new team, new products, new prices, new hopes

[dan]

Dear all,
I am delighted to announce the following:

After four long years, Mr. Todd Dearinger voluntarily decided to give up a court settlement decision he obtained against me ( over one million dollars) to favor of a more lucrative option as business partner as initially agreed.

Todd will take charge of production/manufacturing of the film/video gear I have designed (including the focusing device known as perfect-focus) so we can all enjoy unrestricted and now achievable shallow DOF on video. The former MPIC (now FELIX) will reach you this summer and we will go the extra mile to make a new follow focus happen ASAP (and more to come) with indie budget and un-compromised quality in mind .

The "new" team is joined by Mr. Jason Francois who will take charge of the sales/promotion/marketing department.
We hope to get the "old magic" going to everyone's benefit.

For all and any technical questions yo can still ask me!
(I will try and cover most of them soon in a FAQ).

For delivery, parts, options, exchages (if need be) ask Todd and for the day by day operations, promotion/marketing Jason is your man. I hope my website will get a new "make-up" in the process too.

My previous negotiation with Mr. Houser (G35), Mr. Presler (SI) and other parties to share the movement in part or as a whole unit (the image converter in front of a SI camera) will be decided of common agreement by all parties involved.

That means there is still a good chance to see my GG movement ticking in a G35 unit as well as in front of a Silicon Imaging camera, but the decision to have them happen will not be entirely up to me. I know it is not possible to please everyone at all times, but I do the best I can.

Since I have spent most of the last two years (following the previous 6 years on the focus indicator) I refining the original idea and design of FELIX (ex MPIC), I would prefer to stick with what I can do best- design that is- and delegate the production/negotiations/public relations side to more competent hands.

I hope we could all benefit from the outcome of this joint venture and bring to market better and more affordable units.
Todd, Jason, Ari, Jonathan and others, if you have comments please post...

[insanityfw]

Hello Everybody. Hello Dan.

As Dan has mentioned in the above post there are going to be some interesting things brewing this summer in the realm of film and video tools and I look forward to being part of it.

As many of you may know from this forum and other's, Dan Diaconu is a very gifted person with a lot of talent to offer, which he's proven in many of his accomplishments.

I have known Dan for many, many years now and have had the pleasure of working on film projects with him in the past and very much look forward to helping unleash his mechanical and technical creativity on the community. He also should have a lot to share from the creative and image-capturing area of film/video.

This Summer as Dan mentioned will see the release of the new Felix adapter (still need to ask Dan where he came up with the name :) and in the future the Perfect Focus device in which Dan won a Gemini award for technical achievement. No small feat to say the least.

Legal issues have hindered many of the great tools floating around in Dan's head to see the light of day. Hopefully, that is all in the past and the film/video community will benefit from years of Dan's hard work.

I will posting more as we move forward and get a better fix on the company direction and time frames, etc. Keep in mind we are working hard to get things lined up and don't want to start posting too much information before we're close to ready to deliver.

There are many things to work out, but as Dan mentioned we now have a few people to start fielding questions as we move forward. I will keep my screen name for now, but might determine in the future that a company-appropriate name is needed. I will try and make it clear on who I am and how to reach me.

Thank you for listening and I hope everybody is interested in seeing what is to come very soon.

Best regards,

Jason Francois

[Dearinger3]

I'm glad to be back on track and moving forward. Looks like a lot of good stuff to come!

Todd

[HorseFilms]

I'm very interesting in learning more about this Felix device. Sounds very interesting.

[insanityfw]

I'm very interesting in learning more about this Felix device. Sounds very interesting.

We'll be keeping you and everybody posted. We're moving as quickly as possible now. People will be very pleased with what Felix has to offer.

Thanks for the interest,

Jason

[Emanuel]

Hopeful...

Kudos for the future and "more affordable units" as far as it gets!

Emanuel

EDIT -- And about the Silicon Imaging product, if there already is one affordable solution such as F mount 35mm still lenses, so why not a 70mm one ala Winston Vargas' offer?

