Would you pay $30 for DIY vibrating 35mm plans?

[snodart]

I was contemplating making a detailed and complete guide book and DVD for a DIY vibrating 35mm adapter. I still have a little ways to go until the the design is perfected. I would want to refine a few things first to make it a bit easier to build. Help would be available via a forum. The total cost to build would be around $300 to $350. This price would include all required parts... achromat, 35mm lens, GG, etc. I'm not out to make a huge profit. Just to make a complete and easy to follow guide/DVD and earn a little $ to build/buy more equipment.

My goal in this guide would be to include all necessary info... ie: instead of, "solder the wire to the motor", the DVD and guide would show you how.

So assuming that you thought that the footage (soon to come) was comparable to the current well known adapters, would anybody be interested? It will take a while to build the guide and DVD. I just wanted to see how many would be interested first.

General thoughts are welcome too.

:dankk2:

[phloptik]

yeah sure, I'd check it out, we are looking for something currently to mount a nikon slr fisheye

[helloworld]

id consider it if you would make the final diy project a lot less than $300-$350. For that price, you can already buy some nice adapters.

[marlenedegrood]

id consider it if you would make the final diy project a lot less than $300-$350. For that price, you can already buy some nice adapters.

I think that you are mistaken, no one is selling a vibrating adapter for $300-$350 with a lens and few are selling a *Good* adapter for less than $600 (without a lens). Note what snodart said

"The total cost to build would be around $300 to $350. This price would include all required parts... achromat, 35mm lens, GG, etc."

his cost to build included the lens for the adapter which runs around $100 which means the cost to build the adapter is $200 to $250, if you can find someone selling a good, proven vibrating adapter for that price then I'll take 50 of them

[snodart]

Well said marlenedegrood. You beat me to it.
:)

Thanks for posting helloworld, but marlenedegrood is correct.

[helloworld]

fine you win.

hahahah.

[Policar]

Honestly, I'm kind of offended by this. I put hours and hours into building something, then posting the results online as did plenty of people before me, and many others followed suit. You're basically copying the work others have done (and I admit we were ripping of P+S's fantastic design as it was) then selling it as your own for a profit. It's just not ethical.

[marlenedegrood]

You're point is well taken Policar, but as we know, all the information to build your own adapter is here on this forum. You share, I share and many others share, that's what the DIY forum is about. But...if snodart wants to take the time to compile the information in an easy to read book and DVD to make it easy on those unwilling to find the information here, then have at it. I think it's highly possible that there are some who gather information from this site and then build a finished product to sell. For some, they'd rather just buy the product rather than make it, and there are some who might build a product if it was in an easy to understand book with a DVD.

Will the time come when people stop sharing for fear of someone marketing the information for profit? I doubt it. Personally, I believe in freely sharing information and would only find snodarts ambition to sell the information as unethical if he were to copy someone elses published plans from this or any other site. I'm sure that snodart wouldn't do that.......right snodart?

[Kdawg]

We have all built off others to come up with our own ideas and inventions. Thats how things are improved. Are you saying that there should only be one 35mm adapter or its plans sold??? There are a lot of different ways of making them. If someone wants to pay for his work of drawing up plans, and recording a DVD. I say more power to ya snodart.

I have seen plans as well as adapters sold. Maybe its unethical to take that info and post it for free :(

[ReneH]

I"m all for the spirit of sharing openly, so many people have contributed on this subject for too long. It's because of this spirit that certain design elements were tossed in favor of what would yield the best results. Where would we be without all this info not shared at all?

But if you must sell your design you have right I suppose, we live in a capitalist country afterall.

[snodart]

Honestly, I'm kind of offended by this. I put hours and hours into building something, then posting the results online as did plenty of people before me, and many others followed suit.


Perhaps you should take a look at this page of my website. Feel free to click on one of the home-built items to read how I built it.

http://snodart.com/hbe.php

Sharing the knodledge that I have gained through building much of my own equipment has always been a top priority for me. And rest assured that I will add similar pages for my DIY vibrating adapter. The difference in the guide/DVD is that the process will be broken down step-by-step. The cost of the guide/DVD is not for the design itself, but for the time it will take me to put together a complete and thorough set of instructions.


You're basically copying the work others have done (and I admit we were ripping of P+S's fantastic design as it was) then selling it as your own for a profit. It's just not ethical.

I strongly disagree with this statement. The basic functionality of a 35mm adapter is public knowledge. You need a macro, GG, and a 35mm lens. It is the way in which these items are assembled that makes a specific design unique.

Of course I used information from various sources and guides. Again, I am not selling the ideas or the adapter itself, but a comprehensive guide.

I recently purchased plans for a camera stabilizer (full-rig steadicam) for $40. I could have gone out and spent a month or two researching how to build one (as I have done for all of my equipment), but somebody was good enough to put all the info I needed into a nice little book with step-by-step instructions. So I have saved myself who knows how many hours of research... and for a mere $40. This is not to mention the money saved by not having to buy various parts only to realize that they don't work or are not the correct quality. I gladly paid $40 for the plans. I'm sure Cody Deegan (the creator of the plans) spent a great deal of time building the guide. It would be unreasonable for me to expect him to just hand them to me for free.

[snodart]

Thank you everyone for your input.

Please understand that I am not attempting to stand as a gate keeper requiring a fee to pass into the world of DIY 35mm adapters. As marlenedegrood mentioned, all the info one needs is available already for free. It will take more time any money to find all the correct info and parts, but it is there.


I"m all for the spirit of sharing openly, so many people have contributed on this subject for too long. It's because of this spirit that certain design elements were tossed in favor of what would yield the best results. Where would we be without all this info not shared at all?

But if you must sell your design you have right I suppose, we live in a capitalist country afterall.

I am also for the spirit of sharing openly. There comes a point however, where a person should be compensated for their time. The home-built equipment (http://snodart.com/hbe.php) area of my site took a great deal of time to build, but I don't feel that the info provided is worthy of charging a fee. The 35mm guide/DVD would be a complete guide worthy of compensation however.

Should we expect the folks at redrock to give this guide for free?

http://www.redrockmicro.com/p_guide.htm

or Cody Deegans great stabilizer plans?

http://codydeegan.com/

Or Barry Green's The DVX Book?

People invested time and money to put these together and deserve to be compensated.

I am not aiming to become the next Donald Trump. I truly want to help those who cannot afford a quality moving GG adapter, but I do not have the means to do it for free.

[ChainSmoker]

I'll gladly drop 30 clams for that

Rich

[Fredric]

I'd also be interested in buying those plans, but since I'm not from the US, will you also include places to buy the parts online, or locally? I've read a lot about adapters, and everybody seems to get some share of their parts from Home Depot, we don't have a Home Depot in the Netherlands :(. It would be fine though if you would also give websites where you can order the stuff online who ship internationally...

Would love to see such a guide, if you decide to create one, good luck!

Thanks,

Fredric

[hpd]

All those shDOF manufacturers are born here or in some other DIY forumboard. Nobody cries that they stealing and making profit from that. More than that - if they invent something whats here not so obvious yet - they put it under cover. And even more than last - they'll try to put invetions what are born here under patent - under their patent.

So in this context i wouldn't be so angry against the man who maybe spend this money for another DIY project. I like Your page http://snodart.com/hbe.php and seriously think about creating dolly and crane. Thereby stealing your ideas!

[ovjamaica]

I am also for the spirit of sharing openly. There comes a point however, where a person should be compensated for their time.

Well, I'd say there comes a point where a person chooses to be compensated for their time. Between Marlene and Ed (who seems to have dropped off the map), their tutorials and instructions in the DIY thread could certainly warrant some compensation. I'm not saying you're wrong for selling your plans. Not at all. I'm just saying that this is a choice, not something anyone forced you into. :D

With that said, I think it's fine if he wants to share the plans. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Twocik put out the designs for his adapter but still builds them for others. Like Marlene said, there are plenty of people who would rather just purchase the end product than do it themselves. And that's fine. Do I want to learn how to build a car just so I can have one? Of course not. I'd rather have someone build it and I can use it to get around. If Snodart's design is good then people will talk about it, if it is not it will fall by the wayside. We all know that reputation on this board is everything. If you try to sell your product and it is inferior or you are not a good person to deal with then that will spread around. It's the market at work.

[snodart]

Thanks for the input Fredric and ChainSmoker.

ChainSmoker, if I do decide to build the guide/DVD, I will put my heart and soul into it and do everything that I can to make all parts easy for everybody to obtain. If a part becomes a problem for anybody to find in their country, I would be more than willing to buy and mail the part at cost+shipping. I want people to have a quality DIY adapter that is within an affordable price range. In fact, that makes me wonder if it would also be a good idea to sell a parts kit for those who would prefer it that way.


Keep in mind that this guide will take a few months or more to create. I am still refining the adapter to make it easier to build and with fewer parts. I will be shooting with the vibrating GG adapter for my hero-fest entry. Once that is done, I can invest my full attention to the guide/DVD.

Thanks again.

[snodart]

If Snodart's design is good then people will talk about it, if it is not it will fall by the wayside. We all know that reputation on this board is everything. If you try to sell your product and it is inferior or you are not a good person to deal with then that will spread around. It's the market at work.

Excellent point ovjamaica. That is why I won't even bother starting this project if I don't feel that it is worthy of people's time and money.



So in this context i wouldn't be so angry against the man who maybe spend this money for another DIY project. I like Your page http://snodart.com/hbe.php and seriously think about creating dolly and crane. Thereby stealing your ideas!


Yes, build them!

