Teach me about DIY 35mm adapters

[MatthewC]

I have been told a few times by people to get myself a 35mm adapter to have a shallower depth-of-field and achieve a more film like look to any of my projects. Now I understand that basic concepts of the 35mm adapter, how you can use 35mm SLR lenses on it, and the basic ideas of the DOF usage, etc.

If someone could explain how the image is changed using the adapter to me, that would be very useful. I'm also hearing terms like GG and not understanding what that means. Are there more than one type of 35mm adapters?

Also, what type of lenses can be used? 35mm SLR lenses? What focal lengths are recommended? Are there certain ones you can't use due to the way the image handles?
How much am I looking at cost wise for a 35mm lense to stick on my adapter?


Does anyone have any older units that still work or beta units for sale, as I'd love to learn a little bit more, than dive right into it and pick up what I need to get started on teaching myself to use this excellent device. Nothing like some good hands on I say.

If it does come down to it, I will try and build one for myself, and I would like the cheapest possible method that gives good results also.

Sorry for all the questions but I figured if anyone can help me out with this it's you guys. Thanks for your continued patience on my behalf.

 

[TC]

Oh man, there are SOOOOO many 35 threads. Just do a search, you will find the answers to your questions, and so much more.

 

[snodart]

I will be working on a DVD tutorial for a vibrating GG 35mm adapter as soon as my hero-fest entry is done. My plan is to include all the basics about 35mm adapters with some Maya 3d images, GG options, some depth of field basics, step by step instructions for how to build a vibrating adapter, and on and on. Here is the link about it I started awhile back.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=54639

In the mean time:

If someone could explain how the image is changed using the adapter to me, that would be very useful. I'm also hearing terms like GG and not understanding what that means. Are there more than one type of 35mm adapters?

The image is projected from the 35mm lens to a focusing screen (or GG, ground glass). The GG is the same distance that the 35mm film would be, and in a sense takes its place. The GG is translucent so the image can be seen on the DV/HD cam side of the GG. The two main types of adapters are static and dynamic (or moving). With static adapters the GG is stationary. With dynamic, the GG is either rotated, vibrated, or in some way kept in motion. The advantage of a dynamic GG is that the slight grain from the GG is better hidden because none of the tiny pits in the glass remain in the same place for long.

Also, what type of lenses can be used? 35mm SLR lenses? What focal lengths are recommended? Are there certain ones you can't use due to the way the image handles?
How much am I looking at cost wise for a 35mm lens to stick on my adapter?

The most common lens used is probably a manual 50mm (focal length) lens for a 35mm SLR cam. Canon and Nikon seem to be the popular ones that produce great results for a decent price. The lens will need to be a f/1.4 or f/1.8 (max). Canon versions run around $40-$100 for a used MF 50mm (Focal) lens. The same type of lens from Nikon runs a bit more, but seems to stay under $150. Aside from that, you can use any 35mm lens you want so long as it fits into the same type of lens mount that you have on the adapter. Slower lenses will have more light loss, which is not good with a GG.

Does anyone have any older units that still work or beta units for sale, as I'd love to learn a little bit more, than dive right into it and pick up what I need to get started on teaching myself to use this excellent device. Nothing like some good hands on I say.

The DVD guide/DIY tutorial is months away from being completed, but I would love to have you review a preliminary version to build the vibrating adapter. The only cost would be to give me feedback as to how easy or difficult the DVD was to follow, so that I could make any necessary changes.

 

[MatthewC]

Oh man, there are SOOOOO many 35 threads. Just do a search, you will find the answers to your questions, and so much more.

Yeah, I've read quite a few of the 35mm threads, but most of the knowledge discussed seems above my head, as everyone seems to mostly know what they are talking about. As a beginner, it's slightly over my head and just a little intimidating at first.

GOOD STUFF

Thanks for the awesome explanation of how they work. You've really cleared things up for me. As for your DVD review, I'd love to help out. It would definately give me a little bit more incentive to actually build one myself, as compared to buying one. I've looked at various tutorials and been a little intimidated, but if your gonna make it as kickass as it sounds, I think I could probably do it without any big problems. Looking forward to it.