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=48536
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=58808

[insanityfw]

Thanks Emanuel.

It's too soon for us to post any pricing, but internally we're looking to offer a very high-quality product at a very reasonable price.

As for SI's product we'll have to wait and see what comes of it. As for the 70mm adapter, that would be up to Dan and what he feels is feasable. You never know.


Best,

Jason

[Policar]

Wow awesome news.

[Emanuel]

update?

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=610269&postcount=7

[dan]

yes! and some other goodies (if I can find that dam' magic hat to pull them outathere)
and my glasses first to find the hat. Ahh... life is getting harder every day...

[rawfa]

Dan, the man, I was checking out your website and it said I don't have authorization to see the footage. And when I tried to see the grabs from th Z1 the pics were note displayed. I'm very interested in checking it out. How does your new adapter do when it comes to latitude increase?

[dan]

Rafa, I posted details about these image converters a while ago on DVI and all the info is still on my site (although you can't see it anymore). I can't even update with pictures to show the progress, but I will get it back very soon.
Any diffuser (some more, some less) will increase the latitude.
The more light the GG soaks, the wider the range. If there is no diffusion at the GG level, the light from a bright scene will reach the CCD (through the lens of the camcorder) at almost the same intensity as through the lens itself. A good diffuser will create the image and diffuse it locally without spreading the light all over the frame (thus giving a "milky" look).
I know it may sound like contradicting FX but the nice-and-good is somewhere in the middle.
I hope you will get to see it the practical way soon, thanks for asking:) .

I just got back today the first CNC-ed two prototypes of FELIX:love4: .
Now I have to "populate" the inside, drill a few more holes and check is all good and send them for anodizing. It should be good for a spin in two-three days. I will keep you updated here:

http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/741898547/FELIX/

[rawfa]

Thanks for the tip, Dan. I KNOW it's trust worthy ;-) Do you have any advice on buying such a diffuser? Good brand? Good model? I need a 72mm for my FX1.

I checked BH to look for it but all the diffusers I found seem to give the footage a bad glow (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=22785&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) . Somehow, I have the feeling that you're talking about a different diffuser.

Once more, thanks for the help!

[dan]

That's right. That one is a lens filter and causes an overall diffusion (softening of the whole image). The one I was reffering to is the GG itself and the diffusion it creates in the out of focus areas (bokeh), thank you.

[rawfa]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Thanks once more, Dan.

[dan]

You are welcome Rafa. You are a big fan of wide lenses (I love them too:) , but then again, I love all lenses (except zooms:( ) so that does not count, lol). Is that 8mm a Nikon or what brand?

[rawfa]

Same here, Dan. I love them all. But I've been exploring wider lenses lately. There's a certain epic fill to framing with wider lenses. On a more modern note I'm a huge fan of Darius Khondjis' work. As for the lens you are asking about...you're going to laugh about this...it's a kenko for dv cameras I bought about 8 years ago when I started studying film and had nothing but a small single ccd handycam. BTW, I was VERY close to going to Vancouver to do a post-graduation in film (I LOVE Canada) but I ended up accepting an invitation to come to Barcelona.

[dan]

Dam' ! Fooled me, lol! Anyway, an 8 looks the same to the avatar you have. I am sure you know more about framing wides, where I would pretty much follow the same composition rules, but then again, you have lines and perspective that "bend the rules" (lol). As for Vancouver, you are welcome to stop on by anytime (and shoot some exotic footage, hehehe).

[Jarred Land]

this is great news Dan.. glad to hear things are going forward.

[dan]

Thanks Jarred. Almost there (http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/741898547/FELIX/IMG01612.jpg.html),

[insanityfw]

Damn, Dan. She's a beauty. I want one! I need one! :)

I have a feeling that I won't be alone in my desire.

[Neil Rowe]

it looks really nice. ..hope to see some HD stills/footage from it soon. its about time i add one of these to my kit.

