Lenses for GS400? at DVinfo.net

Kyle Prohaska · September 2nd, 2005, 06:46 PM

I have searched all day and cannot find any lenses for the GS400. No UV, Polerizing, no nothing. Not even a glass protector for the thing. Does anyone know why or if there is anything of the sort for this camera?

-Kyle

Steve Nunez · September 2nd, 2005, 07:09 PM

Do you know the threading? 37mm, 42mm ????

Tom Wills · September 2nd, 2005, 07:21 PM

I'm pretty sure it's like all other Panasonics, at 43mm. If so, just grab a 43-46mm adapter, and use 46mm filters, available practically everywhere.

Benjamin Durin · September 3rd, 2005, 01:42 AM

Kyle, I think you are talking about filters, not lenses.

And yes, there are 43mm filters for the GS400. Not always easy to find but they exist.
Panasonic sells a kit with a clear filter and a ND filter.
I bought an UV filter made by Fujiyama and a circular pl made by Kenko. These are made in Japan and I bought them in Taiwan so I am not sure you can find them where you live.

Ian Landy · September 3rd, 2005, 02:49 AM

Hey Kyle, I've got a Hoya 43mm UV filter. As well as this I have a 43/52mm step up adaptor so I can stack 52mm filters - ND+4 or Polariser in my case and both Hoya brand.

Guy Bruner · September 3rd, 2005, 07:42 AM

The GS400, GS250 and DV953 are all 43mm filter threads. Smaller Panasonic 3CCD cams, including the new SDR-S100, are 37mm.

I don't recommend using 43mm filters or lenses with the GS400. It has too wide an angle of view. If you want to stack filters, like using an ND, warming and polarizer, you can easily get vignetting with 43mm. Like Ian, using a stepup to 52 or 55mm and then filters of the larger size will help prevent this. Plus, 52 and 55mm filters are easier to get because they are standard sizes for 35mm cameras. 55mm looks better, IMO, because it is the same size as the stock hood OD and that is what I prefer to use. Also, there are several clip on hoods that are 55mm. However, most 55mm stepup rings will bind the focus ring unless you use a spacer. I understand that the Olympus 55mm stepup does not bind. This is with the stock hood removed.

Likewise, use conversion lenses with 52 or 58mm back threads to avoid vignetting. I have wide angles with 46mm back threads that vignette with the GS400 although they work fine with the GS250, 150, 120, 65, and DV953. I do have a Kodak .65X wide that has 43mm back threads that will work, but it is not zoom through. You *might* be able to use wides with 43mm back threads that have multipliers of .7X or larger but you'll have to test them first.

Joshua Provost · September 6th, 2005, 01:29 PM

Kyle,

B&H Photo Video has tons of 43mm filters. As guy says, though, better to get a step-up ring (also availabel through B&H or any other photography store) and invest in 52mm or 55mm filters.

Josh

September 2nd, 2005, 06:46 PM	#1
Kyle Prohaska Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ransomville NY Posts: 239	Lenses for GS400? I have searched all day and cannot find any lenses for the GS400. No UV, Polerizing, no nothing. Not even a glass protector for the thing. Does anyone know why or if there is anything of the sort for this camera? -Kyle

September 2nd, 2005, 07:09 PM	#2
Steve Nunez Trustee Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida Posts: 1,418	Do you know the threading? 37mm, 42mm ???? __________________ Steve Nunez-New York City www.stevenunez.com

September 6th, 2005, 01:29 PM	#7
Joshua Provost Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 493	Kyle, B&H Photo Video has tons of 43mm filters. As guy says, though, better to get a step-up ring (also availabel through B&H or any other photography store) and invest in 52mm or 55mm filters. Josh __________________ Owner/Operator, 727 Records Co-Founder, Matter of Chance Productions Blogger, Try Avoidance

September 2nd, 2005, 07:21 PM	#3
Tom Wills Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 326	I'm pretty sure it's like all other Panasonics, at 43mm. If so, just grab a 43-46mm adapter, and use 46mm filters, available practically everywhere.

September 3rd, 2005, 01:42 AM	#4
Benjamin Durin Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Taipei, Taiwan Posts: 212	Kyle, I think you are talking about filters, not lenses. And yes, there are 43mm filters for the GS400. Not always easy to find but they exist. Panasonic sells a kit with a clear filter and a ND filter. I bought an UV filter made by Fujiyama and a circular pl made by Kenko. These are made in Japan and I bought them in Taiwan so I am not sure you can find them where you live.

September 3rd, 2005, 02:49 AM	#5
Ian Landy Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ocean Shores NSW Australia Posts: 28	Hey Kyle, I've got a Hoya 43mm UV filter. As well as this I have a 43/52mm step up adaptor so I can stack 52mm filters - ND+4 or Polariser in my case and both Hoya brand.

September 3rd, 2005, 07:42 AM	#6
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	The GS400, GS250 and DV953 are all 43mm filter threads. Smaller Panasonic 3CCD cams, including the new SDR-S100, are 37mm. I don't recommend using 43mm filters or lenses with the GS400. It has too wide an angle of view. If you want to stack filters, like using an ND, warming and polarizer, you can easily get vignetting with 43mm. Like Ian, using a stepup to 52 or 55mm and then filters of the larger size will help prevent this. Plus, 52 and 55mm filters are easier to get because they are standard sizes for 35mm cameras. 55mm looks better, IMO, because it is the same size as the stock hood OD and that is what I prefer to use. Also, there are several clip on hoods that are 55mm. However, most 55mm stepup rings will bind the focus ring unless you use a spacer. I understand that the Olympus 55mm stepup does not bind. This is with the stock hood removed. Likewise, use conversion lenses with 52 or 58mm back threads to avoid vignetting. I have wide angles with 46mm back threads that vignette with the GS400 although they work fine with the GS250, 150, 120, 65, and DV953. I do have a Kodak .65X wide that has 43mm back threads that will work, but it is not zoom through. You might be able to use wides with 43mm back threads that have multipliers of .7X or larger but you'll have to test them first.