Pros and Cons of a 35mm adapter from those who use them

[Vampiresoup]

Ok. So I've read almost everything on adapters from PEPSI 35 to Mini 35. I'm lookin for some info on what its like to use a 35mm adapter in the field.
I have an oppertunity to get a 35mm adapter for fairly cheap. It's a static one but there's not much vingetting from what I saw when I tried it out.

If any of you guys who use them regularly post some of the pros and cons of a nice static 35 adapter, that would be super appreciated.

I have a couple of questions

It's impossible to zoom with an adapter right? Has that caused some problems with filming your movies?

You cant go above f4 on this adapter without seeing grain. Would that be a huge problem?

What brand of lens would you suggest for a nice static 35 mm adapter.


Thanks again

Andrew

[Aaron Koolen]

I don't have one but you can zoom if you have a zoom lens. It's just that most guys use primes.

[Vampiresoup]

Is it possible to match footage of an adapter vs no adapter? Or Does it just look ridiculious.

[Policar]

I've used a mini35, a guerilla35 beta unit, and a couple home built adapters.

First of all, it's no small investment. If you want to shoot well, get some lenses and some lights! Expect to spend $600-$10,000 on lenses. You can fudge it with a 35mm f2.0 a f1.8 50mm and a 85mm f1.8, but then you'll end up spending more on lights. A follow focus and rod system (I have neither, but will get both soon I hope) are also basically necessary for pulling focus.

And yes, you will need lights. Probably lots.

Anyhow, I love the mini35 but the guerilla35 beta isn't bad either. The home built adapters can definitely approach that level, but don't expect miracles. Shooting with an adapter is a whole new ball game and a lot of fun, but don't expect the same smooth/fast workflow that you enjoy now. I had a shoot that went to hell with all the 35mm adapter issues I had just yesterday but today I did one with just two lenses, no field monitor, and a tripod and a single 350w light and it went great.

[Policar]

Yes, you can cut between the two, if you're smart about it and do a little color correction. I've tried, and it's not ideal but it does work. Maintain similar exposure.

As for zooms, no smooth servo zooms but you can get great nikkor zooms for under $1000 (f2.8). I bought a Tokina 80-200 f2.8 zoom for $100 and it's a piece of junk optically but does the job, but I don't use it since it's too big to use without rods.