Another "Should I commit?" Scarlet/HVX question

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pattern.against.user

Member
I know it is probably getting old and tiresome for some of you to hear this for the thousandth time, but please bear with me.

Unlike a lot of people wondering whether to sell or not I havn't invested anymore into my rig than a firestore, tripod and the camera itself. I've been looking into the costs of DOF adapters, lenses, matteboxes and such and it is getting up there pricewise.

All I've really been able to find out in terms of cost of the Scarlet is that the unit that utilizes interchangeable lenses is presumably going to run 3500, brain only. I guess ultimately what I'm trying to figure out is an estimated price range to have it fully ready to shoot and should I be investing into adapter rigs or just hold off for Scarlet (whenever it comes out)?

I'm currently out shooting with my hvx and do it because I'm a fan of film. I'm not a working professional and I'm trying to spend the money I have wisely. I know there isn't a clear answer out there but I'm sure some of you are in the same boat.

Please weigh in!!!:dankk2:
 
My two cents - unless your gear is making you money don't bother putting any more money into it...not until you've mastered what you have and can honestly tell yourself that the tech is going to make your work better than it is right now. My guess is you could still get quite a lot out of the HVX/firestore combo without adding much else to it.

If for some reason you absolutely have to get an adapter - I would seriously consider looking for a used one. Many people (myself included) have been selling theirs off , as cameras like the GH1, 5DMKII, and upcoming 7D come out there will probably be less of a demand for adapters... and there will be some great deals to be hand in the secondhand market.

Don't let an 'upcoming' camera stop you from what you need today... because that is something that will never change - a new and better piece of gear will ALWAYS be around the corner.

The trick is figuring out what you really NEED and what it is that you just WANT.
If you aren't making a living, or even a return, on your equipment now - then personally I would stick with what you have. If you have any serious shoots coming up, rent what you need (adapter, etc). Keep track of how often you're renting...see what it costs you.. and it will become a lot clearer when it makes sense to buy.

Otherwise - keep your money... that way when you want to make that next leap (to the Scarlet, or whatever else it is that you decide makes sense for you to buy) you'll hopefully already have the funds to do so.

In the meantime - spend your time getting the most out of what you have. Shoot...edit... study.. and get better at your craft.

I know - not a very exciting answer - but it's what I would do.
Just my 2 cents.
 
Thanks for the response. I know that I definately want the 35mm look and will inevitably need an adapter, rails and an ex.moniter for focus. Let's say I can find that used for around 2000, that puts me at about 6 total so far. Now, if the Scarlet figure is going to greatly shadow that when pieced together I think I can wait until I'm at the point of bringing in additional income to get it.

Deep down I know this is kinda pointless considering that prices change and there is no release date.
 
pattern.against.user said:
prices change and there is no release date.
Click to expand...

Bingo.

Last word from RED was that the earliest we'd hear anything more about Scarlet would be around October. So I would just hang tight for the next two months and see what happens. Then you can hopefully make some decisions based on facts, and not just rumor.
 
yeah, in your case i say wait as well. use what you have, rent what you dont.

i predict though that like the red ONE, once the scarlet is released it will still be several months before joe-average-dude could hope to actually take delivery of one...

but also keep in mind the "red illusion" is that yeah the prices look good, but youre gonna have to add, power, storage, lens(es), monitor etc. even with the cheapest "brain only" kit (which is $2500 according to the red site) youre gonna eclipse $6k pretty easily
 
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