Join Date: May 2007 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 19	Bear with me, as I'm still trying to figure this stuff out. As far as I know, there are three places for basic Nikon lens adapters. These add around a 7X magnification factor to your lens. MTF in London at http://www.mtfservices.com/ <---this company also claims to make one for the Canon FD lenses Zoerk in Germany at http://www.zoerk.com/ Les Bosher at http://lesbosher.co.uk/ Then there are 3 that make ones that change your depth of field. These aren't just adapters, they are much more active components for making your video look like film. I think they have little to no zoom factor. Letus 35 at http://www.letus35.com/ RedrockM2 at http://www.redrockmicro.com/micro35.html Brevis at http://www.cinevate.com/ Then there's a P&S Mini35 at http://www.pstechnik.de/en/ . I'm still learning about this stuff, and am not sure where this one fits in. Oh and looks like another at: http://www.sgpro.co.uk/ As I am in a position to NEED the added 7x magnification for wildlife video, I am interested in the first three. Are there any other adapters that should be added to this list? Are any made in the U.S.?

November 8th, 2007, 02:00 AM	#4
Coco Bermudez Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: St. Petersburg, Florida Posts: 36	Why does everything look so magnified? I just added a 55mm nikon lens usinf an MTF adapter I just bought. WHOA! everything is so...so close.

November 8th, 2007, 06:07 AM	#7
Claude Mangold Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Berlin and Geneva Posts: 259	Scott, I've used the mini-35 both with Hasselblad (wow !!!) and with Nikon primes. Two things: 1) reduced DOF requires very exact focussing work - camera assistant with tape measure required, or VERY good field monitor 2) mini 35 with rods and battery and all adds substantial weight. I cas still be used handheld but it's a big weight and not very handy for wildlife docu I would think unless you are filming for the 16/35mm type market. Maybe Canon or Fujinon have a more powerful zoom lens for the 250 ? Be sure to test it before buying.