Anamorphic lenses: hard to focus? at DVinfo.net

Bill Edmunds · August 16th, 2005, 02:24 PM

For cameras that are native 4x3, are anamorphic lens adaptors worth buying? I have heard that focusing with an anamorphic lens add-on is very diifcult when zooming past half way, and that you have to re-adjust the anamorphic lens.

Douglas Akers · August 17th, 2005, 05:41 PM

Hey Bill,
I've been using a Century converter on my VX2000 for over a year now.
My experience has been that I can use about the middle 2 thirds of the zoom range and still pull focus.
No readjustments were ever needed to the adapter once in place.
It is also limited on how close you can get to a subject and focus.
No super close ups on actors eyes, like I originaly envisioned.
I found it very useful to have a field monitor and use a focus chart.
There are limitations but I feel the added resolution, or should I say, not LOSING resolution to go 16:9 was worth it.
A large part of what I've been shooting are night time exteriors.
Those cool looking anamorphic lens flares were annoying at first but now I kinda like them! I've since noticed them in lots of hollywood films.
All and all I think I'll be happier with a native 16:9 chip camera when I upgrade later this year but, I wouldn't change what I've shot with this setup.

August 16th, 2005, 02:24 PM	#1
Bill Edmunds Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Conway, NH Posts: 574	Anamorphic lenses: hard to focus? For cameras that are native 4x3, are anamorphic lens adaptors worth buying? I have heard that focusing with an anamorphic lens add-on is very diifcult when zooming past half way, and that you have to re-adjust the anamorphic lens.

August 17th, 2005, 05:41 PM	#2
Douglas Akers Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Wyandotte MI Posts: 47	Hey Bill, I've been using a Century converter on my VX2000 for over a year now. My experience has been that I can use about the middle 2 thirds of the zoom range and still pull focus. No readjustments were ever needed to the adapter once in place. It is also limited on how close you can get to a subject and focus. No super close ups on actors eyes, like I originaly envisioned. I found it very useful to have a field monitor and use a focus chart. There are limitations but I feel the added resolution, or should I say, not LOSING resolution to go 16:9 was worth it. A large part of what I've been shooting are night time exteriors. Those cool looking anamorphic lens flares were annoying at first but now I kinda like them! I've since noticed them in lots of hollywood films. All and all I think I'll be happier with a native 16:9 chip camera when I upgrade later this year but, I wouldn't change what I've shot with this setup. __________________ www.AboveGroundmovie.com www.LetsGoCOBO.com