35mm adapter... which is better?

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dominic.lopez

New member
I am currently looking for a 35mm adapter for my Sony HDR-FX1000. I have done research but can't decide which to purchase. I am torn between the Letus, Brevis and RedRock Encore2. I'm not concerned or limited to a budget (so to speak) I just want to make sure I get the best package for my needs. I know the Micro Encore 2 fits almost any size camera so when I upgrade my camera I should be set (and I'm pretty sure its the same for the other adapters as well). I guess I'm just looking for advice from people have used these adapters.
 
Don't forget to take a look at the Sg Blade, I was initially trying to get a letus but then ended up with a blade because it is so adaptable. I haven't regretted changing my initial decision.
 
The blade all the way for the fx1000. Here's a sample of when I still had the blade.. really regret selling it.

 
Yeah, I have the blade and start using it with the Sony EX3 - E3 got damaged
So I start using my EX1 with it - EX1 got damaged
And now I have to use it with my spotting cam, the Canon HV40.
It works but there is a noticable difference with the Sony's in picture quality.
If you are not used to the Sony/SGBlade combo, you might like the Canon/Blade combo.
For now, Iam happy to have them both, while waiting for the EX1 to come back to daddy.
The SGBlade is the thing to go for, definitely!
 
dominic.lopez said:
I am currently looking for a 35mm adapter for my Sony HDR-FX1000. I have done research but can't decide which to purchase. I am torn between the Letus, Brevis and RedRock Encore2. I'm not concerned or limited to a budget (so to speak) I just want to make sure I get the best package for my needs. I know the Micro Encore 2 fits almost any size camera so when I upgrade my camera I should be set (and I'm pretty sure its the same for the other adapters as well). I guess I'm just looking for advice from people have used these adapters.
Click to expand...

I'm jumping on this thread late, but thought with my extensive experiencing owning and shooing professionally with different 35mm adapter rigs from PS Technik, Letus, M2, to Brevis, I'd share a few things.

All adapters are going to give you the depth of field you are after, each adapter has minor differences but in the end will achieve more or less the same results. So really, shoot with whatever you can get your hands on cheap. 35mm adapters are around $500 these days if not less, invest in some good lenses and off you go. You're going to end up spending a lot of money on the support rods, platform, etc.. so I suggest getting a package that offers you everything in one shot. I know a friend who was able to pickup a Brevis with rods, platform and several cinefuse elements for a really good price.

On a tangent:
If you are starting from scratch and money is not really an object, I would consider light-loss, codec, and overall ergonimics of the complete rig before anything else. For example a Brevis rig with a HVX200 is going to weigh a lot and be at least 20 inches in overall length. You will also have to add a external LCD screen and support rods to it because the LCD screen is going to be behind your head. Will you only shoot on a tripod, or do you want flexibility of shoulder-mount or in-car shotting for example? An XLH1 rig will be much better ergonimically and it will improve light loss, but now you're shooting to tape / miniDV using HDV.

If you don't understand why light-loss is important, I can preach to you what it was like shooting using the PS Technik mini35 and getting an effective ASA of 60. Some adapters claim zero light loss but if you're going through a stock camera lens then you are losing light anyway. Definitely plan on using proper lighting indoors, and for outdoors use ND filters and bounced light in the shade for professional results. I also think a good codec can make up for some of the shortcomings of 35mm adapters when it comes to post production if you want to further adjust levels or do color grading. Higher bitrate is always better. If your cameras outputs RAW or really high bitrates through HDMI or SDI then use it.

If all this sounds too complicated, cumbersome and like a complete hassle - it is. So consider the Sony F3 now that it is available, the FS100, or even DSLR. Like anything there are pros and cons to each solution, so in the end you need to decide what is best for you. Me? I still like an old fashioned 35mm adapter rig and prefer to shoot with a proper video camera that gives you all the camera features you could ask for. :D
 
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I have an SGblade with rails/nikon adapter for sale setup for 72mm threaded cameras (xha1, dvx, hdr) and I loved it. I had used a letus and a brevis before. Was NOT a fan of the brevis. I liked the letus a lot. After using all 3 I personally liked the blade the best. If i still was filming and not just editing I wouldn't be selling it.
 
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