M2 - Nikon - Just got it, had to test...

C-Mac

C-Mac

Well-known member
JUST A NOTE: I'VE UPDATED THE VIDEO WITH NEW CLIPS, if anyone cares to see the new shots... I'm really liking my M2 and can't wait to use it on the upcoming scenes and music video. As always focus challanging, but I think I'm starting to get better with the HVX monitor... still need a marshall to see the image upright.

Ok, nothing fancy or exciting here, just shot some footage of my dog in the back yard with my M2 and thought I would share as I like to watch just about anything shot with the 35mm adaptors. Got it yesterday, so I'm in need of things to shoot.

Footage is softfocus as I used the HVX monitor to judge focus and that obviously is not ideal, not to mention shooting things upside down is a bit odd. :) Also, need but did not have a follow focus.

I'll be using the M2 very soon to shoot some scenes and a music video and I'm definately looking forward to it.

Here's 2 stills:

http://www.pulsecinema.com/M2DOF/DOG.html

Here's the full rez images:

http://www.pulsecinema.com/M2DOF/M2ELLA01.tif

http://www.pulsecinema.com/M2DOF/M2ELLA02.tif

UPDATED VIDEO WITH NEW SHOTS:

http://www.pulsecinema.com/M2DOF/DOG2.mov

chris
 
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you gotta love the M2 Nikon setup. It is what I used to shoot Stricken, and I LOVED it. I am using my rig on a music video shoot this upcoming weekend. you will have to upload some more stuff when you film your music video.
 
The main thing that's really critical when you use the M2 is the focus from the camera to the screen. If that's slightly off it'll soften your image even though you may be in focus on the 35mm lens. Also, I found that by having it hardmounted removes any accidental movement between the camera the the M2. This occurs a lot when you're focusing because your hand is always putting some type of unwanted lateral pressure on the lens. Just the slightest rocking movement of the M2 can make your image go in and out of sharp focus slightly.

A little trick I've found (because sometimes you don't have a monitor to view when you're running and gunning) is to flip the LCD just until the image flips. then you look at it from over the top and down to view the image rightside up. It's a little difficult at first but you'll get used to it over time. You'll be a little hunched over but you'll find that it's a quick and easy way to shoot when you're not in a studio environment. You'll be your own sun shade and still be able to stay on top of your focus. Also the focus assist button is your best friend. This will ensure you focus exactly on the grain of the screen before you turn it on. Check this often because at any point the focus might change by accident.

Once you get it down I think you'll really like this thing. Have fun with it.
 
Hey Spinflight,

Thanks for the info. Is there a link to info on how to hard mount the M2.

chris
 
Great looking stuff msconce, I've gotten some nice images from the HVX but I'm really looking foward to the M2.

chris
 
Yeah, she was really making life easy this morning. My buddy said he didn't know what was more impressive, the footage or the dog staying still, LOL.

chris
 
I would upload a picture but I don't have my camera with me at the moment. It's just a series of rings to connect the M2 so it doesn't move. I'll upload a picture of my set up tomorrow so you can see it.
 
Spinflight said:
I would upload a picture but I don't have my camera with me at the moment. It's just a series of rings to connect the M2 so it doesn't move. I'll upload a picture of my set up tomorrow so you can see it.
Click to expand...

Sweet, I'd like to see it.

Thanks bro,

chris
 
M2 canine footage

M2 canine footage

Cmac,

Really cool static shots with the different lens set ups. I have been researching this to death and have come up with either the M2 or the Brevis. They both seem to produce great results. I have been watching ebay and such for the nikkor lens. Is this what you are using or do I need to purchase some other type from Nikon?

Also will you be adding a Mattebox/rails/ follow focus to your set up? I have priced out everything I need with M2, Firestore,Marshall monitor,rails, mattebox etc... and its comes in at around 10,000 bills. I own the HVX200 now but only with extra battery and 1 4gig card and some other trinkets. So my question is how worth it was it. I love the end result and hope to shoot some commercial spots in my spare time when I am not filming on the road in some other country and maybe a short someday soon.

JK
 
So far I'm lovin it, I think it is completely worth the price. I bought all Nikon Ai-S Manual Focus prime lenses. I will likely buy a follow focus, but will go ahead and rent the Marshall and Mattebox for the time, as I have a 14inch sony PVM-14L5 and 2 Dell 24 inch LCD that I can take out from my editing suite. I figure it's only $65 to rent a Marshall and an Israel arm. A mattebox won't cost much more to rent. When I can swing them I'll get em.

I need to find a follow focus that will fit the nikon lenses. I'm considering the redrock one now that I've heard they've made it better.

chris
 
Jim Kinsey said:
C-mac,

What might a set of lens run me? I have been looking around and found this site
http://www.jsinteractive.com/sensor/products.htm

Is this a fair price or could i potentially find something similar at a more reasonable price.

JK
Click to expand...

You should be able to do better on ebay... I bought faster lenses than the ones from you link... I bought them on ebay for under $2k, Nikon 85mm f1.4, Nikon 50mm 1.4, Nikon 35mm 1.4, Nikon 20mm 2.8.... A fast 105mm should not be a back breaker. I'm actually thiking about getting a zoom 80-200mm for the long shots. I bought my Nikon 35mm 1.4 used from B&H... All of my lenses are Ai-S not that that matters, Ai lenses would be fine also. These lenses from your link are geared for a follow focus and that is nice. I just ordered the redrock follow focus, hopefully their gears will work well...



chris
 
You'll find a good set, just have to put the pieces together yourself.

I hear the Zeiss primes work great.

chris
 
Here's a couple shots for you

m2a.jpg


m2b.jpg
 
Wow does that baby rock or what! I cant wait to get mine ordered. Just a few more weeks. I have a 100-400mm canon EOS that I have used for years with my XL2 and it has produced some amazing images can I use this lens for the M2 and what kind or results might I get?


JK
 
Jim

I've never used that lens so I'm not sure of the specs on it. It has quite a zoom range so I would imagine the length of the lens changes as you zoom in correct? That may affect your balance on the tripod quite a bit as you change focal length. Something to consider. Also it probably isn't a very fast lens. It'll probably eat up gobs of light so you may want to try a lens that is at least a f2.8. You may get away with it on a bright day outside but indoors, you'll need 2k's or higher to light.
 
I went ahead and posted the full rez images on the opening post if anyone wants to see them...

chris
 
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