Canon ENG B4 Lens on GH1
- Thread starter bumkicho
- Start date
Thank you Bumkicho!
Seriously taking our orders and sending them out right after you got back from Korea. Your a real trouper. Better than first class delivery.
Some quick impressions:
1) Adapter is nicely made actually much better than I had expected. I was concerned about putting the B4 on the Canon FD adapter. Thought it would be a little wonky and too big. With my digital calipers I meausure the B4 mount adds approximately an additional 13.5mm to the front of the FD mount. So it's not that big of an add-on to the FD mount. The B4 adapter is very well machined and firmly attaches to the FD mount as if it was one complete piece.
2) It was about 6pm when I got the mount so there was very little time for me to shoot. So I decided to jump on the trolley and head for Chinatown with only my indiRAILSmp, no tripod. It was a bit of a risk but I did a quick test putting the GH1 on the rig and although it was a little top heavy, the mount and lens was surprisingly fairly stable for such a long lens.
Today's test was with the beautiful Canon J8x6B 6-48mm 1:1.7 B4 lens that I purchased from dotconnproductions here on the forum. This is not a cheap lens but I took a gamble and I have to say it's worth it.
3) Initial impressions: This is so far one of the best wide angle zoom lenses that I've put on the GH1. With the Canon 2x doubler engaged the 6mm becomes 12mm giving the 35mm equivalent FOV of 24mm. My first words were "WOW!" most legacy lenses will not work unless you got something that's 24mm and with the 24mm legacy lens you are left with a 50mm FOV. WIth this lens you get a real nice 24mm FOV.
Again, this is just initial impressions from scanning through the footage I shot. Overall wides are pretty sharp from the center to the edge of the frame. Now mind you that was probably helped since most everything was shot at F/5.6 since I did not have 105mm ND filters to stay wide open.
As you go to the higher focal range, it does soften up and darken slightly depending on lighting conditions. Shots are still usable but there's a softness there.
Over all, it's still really exciting to be able to use B4 lenses. Just to get the wides sharp with little vignetting from edge to edge is worth it to me.
There needs to be more tests done obviously wide open and with NDs as well as to test the mount to see how well one can achieve infinity focus.
I'm hoping that bumkicho could encourage the guy who produced this mount to sell more of them. Many of us already have FD mounts for our GH1 and this B4 to FD addition was a good price point to jump on the wagon.
My ftp server is down but I do have a dropbox account and can send an e-mail invite for some of the original MTS files just PM me if you want to take a gander. I'm currently transcoding my footage now and will put together the test footy quickly for people to see.
Many thanks bumkicho for forging into the B4 territory and sharing your knowledge and getting your guy to make a few more mounts! I'm sure Barry and the rest of the initial B4 crew will share their insightful thoughts as well.
Gmoe
Seriously taking our orders and sending them out right after you got back from Korea. Your a real trouper. Better than first class delivery.
Some quick impressions:
1) Adapter is nicely made actually much better than I had expected. I was concerned about putting the B4 on the Canon FD adapter. Thought it would be a little wonky and too big. With my digital calipers I meausure the B4 mount adds approximately an additional 13.5mm to the front of the FD mount. So it's not that big of an add-on to the FD mount. The B4 adapter is very well machined and firmly attaches to the FD mount as if it was one complete piece.
2) It was about 6pm when I got the mount so there was very little time for me to shoot. So I decided to jump on the trolley and head for Chinatown with only my indiRAILSmp, no tripod. It was a bit of a risk but I did a quick test putting the GH1 on the rig and although it was a little top heavy, the mount and lens was surprisingly fairly stable for such a long lens.
Today's test was with the beautiful Canon J8x6B 6-48mm 1:1.7 B4 lens that I purchased from dotconnproductions here on the forum. This is not a cheap lens but I took a gamble and I have to say it's worth it.
3) Initial impressions: This is so far one of the best wide angle zoom lenses that I've put on the GH1. With the Canon 2x doubler engaged the 6mm becomes 12mm giving the 35mm equivalent FOV of 24mm. My first words were "WOW!" most legacy lenses will not work unless you got something that's 24mm and with the 24mm legacy lens you are left with a 50mm FOV. WIth this lens you get a real nice 24mm FOV.
Again, this is just initial impressions from scanning through the footage I shot. Overall wides are pretty sharp from the center to the edge of the frame. Now mind you that was probably helped since most everything was shot at F/5.6 since I did not have 105mm ND filters to stay wide open.
As you go to the higher focal range, it does soften up and darken slightly depending on lighting conditions. Shots are still usable but there's a softness there.
Over all, it's still really exciting to be able to use B4 lenses. Just to get the wides sharp with little vignetting from edge to edge is worth it to me.
There needs to be more tests done obviously wide open and with NDs as well as to test the mount to see how well one can achieve infinity focus.
