Macro Videography for HVX 500

[Ed Waters]

I have a project on HD video ( Panasonic HVX 500) 2/3 inch HD video camera. I want to film extreme Close-ups ( 2-4 MM) of insect emergence.

The lens on the camera is a 17x with 130mm maximum zoom ( 260mm with 2X extender)

I've been considering a Schneider optics 2.6 aspheric adapter attachment which would bring my minimum focus distance down to about 5 inches.

Does this seem like a good option?

Are there other options available?



Thanks for any suggestions,



Ed Waters

[lec]

Hi Ed, for these kind of shots I use a 180mm photo- macrolens converted to B4 mount. It is a Sigma EX lens. I also use the HVX200 with +4 and +7 acromatic diopters (century optics). I can combine theme to +11! With the diopters you have more depth of field but you have to be very close to the subject, with the macro you have a better working distasce for lighting. You can see some of my work here.

http://noorderlicht.vpro.nl/dossiers/34750150/hoofdstuk/34831577/

and here

http://noorderlicht.vpro.nl/themasites/mediaplayer/index.jsp?media=35728996&refernr=34826085&portalnr=3626936&hostname=noorderlicht&mediatype=video&portalid=noorderlicht

and here

http://noorderlicht.vpro.nl/themasites/mediaplayer/index.jsp?media=35730784&refernr=34831577&portalnr=3626936&hostname=noorderlicht&mediatype=video&portalid=noorderlicht

[Ed Waters]

Lec,

Thanks so much for getting back to me. i really liked your footage, very nicely done! I am attempting to capture Monarch butterfly footage from the egg stage. I have just ordered a aspherical adapter 3.5 from Century.
I didn't realize I could adapt 35mm lens to a 2/3 inch video camera. Could you tell me who makes this adapter?

Thanks for your helpful reply,

Ed Waters

[lec]

Hi Ed, the diopter will give a nice picture but I hope you get close enough. The photo lens was originally a Nikon mount. I was changed here in the Netherlands by Edcon to a B4 mount. I cannot focus it anymore to the end of the scale, but I only use it for close-up anyway. I don't know who does these kinds of adaptations in your country. Feel free to mail me if you have more questions. Chris.

[Ed Waters]

Hi Chris,

I tried the 3.5 diopter on my 17 X zoom lens. It worked quiet well . The focus is down to about 4 inchs . This takes me from little moving objects to well defined creatures with all legs and eyes etc.
This is outside my usual work( docs about public schools and educational subjects) so I'm really getting a thrill about the unseen world of insects in Macro Photography.
Thanks for your input. And again I really like your work. Did you Produce these segments ?

Ed

[lec]

Ed, I was the cameraman, it was produced by EMS films here in the Netherlands and broadcasted by VPRO television and others. Chris.

[Ed Waters]

Your camera work is refined. Thanks for your input regarding my project. I am a owner operator in the Philadelphia PA area of the USA.
I haven't been in your country for 25 years ( regretfully) I loved it!
Thanks,


Ed

[lec]

Thanks Ed, so you own the HPX 500? How do you like it? Chris.

[Ed Waters]

Hi Chris,

So far I really love the camera. Visually it's really way beyond the Beta SP and DVCAM I've been working with for the last 10 years.
The color and definition are great.

Figuring out how the work flow works and how to pitch it to clients is another story.

But I got this camera to make great images so that's my current focus.

Hot as hell over here how's the weather in your land?

Ed