[helloworld]

Dude, that'd be awesome if it came with the necessary parts!

[ovjamaica]

Excellent point ovjamaica. That is why I won't even bother starting this project if I don't feel that it is worthy of people's time and money.


If I hadn't already researched the heck out of the adapter concept and had a resource like this available, I'd definitely go for a guide like this. Especially if it comes with a DVD detailing the process of making it. For people wanting to save some money by making their own this would be a great way to go, at least in terms of the concept. Good luck with it. Ever though of making more detailed plans/DVD's on your jib or other equipment?

[snodart]

Ever though of making more detailed plans/DVD's on your jib or other equipment?

The problem with the other items is that I didn't get many pics and such as I was building each item. To provide a detailed guide, I would most likely have to build the items again... and that makes me cringe. I also think that since there is a good deal of welding, drilling, metal cutting, painting, etc. there wouldn't be enough people with the means to pull it all off.

Also, the hand held stabilizer was built from plans that I purchased on ebay for $20. I couldn't give any more details about that design than I already have or else that would be unethical.
http://homecastpro.homestead.com/
:)

I have answered many questions about the items through email, and would be glad to help you in any way that I can. Just let me know. You have probably been there, but also check out homebuiltstabilizers.com (http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/).

[snodart]

I probably should have mentioned this earlier... I posted much of the info some time ago as to how I built the first vibrating GG adapter. It is in edwierdos thread (link below). I have some parts on the way for the newer and easier-to-build design and will post some pics when those arrive as well.

Just to help those of you that think I am not sharing feel better.
:)

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=45972&page=65

[Craig Bellaire]

Ok here are the plans I created for QUYEN Le when he first started making the letus35...

This is not private and is even located on my site... anyway here is the link... enjoy...


http://bellaire.homestead.com/files/Vibrating_GG_DOF_Adaptor_2.pdf

[snodart]

Craig Bellaire, I saw your plans a while back. Good stuff. In fact, I used them for part of my design.

I am still debating on what to do as far as the plans go. So, Craig... what is your opinion of selling detailed plans? Your guide is a great, and free, guide. It is similar to the ones one my site in that it shows people a quick run down of how you did it and then adds a few bits of info. The DVD of course would be step by step, parts numbers, the whole nine yards.

I finished the revised addition of the adapter at 6am. Ouch. I couldn't stop. Anyway, I will get some pics and test footage later. I love it.

[Craig Bellaire]

well I know for a fact that QUYEN Le has changed the plans from these as he has built and progressed with a good product... Now, as far as selling plans? I bought red rocks plans and then sold them because it was just to much for me to look at the plans, and build... So I say no to selling just plans on paper....NOW if you had a DVD for $30.00 then that's another story... No one else is doing this and you actually show the product from beginning to end and actually give some people hope that their DIY adapter will turn out just like yours... So that's what I would do.... Plus burning DVD's is simple and you don't have to get 100 books copied/published and hope to sell them... Just burn the dvd's as you need them on your home computer, .50 cents for the dvd, .50cents for a nice color label from your printer or office depot and mail it priority mail for $4.00 and that's a 25.00 profit for each DVD after production... NOW it better look good and have good audio and get several good reviews here on these threads and you will be set... That's my take...

[snodart]

That's my take...

And a great take it is. I agree %100 with what you have said. Thanks for your input!

[mcgeedigital]

That an excellent price for a much needed, detalied guide....those that don't think that someone's time is money...well I'll just be civil and say no more.

[snodart]

That an excellent price for a much needed, detalied guide....those that don't think that someone's time is money...well I'll just be civil and say no more.

I agree, there needs to be a detailed guide. It takes a lot of time and effort to wade through all the adapter info to build one on your own. Not to mention the trial and error.

Here is a pic of the refined adapter. The knob on the side is a rheostat that allows adjustment of the motor speed and thus the amount of vibration. When adjusted to the "sweet" spot, it is difficult to tell if the motor is running. The LED light is to ensure that the motor is actualy running. The LED also serves as a reminder to turn the motor off. It runs on 3AA's. The on/off switch is on the batter pack. I have let the adapter run for over 36 hours. It was still running strong with no sign of power loss at the end. I still need to do a full battery life test. 36 hours was as long as I could stand to wait with out being able to work in it. It uses a Centry Optics +7 two-element achromatic diopter. My adapter uses a Nikon D screen. The plans of course would include other options for the GG. The adapter in the pic below uses a FD mount and canon lens. Other mounts could be used also and would be addressed in the guide/DVD (If I end up doing it).

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35_2.jpg

Here are the insides to give you an idea of how the GG is put into motion. Thanks Craig Bellaire for the great syringe idea.

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35.jpg

EDIT: footage to come. I am planning on getting some this weekend as time allows.

[Wayne Kinney]

Actually,
The syringe idea comes from Quyen Le, in fact all the pictures in Craig's pdf were taken by Quyen i beleive. I think Craig took the time to compile the pics into a downloadable PDF. Im just putting credit to where its due.

I think a guide, especially on DVD is a great idea.

[Craig Bellaire]

Wayne, That's is correct....

[marlenedegrood]

EDIT: footage to come. I am planning on getting some this weekend as time allows.

I'll be looking forward to seeing your footage :)

[snodart]

Actually,
The syringe idea comes from Quyen Le, in fact all the pictures in Craig's pdf were taken by Quyen i beleive. I think Craig took the time to compile the pics into a downloadable PDF. Im just putting credit to where its due.

Got it. Thanks. And thanks to Quyen. Sorry for the confusion Craig. Still, thank you for compiling it all together.

[twocik23]

"I was contemplating making a detailed and complete guide book and DVD for a DIY vibrating 35mm adapter. I still have a little ways to go until the the design is perfected. I would want to refine a few things first to make it a bit easier to build. Help would be available via a forum. The total cost to build would be around $300 to $350. This price would include all required parts... achromatic, 35mm lens, GG, etc. I'm not out to make a huge profit. Just to make a complete and easy to follow guide/DVD and earn a little $ to build/buy more equipment.

My goal in this guide would be to include all necessary info... ie: instead of, "solder the wire to the motor", the DVD and guide would show you how. "



I was going to do this with the first ifocus 35. I thinks it's a great idea Snodart, that's if you have the patients, and as long as you're giving credit to the people that have work very hard to make all of this happen. I say go for it!!!!

[snodart]

I was going to do this with the first ifocus 35. I thinks it's a great idea Snodart, that's if you have the patients, and as long as you're giving credit to the people that have work very hard to make all of this happen. I say go for it!!!!

Thanks for your input twocid23. I agree with you fully about giving credit to the good people that have put so much time into building and sharing. I do have the patients to complete this and do it right. I refuse to put out anything done half a**.
:thumbsup:

I have spoken with my brother-in-law and he has agreed to help me film it and put together the DVD. I am realizing that it might take me longer than I had anticipated, but that is the way with most projects. I have much research to do with GG options.

By the way, I only had time to do some very quick tests not worthy of posting. Good news is that everything looks great. I am strapped for time as the deadline nears for hero-fest. I will do my best to get some footage soon.

How well you all like/dislike the footage will be the deciding factor as to whether or not I take on this project.

[twocik23]

If I can be of assistants to your project please let me know. Good luck

[snodart]

If I can be of assistants to your project please let me know. Good luck

Thank you. I just might take you up on that.

[Letus]

Snodart, go for it. If you can send me some info of your plan, I will give you some updates on the newest letus unit that works much better than the original one. Also I will give you some advise on the syringe sticks to get the best image.

Quyen

[marlenedegrood]

Snodart, go for it. If you can send me some info of your plan, I will give you some updates on the newest letus unit that works much better than the original one. Also I will give you some advise on the syringe sticks to get the best image.

Quyen

Wow......nice offer Quyen! Snodart.......where's your reply? I hope you take Quyen up on his offer.

[snodart]

Snodart, go for it. If you can send me some info of your plan, I will give you some updates on the newest letus unit that works much better than the original one. Also I will give you some advise on the syringe sticks to get the best image.

Quyen

Quyen, that would be outstanding and very helpful. I am still working like mad to start shooting my hero-fest entry, so the plans are temporarily on the back burner. Rest assured though that they will not fall by the way side. I am very excited about this project and I think people will truly enjoy the DVD.

I will certainly take you up on your great offer... but it may be a while before I will be able to send you anything of true substance.

Thanks!

[snodart]

So I have been using the DIY vibrating adapter in question to shoot my hero fest entry. So far the images look great. In the little down time that there has been during shooting, I have started to order all of the parts to build a new adapter. My goal is to ensure that all of the parts are available to order on-line from sites that will ship world wide. Of course the new adapter will be built in front of the camera for the tutorial.

In my notes for the tutorial, these are the topics that I am hoping to include on the DVD.

1) DOF basics:
This area will give a basic run down of the relationship between F-stop, aperture, and DOF.

2) 35mm DOF adapters:
The basic components and their purpose. The advantages and disadvantages of 35mm adapters. Topics will include some of the common problems among adapters and how to avoid or correct them; such as grain, chromatic aberration, purple fringing, vignetting, and barrel distortion.

3) Required parts:
Exactly what to get and where to find it (or what you can use instead).

4) 35mm lenses and mounts: a brief rundown of the options. Probably will focus on Nikon and Canon.

5) Focusing screen (ground glass): As of now the options
Will most likely cover: Nikon D screen, translucent plastic, and beattie.

