B4/PL adapter

Guy Jackson DP

Guy Jackson DP

Member
http://blog.abelcine.com/2011/04/20/nab-11-hdx-optical-adapters/#more-11736

Since i still have two 2/3 HD lenses from my Varicam package: Fujinon 13x and a 22x
i was wandering what do you all think about it, this could be a great solution for documentary work.
it cost 2.5 stops but the F3 800 ISO at 0db might handle it.
since i'm on a shoot until August and will not have time to test it for myself i would love to hear anyone that gave it a shot and what were the results.
 
if you have the glass already I think it's a great solution. I'm not a super expert on optics, I know it would be a doubler for your field of view from s35, which is fine for docu, and news work since shooters in those areas tend to need the long focal lengths. but I don't think it would effect your DOF no? meaning you'd have to stop down more to get deeper DOF. or does the optic change DOF characteristics too? because that's something to consider, unless your just a monster at focusing.

but I really think this gives the camera extra flexibility and use. log workflow might be an option too if you can figure out a way to do the work you do and combine that smoothly. pre built lut, to a 422 pro res recorder perhaps? that will give you a new rating at 1600 iso, and even great results at 3200 iso incase you need to stop down even more. this camera is insanely light sensitive.
 
Abel Cine make a special optical unit to allow B4 coverage and retain focal lengths for the F3. Quality looks very good.
 
Well... especially on the FS100 (with no ND filters), losing 2.5 stops might even be considered a good thing in the ENG shooting.. While giving you the common broadcast zoom capabilities...very interesting... This might enable the "all-around" usage of those single S35 chip, super shallow DOF, sensitive cameras!
 
You definitely lose 2+ full stops, only the zoom works electronically not iris, your FOV is increased by a factor of +2X, you have to use it on a rail system because it adds about 6 inches to the front of the camera to lens opening, and the cost ($6000) is excessive. I considered it, but the drawbacks outweighed the advantages. For F3 I think waiting for the Sony or other manufacturers power zooms is worth the extra wait time.
 
I saw it at NAB and was quite impressed. As I understand it your FOV is the same as it would have been on the B4 and you can afford the stop ;loss. Only issue other than $6K is the extra length ( I don't think its a full 6" is it) . I tend to think that's a killer for handheld work esp as F3 is hard enough. For events or other tripod work I would think it could be great.
 
the sony f3 power zoom, i hear rumors it might cost more than the camera. Won't know till official announcement though. Since Guy already owns ENG lenses, i think the 5k investment into the b4 adapter is still gonna be a good one. keeps the investment in the glass still very usable.
 
ZumaDog said:
You definitely lose 2+ full stops, only the zoom works electronically not iris
Click to expand...
So how do you control the iris using this set up? Also if your 2/3" lens is F1.7 will it give you the DOF characteristics of a f1.7 lens on the F3?
 
If there is really no loss of resolution or as Mitch says: the Glass should even look better going to the F3 sensor rather then a CCD chip camera then i need to get one soon:
exposer:2+ stops loss hurts but i found the F3 to be very fast to begin with. also pushing the db is super clean up to the 9's.
Iris motor: i never used auto iris and not planning on ever doing so.
Magnification: my Wide Zoom starts at 4.5mm (on 2/3 sensor) so even with the magnification it will still be wide enough. my other lens will let me shoot rocks on the moon now :-)
Adapter length: i always use rods (4 matte-box and extra grip points while hand held) and with the new firmware we will finally be able to use EVF's, so finding the right balance for the lens with the F3/Ki pro mini/Anton bower in the back should be easy.
Price: although $5800 is not cheap, my 2/3 lenses cost a lot and lots more (at able BTW :-) so extending the life of a glass i was convinced was obsolete for my needs until a month ago is worth it.

if anyone at Able wants to show it off i'm willing to shoot a test for them on the set of the successful show i DP in the next few months, Mitch?
 
I believe there is no magnification affect, the 2/3" image is blown up to the larger sensor, FOV remains the same , DOF goes way down. Its a winner for guy with the glass already.
 
I just realized that my Fujinon HA 13x 4.5-59mm T 2.0 will turn into a 12- 159mm at T4.5, guess if i'm outdoor or with a 5 ton truck i get an insane range out of it, so maybe it was still worth the $25K i paid for it :-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top