I'm hoping that bumkicho could encourage the guy who produced this mount to sell more of them. Many of us already have FD mounts for our GH1 and this B4 to FD addition was a good price point to jump on the wagon.
My ftp server is down but I do have a dropbox account and can send an e-mail invite for some of the original MTS files just PM me if you want to take a gander. I'm currently transcoding my footage now and will put together the test footy quickly for people to see.
Many thanks bumkicho for forging into the B4 territory and sharing your knowledge and getting your guy to make a few more mounts! I'm sure Barry and the rest of the initial B4 crew will share their insightful thoughts as well.
Gmoe
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This is just some quick test footage shooting with the Canon J8x6B 6-48mm B4 lens and the B4 to Canon FD adapter that bumkicho had sent to me.
The lens needs some cleaning up with a stiff focus and bayonet style matte box that unfortunately got into the frame of the wide shots. When it’s off, it’s a pretty clean picture for a wide with little vignetting.
Shot with the GH13 on an indiSYSTEM indiRAILSmp with the safe settings provided by MarekV for overall stability. 1080 24P no native 24p checked on the hack.
Will post a few more samples later.
The lens needs some cleaning up with a stiff focus and bayonet style matte box that unfortunately got into the frame of the wide shots. When it’s off, it’s a pretty clean picture for a wide with little vignetting.
Shot with the GH13 on an indiSYSTEM indiRAILSmp with the safe settings provided by MarekV for overall stability. 1080 24P no native 24p checked on the hack.
Will post a few more samples later.
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Jaybilizer
Member
Here is a quick couple pictures of my rig with the Canon J13X9 with a custom made (JB Weld and Extension Tubes) B3 mount adapter.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GF9lAFuwFDb4Z0HCJ3pu0g?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IPbfCVq-7fvYLBBm6uv1kQ?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GF9lAFuwFDb4Z0HCJ3pu0g?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IPbfCVq-7fvYLBBm6uv1kQ?feat=directlink
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bumkicho
Well-known member
If your lens has servo attached, you may loosen it up a bit to ease stiff focus. Your video shows the versatility of these B4 lenses. Great.
Yeah, I removed the servo and it's still a bit stiff. Before I really shoot with it in the Fall, I've basically sent the lens in to get it overhauled as well as another Canon B4 lens that I got on ebay which had fungus on the 2x doubler. Seriously try to do your do diligence especially with these lenses it's hard to check just from pictures. I got lucky with the J8x6B because the optics are still in tact. So now.. no B4 lenses for a little bit but will post some extra footage later today.
This is more footage from the initial test to check edge to edge sharpness, vignetting on the wides, and contrast for both tight and wide shots.
On all the wides you'll see the matte box on the right edge of the frame when removed the picture is clear from edge to edge. It was a little unusual that I did not see it on the left side and only the right side.
One not so great thing is that the lens flares are right dead center and you'll see that in the opening shot.
Overall, very impressive. It's a very nice run and gun lens that's fairly sharp and gets you nice wides and close ups. Really nice for my documentary style of work. Will have my lens back for a few shoots in the fall so I look forward to putting this lens through its paces.
http://www.componentgeek.com/
On all the wides you'll see the matte box on the right edge of the frame when removed the picture is clear from edge to edge. It was a little unusual that I did not see it on the left side and only the right side.
One not so great thing is that the lens flares are right dead center and you'll see that in the opening shot.
Overall, very impressive. It's a very nice run and gun lens that's fairly sharp and gets you nice wides and close ups. Really nice for my documentary style of work. Will have my lens back for a few shoots in the fall so I look forward to putting this lens through its paces.
http://www.componentgeek.com/
bumkicho
Well-known member
I have been contacted by a few users asking about this adapter and its availability. So instead of replying back to each user, I thought I would just post it here.
The adapter price remains the same. It is around $200 plus whatever amount that you like to spend on shipping. Currently the adapter is not available. But I would like to see how many users would like to get one. Please let me know if you would like to purchase one.
The adapter price remains the same. It is around $200 plus whatever amount that you like to spend on shipping. Currently the adapter is not available. But I would like to see how many users would like to get one. Please let me know if you would like to purchase one.
Anyone know what kind of mount this lens is: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...472335&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1154
Is it B4 or B3 or ? In general, how does one tell what kind of mount one of these tv zooms is?
Is it B4 or B3 or ? In general, how does one tell what kind of mount one of these tv zooms is?
Definitely don't bid if the seller does not know the mount. I got one b4 lens that the seller said was in excellent condition but the lens had fungus in it and it was a no return deal. It's always a risk on ebay but try to save yourself the trouble and find reliable sellers who communicate well and people who own the lenses that they sell. This lens is already sold but this is a listing I would stay clear from plus you need the 2x doubler and I don't see that on this lens.
too late: I'm the one that bought it!