6) Building the adapter

7) Set up and use of the adapter

8) Sample footage

My plan is to burn some preliminary copies of the DVD's. With the copies, I will seek the advice and review from several people that I would consider "seasoned" filmmakers and/or photographers. I will also send a few copies to more novice filmmakers to seek input as to the ease or difficulty of the instructions and information. Once the reviews are back, I would make any necessary changes and then have the finalized copies made. Depending on the success of the DVD, I would also like to set up a forum for owners of the DVD to trade tips and such.

I would like to test the adapter with as many camera's as possible. Aside from the DVX and HVX, what other cams do you think should be included in the test?

Feedback on these ideas would be great!

EDIT:
I spent some time with Maya tonight and started building some of the scene for the animation that will help explain DOF and the permissable circle of confusion.

http://snodart.com/snodpublic/DOF.jpg

[twocik23]

What vibrator are you using? It would have to be very quiet and not too powerful. Have you thought of making it with a control switch? I've been messing around with a few parts and taking a few things apart (cell phone, beeper, etc.), just can't seem to find the right one. Nice illustration by the way, Maya don't you love it. Have you tried Renderman yet?

[ASG]

http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1207.html

[snodart]

What vibrator are you using? It would have to be very quiet and not too powerful. Have you thought of making it with a control switch? I've been messing around with a few parts and taking a few things apart (cell phone, beeper, etc.), just can't seem to find the right one. Nice illustration by the way, Maya don't you love it. Have you tried Renderman yet?



http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1207.html
(http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1207.html)

Yep, that's the one. I tried many different motors. The one in the link above is perfect. As far as the control switch... the battery pack has an on off switch for the motor and I also added a 25 rheostat from Radio Shack

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062299

This allows you to change the speed of the motor.

Yes, I love Maya. Good fun. No, haven't tried Renderman yet.

[twocik23]

ASG and Snodart you guys are awesome, but they're out of stock, do you have any other stores that you could recommend?

[ASG]

Just google "vibrating disc motor", exactly the same motor is widely available. And when you wire it up use thin flexible wires and glue them to the motor body before you solder it up. Thin wires will interfere with the oscillation less, and the glue will prevent vibration breaking the solder.

[twocik23]

I've tried and all I'm getting is the hobby store, PDF files, etc..

Not unless any motor will work, this is what I'm googling


Vibrating Disk Motor - 14mm (0.55") diameter, 3.5mm (0.15") thick



This looks like the same motor in the letus, is it?

[ASG]

Try harder! :)

http://www.totalrobots.com/acatalog/Total_Robots_Motors_30.html

http://www.solarbotics.com/products/index.php?search_id=61

http://www.smallparts.com.au/cgi-bin/store/datafill.pl?product=Solarbotics%20Motors&firstitem=1&mc=Motors%20-%20DC%20-%20Micro&Step=3=post

I believe it is the same motor used in the Letus.

[twocik23]

"Try harder!"



Believe I like to find stuff on my own, but this damn thing I couldn't find. I must of google it 10 times, in 10 different ways. Well anyway thanks!

[slinks]

Aye snodart, if you make that guide I may buy it. I still need to see all the foortage of all the adapters that I'm interested in 1st. :D

[snodart]

twocik23, you might want to order a couple of them. Their is only a very tiny and thin area to solder the wires to. I had to scrap one motor.



Aye snodart, if you make that guide I may buy it. I still need to see all the foortage of all the adapters that I'm interested in 1st. :D


Sounds like a good plan. I came pretty close to buying the M2 or the Letus. I'm glad that I ended up building my own though. I will have some footage on the 31st for you to look at as well.



And when you wire it up use thin flexible wires and glue them to the motor body before you solder it up. Thin wires will interfere with the oscillation less, and the glue will prevent vibration breaking the solder.


Well said. I even have something along those lines in my notes for the DVD. It works well to glue the motor in place, then glue the wires in place to the edge of the motor and to the circular piece that holds the GG. Glue the wires so that the ends are touching the tiny leads on the motor... they will be in place and ready to be soldered.

[ChainSmoker]

I have an XL1S and an HVR in my aresenal that you are welcome to test your adapter out with if you want.

[twocik23]

"twocik23, you might want to order a couple of them. Their is only a very tiny and thin area to solder the wires to. I had to scrap one motor."



Thanks for looking out snodart, I had a feeling that would be the case!


I can't seem to find any, everyones out of them. Do you have a link, or would you like to sell me a few?

[snodart]

These are the two main places that I found them. I'm sure you did too.. they are both sold out. I have some on back order. I would glady sell you some if I had any left, but I don't.
:(

http://www.solarbotics.com/
http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1207.html

I will let you know if I come across any more...

[snodart]

I have an XL1S and an HVR in my aresenal that you are welcome to test your adapter out with if you want.

That would be great. Closer would be nice, but we could figure something out. The front thread size on both is 72mm correct?

[snodart]

I can't seem to find any, everyones out of them. Do you have a link, or would you like to sell me a few?


Update: I found this motor (http://www.bgmicro.com/prodinfo.asp?sid=053142361111111169108926&prodid=MOT1031&page=1&cri=MOT&stype=2). I ordered some, but haven't tried them yet, so I can't promise that they will work. It looks pretty similar, a bit smaller in diameter and a bit thicker. It has wire leads on it which would be much easier to solder. You can get 10 for the same price of the others that are now out of stock. I have contacted hobbyengineering and solorbotics about the motors to see if they will ever be getting any more in. No word yet.

Also, you can now see the adapter in action. I used it the entire time while shooting our Hero-Fest entry Cache. The only problem noted is that one of the corners moved along the z-axis causing a slight blur in the corner of some of the footage. This is easily fixed by using 3 syringe pistons instead of 2.

I have been working some on the DIY DVD. I will be filming the building of the newest version of the adapter for the DVD this month. We are going to be entering Horror-Fest, so that will be a priority, but the DVD is still on and in the works.

You can watch Cache here:
http://snodart.com/cache/index.htm (http://snodart.com/cache/index.htm)

[twocik23]

Let me know how they work Snodrat.

[snodart]

Let me know how they work Snodrat.

no sweat.

[theloniusjones]

Let me know how they work Snodrat.

SnodRAT! I like that.

[snodart]

:grin:
I didn't even notice that. I wish I would have made my user name SnodArt instead of snodart. Looks like "snow dart". I think it is a brand of some snow mobile that keep out ranking my website on google searches. Ah well.

[snodart]

Just another update.

We will not be entering Horror Fest, so our primary focus will now be on the Snod35 DIY DVD.

Tim has jumped onboard to help with the various extra topics that will be included on the DVD, so the list of extras is growing.

I did a quick test of the current version to check grain and vignetting at lower f/stop settings. I did't plan on posting it, but you can check it out in the link below. It is around 22MB and slightly boring. At f/16 - f/22 the adapter had a problematic hot spot/vignetting. It sometimes showed up at f/11. The images also seemed to get a touch brown with the higher f/stop settings. The test was done with a Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. I will be testing the adapter with a Nikkor-SC 50mm 1.4 next to see if there are any improvements.

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/DIY_GG_Fstop_tests.mov

Keep in mind that the first test was done with only one Lowel Omni light and the outside tests were done on a overcast day. I made sure to keep the camera moving across solid colored and light areas to help reveal any hot spot or grain issues. I noticed that the redrock micro's sample clip of the M2 at f/1.4 - f/16 did not do this.

I have decided to include some of the parts with the first 50 DVD's, and maybe more after that... not sure yet. The purpose of the included parts would be to help DIYers avoid the often high minimum shipping costs. An example would be the required screws/nuts for the lens mount.



I have been working hard to ensure that the adapter is easy to build and modify as you choose. So a few updated advantages of the Snod35:

With the tools and parts in front of you, the adapter could easily be built in a day.

You will be able to change your GG to whatever you want. The DVD will go over making your own GG (the one that is used in the test clip), but you will have the option of using a Nikon D screen, beattie, translucent plastic, or whatever else you may choose to try (or maybe already have).

Also, the adapter is set up so that you can quickly and easily swap out lens mounts. Adjustment to find infinity focus with different lens brands is quick and easy. So, for example, if you have a Nikon wide angle and a Canon 50mm, you will be able to use both.

The image plane (GG) is easily accessible for periodic cleaning if required.


We will also be setting up a side-by-side comparison with the Snod35 and the M2. We are still looking for DVX/M2 owners in Souther California that might be willing to help with this test. If anyone is interested in helping, please PM or email me.


I am hoping that the DVD will be ready to ship before the end of August.

EDIT: BTW twocik23, the motor (http://www.bgmicro.com/prodinfo.asp?sid=053142361111111169108926&prodid=MOT1031&page=1&cri=MOT&stype=2) did not prove to be powerful enough.

[snodart]

I hate to be the only poster on my thread, but I wanted to post a quick update.

The DVD is well underway and going great. There is much to do, but no slowing down it sight. I also worked on some of the issues notable in the test clip in my previous post. So far, my rough tests look like the issues seen with the higher f/stop on the 50mm (FL) lens have been resolved. I'm planning to post some new test footage this week. I am very excited about how great the adapter is preforming. I just wish you all could be building them right now!

Please feel free to post any comments, suggestions, questions, etc.

Thanks

P.S. Cache was accepted to the Action on Film Festival and is a nominee for best cinematography of fest.
:2vrolijk_08:

[Ed Kishel]

Congrats on the festival, and glad to hear the DVD is moving along!

Ed

[slinks]

congrats snodart! w00t w00t!

[snodart]

Thanks Ed and slinks. The festival is this weekend so I am counting the days...
:)

[twocik23]

Hi Snodart,

First I'd like to say congratulation!!

