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MagicCat
10-07-2007, 12:48 PM
Hi All

Im buying my first 35mm Adapter this week for a project we are embarking on the following week. I have been reading the threads here and trying to pack in as much of an education as I can. I really appreciate all who contribute to the forum here. it is a virtual On Line university. The brilliance on this forum never ceases to amaze me.

I have two questions

1. I'm shooting on an HVX these days. I used to own several Sony D30's and a few other shoulder beasts. A trick I used to use all the time is carefully stretching a Black, White or Brown ladies stocking over the rear element of the lens. Right between the camera head and lens mount. (of course it would trash the stocking and in many cases Rip. If you get real creative the rip will produce a Center Spot effect) The over all effect was similar to a diffusion filter. When I hit the lens with light, it would refract against the fine mesh of the stocking and produce some neat Diffused, softened FX. A poor mans Black Mist filter. Combine that with a little Vaseline on the UV filter around the edges, and you got some really neat, Dream-Like Vinette FX. I even established different methods of doppling the Vaseline Jelly in patterns, that would reflect light differently, on the removable UV filter.

(It should go without mention here, but for the record, DONT PUT VASELINE ON YOUR PRIME!, use a Cheap disposable UV filter. NEW, SHARP, Razorblades get the majority of the goo off quite well. Clean rest as normal BTW)

I am wondering if anyone out there has tried anything similar to this with Adapters?

2. In purchasing lenses for the new extreme I'm buying, I noticed there are lenses out there from Canon and Nikon that offer 28-70mm zooming. Can these be used with the adapters?

Hopefully, I'm not being to redundant in respect to the lens question. I could not find any exact matches for my inquiry here.

David

Magic Cat

DIY-ers P.S. I found a whole bunch of Used Composite Fiberglass Ski Poles at my local United Way thrift store for about 2 bucks each. Along with some 1/2 inch Metal Pipe hangers I found at Lowes in the plumbing section, that look like 3 sided C-Clamps for 70 cents each, Im hoping to make a set of Rails out of them for under 10 bucks. (I have been using these hangers as C-Clamps for years, add a couple thumb screws and as brass Lowell Stud, and you got C-Clamps for small stands.)

Anyway, the Skii Poles are a little over 1/2 inch in diameter, very long and quite sturdy at around 20 inches of material. (Next to no flex if you keep them fairly short like that) I will upload my project once I get it finished. There were aircraft aluminum ones for a couple bucks too, for the DIY folks reading this out there.

Dennis Wood
10-07-2007, 02:46 PM
A 28-70mm zoom lens in the f2.8 range is very versatile and is 100% usable with our adapter, and I'd assume everyone elses too :-)

The vaseline stocking thing was brought to my attention by the director of our local film school as a technique he's used personally in the film world. It sounds like you're not alone with that method :-)

MagicCat
10-07-2007, 04:20 PM
A 28-70mm zoom lens in the f2.8 range is very versatile and is 100% usable with our adapter, and I'd assume everyone elses too :-)

The vaseline stocking thing was brought to my attention by the director of our local film school as a technique he's used personally in the film world. It sounds like you're not alone with that method :-)


Thank you Dennis, That is very kind of you to respond.

As far as the Hack stocking Technique, well, Im an hour north east of Cleveland in a very Rural part of my county. A green Acres Poster Child community. The broadcast Camera store is NOT around the corner. Rentals for anything beyond a John Deere mean$ three day$ rental fee$$, one to pick it up,one for usage and another to return the item. (Unless of course the shoot is in Cleveland) Nor are there many people in the trade living within a 50 mile radius. In fact, my closest grip is in Cleveland.

You have to be a little creative at times living in the middle of no-where.

It is funny, we dont have TV stations that cover our county.. Most of the community thinks Im from the Newspaper when I go out shooting. Even with a shoulder cam?! You just gotta love it.

I have gotten rides in B17's at air shows to snowmobiles to sherrifs patrols because Im about the only person covering events or news out here beyond the paper. No one ever asks for credentials either. It never ceases to amaze me. Non the less, they all know me by now and like the Idea that they may get on the Cleveland/Akron/Erie news from time to time. (I string from time to time for fun, purely freelance, purely at my discretion)

Though Im from Cleveland, you could not pay me enought to move back. ...Country does have it's fringe benefits.

David

puredrifting
10-07-2007, 08:20 PM
I have used the stocking method for years too on 2/3" cameras. Not sure how or if it would work the same on a lens adapter. I will give it a try when the Letus arrives. A DP friend of mine swears by a certain brand of hose (I think Givenchy?) that he can only get in France. He hoards them, but of course, using a couple of inch squares at a time means that a pair lasts him for about a year or two. He has shot for me using this method and it can have a very flattering look, especially on an interlaced camera.

Vaseline? I have used it on the filter a long time ago but honestly you can get more control over that effect by doing it digitally.

With digital, I really don't believe in filters anymore except for exposure control. Love my Polarizer, NDs and ND grads. Other than those though, why would you want to commit yourself to that look? What if your client doesn't like it, you are kind of backed into a corner. Sold off all of my Black Pro Mists years ago, really like the 55mm Filter plug-ins and they have a LOT more control and variety.

Best,

Dan

Ryan Patrick O'Hara
10-07-2007, 08:44 PM
I just tried the vasoline trick for a short I made about two weeks ago. I found the effect was too strong and uncontrollable for my liking. Have fun trying.

I think the worst part for you is making eye contact with the store clerk when you are purchasing vasoline, stockings and some mini dv tapes.... :)

indieGuerilla
10-08-2007, 07:38 PM
I have seen the thumbprint version of the vasoline trick used in still photography and I guess It could be used For vid as well. I saw some cool scenes shot through cheesecloth and it looked cool. Its like real loose weave gauze. IG