35mm Lens Adapter Comparison
LAST UPDATED: 1/8/2008
A 35mm lens adapter can yield that expensive film camera look from a cheaper video camera, thanks mostly to depth-of-field effects created by external lenses (or 'glass' in film slang). PL mount lenses are what are used on 16mm and 35mm film cameras; but much cheaper glass can be had that uses mounts standard to SLR still cameras such as Nikon AF or Canon FD mounts.
Popular HD video cameras to adapt include the Canon HV20 and Panasonic HVX200. Here is a list of adapters by price that might be of interest to independent filmmakers...
Red Rock Micro M2 DIY GuidePRICE: $45 + materials
For $45 you get a ground glass and a set of instructions on how to build your own M2-style adapter.
MORE: Red Rock's website
Letus35 Flip EnhancedPRICE: $699
1.5 Stops of light lost. The lens image is flipped right side up. Mount for Canon FD or Nikon AI.
MORE: Specs
Letus35 EconomyPRICE: $899
Same as the Letus35 Extreme but made of plastic, not milled aluminum. Only a half stop of light loss.
MORE: Specs
Letus MiniPRICE: $1,099
Designed for small camcorders such as the Canon HV20 or others with a filter size of less than 43mm. It comes with a choice of one free mount (Canon FD, Nikon AI, Canon EF [EOS], Pentax K mount, Minolta MD).
MORE: Specs, FreshDV announcement
Letus35 ExtremePRICE: $1,199
Letus' top of the line. It's just like the Economy, with .5 stop light loss, but is made of milled aluminum and has an LED on/off light. Letus OIC means it flips the image upright. Comes with your choice of one free mount (Canon FD, Nikon AI, Canon EF [EOS], Pentax K mount, Minolta MD).
MORE: Specs
Cinevate Brevis35 Preflip BundlePRICE: $1,286.01
This bundle is designed for the DVX, HVX, HD100/200, Sony HDV, PD150, XL1s, XL2, XLH1, XLA1, and HV20 cameras. No PL mount option is available but they offer all the standard SLR mounts.
MORE: Cinevate website
Red Rock Micro M2 Indie Complete Package: HD Edition for SLR LensesPRICE: $1,890.86
The M2 is very popular among d.p. types since the package includes accessories common to high-end film cameras like a follow-focus and a matte box. This bundle is also available cheaper for the various SLR lens configurations.
MORE: Red Rock Micro website
M2 Review by B-Scene Films
P+S Technik Mini35
PRICE: Rental only?
For 1/3" CCD cameras.
MORE: P+S Technik website
P+S Technik Pro35
PRICE: Rental only?
For 2/3" CCD cameras.
MORE: P+S Technik website
If you have experience with any of these adapters, please share them in the comments below.
posted by J. Ott @ 12/09/2007 09:22:00 AM
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2 Comments:
Redrock Micro produces very cinematic images WHEN it's working right. It is very time-consuming to calibrate the spinning glass to achieve the overall tack focus over the image. Not to mention that the unit is extremely fragile that any bump during the production makes you wonder if the focus went out during the take. If it did, there comes a hold on the production for re-calibration or a check-up with a focus chart.
Once anyone opens the unit, you will see what I am talking about. Although you get a nice 35mm depth-of-field effect, the product is very poorly made. I wouldn't bring one of those into any of professional shoots.
Also, you will be shooting at ISO either 80 or 100, which will require more lights. If the shoot has a lot of nighttime shoot, it would be much cheaper to shoot on various other formats or with better made adapters.
No comparison of lens adapters would be complete without mention of the JVC HZ-CA13U PL Mount adapter. While designed to provide the correct angle of view for 16mm primes, it will also accommodate 35mm lenses. Depth of Field (DoF) and field of view of the film lenses are virtually matched with that of film cameras. The adapter will accommodate a wide range of lensing options, in particular the large implementation of existing 16mm film lenses. Super16mm and 35mm lenses can also be used with no vignetting in the image. As the construction is optics based there is minimal loss of light -- approximately 0.5f
In addition, there is a back focus adjustment to ensure proper and optimal setting of the film lens. Also, the 52mm focal plane is clearly marked as a groove on the barrel, and a 1/4" 20 screw hole at the base of the barrel allows the use of adapters for camera support systems.
The image from film lenses will be inverted. The JVC ProHD 200 series camcorders have image inversion capability to right the captured image from the HZ-CA13U to the proper proportion.
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