I'm curious to what motor you're using now, since the other didn't work out (or if you have a link)? :)

[snodart]

Thanks twocik23,

The motor that was used in the original Snod35 (and by many other vibrating designs), is no longer made. Solarbotics.com, one of the sites who sold the original motor, will be getting a replacement motor that is very similar in late August. I will be getting a bulk order of the motors (from solarbotics).

(the DVD/selected parts kits will include the a motor)

[slinks]

snodart howd the festival go by the way?

[snodart]

Thanks for asking slinks.
The festival went well. It was a much smaller turn out than I had hoped, but still good. The festival is only in its second year, so it make take a few years to gain some momentum. Though Cache was a nominee for best cinematography, we did not win. It was our first time entering a festival and I think this one was a perfect introduction for us.

I have several parts coming in the next few days to finalize the adapter, so I'll get some test footage once they arrive and are in place. In the meantime, I have been making my own teleprompter and finishing up the script/dialog for the "Depth of Field Explained" and "35mm Adapters Explained" chapters. We are set to start shooting everything next week.

The biggest obstacle that sits in our way is testing the adapter on different cameras. By adjusting the space between the GG and macro, it should be fine on any camera, but of course we need to do actual tests to ensure that this is the case.

[snodart]

Quick update:

We fell a bit behind with filming because I wanted to make a few changes to the adapter. The cost to build this thing keeps shrinking and the image quality keeps getting better. The schedule for filming is back on track now.

I did a quick test tonight. I didn't plan on posting the footage as it is a rough test, but I think I'm due to post something. I was testing how the new DIY GG did at f/11 and f/16. Seems to have done much better this time around. f/11 and f/16 tend to loose a little sharpness, but this is a characteristic of any 35mm lens. They are typically the sharpest a few stops under full open and less sharp at higher f/stops. I also had the DVX wide open for f/16 on the Nikon. A little more light would have let me close the DVX down to around f/5 for more sharpness (these are all bits of info that will be on the DVD). I didn't use my follow focus so it's a bit bumpy. Anyway, here is the test:

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35_test_rack_2.mov

Also here is quick grab from today when I was setting infinity focus on the Nikon

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Drivway_light.jpg

I am on adapter overload and am taking a little break to go surfing tomorrow. Of course I'm taking my cam and adapter with me so I'm planning on coming back with some footage that is a little more interesting. :)

[ReneH]

Nice footage! What will be your price for the kit?

[Ed Kishel]

Looks great, nice and sharp. Seems like 5.6 is the sweetspot.

It makes me sad though- I will probably have to retire the Ed35 if I build this :( ... ya just can't beat those smaller f stops with no grain.

[slimchrisp]

me likey! great job snod. can't wait for the dvd!

[moe52]

Nice work, great quality...

[Pipe]

This is one of the best looking bits of footage I have seen. How much for the Kit?

[snodart]

Thanks everyone for the input. I needed a little boost to keep trucking on this thing.

To answer the cost questions. This is my tentative plan: The DVD by itself will most likely cost around $30. The DVD/selected parts kit should end up around $40. To give you an idea of what the selected parts will be (again tentative):

motor
2 small sheets of plastic for GG holder and base
various screws, nuts, and grommets
wire
grinding powder
GG extension rods

The other items are easily purchased from B & H, EVS, ebay, etc. One of my goals since the beginning has been to ensure that all of the parts will be readily available.


Looks great, nice and sharp. Seems like 5.6 is the sweetspot.

It makes me sad though- I will probably have to retire the Ed35 if I build this ... ya just can't beat those smaller f stops with no grain.

The Nikon I have seems to like 5.6. The Ed35 needs to go into some sort of adapter hall of fame!

As much work as I have put into getting decent images at f/16 and f/22, I don't know that it would be very wise to ever use them. The still lenses don't typically perform very well in that realm. Using a wider lens would probably be the better option. I stuck with it though so that the option would be there and so that people will know that they will be building a high quality adapter.

As promised, here is footage from the beach. I didn't want sand in my gear, so I just used the DVX's LCD. I didn't white balance most of the shots, but I left them as is. A nice little mixture of warm and cool shots. Sorry, no sound (my brother-in-law might add a little score latter to make it more interesting to watch).

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35_beach_test.mov (18 MB)

Probably better off saving it to your computer.

Here are some grabs from the beach montage clip above:

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/beach_garbs/golden_dog.jpg

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/beach_garbs/shower.jpg

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/beach_garbs/stew_close.jpg

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/beach_garbs/sunset.jpg

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/beach_garbs/umb_surf.jpg

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/beach_garbs/AJ.jpg

[ReneH]

Snodart,

Very nice footage! Best example I have seen so far of an 35mm adapter.

[MovieMakersClub]

Snod,

What kind of GG and what model of camera. DVX-100??

Thanks,

:-)

[Ed Kishel]

As much work as I have put into getting decent images at f/16 and f/22, I don't know that it would be very wise to ever use them.

I thought f22 looked a bit soft. But yes, even on an slr camera you dont want to use f22, most lenses dont perform well at this aperture.

As I expected the beach footage looked great. Question though- is there any way you could make available a standard NTSC DV full rez file 720x480 (either AVI or QT) that we could import into an NLE? Your compression is great, but I would like to see this at its native resolution.

I know it would be a huge download and only if you had the space on your host, but I would LOVE to pop this in Vegas and see this on a production monitor. Even 60 sec of footage would be awesom-o

All the best,

Ed

[wjm]

Excellent footage Snodart.

QUESTION: I recently purchased the following - should be here soon:

1. 58mm +7 Century Optics achromat
2. Canon 500D +2
3. 72mm - 58mm step-down ring

Are these parts used on your adapter? Is your adapter significantly different from Edweirdo's V2 design? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I am particularly interested in the vibrating mechanism - so get cracking on that DVD and stop surfing!

I also second Ed's request for higher resolution footage, or even just full res stills. Not to throw stones at your footage, but merely to know what to expect when I finish my own adapter. I might even be able to host it for you. PM me if you're interested.

Thanks.

[slimchrisp]

hey snod, can you post a few pics of the adapter itself? don't worry, i'm still buying the dvd! :)

[snodart]

Very nice footage! Best example I have seen so far of an 35mm adapter.

Thanks ReneH!


What kind of GG and what model of camera. DVX-100??

The GG is a DIY job. Making the GG is one of the steps in building the Snod35 and covered in detail on the DVD. Camera is a DVX-100B.

As for a full res file. Excellent idea Ed and wjm. Every adapter has its limitations and I am not out to hide anything. Anything specific? I will probably have to keep it under 60 sec. Maybe a short mix of the beach and the garage test?



QUESTION: I recently purchased the following - should be here soon:

1. 58mm +7 Century Optics achromat
2. Canon 500D +2
3. 72mm - 58mm step-down ring

Are these parts used on your adapter? Is your adapter significantly different from Edweirdo's V2 design? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I am particularly interested in the vibrating mechanism - so get cracking on that DVD and stop surfing!


I was originally using the CO +7 and the 500D +2, but wanted to bring the price to build the adapter down since those two together run over $300 (and I wanted to use less glass). The Snod35 now uses redrockmicro's 55mm achromat (72mm for HD cams). I contacted Brian Valente at redrock micro to ensure that there won't be any issues with people ordering the achromats when the DVD is released. He said it would be fine. Redrock's 55mm achromat is only $160 and is the one I was using for the garage test and the beach footage. The nice part is that it comes with a 72-55mm step down and a 55-72mm step up, which drops the cost to build the Snod35 even more. So to answer your question, yes the CO + 7 and the 500d willl work fine, but you might want to consider ebaying them and getting redrock's achromat for $160. I would imagine that you could get $250 to $300 for the other two on ebay or here at DVXuser.

As for this question:

Is your adapter significantly different from Edweirdo's V2 design?

Yes, it is different enough that you will need to buy all of the required parts for the Snod35. Of course, things like lens mounts and 35mm lenses you will be able to use. If you already have a D screen or other Nikon F3 series focusing screen, these can be used for the GG. Keep in mind that we will be grinding the plano side of the plano-convex lens from these focusing screens. The actual focusing plane that comes with these screens will not be used. I have tested the following screens and any of them will work as a required part for the Snod35: D, B, E, K, and R. I'm assuming that all of the F3 screens have the same plano-convex lens as the ones I have tested, but this is something that I am going to double check (on my todo list).


so get cracking on that DVD and stop surfing!

LOL. I hear you. I don't think I've gone to bed before 2am in over two weeks, so the surf trip was a needed break. I'm doing everything I can to get this DVD out there as fast as possible. It of course takes time to do it right. I want people to get the DVD and say "Wow! This is great info", "Wow! That was pretty easy to build", and "Wow! This is a great adapter". :)



hey snod, can you post a few pics of the adapter itself? don't worry, i'm still buying the dvd! :)


Another good idea, I will get some pics of it up soon.

[Ed Kishel]

30 sec of outdoor footage and 30 sec of indoor footage would be cool, and whatever best showcases your work, and whenever you have the time, I know you're busy. Thanks!!

[snodart]

30 sec of outdoor footage and 30 sec of indoor footage would be cool, and whatever best showcases your work, and whenever you have the time, I know you're busy. Thanks!!

Sounds good Ed. Give me some time, but I will get it done. Great idea.

[concannon]

Justin, WOW!!!!

[snodart]

Justin, WOW!!!!

Thanks Dave!


