Some focusing questions on the M2

S

sbryan

Well-known member
I'm using a DVX, but I don't think these questions are DVX-specific. I have the manual handy, but couldn't find the answers to my questions.

1. Are back-focus settings permanent? In other words, can I record the settings for a fine-tuned back focus and simply set the camera according to those settings whenever I use the camera and M2 adapter next?

2. The manual said to turn Auto-Iris and Auto-Focus off, but does that also mean I should manually set the Iris to "OPEN"? Is there a situation in which I would close the iris of the DVX -- if it should be set to open by default?

3. The horizontal and vertical alignment looks correct, but I'm not getting the crisp images I want. There seems to be a lot of noise in the picture -- which points to a focusing problem and an exposure problem. Which I guess leads me to: what zoom/focus settings are you guys using for back-focusing the M2? I think I should have approximately the same back-focus settings as everyone else...

With the M2 motor off, I still don't see visible grain -- which the manual says I should focus on. I'm using an iKan v8000HD monitor. If I turned up the gain on the DVX, would that help and be accurate?

Hopefully this all makes sense...

Thanks,
Sean
 
1. The back focus is permanent and the setting is usually different for every camera. Take off whatever lens so there is just the camera and M2. Don't turn on the M2 so you can see the ground glass. Then focus your DVX to the ground glass and write down whatever the focus is so you don't forget. That is permanent unless you change your M2 set up (you should still always check your focus on the actual camer).

2. You can set the Iris to whatever you want, but there might be a recommended f-stop. I usually shoot all the way open because the M2 wastes so much light.

3. You probably are not focused correctly. It's hard to tell sometime even with a monitor. The M2/DVX is a tough set up with noise. I use a HVX and I still haven't figured that out other than realizing that you need a ton of light.

Another thing I have noticed is whatever is in focus has less noise that whatever is out of focus, by ALOT and I have no clue why.

It is easier to focus to the ground glass when you point the camera to a light source insted of boosting the gain.
 
I thought the M2 only lost a full-stop. Is that not correct?

I thought the M2 was par with the competition in terms of light-loss... If it isn't, perhaps I should look into something more light efficient, as I only have a few practicals and limited access to borrowing lighting equipment.
 
What I was told, not read about, is that the M2 loses 2 stops and is the worst or one of the worst adaptors when it comes to light. So it is best to use a camera with great low light capabilities, which the DVX suffers in as well as the HVX.

Then again it depends on how fast the lens is you are using too.
 
You definitely need to setup your own lighting when shooting indoors, but when don't you if you want good looking footage?
 
I have Zeiss f/1.4 and f/2.0 lenses, so that helps a little bit.

2 full-stops? That's not good.
 
That is fast as hell

2 stops is what I was told, so it is something for a M2 user to test or research. If someone dose, please make a post because I want to know myself how much light is lost exactly.
 
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