35mm Adapter for Z5? at DVinfo.net

Bill Ackerman · February 3rd, 2009, 12:03 AM

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am a long-time photographer making the move over to video. This will seem like a really stupid question, but I have been reading about 35mm lens adapters for video cameras (e.g. Letus); can such devices can be used with my Z5? Or are they only for cameras with interchangeable lenses?

It seems too good to be true that I could use lenses like my Zeiss ZF 100mm f/2 with my Z5.

Bill

Jo Ouwejan · February 3rd, 2009, 02:20 AM

I only jumped aboard here just about a week ago and sofar I have not seen any postings here about 35mm adaptors in combination with the ruling cameras of this forum.
But one thing I can tell you for sure. 35mm Adaptors are not only for cameras with interchangeable lenses. I know many owners of HV20 . . 40 cameras bought themselves an adaptor.
The 35mm adaptor not only gives you a deeper DoF, but it also adds to the film-feel. Now I believe, that the Picture Profiling of the Sonys might give an attractive alternative.

Chris Barcellos · February 3rd, 2009, 10:41 AM

Bill:

Simply stated, a 35mm adapter is a device that allows the video camera to photograph an image derived from a 35mm lens. What is employed is a ground glass that accepts the image from the 35mm lens, and the video camera records the image from the other side of the ground glass. Static adapters show dust and scratches on the ground glass, so the ground glass is put in motion, either by spinning it like with the Redrock, SGPro types, and Letus's latest adapter, or by vibration as in the original Letus, and in Cinevate's Brevis, or many others. The adapters are designed with various achromats and condensers to get the video camera capable of getting close enought, and to avoid edge vignetting. As long as the achromat can achieve that with your camera, it is usable.

Using one is a royal pain. You have to concious constantly of double focusing- first to assure the video camera is focused on the ground glass, and second, to assure your 35mm lens is properly focused.

The results vary from adapter to adapter. But the benefit of the adapter is found in its film like depth of field-- which is the whole purpose of the adapter in the first place.

Bill Ackerman · February 5th, 2009, 04:15 PM

Thanks, guys for the great information. Obviously not just a simple matter of slapping a lens on an adapter. Got to learn to crawl before I can run. I figure by the time I get any kind of proficiency in shooting video and able to take advantage of this kind of adapter (I'm giving myself 4 years), I'll probably have in my bag a DSLR that can shoot decent video using all of my great 35mm glass.

Bill

Pete Vaatainen · February 6th, 2009, 06:33 AM

Hello!

My first post here. I have a Letus Extreme on my Z5 and it works wonders!!! It's still missing a matte box + follow focus but other than that, love it!!!

Adam Folickman · February 7th, 2009, 07:02 AM

Pete,

The Letus Extreme looks very interesting.

Do you have an internet link where I can see more about it ?

Thanks.

Doug Marcum · February 7th, 2009, 01:26 PM

YouTube - Letus Extreme Demonstration Video

Bloom's Forum :: View Forum - Letus adaptors

Vignetting and the Letus Extreme - Instructional HD Video on Vimeo

The Boat Ramp - Letus Extreme Film - HDTV on Vimeo

Adam Folickman · February 7th, 2009, 07:50 PM

Thank you.

Steve Haasman · February 8th, 2009, 12:35 AM

Jag 35mm adapter: Products , I have been looking at this model. My friend has it for his HV30 and he loves it. Not too badly priced either.

I will keep you posted if I purchase one, I was thinking by the end of the year, depending on sales/funds

February 3rd, 2009, 12:03 AM	#1
Bill Ackerman Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rio Chango, Brazil Posts: 112	35mm Adapter for Z5? As I mentioned in a previous post, I am a long-time photographer making the move over to video. This will seem like a really stupid question, but I have been reading about 35mm lens adapters for video cameras (e.g. Letus); can such devices can be used with my Z5? Or are they only for cameras with interchangeable lenses? It seems too good to be true that I could use lenses like my Zeiss ZF 100mm f/2 with my Z5. Bill

February 3rd, 2009, 10:41 AM	#3
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Bill: Simply stated, a 35mm adapter is a device that allows the video camera to photograph an image derived from a 35mm lens. What is employed is a ground glass that accepts the image from the 35mm lens, and the video camera records the image from the other side of the ground glass. Static adapters show dust and scratches on the ground glass, so the ground glass is put in motion, either by spinning it like with the Redrock, SGPro types, and Letus's latest adapter, or by vibration as in the original Letus, and in Cinevate's Brevis, or many others. The adapters are designed with various achromats and condensers to get the video camera capable of getting close enought, and to avoid edge vignetting. As long as the achromat can achieve that with your camera, it is usable. Using one is a royal pain. You have to concious constantly of double focusing- first to assure the video camera is focused on the ground glass, and second, to assure your 35mm lens is properly focused. The results vary from adapter to adapter. But the benefit of the adapter is found in its film like depth of field-- which is the whole purpose of the adapter in the first place. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

February 8th, 2009, 12:35 AM	#9
Steve Haasman Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 27	Jag 35mm adapter: Products , I have been looking at this model. My friend has it for his HV30 and he loves it. Not too badly priced either. I will keep you posted if I purchase one, I was thinking by the end of the year, depending on sales/funds __________________ Visit my site for Stock Video and other Camcorder News: http://www.artsalehub.com

February 3rd, 2009, 02:20 AM	#2
Jo Ouwejan Major Player Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Veenendaal, Holland Posts: 225	I only jumped aboard here just about a week ago and sofar I have not seen any postings here about 35mm adaptors in combination with the ruling cameras of this forum. But one thing I can tell you for sure. 35mm Adaptors are not only for cameras with interchangeable lenses. I know many owners of HV20 . . 40 cameras bought themselves an adaptor. The 35mm adaptor not only gives you a deeper DoF, but it also adds to the film-feel. Now I believe, that the Picture Profiling of the Sonys might give an attractive alternative.

February 5th, 2009, 04:15 PM	#4
Bill Ackerman Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rio Chango, Brazil Posts: 112	Thanks, guys for the great information. Obviously not just a simple matter of slapping a lens on an adapter. Got to learn to crawl before I can run. I figure by the time I get any kind of proficiency in shooting video and able to take advantage of this kind of adapter (I'm giving myself 4 years), I'll probably have in my bag a DSLR that can shoot decent video using all of my great 35mm glass. Bill

February 6th, 2009, 06:33 AM	#5
Pete Vaatainen Tourist Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Espoo Finland Posts: 2	Hello! My first post here. I have a Letus Extreme on my Z5 and it works wonders!!! It's still missing a matte box + follow focus but other than that, love it!!!

February 7th, 2009, 07:02 AM	#6
Adam Folickman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 125	Pete, The Letus Extreme looks very interesting. Do you have an internet link where I can see more about it ? Thanks.

February 7th, 2009, 01:26 PM	#7
Doug Marcum Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 35	YouTube - Letus Extreme Demonstration Video Bloom's Forum :: View Forum - Letus adaptors Vignetting and the Letus Extreme - Instructional HD Video on Vimeo The Boat Ramp - Letus Extreme Film - HDTV on Vimeo

February 7th, 2009, 07:50 PM	#8
Adam Folickman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 125	Thank you.