It has a built in 2x extender. Seems to be in decent condition from a preliminary "holding it up to the gh1" test: definitely need to do something better though.
Looks like it's B4: http://www.film-bay.com/FORSALE/Cam...Pegasus_2_standard_broadcast_Lens/111775.html
There's another version of this lens that's definitely a B4 I think. Hmmm.
Some places online only say it's a "Sony Mount" (not very helpful).
It has a built in 2x extender. Seems to be in decent condition from a preliminary "holding it up to the gh1" test: definitely need to do something better though.
Looks like it's B4: http://www.film-bay.com/FORSALE/Cam...Pegasus_2_standard_broadcast_Lens/111775.html
There's another version of this lens that's definitely a B4 I think. Hmmm.
Some places online only say it's a "Sony Mount" (not very helpful).
Im able to buy secondhand this expensive Canon YJ13x6B IRS 2/3" Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for 1000eur
( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...J13x6BIRS_2_3_13x_ENG_EFP.html#specifications )
What do you think, will it work with GH13, will I need anything else beside the mount adapter to make it work (what mount is this lens) ?
Im woried about aspect ratio, becouse it says its 4:3 with extender...
( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...J13x6BIRS_2_3_13x_ENG_EFP.html#specifications )
What do you think, will it work with GH13, will I need anything else beside the mount adapter to make it work (what mount is this lens) ?
Im woried about aspect ratio, becouse it says its 4:3 with extender...
I'm not sure you want to spend that much money on something like this. Remember that it wasn't intended for your camera and you might run into problems with various models of lenses even though they are like others we've used with little or no problems.
I think that the Ebay SD lenses you can get for 25$ work just fine and buying a really expensive lens might not do anything for your quality.
Agreed. An expensive lens will look good on the GH1, but you REALLY REALLY need to get at least one cheap lens and test it on your GH1 so you can see the look that a video lens will give on the GH1. It is not the same as a still camera lens and you need to see it to determine if you want to go that route before you spend a great deal on a higher end lens.
qwerty123: that is a B4 mount lens. A B3 mount has the bayonet ring that you turn on the lens, while the other mounts have the ring on the camera.
For 2/3" lenses, "Sony mount", Panasonic, Hitachi, JVC, will always be B4. "Ikegami mount" is the oddball and is usually B3, but occaisionally B4. Note that this ONLY applies to 2/3" lenses - 1/2" lenses are different. With 1/2" lenses, Sony is the oddball and have their own mount type, and the others (Panasonic, HItachi, JVC, Ikegami) use a standard compatible 1/2" mount.
With Fujinon, the number at the end of the lens code identifies the brand it was made for, but I don't know all the numbers. I know that 28 is Sony B4 12 pin however (eg A14x9BERM-28), and that 11 is Ikegami. Also, with Fujinon, if there is an "F" in the model, then it is definitely a B3 mount (eg A14x9FERM-11 is Ikegami 12 pin). With Canon, the lens code will end in B3 if it is a B3 mount (J13x9B IRS is B4, and J13x9B3 is B3). Sometimes it will end in B4, but not always.
The first letter specifies the format.
Canon:
J=2/3" (can be B4, B3, or C mount)
H=1/2"
T=1/3"
Fujinon:A=2/3" Bayonet B4/B3
S=1/2" Bayonet
yV=1/3" C mount
DV=1/2" C mount
C=1" C" mount
TH=1/3" Bayonet
The first number in the code specifies the zoom range factor. The second number specifies the widest focal length in mm. So a 10x10 is 10-100mm zoom range. A 14x9 is 9-126mm. And a lens labeled 20x8 is an 8-160mm lens.
In Fujinon codes, "E" means 2X extender. "BERM" means hand zoom rocker with extender. "BMD" means full servo, no zoom rocker (complete remote servo control, even of focus). "BEMD" means full servo without zoom rocker with extender. "BRM" means hand zoom rocker and no extender.
With Canon, it's 3 letters after the model that tell you that stuff: "I" means 2X extender, "K" means no extender, "RS" means zoom rocker and manual focus, "TS" means full servo and no zoom rocker, "IF" means internal focus. So a "Canon J13x9B3 IRS" means it is a J13x9, B3 mount, 2X extender, hand zoom rocker.
"Canon J14ax8.5B3 ITS IF" means it is an internal focus 2/3" B3 mount 8.5-119mm with a 2X extender and full servo, no zoom rocker.
"Canon J13x9B KTS" is a 2/3" B4 mount 9-117mm with no extender, and full servo, no zoom rocker.
"Canon J13x9B KRS" is a 2/3" B4 mount 9-177mm with no extender, and hand zoom rocker.
