World's Cheapest 35mm Adapter

[Policar]

I think I've set the record for cheapest adapter, and maybe also the worst. I was bored today (just got out of school for the year) so I decided to try and make a mini-35 type adapter. So far, so good, but I don't have any macro lenses yet so I wasn't able to zoom in all the way in the frame.

As for detail loss, this thing has the potential for WAY more detail than minidv as I suspect many adapters do. I was surprised; the potential is there for HD 35mm adapters I'm sure. The focusing screen is a "pressure" fit and as I moved it around it got screwed up. Also, both lenses were out of focus and because I didn't have the macro lens I needed to focus, the vignetting is insane.

http://home.comcast.net/~wauhkies/image4.jpg
Flowers in focus.
http://home.comcast.net/~wauhkies/image3.jpg
Background in focus.
http://home.comcast.net/~wauhkies/image2.jpg
My brother needs a haircut REALLY badly.
http://home.comcast.net/~wauhkies/image1.jpg
The focusing screen got moved around so this footage just sucks.

[Policar]

So now that it's clear that the footage sucks (once I have a macro and build a final version I expect it will look pretty good for a total cost of 30 dollars or so which I plan to put into it) I'll explain how it was made.

The enclosure is a box that someone from ebay sent me a lens in with two holes cut in it. The lens mount is scotch tape holding a small 50mm f1.8 nikon lens in. The focusing screen is the container for an audio tape with beeswax melted onto it (I did a REALLY bad job with this, so there are many big air bubbles and stuff but it's definitely possible to get a high quality screen with almost no static grain and a hotspot with beeswax). The macro lens is nonexistant, and the mount for the DVX is another hole in the box. There's lots of light loss, not so bad as far as a hot spot goes.

Oh, and for spinning adapters (built with cds), a good alternative to sanding the cdr is just spraying it with clearcoat. No hotspot, pretty large grain, lets more light through, but VERY even grain and super fast to make.

Anyhow, I know it sucks but as soon as I get a macro lens and some time I'll see if I can get it working at all better.

[xl70e3]

LMAO

Sorry, I mean it's cool, that you managed to piece the thing together yourself and plan to improve it, but I just can't stop laughing looking at the pics and reading your comments like "So now that it's clear that the footage sucks"... that and the fact, that your brother needs haircut just like mine lol

[mr._guiyotinne]

Policar, cheaper solutions usually are the best. I mean, no filter or FX will give you this look for a music videoclip at least after couple of hours of tweaking! don´t throw it, cos must get useful sometime!

The noise, distortion, vignetting, and DOF, it´s amazing! I really like it! Maybe for skate or bike videos too!

[Policar]

Thanks for the comments. I'm definitely excited about how well it works considering it was made out of household items and hopefully it will eventually be pretty decent. I'm going to buy a macro on ebay tomorrow so hopefully (after a trip to home depot) I'll be able to have a working adapter in about a week.

As for my brother, he has no plans to cut his hair. He's started wearing it in a pony tail so it looks a little better now, I guess....

[Xax]

dude
that pic with your brother scared me
i scrolled down and omg someone's there right now!

really really scared me ;)

[MovieMakersClub]

Looks like all you need is a macro and a little more permanent setup.

:-)