Need help with optimal EX3 - Letus Extreme config please!

[Alex.Barroso]

Hey everyone,
I am a right out of film school Ex-student, and own the Sony EX3 camera, which I love extremely! I am very interested in buying the adapter plus follow focus and support plate from Zacuto, which i know makes quality hardware, BUT! It is definitely at a price! Anyone have any cheaper configurations that are still dependable for that adapter that they could throw my way, I have to try and save money wherever i can as film school raped me of quite a bit already!

any help as a newcomer to this site is appreciated! :)

[spectrumfilms]

Hey Alex, I think Letus offers a rod system for much cheaper than Zacuto http://www.letus35.com/cart/Letus35-Support-Rods-Version-2-V2.html I have not used it, so cannot comment there. It looks like it should be fine. I spent 3 times that on my zacuto stuff. I would for sure invest in the Elite model with the back focus ring. Back focus before was a little like black magic, but the elite is great for dialing in and locking back focus. ALso spend the money on the optimization kit. I've heard good things about the Redrock Matte box and follow focus for the price its tough to beat. There is a lot written already on numerous threads about this topic in the 35mm adapter section.
Jeff

[MitchLewis]

I have an EX3, Letus Ultimate, Zacuto DOF rod setup and Zacuto Storm case that holds the entire rig. If you decide to go that route, let me know, I'll be happy to answer any questions. We also have the Red Rock Matte box and filters.

[Alex.Barroso]

Out of curiosity, i have heard that as you had said that the Redrock team does make a great matte box and actually pretty much everything they make but the adapter itself is great. Would I be able to Just by the Letus w/Backfocus and then everything else from redrock and be able to get them to fit together? That sounds like the best way to go anyway.

Always been concerned because all the adapters from the different vendors appear to have the rods and plate built around the unit, so was kinda freaked out purchasing stuff i cannot return, and its almost impossible to find a place in Hollywood/Burbank out of all places that carries these adapter so i can try them out.

Oh and has anyone tried out the M2 encore of redrocks or heard any actual improvements?

[MitchLewis]

Honestly, I don't remember saying that everything RedRock makes is good. I only have experience with their Matte box. Their stuff looks pretty good, probably a safe way to go. I've been very happy with the Zacuto stuff. I would probably buy a Zacuto follow focus when/if we ever buy one.

I wouldn't worry about the rods not matching the adaptor. They are extremely configurable. You could buy any of the big three (Letus, Cinevate, Red Rock) and be fine buying a rod setup from Zacuto. In fact we bought our Letus Ultimate from Zacuto as they had one in stock for the same price as if we ordered it online from Letus.

Worst case you might have to order some longer rods or a extra adaptor or something. I'd pick which 35mm adaptor you want first (most important) then your lenses, then call who ever you want to buy rods from and talk to them about your setup. They are all very helpful.

The big improvement (in my opinion) with the M2 Encore is that it let's more light in and an adaptor is available so you can use Canon EOS lenses and electronically set the aperture. Note: This doesn't mean that the camera will automatically set the correct aperture, it just means that you can turn a little knob (or something) to adjust the aperture where you couldn't do it before because the Canon lenses don't have an aperture ring (they are electronic). That's a pretty cool feature if you already have a bunch of Canon lenses.

[Alex.Barroso]

My bad Mitch, i worded it wrong, meant that I heard their gear was good for the price in a general term.
Hmm, so which to choose then huh? The only thing that really stops me from getting the Letus is that unless you get the Ultimate, there is no warning when the motor is going to die, which i find complete BS and think all 3 should have that for obvious reasons.

Then i am kinda iffy on the redrock adapter due to i have not heard really good results from it, due to the possibility that it takes longer to set up for a shot,vignetting etc, but i am sure as with all adapters, this is person to person. Anyways! I may very well follow your advise! Thank you