I have received many emails and PMs about the DVD. I am doing my best to recover from the wall that I hit when I found out that the motor is no longer made. This was the motor by the way:

http://www.solarbotics.com/

There is a free DVD and parts kits for anyone who can find a pancake motor similar to the one above. If it works as well as the original, I will also build you a Snod35 (minus the achromat :)). Note that it is 14mm in diameter and not 12mm or 10mm. I have many of those and the bar type pager motors laying around already. Keep in mind that the garage test footage (http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35_test_rack_2.mov) and the beach footage (http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35_beach_test.mov) were not shot with the original 14mm motor, so don't fret... things are still moving along and we will be building professional DIY adapters with or without the original motor. Having that motor sure would be nice though and would save me from having to make the necessary changes.

Does anybody know Japanese?
http://www.tokyoparts.co.jp/e2-006.htm

[Shibuya Oboya]

http://www.motioncontrol.com/newproducts/detail.cfm?id=815

I'm sure you have seen this, but just in case.

[slimchrisp]

Does anybody know Japanese?


if you can give me specifically what you need translated, i can get it for you. living in hawaii there are plenty of people who speak japanese around me, and i can get someone to translate for you.

i wasn't sure which motor you were looking at on the solarbotics page, but if you can tell me which one, i'll see if i can get someone to read the japanese site and see if it's the same.

[snodart]

http://www.motioncontrol.com/newprod...ail.cfm?id=815 (http://www.motioncontrol.com/newproducts/detail.cfm?id=815)

I'm sure you have seen this, but just in case. (http://www.motioncontrol.com/newproducts/detail.cfm?id=815)

Yes, I've seen this one. There is no weight on the shaft. One could be added, but I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible for everybody. I think it is a little too powerfull also. Thanks for the post though.



if you can give me specifically what you need translated, i can get it for you. living in hawaii there are plenty of people who speak japanese around me, and i can get someone to translate for you.

i wasn't sure which motor you were looking at on the solarbotics page, but if you can tell me which one, i'll see if i can get someone to read the japanese site and see if it's the same.


Here is a dirrect link to the same motor at another site.

http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1207.html

The key is that it is 14mm. The voltage ratings and such at toykoparts look fine for the pancake/disc motors... from what my browser displays. I've sent them a couple of emails, but no response. Maybe the don't have a USA sales rep. The only issue with this, since they are the actual manufacture, is that they would probably require that I order several thousand vs. several hundred.

I am working with another motor today. So far so good. Some vibration can be felt at the DVX mic and viewfinder when the motor is at full speed. At low speed, I don't feel anything at the camera (a touch when the DVX is aimed down). Full speed would only be needed at f/11 and up, so this would probably be fine. From what I understand, the Letus causes a very slight vibe on the cam... and some say that the M2 does as well. So I think this one might work out.

The 14mm would be ideal, so the offer still stands.

[snodart]

I tested the vibration pattern of one of the motors yesterday. It did great and made nice little circles. I have another motor on the way that should be the same, but nice ane quiet.

The GG had a few dust specs on it which I left there so that I could see the the motion of the GG. If the dust specs turn into a blurry line when the motor is running, then that means that at higher f/stops the grain will start to show up as a bunch of blurry lines. If the dust specs turn into a blurry "O" shape, then that means that the vibration is making a circular pattern. This is good because each spec of grain makes the "O" shape. This spreads each spec over a wider area and the "O" shapes of each tiny spec overlap. The end result is hidden grain.

Here are some small grabs of the GG with the motor off and then on at f/16.

OFF
http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/GG_dust_moto_off.jpg

ON
http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/GG_dust_moto_high.jpg

If you look very closely, you can see a blurry dark circle that the dust spot is making (just right of dead center). Just shows that the motor is making those nice "O" shapes on the GG.

Here is the test. Please note that the compression hides the fact that the grain pattern started to show up at f/11 - f/16 during the shots that pan across the sky. Moving the camera across a solid and light colored area reveals the grain pattern on my 32" video monitor at these f/stops. Also note that this was done on a GG that has a pretty rough surface (comparable to the D screen). I am testing a GG that has a more fine surface today. I will post how that goes. The brownish color of the horizon is good old fashoned LA smog (blah).

The Test (http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/VPM2_test_good_vibe.mov)

I know that many of you are anxious to get the DVD. Please know that I am doing everything that I can to get it done (ie: not sleeping :eek: ). The filming of the "building" section of the DVD should flow pretty fast as I have an extensive outline going for each step. Just a few more things to settle with the design, so don't give up on me.

I haven't forgotten about the full res footage and a pic of the actual adapter by the way...

[Jaime V]

wow...I just saw this thread. you can put me down for one when it's ready :-)

good luck!

[LukeJ]

Read the last nine pages like a novel. Put me down for 1 2.

[LukeJ]

That's one too, not twelve by the way. Although I could probably turn around and move the other eleven for a pretty good price. I kid, I kid.

[LukeJ]

Don't sweat it Ed. You're a true pioneer as far as I'm concerned. This kind of reminds me of when the aging mathmetician has to admit that Will Hunting is just plain smarter than he is. And then the nerdy assitant puts his hand on the guy's shoulder and reassures him by telling him that he's still a brilliant man. A little dramatic but that's what it reminds me of.

[MikeQuill]

Justin,

The test footage looks great as usual. Good to know you're truckin' along. I check this thread at least 3 times a day. Haha.

Mike

[Alex.Flory]

Thanks Dave!


I have received many emails and PMs about the DVD. I am doing my best to recover from the wall that I hit when I found out that the motor is no longer made. This was the motor by the way:

http://www.solarbotics.com/

There is a free DVD and parts kits for anyone who can find a pancake motor similar to the one above. If it works as well as the original, I will also build you a Snod35 (minus the achromat :)). Note that it is 14mm in diameter and not 12mm or 10mm. I have many of those and the bar type pager motors laying around already. Keep in mind that the garage test footage (http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35_test_rack_2.mov) and the beach footage (http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/Snod35_beach_test.mov) were not shot with the original 14mm motor, so don't fret... things are still moving along and we will be building professional DIY adapters with or without the original motor. Having that motor sure would be nice though and would save me from having to make the necessary changes.

Does anybody know Japanese?
http://www.tokyoparts.co.jp/e2-006.htm

Hi Snodart,

I managed to speak with one of the reseller for Tokyoparts in Singapore. They have the 14mm diameter disk motors. But they sell in bulk quantity. I get the feeling it may be in the thousands. But I did say to the guy that I need 50 and he said its ok with him. I have emailed him with the details for 12mm,14mm and 18mm disk motors and see how much they are charging. I can provide you the contact email for the guy in Singapore and you can order from him. Let me check with him first regarding my query or we can do a group order from them if you want. I will keep you posted on this. By the way, great footage from your adaptor.

Alex

[snodart]

Don't sweat it Ed. You're a true pioneer as far as I'm concerned. This kind of reminds me of when the aging mathmetician has to admit that Will Hunting is just plain smarter than he is. And then the nerdy assitant puts his hand on the guy's shoulder and reassures him by telling him that he's still a brilliant man. A little dramatic but that's what it reminds me of.

Ed is the man no doubt.



Justin,

The test footage looks great as usual. Good to know you're truckin' along. I check this thread at least 3 times a day. Haha.

Mike


Thanks Mike. Keep checking back, things are only going to get better :thumbsup:



Hi Snodart,

I managed to speak with one of the reseller for Tokyoparts in Singapore. They have the 14mm diameter disk motors. But they sell in bulk quantity. I get the feeling it may be in the thousands. But I did say to the guy that I need 50 and he said its ok with him. I have emailed him with the details for 12mm,14mm and 18mm disk motors and see how much they are charging. I can provide you the contact email for the guy in Singapore and you can order from him. Let me check with him first regarding my query or we can do a group order from them if you want. I will keep you posted on this. By the way, great footage from your adaptor.

Alex


Wow. Good stuff Alex. Sounds promising. I would need a few sample motors asap to test. If they work, then I will order 100-200 of them (depending on the price). The motor (no matter which one is used) will be sent out as part of the DVD/selected parts kit. Can you PM me the contact email? If they work, I will be building you a Snod35! Thanks a ton.

More progress today. I just about have the "building of" outline done. Of course that would have to be adjusted slightly if the 14mm motor works out. Easy fix though. I also shot some needed footage for parts of the "DOF explained" chapter. The footage will serve as examples to go along with the diagrams and such. I am starting early tomorrow and will go until the wee hours of the night, so more progress to come.

[Alex.Flory]

HI Snodart,
let me try to get some answer from him regarding my query. I should be getting a reply next week. If not, I will call him again to find out. Will be expensive for you to do so from the states. I put down an order of roughly 30 pieces. Small quantity if he is ok to sell, I will ask my bro-in-law in Singapore to buy it for me and send them as well. I will send some to you. If all goes well, you can contact him directly. Thanks for the snod35 offer. Is that free? heheee...

[snodart]

HI Snodart,
let me try to get some answer from him regarding my query. I should be getting a reply next week. If not, I will call him again to find out. Will be expensive for you to do so from the states. I put down an order of roughly 30 pieces. Small quantity if he is ok to sell, I will ask my bro-in-law in Singapore to buy it for me and send them as well. I will send some to you. If all goes well, you can contact him directly.

Sounds like a plan. Please let me know as soon as you find out anything. Thanks agian. If there is any way that you can get the specs of the motor, that would be outstanding.


Thanks for the snod35 offer. Is that free? heheee...

Free? I'm sticking to my deal:


There is a free DVD and parts kits for anyone who can find a pancake motor similar to the one above. If it works as well as the original, I will also build you a Snod35 (minus the achromat :)).

