Adapter for Ziess Compact Primes

Kindredmachine

Kindredmachine

Well-known member
Sorry if this has already been discused, but what do you think is the best PL to M4/3 adapter to use for the new Ziess Compact Prime lenses? Does Panasonic make an official one?

FYI: I'm assuming I should get the PL lenses because I heard the crop factor is less than other mounts? Is this right?

Thanks!
 
There's something very nice about having the native 4/3 mount but yeah PL mount is more universal. Crop factor wouldn't change.

Noah
 
Oh and as far as a PL adapter, I wouldn't really go with anything less than the Hotrod. If you are going to be hanging expensive glass off the adapter, I would want something reliable and with known quality/shim ability.
 
Thanks for the Hotrod reference, I think this is the one you're refering to...

http://www.evsonline.com/hot-rod-pl-af100-tuner-kit-pl-lens-mount-system.html

Also, maybe I'm thinking of a difference in FOV and not crop factor; I've never used SLR lenses before so I'm looking at a huge learning curve here. So is there AN difference at all between what mount to use? We're looking to order some Ziess CP2 lenses but I have no idea what mount to get...
 
That's good to know. I have no idea where in the forums I read there was a difference but obviously they didn't know what they were talking about. I'll go with the PL mounts then. Thanks!
 
FYI, the Hot Rod PL mount has been tested in harsh shooting conditions with PL mount lenses/accessories at 10+ lbs. successfully with no additional lens support beyond what is included in an Hot Rod Kit (Deluxe, Basic, Tuner..etc). This does not mean we recommend this practice.

The Hot Rod PL mount has been engineered to work flawlessly even some of the heaviest prime lenses. However, common sense should always be used when working with heavy lenses. Hot Rod recommends additional support if you are shooting with very long or lenses heavier than 7 lbs.

Of course if you are shooting with even very light lenses in extreme conditions (i.e. wing mounts/roller-coasters/nose mounts....any significant vibration) it's a good idea to have extra support, vibration isolation, and/or wind break for a lens.
 
Illya Friedman said:
FYI, the Hot Rod PL mount has been tested in harsh shooting conditions with PL mount lenses/accessories at 10+ lbs. successfully with no additional lens support beyond what is included in an Hot Rod Kit (Deluxe, Basic, Tuner..etc). This does not mean we recommend this practice.

The Hot Rod PL mount has been engineered to work flawlessly even some of the heaviest prime lenses. However, common sense should always be used when working with heavy lenses. Hot Rod recommends additional support if you are shooting with very long or lenses heavier than 7 lbs.

Of course if you are shooting with even very light lenses in extreme conditions (i.e. wing mounts/roller-coasters/nose mounts....any significant vibration) it's a good idea to have extra support, vibration isolation, and/or wind break for a lens.
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That's actually very good to know, thank you! We shoot documentaries all over the place and the last thing I need to worry about is equipment breaking. Two years ago we were filming in Israel up by the Syrian border and shooting is pretty much along the lines of "get in the car, let's go!", "get the cam down on the floor, military checkpoint ahead!" and of course moving through crowded city streets in Jerusalem where people are literally 2-3 feet from your rig. I'm always worried about screws coming loose or lenses getting hit against things. When you're half way around the world, sturdy equipment becomes priceless.
 
I like the idea of using PL lenses.

However, it's been mentioned that PL mounts on the AF100 need to be shimmed by a professional.
 
Terry_Lasater said:
I like the idea of using PL lenses.

However, it's been mentioned that PL mounts on the AF100 need to be shimmed by a professional.
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They may or may not need to be shimmed.
This would be determined by measuring from your focal plane to the test chart, and checking to see if the reading on the lens matches up with the measurement from your tape. And this is assuming that all said lenses have already been culminated.
As a side note, PL mount lenses are traditionally much more expensive than like lenses with different mounts. If someone already owns a nice set of PL mount lenses, then it makes sense to purchase a PL to M4/3 adapter. But for a novice trying to acquire their first lens set for an AF100, PL mount lenses can be a pricy proposition.

All the Best!
 
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The Denz Adapter lists for 1785,- EUR and is available in limited numbers from PhotoCineRent in about two weeks.
This adapter is shimmable and made to fit Arri Accesories such as the BP8 Baseplate and handgrips.
There will also be a cheaper version that is just the MFT to PL adapter (still shimmable) but without the support system,
that one retails for 465,- EUR
http://www.vimeo.com/18278263


Cineroid04.jpg

Albrecht Gerlach
www.photocinerent.fr
 
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David W. Jones said:
They may or may not need to be shimmed.
This would be determined by measuring from your focal plane to the test chart, and checking to see if the reading on the lens matches up with the measurement from your tape. And this is assuming that all said lenses have already been culminated.
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We're on the same page. Point is, it would require tools and experience from a pro.

As a side note, PL mount lenses are traditionally much more expensive than like lenses with different mounts. If someone already owns a nice set of PL mount lenses, then it makes sense to purchase a PL to M4/3 adapter. But for a novice trying to acquire their first lens set for an AF100, PL mount lenses can be a pricy proposition.

All the Best!
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PL mount lenses and accessories are pricey as you mentioned. The OP is asking what adapter is needed to use PL mounted Zeiss CP lenses on the AF100.

As for me, although I like PL lenses, I might have to wait a while before taking out a loan for a set of primes. :/
 
If PL lenses need to be shinned then would it make any difference to get the same lens with a different mount? The Ziess CP2 lenses come with different mounts so I would think it would all be the same. I agree that these lenses are very pricy. We may only order 1 or 2 primary ones and rent others if needed for certain shots.
 
They only need to be shimmed for the witness (distance) marks to be dead on. I would think that most AF100 shooters don't need to be that rigorous, taking tape measurements to marks, etc., when follow focus discs and/or lens barrels can be labeled with the required marks.
 
I understand what you're saying, and I would think any AF100 shooter laying out the cash for the camera, PL lenses, and PL mount would want the witness marks to be accurate too.
 
A PL lens requires or does not require the same degree of shimming as any other lens. The advantage of a PL lens is that it is in fact easily shimmable and once it has been set then it will hold very accurate marks. For the life of me I cannot see how this could be construed as a negative aspect of the lens design.
 
Not sure which comment(s) you're referring to but I have a question for you, Mitch. What challenges, if any, do you foresee in using the AF100 with a variety of lens mounts - PL, Canon (Birger mount), m4/3?
 
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