35 adapters

Ryan Patrick O'Hara

Ryan Patrick O'Hara

Veteran
Hey guys, I just want to know what everyones thoughts are on the need for 35mm adapters. I am ordering a HVX200 and am starting to panic that in order to get nice shallow DOF shots, I am going to need to spend more money on a 35 adapter! Can any of you tell me the DOF range the standard lens gives? I assume if I manipulate my apature and perhaps add the tele add-on, I can create a slightly more shallow depth, but I am starting to really wonder. Plus then I would have to rent lenses because I can't afford a set of 35mm's. But I have seen some DVX footage with 35 adapters and the footage is amazing.... I am gonna go calm down with a bottle of vodka and get some sleep. Any help would be very benificial to my nervous system. Thanks. :kali:
 
Hi Prodigy. Well, I have to say, you don't really need a lens adapter to get good DOF. You just need to zoom in all the way, max focal length on the HVX, then use ND to open the iris all the way, then increase the distance between the 2 subjects to at least 10 feet. You will get super images. True the 35 adapter will allow you to get subjects out of focus at closer distances, but if you can't afford it, just use the gorgeous lens that comes with the HVX. I am so impressed by it. You want me to post some pics? :)
 
Keep in mind that not only do you get an extremely shallow DOF with an adapter like the M2, you also get softer, more pleasing edges on your subject.
 
That is true, I have seen the results and they are soft and filmic, but I was addressing DOF in particular.
 
Prodigy, I'd recommend waiting until you get the HVX200 in your hands and test for yourself if the camera's stock lens is adequate for your needs. 35mm adapters are not without setup challenges of their own so the need for a 35mm adapter depends on whether you are willing to try to do this with the HVX200 alone (and make those necessary adjustments Rush described above, for example) or whether you are prepared to:

1) Pay for the added cost of the 35mm adapter, rods, and lenses. Fortunately, Nikon lenses are always on eBay and you could find good deals there for lenses that are not as fast. But expect to pay $1,500 for the M2 with HD achromat and rod support without any lenses.

2) Account for the added weight of the 35mm adapter on both tripod and handheld. The M2 with rods adds 4lbs 9ozs not including lens or mattebox or any other accessories. Make sure your tripod can support the extra weight. The entire setup is fairly cumbersome too, and could be challenging for handheld. The M2 is very durable in build itself, but because of the way it's setup, you do not want to move the focus ring or jar the HVX200 controls since they need to remain in the same place for the adapter to work. Which brings up another point:

3) Setup time and calibration. Each time you change camera positions, change a lens, or move a lot, you could potentially change the back focus of the 35mm adapter or at least on the M2. Be prepared to take some additional time with setups, especially with some lenses - some setups are so shallow that if your actor leans forwards or backwards, and miss their marks, this could affect focus.

4) Focus is another good point to bring up, since some adapters, like the M2, invert the image. It is upside down. Unless you can get used to this, you may need an external monitor which adds more money and weight, but is a good idea for critical focus. This is going to be a future purchase of mine even though I don't intend on keeping my setup for too long (Red coming up next year!)

So essentially, it is a lot like shooting like film (especially with the P2 cards). Of course, you do get great images. Still testing mine out.
 
Rush, how's it going, man? Was wondering where you've been, see if you can make it out to Hawaii in October for the bootcamp!
 
Hey OZ, doing great! I've been out doing this How-to thing for a while. Seems like the forum is still as chill as ever :) All the same great folks. Feels like I've been gone a year, it's only been a month. I hope all is well for you.
 
Hey thanks guys for all the responses! This info was very helpful. At this point, I would like the M2 but don't know if I am ready to spend the money. I'll test the DOF the HVX lens gives. Either way, it's a great camera and I can't wait for mine to come in.
Best regards,


PS. Rush, if you want to post some pics please be my guest, I'd love to see 'em!
 
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I've got the M2 on order, and we're hopefully going to be testing out someone elses model this Friday.

We're getting the M2 to shoot a feature in July, but one thing you have to realise is that the script has been written with the HVX and M2 in mind so that we have the time to set up properly, and it's mostly single location.

I think for our first feature, the M2 would have been overkill and would have hindered us more than helped. So would have been a waste of money at that point.

So it depends on what you need it for.
 
Thanks! I understand the M2 may be time consuming, but is the setup time per shot more then a 16mm Arri SR2? I have had experience with this camera, and multiple lenses. I can imagine the cumbersome size, weight, and lens changing would be similar. I am used to film shoots so is the M2 workflow similar? Thanks.
 
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