If you can get me a 14mm sample, I guess that would mean you "found" one similar to the original Sanko motor. So you would have a free DVD and selected parts kit. If it ends up working as well as the Sanko motor, well then I will be building you a Snod35. Like I noted though, it would have to be without the achromat (I'm pretty tapped from all of the parts I've been buying and testing). I would buy all the other parts, build it, and ship it for free (I hate even ask where I would be shipping it to, but a deal is a deal). That little guy has to live up to the Sanko motor first though.

[Alex.Flory]

Hi Snodart,

To be honest I didn't realised you had the challenge going on for a snod35 adaptor. I was wondering why you are offering a free adaptor to me. Hmm.. thank you very much. I will double my effort to get the pancake motors for you. hehee..

I believe the manufacturer of the Sanko disk motor isn't Sanko. There are two companies in Taiwan and China that are under the main manufacturer distributor lists. They both have Sanko as part of their company name. Interesting.

[MagicPie]

Sounds like a good thing your doing Snodart, You can add another willing buyer

[snodart]

Sounds like a good thing your doing Snodart, You can add another willing buyer


Thanks. Consider yourself added :)

[nenaD]

SnodArt, I'm working with DVD Studio Pro and thought I might not bring anything new to you as a Mac user, still felt like bringing up the subject and mention DVD-ROM Content and DVD@ccess as powerfull and suitable features to enhance your DVD tutorial project.

If you think I could be of help well, I'd like you to know I'm only a PM away even though I live in Barcelona, Europe ;) .

I got Barry's book after purchasing DVX100B and although it holds information I find useful, which is as well present in the forum, and I have read it, it's nice to have it gathered in one plac,e there still is but... I never thought wow, neither for the book nor for the following DVD content.

The price of it, as used in it's advertisment, for somebody who already invested thousands, what are a few tens of dollars more? It's clear to me you are pushing for a different league result. I like your position and I'm sure even Ed likes your illustrations better then his ;)

I think DVXuser is a great place and there are different ways I see myself implicated. For us on the other side of the pond, it's not as easy to get the necessarry parts and build the 35mm adapter as described in different manuals. I think I would have done it buy now since I have been for over a year now submerged in following other people's projects.

I keep the fingers crossed for I know it's tuff to get it all done. Many projects, regardless how promissing, get stucked eventually and too many factors are involved. Step by step is probably the safest of all the ways to walk the path. DIY is a great mean of getting what one might find neccessary and this forum is very helpful in it.

I respect a lot the effort of people who do what they think do well and offer it to the public regardless if it is for free or goes with a fee. I consider myself a handyman, but sometimes that's just not enough and one has to consider time, space, tools, knowlege, experience, enthusiasm, family matters :D and I don't know what else aside from money to be put in and not to forget the test/trial issue.

In my opinion, this money I supported with Barry's book and as I will buying this DVD project, one way or the other comes arround. It helps other people get to do similar stuff, somehow brings things in a universal ballance. I get excited with great projects and please forgive me on this block of text.

I mean, who's is DVXuser forum?! It's ours to keep and if users get material benefit from other useres who could possibly lose? I see SnodArt's DVD project as his turn to cash, and if the result ends up being great it will only boost other initiatives and collaborations and why not spin-off and full scale businesses. I think all DVXusers could only benefit from such stuff.

[snodart]

SnodArt, I'm working with DVD Studio Pro and thought I might not bring anything new to you as a Mac user, still felt like bringing up the subject and mention DVD-ROM Content and DVD@ccess as powerfull and suitable features to enhance your DVD tutorial project.

If you think I could be of help well, I'd like you to know I'm only a PM away even though I live in Barcelona, Europe ;) .

NenaD. Thanks for the offer. I have some experience with DVD Studio Pro, but am no expert. I may be PMing you in the weeks to come. I was planning on having some DVD-ROM content. I think it is a must for things like the required parts/tools list and other similar items.



For us on the other side of the pond, it's not as easy to get the necessarry parts and build the 35mm adapter as described in different manuals. I think I would have done it buy now since I have been for over a year now submerged in following other people's projects.


I know that there are many folks in your position that don't have access to some parts (or the same parts). For this very reason, I have done my best to make sure that every part is included or is easy to find online.

NenaD, I appreciate your excitement and think you make some great points. When I first started the DIY DVD project, I knew it would be a good deal of work, but I have to admit that I had no clue just how much work (to do it the right way that is). I have crunched the numbers several times now, and I will be lucky to break even in this. So everything that I am putting into this now is not for monetary gain, but for the satisfaction of creating something that I think people will truly appreciate and enjoy. There have been several bumps that have slowed the project down, but I refuse to let them stop the progress.

Thanks again for you excitement and comments!

Things are moving right along with the DVD. I have been working away at each of the chapters. I am considering the idea of sticking with Photoshop and After Effects for the animated diagrams. Originally I was planning on using Maya for several of them, but I think that it is unnecessary and would be a misuse of time. Simple and clear will works the best I think.

I have also been working on the website. I want to get that up as soon as possible, but I have some more to do first.

Sorry, no footage or pics this time. I still haven't forgoten about the full res footage and the pic of the adapter itself. :)

[nenaD]

I may sound a bit like a snob now, but I would like to catch the light for my movie through the best of the glass there is and using an adapter, making sure it passes the least possible glass before getting to camcorder's optics. I presume everybody likes Dan's work, but at the moment I would rather try to get interesting results paying tenth of the price of his little marvels and if we never come as close to get the thumbs up from Dan himself - bravo boys, you made it this time, I will eventually ask him to tailor an adapter for me.

I had the pleasure to speak with a camera and phtography director who works with major studios as well and he told me that camcorder's optics, even if there's Leica brand on them are not really in the league of the brand they sport. Thanks to dvinfo, DVXuser and couple of others forums and websites, I've been studying the matter, I could follow his talk. He thinks, as well as Dan, that my idea of placing Leica ELMARIT-M 1:2.8/28 lense in front of the 35mm adapter might do. Jonathan from Cinemek has Leica M3 and he loved my idea to use adapters who would put back in use optics excellense such telemetric Leica photographic cameras who actually implemented bayonet system but was slowlo but surelly pushed aside outdated with SLR camera system and lately with digital SLR. (Mine is M6 for the record ;) ).

Second hand fixed glass like the one I owe, in Barcelona shops could be found, in good shape with their guaranties for about 2500€. My guess is that Jonathan Houser and myself are not the only Leica (photographic and camcorder optics) owners and that making an adapter that will sport such feature as Leica mount, and being a quality product, we could be on top of the hill. Speaking of us, I have in mind DVXusers that might identify themselves and eventually enter such a business. Maybe I'm mistaking, but I thought it would be a nice payback from me to DVXuser Forum, sharing this idea of Leica M mount for 35mm adapters. A lot of money has already been invested which got outdated and all of a sudden, thanks god for it's collection value :), it get's completely new use, a flagship one, as when it was brought up in the first place, but in maybe even more dynamic field as video/cinema is.

A quality DVD DIY project could be a nice start of it all. A Hybrid, DVD-video containing DVD-ROM content could be a nice way to pay credit to DVXuser forum and all the people who helped, where credit is due, and since many of us are on daily bases attached to a computer, everything could be arranged to be just few clicks away, right from the DIY DVD. All that one should do is to have a credit card ready and practice Command/Alt to switch between applications triggered with DVD-ROM contents, presumed that the one is provided with internet navigator, and PDF Reader, picture viewer for graphs, etc.

In my opinion, this should grow to a DVXuser project which hopefully you SnodArt should supervise. I'd ask Ed and Marlene and everybody else to bring their part, and we'd all end up buying a DVD. Out of the Fund created from it, much higher quality adapters could be developed, I'm sure we'll break couple of ceilings much faster than pulling singularily each one in different direction. Maybe sounds utopic, but I believe it can be done.

I recomend a reading concerning DVD authoring: Apple Pro Training Series: DVD Studio Pro 4, Authoring Professional DVDs, Martin Sitter and Adrian Ramseier, 2006, Peachpit Press, 722p, paper back, DVD with PAL and NTSC lessons files included, ISBN 0-321-33482-5 and I payed for it in Barcelona 38,64 €.

If we manage this quality content, believe me, we'll have everybody's respect and make the landmark in DVXuser community. Maybe it will not break even right away, but since I do not insinuate publishing 722p book in paper but an eBook placed on a DVD, which could be preordered and pre-payed so it will end up being at fortelled items to publish, a DVD will not be individually toasted, which is time consuming in large quantities and the result cannot be compared with industrial DVD. I have a lot more to say on the subject from personal experience and I can document it if this post of mine gets proper attention.

What I'm saying is I've spent an hour with this topic over breakfast. I could do much better than that. I'm sure there are plenty of professionals among over 12.000 dvdxusers present. Not everybody passes through DIY part of the forum, but we could maybe grab some attention and bring together DVXuser Forum to the glory with different projects that will end up coined world wide due to communications and technology nowdays faciiltates it, breaking down the tasks, so even huge enterprises could come out to the light.

I'm a one-man-band who starts his endevour in the audiovisual art. I've been in science by now and doing PhD, sometimes one ends up in a field where there's just a couple of people in the world who he could talk about the subject on the level. This is not the case here. When I made my short movie, I could have done it completely by myself. Fortunately I didn't and things ran much more smoothly and I am sure it got better that way.