[rawfa]

Dan, that looks absolutely awesome. It looks so small and light. Can it also be used for hand held shooting or are the rods mandatory? Please post some footage when you can (HD, preferably).

[Emanuel]

I had to look for but now I'm here again. Excellent news, Dan. Check your PMs. I received yours. Anyway and about that RED hint? We would like to hear some news...

For those who don't know here is the link:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=622320&postcount=70

[Emanuel]

I love all lenses (except zooms:( ) so that does not count, lol).Can you forget the matter? I'd need to. Can you? In regards to this old friend? :)

[ericyoung]

Thanks Jarred. Almost there (http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/741898547/FELIX/IMG01612.jpg.html),

Looks very nice and compact. Just a thought though - there seems to be no way of changing the height of it above the rods attachment? Have I missed something?

[Emanuel]

Here are two other interesting links:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=610315&postcount=10
(photos with the Silicon Imaging camera setup -- Mini/camera nose)

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=610269&postcount=7
(not less important, the price: dan's commitment about an affordable $1200 - $1500 price range :))

[Emanuel]

Regarding footage, try to search something here:

http://www.holyzoo.com/video/

It was available there the most interesting footage that I could see from a 35mm adapter.

[ReneH]

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship!

[dan]

Can you forget the matter? I'd need to. Can you? In regards to this old friend? :)

:) Granted !
(but...... don't tell anyone else! :2vrolijk_08: )

@ericyoung: you are right. The height is set for the standard MB. If I leave room for adjustments, I leave room for error. I don't think is a good idea. Look at video cameras and no standard height (base plate to lens distance). What a pain...(when it comes to matching with other accessories)

rafa, I will shoot some footage (if I can do it my way) if not, I will let someone else test it here in Vancouver and post his impression.
The rods are there for a good reason and they help more than getting in the way.
No need for a MB or follow focus (for gun and run) but the rods HELP a lot (trust me on this).

[Emanuel]

New thread at RED sub-forum:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=65316

I posted as usual my own bet.

[dan]

Here are the first tests with Felix on SI (B/W). (http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/741898547/SI/351.bmp.html)
Nikon lenses on Felix: 35, 50, 85, focus close and BG. 351=(35mm lens close focus), 352=(35mm lens, BG focus). SI lens was set at 2.8 and the coverage is about 24/32mm (1.33). Sorry I can't upload full rez pics for now, but they do look OK. More updates in a month.

[Spartacus]

So were´s the beef?

[rawfa]

Yeah. Dan+G35= me happy

[dan]

anyone else happy with the above combination?

[Inexistence]

I know I am... just incase my DIY ends up a total failure! At that point I will be signing up
for a Dan+G35 special

[Noah]

the above combination puts a warm tingling feeling inside my heart.

[rawfa]

The above combo is like moving from impressionism to expressionism...not to mention you guys will become millionaires...and THAT puts a warm tingling feeling inside Dan's and Jonathan's heart :D

[slinks]

so when am I gonna have one of these? :)

[Emanuel]

I second all these last inputs, for sure! Dan?

[dan]

not to mention you guys will become millionaires...and THAT puts a warm tingling feeling inside Dan's and Jonathan's heart :D
Thanks Rawfa,
I have been chasing this dream for many years now only to learn "there is more than one way to skin a cat". To get some tingling feelings one could make or spend money (ultimately both) so... I am open. My homework is good'n done. Jonathan, back to you dear. (in your court-that is)

[slinks]

gimme gimme gimme.

[Spartacus]

Thanks Rawfa,
I have been chasing this dream for many years now only to learn "there is more than one way to skin a cat". To get some tingling feelings one could make or spend money (ultimately both) so... I am open. My homework is good'n done. Jonathan, back to you dear. (in your court-that is)

Ok,
I´m I getting the wrong impression or is the Felix delayed due to legal issues?
Dan, you´re suing Jonathan ???
Or what exactly is the issue here?

