Does it make any sense to still buy an adaptor today?

Adapters can provide some really great footage, but I don't think there is a need. You can pickup an AF-100 or FS100 and get footage that looks just as good (if not better) than what's shot with an adapter right out of the box. However if you already have a camera, rails, lenses, and a monitor spending a paltry 800 can really upgrade your image quality.
 
I think the Redrock M3 adapter coupled with the upcoming HPX-250 would be a great use of one. The M3 loses only 1/3 stop of light, while the 250 uses large 1/3 inch CMOS chips and records to AVC-Intra 100 in full raster 1080. Not as good as, say, and F3, but I'd be willing to bet you'd be able to squeeze a nicer image than out of the AF-100/FS100, without the issues of recording to a less-than-ideal codec.
 
Gary Huff said:
I think the Redrock M3 adapter coupled with the upcoming HPX-250 would be a great use of one. The M3 loses only 1/3 stop of light, while the 250 uses large 1/3 inch CMOS chips and records to AVC-Intra 100 in full raster 1080. Not as good as, say, and F3, but I'd be willing to bet you'd be able to squeeze a nicer image than out of the AF-100/FS100, without the issues of recording to a less-than-ideal codec.
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i don't think the codec is going to be the biggest factor here. true, avcintra is better than avchd. however, prores 422 hq is better than avcintra. and when comparing avchd to prores recorded straight from the fs100's uncompressed out, there isn't a whole lot of difference until you start doing heavy grading or keying.

the hpx250 may be a great looking camera, but putting a 35mm adapter in front of it will introduce edge softness, haze, fuzzy bokeh, etc. going direct from lens to sensor is always going to be better in this respect.

if i were comparing my 7D to my ex1 with the redrock m2e, there would be tradeoffs with both. 7d has all of the aliasing and moire that the ex1/m2e doesn't have. plus it records to h.264, which sucks. and it's a still camera, plagued with workarounds (double suck). but comparing the fs100 to the ex1/m2e is a no-contest situation. the fs100 resolves images beautifully with no fuzzy edges or any of that other stuff.

that said, i still think that adapters are great and still useable. a feature i shot on the ex1/m2e has been picked up by several distributors, worldwide. the first thing everybody asks is "what did you shoot this on? it looks great". when we tell them it was an ex1 with a redrock adapter, they just look at us all glazed over, and say, "what's that?". lol...
 
Why wouldn't it make sense? If you have a camera that you are happy with how it delivers, attach an adapter and use some nice lenses, and you will be twice as happy!

Without the adapter you will have a great run n gun camera. With it, you will have a camera perfect for filmic looks, and huge control over the DOF. Wether you use it or not, you will have hell of a lot more control and functions than a DSLR camera.
 
Most of the large sensor cameras are CMOS, so if you don't like the look of CMOS and want a progressive CCD look, then 35mm adaptor. Just a taste thing.
 
The great thing about an adapter is the flexibility of being able to shoot with or without depending on your needs. This is a major asset, as someone already had mentioned in an earlier post.

As for quality, in the right hands, any camera will produce great results so long as you understand the benefits and limits of different tools. I like big rigs, so for me I don't mind a camera and 35mm adapter added on. In a crunch for space, or maybe in real low light conditions, I might switch to a 7D for the odd shot. For steadicam, I might go bare video camera with a wide angle adapter...... there is no one camera perfect for every job unfortunately, so you either rent, buy or borrow what you need to do the job. It's that simple. Don't get caught up in discussions on "what is better" - they really don't make any sense.

With the low cost of adapters and SLR lenses, it totally makes sense. For the price of one F3 or RED camera, with the money you save you can buy a 7D, lighting equipment, a dolly, jib arm, steadicam, filters, matte box, extension cords, pizza for your friends.......... . . etc... . .
 
Speaking of, I plan on selling my Letus Ultimate with case acc and FF relay for EX-3. Just PM me if interested. Excellent condition.
 
I use my HVX 200a with an adapter occasionally, and I also have a pair of GH13's. There is one subtlety about an adapter that often goes un-noticed - it can achieve the sub-surface scattering look that helps approximate the 'feel' of film. It's a small thing, but it sure works well when you get it right. In some situations, the shots from my GH13's just look a little bit too good, if that makes any sense. I can do the old 'clone/blur-/low-alpha overlay' trick sometimes to help out, but there are times when the look from my lens adapter is exactly what I am looking for. That being said, I would not want to have that as my main acquisition system...
 
Forgive my ignorance, but what is the old "clone/blur/low alpha overlay trick? I think I get what it is based on your context, but could you give me a quick description?
 
Layer 2 tracks of the same footage and change one to black and white, then set your screen blend mode to overlay, or try other modes like hard light, soft light or vivid, etc..
 
Thanks starcentral. This community really feels like a family. we all squabble at times over trivial things but in the end we come together to help one another out.
 
Some people apply a slight blur the track, you dont have to, but you can try it and see the effect. Also put your BW track underneath the color one.. Google screen mode video and see what comes up.. Probably more than I can tell you...
 
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