Well, these were just a few of my thoughts for this morning :)

I decided to share them with you, some of which I've been reading for months, and I grew a lot of confidence in you people, just to mention few Ed, Marlene, Dan, ovjamaica, bklyndv, and SnodArt. The DVD idea was there from the very beginning of Ed's thread. I just think it was not possible to get it all done by a single person by now.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=45972&page=5 Multiplying the effort by sharing tasks, everything is possible.

Best regards! I'm off to the beach for a swim before I get back to work ;)

[snodart]

Hi all. An update of sorts.

The adapter and DVD have essentially taken over my existence. I have decided to slow things down a hair, as time with my wife and kids has suffered... and I can't let that happen. Work on the DVD will continue, but I honestly can't give an accurate release date. So, please do not plan around the release of the DVD. The DVD will be a great resource and my excitement about it has not changed. However, I am doing the majority of this alone and am having to face the fact that it is going to take longer than I had expected.

I will be DPing a horror-fest entry this weekend so there will be more footage to see. I am waiting on a motor to arrive from over seas and have been busy working on the DOF and 35mm Adapters Explained chapters. I will continue to post updates and am still planning on getting some pics of the acual adapter and some full res footage for download.

:dankk2:

[Alex.Flory]

Hi Justin,

Just got news it will be next week before I can get the motors. My sis will pick it up and send them to me. I will be outstation next week for business. So I will try to get them sent out end of next week after I come back.

[snodart]

Alex, sounds good. Thanks again for your help in this.

[ep19]

Snodart: I've been following Ed's thread for three weeks and you seem to be encouraging in the begining of around February learning as you go along cause I don't really know much about lenses and their theory's as well. What I'd like to know is how did you start out doing pvc stuff and now you are doing vibrating GG + DVD tuts. Take your time dude. No pressure here. And yes when your DVD comes out I'm definitely on board!

[snodart]

Snodart: I've been following Ed's thread for three weeks and you seem to be encouraging in the begining of around February learning as you go along cause I don't really know much about lenses and their theory's as well. What I'd like to know is how did you start out doing pvc stuff and now you are doing vibrating GG + DVD tuts. Take your time dude. No pressure here. And yes when your DVD comes out I'm definitely on board!

LOL. Thanks. I tend to go full steam and put 120% into things once I get started. It is a blessing and a curse. Luckily, I have learned from past projects that patience is equally as important as effort (It's one of those things that I know is true, but I still have to remind myself).

Thanks for the post.

[chris f]

i think i would be interested in this. i'll be looking to buy/build a 35mm adapter here in the next month or so. to be honest i'd rather just buy it and know that it's going to work than to spend alot of money and still worry about screwing it up, but for this price and if the plans are simple enough i think i'd be willing to try it out.

[snodart]

i think i would be interested in this. i'll be looking to buy/build a 35mm adapter here in the next month or so. to be honest i'd rather just buy it and know that it's going to work than to spend alot of money and still worry about screwing it up, but for this price and if the plans are simple enough i think i'd be willing to try it out.

I hear you Chris. My goal with the adapter has been to make it as simple as possible to build and at the same time ensure that it will perform as well as the popular, pre-made adapters. Somebody mentioned this pages back, but the word will spread fast around DVXuser (and other forums) about people's experiences with the DVD/kit. So i'm assuming that there will be plenty of feedback to help you make a decision when the time comes. Thanks for the post.

[snodart]

I was filming my son last night while we were playing outside. It was dusk and the sun had long since set behind the mountains. Anyway, I just though I would post it. I didn't have correct focus much of the time... pulling focus on a 2 year old is not a very easy task... even during the 4 seconds that he held still. :)

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/12micron_noah.mov (http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/12micron_noah.mov)

I tested 5 different ground glass "grits" today and will be looking at the footage this weekend. It was hard to tell on my 8" field monitor, but it looks like it will be a close race between 2 of them. I was looking for a grit that was fine enough too not show much grain at > f/11 and that was still rough enough to avoid a hot spot with my 28mm wide lens. I will be taking a closer look once I burn the tests onto DVD so I can watch them on my big sony video monitor.

I'm still waiting on the sample motor... otherwise things are starting to fall into place and pick up speed.

[j]

sweet. looking forward to it.

[slimchrisp]

ditto

[Alex.Flory]

Hi Justin,

The motors are finally here. Will send it out tomorrow. Can you PM me you address again just in case.

[leteeci]

:beer: Heeey Everybody..


What happened with this thread?


Snod; we all hardly waiting for this DIY kit!


I am from Europe, and it is hard for me to find all those parts..


Just for a notice; there is available replacement vibrating motor at

hobbyengineering; are those characteristics OK??


http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H3425.html


Cheers, david

[Alex.Flory]

According to Justin, the motor isn't strong enough. Best bet is to wait for his finished DIY manual.

[snodart]

Just for a notice; there is available replacement vibrating motor at

hobbyengineering; are those characteristics OK??


http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H3425.html (http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H3425.html)


That is the 12mm motor which I have tested with several designs. It is possible to get it to work... just not as well as the larger 14mm motor. Thanks to Alex.Flory's help I am testing a 14mm motor today. So far it looks like it will work great, but I have a few more things to try with it today.

The fact that the Sanko 14mm motor is out of production is what slowed the DVD down... since the design was based around that motor. If the tests continue to go well with the new 14mm motor then things are going pick up big time.

[Drew Ott]

That test footage looks good.

[snodart]

That test footage looks good.

Thanks. :)

Now that I'm done with my two Horror Fest projects, here is a list of what is to come:

1) Snod35.com website. Currently password protected. Here is a quick grab of the basic layout. Pics and text are temporary and for layout purposes only.
http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/web_shot.jpg

2) Pics of the actual Snod35

3) Some sample full res clips for review. I might end up having to mail these out on a DVD depending on how big the clips are and how many people want them.

For those that are interested. I recently used the Snod35 while DPing a Horror Fest entry. Here is the link to the thread with a few BTS pics. I don't think any of the pics show the Snod35 very well.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=72831

and here is a link to the thread with the mirror sites to download and watch the short. look for "The Seeing" by Rich Spencer.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=73718

Back to work for me.... (yes, on the DVD :) )

[fixitinpost]

This DVD is the one thing I'm waiting on before building my adapter. I've been very impressed with what I've seen from it so far, and your dedication to making it as good as possible. Can. Not. Wait. :thumbsup:

[pmgmedia]

Actually that is some of the best adapter footage I have seen yet. Impressive indeed. You might make a DIY'er out of even a lazy bum like me.

I took a shot at cc'ing a bit of the footage. I cranked the saturation and black levels and it held up pretty well. What do you think?
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/1335/1161215025.zip

[snodart]

Update:

The 14mm motor that I was testing did not perform as expected. Though it is the same size and has similar specs as the Sanko motor, it just didn't make the cut.

So here is where the DVD/kit stands: until I can find more Sanko motors or one that works as well, the DVD/kit is on hold. There is hope that I can get some more Sanko motors (though they are no longer made), but I won't know for sure for a week or so.

Some of the motors that I have tested could be used to make a decent adapter, but not one that would constitute selling a DVD/kit. I receive at least one email or PM a day about the DVD/kit and I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the release. At this point however, the DVD/kit is on hold and there is no way for me to provide an accurate date. Again, please don't hold back from building or buying an adapter while waiting for the DVD/kit. I don't want to hold anybody back. It truly kills me that I have hit this wall in creating the DVD/kits, but like I said before, I refuse to put out anything that isn't worth people's time and money.

If you have prepaid and all of this makes you nervous, I will gladly send back the full amount and still leave your name at the top of the list. Just email or PM me. Otherwise, your money is safe, your name is on record, and I will keep posting updates.

I am truly sorry for the delay in all of this and please understand that I am doing everything that I can.

Now then, here are some pics:

The Snod35 on the DVX100B with rod support:

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/snod35_rods.jpg


...and with the indifocus:

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/snod35_FF.jpg


Snod35 alone:

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/snod35_alone.jpg


... and a few of the tested motors:

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/motors.jpg

[d-mac]

Hey snodart,
I assume you've seen this one before....how'd it perform?
the VPM2 - Vibrating Disk Motor
on page http://www.solarbotics.com/products/index.php?scdfa-250100084-viewDetail-productzq31056zq4categoryzq37=true&frm=sbni
It says it gives 1G vibration at 12,000rpm . should be plenty, right?

[snodart]

Hey d-mac, I've tested the VPM2 motor (in fact, it is in the pile of motors in the above pic :) ). It didn't move the GG as well as the Sanko.

The offset weight of the Sanko motor has more mass compared to the other motors that I have tested such as the VPM2. The VPM2 uses a small piece of plastic for an offset weight.

Bar motors typically have a good sized offset weight, but unlike the pancake motors, the weight is close to the center of the motor.

I have some new parts on the way to try out a few major design changes (while waiting to hear some news on the Sanko motors). My aim with the changes is to find a way to get the smaller motors to produce the same great movement that I am getting with the Sanko motor. We will see what happens...

[Car3o]

sno is that a fd mount on a thorlabs tube?

[snodart]

Car3o... FD, yes. Thorlabs tube, no. And here is a Nikon F mount ready for action:

http://www.snodart.com/snodpublic/snod35/F.jpg

[hatsoff2halford]

This is horrible news :(. I hope that the motor your testing soon works out and you can continue working on it!

[snodart]

This is horrible news :(. I hope that the motor your testing soon works out and you can continue working on it!

Thanks. This has been a true struggle (which I did not expect). I'm not giving up yet though :)

[j]

It could not have been any other way. Look at the grief everyone went thru trying to get ahold of the nikon "D" screens.