Best,

- Spart

[Inexistence]

uh oh

http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/89/p2024689_l.jpg

[slinks]

Ok,
I´m I getting the wrong impression or is the Felix delayed due to legal issues?
Dan, you´re suing Jonathan ???
Or what exactly is the issue here?

Best,

- Spart

lol i doubt that is the case spart. I may be wrong but what I think he meant was that dan has finished all his reasearch and info for the adapter and now its all up to jonathan to put things together using dan's info.
"in your court" is more a reference to basketball than courtrooms as in its his turn to make the next play.

cant wait to see the new adapter!

[Spartacus]

"in your court" is more a reference to basketball than courtrooms as in its his turn to make the next play.

cant wait to see the new adapter!

Hahaha, I still got too improve my english...
Well, glad to hear things are somehow coming together sooner or later...
There are a lot of good adapters out there ATM, but this adapter feels very promising...
Keep up the good work, guys!

[dan]

Looks like Jonathan is not available (yet) to "take it from there".
Well... I guess you are all tired of pictures and you want the real thing. I made it as good as I thought it should be

http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/741898547/FELIX/IMG01612.jpg.html

and it has been in this stage from July/2006. From this stage, it should be manufactured and sold and its not up to me anymore. (You can get some focus gears (from Dennis) meanwhile).

[Spartacus]

OK,
I´m confused of all the name dropping:
which Jonathan is it producing the final FELIX (if it is still called that way...)
and the focus gear I can get exactly where? Dennis?
Thanks!

[slinks]

OK,
I´m confused of all the name dropping:
which Jonathan is it producing the final FELIX (if it is still called that way...)
and the focus gear I can get exactly where? Dennis?
Thanks!

I may be wrong but I believe it is Jonathan Houser. The man behind the G35(which produced some great footage) or more like the beta G35 since a final version never came out for sale.

[SomewhereinLA]

Dennis from Cinevate, them man behind the Brevis35.

[Spartacus]

OK, now I´m in for sure!

[Policar]

This makes no sense to me; this product had a lot of promise.

Why doesn't someone email Jonathan?

[rawfa]

I emails Jonathan from time to time. He told me many times to "keep my eyes peeled for the next couple of weeks" (that's a quote). After being told that so many times I kind of gave up on it. Image wise from all the adapters out there I still didn't see anything as good as the G35. But I think it's really expensive for a static adapter. The competition is less expensive and offers quality products with a moving mechanism that won't produce any grain. Anyway, it's one of those unsolved mysteries.

[Policar]

Interesting. Based on my own experiences, it's the sharpest thing I've seen (sharped than the mini35 in the right circumstances) and I love the out of focus blur.

The grain is really awful, but with a different layer of wax (and I have been able to produce one as such), it would be possible to get something that would be grainless in standard definition up until f5.6; in fact I think some of the early beta models were as such. I guess a moving solution is better, but I also think it's inherently a bit softer and always much more expensive...even if it were static, I think it would have made a splash if released in a similar form to how it is now.

[dan]

I guess a moving solution is better, but I also think it's inherently a bit softer and always much more expensive.
I agree with the first part, disagree with the second and agree with the third.
Best,
Dan

[Spartacus]

Anything from Jonathan yet?
Maybe from you, Dan?

[Gordon Prince]

Looks like Jonathan is not available (yet) to "take it from there".
Well... I guess you are all tired of pictures and you want the real thing. I made it as good as I thought it should be

http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/741898547/FELIX/IMG01612.jpg.html

and it has been in this stage from July/2006. From this stage, it should be manufactured and sold and its not up to me anymore. (You can get some focus gears (from Dennis) meanwhile).Names and more names, I don't give a damn if who is this or that one...

I'd just like to know: price and availability?

Is this for sale? Or is it just another show-off?

[PDX_DVX]

Any word on a follow focus device? I've been looking at getting a chrosziel, but would definitely like to save some money!

[Capt Quirk]

And I need a remote focus for my Fuji Lens...