"Fujinon A14x9BERM-28" is a 2/3" B4 9-126mm 2X extender with zoom rocker.
"Fujinon A18x8.5FERM" is a 2/3" B3 8.5-153mm with 2X extender and zoom rocker.
"Fujinon A18x8.5FEMD" is the same thing, but with full servo and no zoom rocker.
"Fujinon S14x6.4BERM" is a 1/2" 6.4-90mm with 2X extender and hand zoom rocker.
This info should help some people decode this stuff a little better.
For 2/3" lenses, "Sony mount", Panasonic, Hitachi, JVC, will always be B4. "Ikegami mount" is the oddball and is usually B3, but occaisionally B4. Note that this ONLY applies to 2/3" lenses - 1/2" lenses are different. With 1/2" lenses, Sony is the oddball and have their own mount type, and the others (Panasonic, HItachi, JVC, Ikegami) use a standard compatible 1/2" mount.
With Fujinon, the number at the end of the lens code identifies the brand it was made for, but I don't know all the numbers. I know that 28 is Sony B4 12 pin however (eg A14x9BERM-28), and that 11 is Ikegami. Also, with Fujinon, if there is an "F" in the model, then it is definitely a B3 mount (eg A14x9FERM-11 is Ikegami 12 pin). With Canon, the lens code will end in B3 if it is a B3 mount (J13x9B IRS is B4, and J13x9B3 is B3). Sometimes it will end in B4, but not always.
The first letter specifies the format.
Canon:
J=2/3" (can be B4, B3, or C mount)
H=1/2"
T=1/3"
Fujinon:A=2/3" Bayonet B4/B3
S=1/2" Bayonet
yV=1/3" C mount
DV=1/2" C mount
C=1" C" mount
TH=1/3" Bayonet
The first number in the code specifies the zoom range factor. The second number specifies the widest focal length in mm. So a 10x10 is 10-100mm zoom range. A 14x9 is 9-126mm. And a lens labeled 20x8 is an 8-160mm lens.
In Fujinon codes, "E" means 2X extender. "BERM" means hand zoom rocker with extender. "BMD" means full servo, no zoom rocker (complete remote servo control, even of focus). "BEMD" means full servo without zoom rocker with extender. "BRM" means hand zoom rocker and no extender.
With Canon, it's 3 letters after the model that tell you that stuff: "I" means 2X extender, "K" means no extender, "RS" means zoom rocker and manual focus, "TS" means full servo and no zoom rocker, "IF" means internal focus. So a "Canon J13x9B3 IRS" means it is a J13x9, B3 mount, 2X extender, hand zoom rocker.
"Canon J14ax8.5B3 ITS IF" means it is an internal focus 2/3" B3 mount 8.5-119mm with a 2X extender and full servo, no zoom rocker.
"Canon J13x9B KTS" is a 2/3" B4 mount 9-117mm with no extender, and full servo, no zoom rocker.
"Canon J13x9B KRS" is a 2/3" B4 mount 9-177mm with no extender, and hand zoom rocker.
"Fujinon A14x9BERM-28" is a 2/3" B4 9-126mm 2X extender with zoom rocker.
"Fujinon A18x8.5FERM" is a 2/3" B3 8.5-153mm with 2X extender and zoom rocker.
"Fujinon A18x8.5FEMD" is the same thing, but with full servo and no zoom rocker.
"Fujinon S14x6.4BERM" is a 1/2" 6.4-90mm with 2X extender and hand zoom rocker.
This info should help some people decode this stuff a little better.
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tadamadeit
New member
Thanks for this list was the best one I found on da web.
Well I found a
Canon HX6 J15X9.5B4 and got a good price for it below what others were asking.
Is there any other source than the ebay for the b4 to micro 4/3's adapter to for now use on my new G2.
Still up in the air on the GH1 versus the unknown GH2 changes now pushed to Sept. release. So for now will be experimenting and doing some short video work that is on my plate once I have this all "connected".
Any suggestions on the best system to hold all this ?
By the way THIS FORUM is one of the nicest ones I have ever been a member of. Reminds me of good old fashion public domain software sharing !!
Thanks to all that have posted.
Yes I will be getting video's up and photos ASAP.
Well I found a
Canon HX6 J15X9.5B4 and got a good price for it below what others were asking.
Is there any other source than the ebay for the b4 to micro 4/3's adapter to for now use on my new G2.
Still up in the air on the GH1 versus the unknown GH2 changes now pushed to Sept. release. So for now will be experimenting and doing some short video work that is on my plate once I have this all "connected".
Any suggestions on the best system to hold all this ?
By the way THIS FORUM is one of the nicest ones I have ever been a member of. Reminds me of good old fashion public domain software sharing !!
Thanks to all that have posted.
Yes I will be getting video's up and photos ASAP.