Of course the motors would be discontinued....

Keep up the search snod et al, you've come so far!

[snodart]

Thanks j. I appreciate it.

Murphy's law at it best.

[Daniel Schaumberger]

Hi Justin,

did you tried to use thinner rods (i mean the syringe sticks in the old design) that is holding your gg. I think some 0.5mm steel/brass rod will be very flexible so you could use the vibra-motors you have.

Thats only a thought.

best regards
Daniel

[snodart]

Thanks Daniel. I've tried several different types and sizes of materials. They key issue here (with the Snod35) is that the GG is too heavy for the non-Sanko motors. I worked on a new design this weekend that uses a slightly different set-up with the GG and PCX. I am waiting on a few things to arrive in the mail before I can do more, but so far it looks like things will be great.


The trick in designing the Snod35 is that I have to ensure that the parts are easy to find (or include), that it is easy to build, and that it produces images that are comparable to professionally made adapters.

I should have some news later this week.

[Kyle Stebbins]

i love the footage. i would buy your dvd in a heartbeat.
-kyle

[falcon418]

Me too. Sign me up.

[MikeQuill]

Hey Justin,

Any updates with the motors or your adaptor in general?

Mike

[snodart]

Hi Mike,

No news on the Sanko motors yet. I have been working on a new design that uses the smaller motors. The vibration of the GG with the new design is outstanding. I am getting some slight vignetting though with my wide angle lens (with the PCX), so I am currently working on getting rid of that. Man, if I would had only known how this was going to turn out......

[slinks]

Thanks for the hard work snodart. I look foward to the footage of the new design.

[Daniel Schaumberger]

Hi snodart,
if you need some help maybe with cad or special cnc-ed parts just mail me.

Looking forward to see your tutorial soon.

Daniel

[snodart]

Thanks Daniel! I'm good for now, but will keep it in mind.

[Alex0607]

(No news on the Sanko motors yet. I have been working on a new design that uses the smaller motors. The vibration of the GG with the new design is outstanding. I am getting some slight vignetting though with my wide angle lens (with the PCX), so I am currently working on getting rid of that. Man, if I would had only known how this was going to turn out......)

Hi Justin,

No news on the sanko motor and I dont expect much hope. I think you are on the right track with the new design. Good luck.

[snodart]

Thanks for the info Alex.

[MikeQuill]

any new updates justin?

mike

[snodart]

Sorry Mike, nothing new at this point. The new design with the smaller motors is vibrating the GG perfectly, but I am still working out the PCX issue. The original design was very easy to build. The struggle with the new design is that (at this point) it is not as easy or as cheap to build. I am planning on putting a write-up on my website that breaks down the original design (with Sanko). It won't be a full guide, but all the info will be there. As for the DVD, it will all depend on what comes out of the new design. I wish I had more for you...

[j]

That'd be cool, perhaps others could contribute to help get over any stumbling blocks you might be at.

[slinks]

gosh...I'm too anxious lol. So, whats the inside scoop? :)

[The Story Teller]

Hi Justin,

My name is Al, a.k.a The Story Teller. I've been following your thread on the design of your 35mm adapter guide/kit. I'm interested in one for my new Sony DCR VX2100. I'm a 50 yo retired computer consultant and a major noob video-that-looks-like-film maker.

I've authored some DVD's and own a product called Intellidisc http://www.intellidisc.com/.

Check out the product. If you like it I can add some hyper code to your DVD. The DVD will still work like a regular DVD on a regular DVD player. But when played on a PC based DVD player all of the Intellidisc extended content is available. It is like eDVD but does not need to install its own player to access extended content. The additions could be as simple as opening hyperlinks to component websites. You could also open DVD ROM file content in their respective apps, PDF, etc. It's a great tool for integrating addtional content onto a DVD and integrating it to the web.

Let me know if I can be of any help.

Regards, Al.

[The Story Teller]

Oh, I should add, one of the advantages of the Intellidisc enhancement of DVD's is the potential for dynamic content. You can place links on your DVD to content on the web that you can update. Like component suppliers for instance. That of course only applies to users playing the DVD on a PC DVD player.

Good luck, Al.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and innovation is its father.

[Daniel Schaumberger]

Hey Snodart,

any updates on your tutorial? Did you found the right motors?

Daniel

[snodart]

I hate to say that the DIY DVD will not happen, but at this point it doesn't look like it.

The newer design that I have been working on works fine with several of the smaller (and available) motors. However, I just don't think that the new design is suitable for a DIY DVD as it is more complicated and expensive to build.

I am planning on posting the info for the original design on my website. I also have a 20min depth of field tutorial, which was intended for the DVD, that I will be adding to my site as well. I am entering a short for Drama-Fest as well as helping DP another entry, so it may be a bit before I have a chance to finish it all up.

The newer design still needs some work. I will be starting a new thread at some point in the future in hopes that the great minds here at DVXuser can help finalize it.

That is the best I can do for now.

[slinks]

yo snodart, im sorry to hear things aren't going as planned. You must be pretty bummed about it. If it means anything, I thank you for your hard work and I look foward to seeing the info on your site or on these forums.
I also look foward to seeing your entry for the drama-fest.

[j]

Thanks for your work on this Justin, you have inspired me to take my static to a vibrating version. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have come up with.

-J

[snodart]

Thanks j and slinks. :)

You guys have been great. I'll post any news that comes out of the new design.



I'll get the info for the original design up on my site as soon as I can.

[snodart]

Hey all. Since the DVD isn't going to happen, I went ahead and posted one of the finished chapters to my website.

I made a post here with the link. Please post any feedback in that thread instead of here.. thanks.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=94269

Also, I will be adding a write up of the Snod35 version 1 to my site in the next few weeks. I'll post as soon as it is up and running.

I have also been working on version 2 of the Snod35 and am just about finished. It can use wax screens, ground glass, or other focusing screens. I will also be posting the info for version 2 on my site (once it is done). The Motor for version 2 is a little hard to come by, but there are some out there... hopefully people will be able to use the info on the site for version 2 to build their own!

[Wayne Kinney]

Brilliant!

[snodart]

Okay, here is the thread for the write-up on the Snod35. Thanks for all the support with the DVD!

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=937250#post937250

[trinitysj]

Snod, marlenedegrood

i have to give you my highest regards.. im new to the board as of today but a long time reader.. i had built a previous design a couple years back and am now re-inspired to do it again. i have looked at all of the "good/pro ones" and not to knock them but i like the ones that you have created better. my hats off to the all of you. great job.

question: i cant find the gg anywhere. tried ebay, and other places but am coming up short. i got the motor that was mentioned above and the other parts from radio shack, but still cant find the glass anywhere... frustrating...

[snodart]

Thanks trinitysj.

Are you planning on using a Plano-Convex as the GG like the Snod35?

Also, what motor did you buy?

[trinitysj]

I found a piece of glass from binswanger glass of all places.. was worried about it when i got it but it was $20, so i figured what the hey. i put it together using the plans that marlene did and have found that it rocks.

Vibrating Disk Motor - 14mm (0.55") diameter, 3.5mm (0.15") thick. This little vibe motor is quite unique in that it is fully self-contained - no visible moving parts.

These have been a favorite toy around the office - when they're connected to a SolarSpeeder-type engine (lots of power), they shake all over the place!

this was from http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1207.html

it was a good price so i got two.. and am doing a static and a moving mini 35.

i put up a vid clip of what i put together at http://www.techsavy.net/wfx/ and will be putting up some video test footage when i get some done.

to answer your question, i think i will use the plano-convex lens but if can get binswanger to make me one of the same size i might try that as well.. the glass is great. and can be cleaned with almost any cleaning product without worry of damaging the glass.

[trinitysj]

they are out of stock at the moment on the motors but i got one coming. hope it will be soon....

[snodart]

trinitysj,

That motor from hobbyengineering is (was) the Sanko motor. They have been out of stock for about 6 months though. They were getting this motor from solarbotics.com (http://www.solarbotics.com/). Solarbotics has been out for 6 months as well. They both still show the picture of the Sanko motor, but in reality, they will most likely send you a smaller 12mm motor. A friend of mine here at DVXuser contacted Sanko in Japan some time ago and they no longer make the 14mm motor (haven't for some time). Now, people have been able to get the 12mm motor to make a good vibration pattern, but I have not found that to be the case when using the Plano-convex lens as the GG (it is too heavy for the motor).

The great part about using the plano-convex as both the condenser and the GG is that you don't have to worry about getting dust between the plano-convex and GG (when they are two separate pieces).

Your set up looks good though. It is just a matter of trial and error.

[trinitysj]

i just finished up my test footage... and am uploading it as soon as it is converted.. i am extremly pleased with the outcome... i used two different lenses as well have two different adapter front ends to switch between diffenent lens mounts.

will let you know when i get it uploaded..

i think I will call it the "J35" like the "snod35" or the "ed35" should call marlene's the "M35" lol.. just thinking outloud... sorry

[trinitysj]

Hey, I wanted to say thanks for the video on DOF. That was a great tut. i Learned somethings that I had forgot and some new things as well.

The test footage is up on the site now. http://www.techsavy.net/wfx/mini35.htm
Thanks again to all of you guys for all of the work that you have put into the whole mini35 DIY projects. I cant thank you guys enough for the wealth of information that i have found here.

[trinitysj]

what is your opinion on a zoom lens instead of a fixed length lens?

[j]

Zoom lens for anything close to run and gun. Primes for the rest.

Primes are on average:
Better quality image
lighter
smaller
wider (fstop)

[trinitysj]

thanks for the info