HV20 and Letus Extreme?

D

David Kalver

Member
Can I use the Letus Extreme with the HV20?

I know, google it right?
I've been looking all over the internet for a specific answer to little avail. I am aware that there is a specific letus called the Letus35 mini that is specifically designed for the HV20, however I have found it nearby impossible to find one on ebay - or in the UK at least. Plus, that aside, I already have the letus extreme as I planned to purchase a DVX untill I realised how silly some of the prices are for the 100b model.

I've seen alot of footage of the HV20 recently and love the look of HDDV, its Dirt cheap and has just the aesthetic I'm after, and its lack of manual controls is something I'm willing to look past to obtain it. Having used the original firmware on the 5DMKII, I'm familiar with the perils of exposure locking.

So, is the Letus I already have going to be fine and dandy with the HV20?
As I'm thinking the extra weight with the adapter attached to it and rail system will help keep the camera heavy.

I realise I have a lack of, shall we say 'technical' references in this post, so I apologise to the much more 'tech-savy' readers in advance.
 
The Letus mini would be the right adapter for the HV20. I used to work with exactly that combination. Nice stuff if you have the right lenses. I like the grain the vibrating screen is producing. Gives you a more poetic feel than the super clear HD images today.

My HV20 is gone (stolen) but the letus mini is still here... for sale... with canon and nikon mounts.
 
Very interesting in that DodoHu, please check your Inbox.

As for the Extreme, my question still lingers in the air. Can anyone still advise me on this?:smile:
 
I've used a Letus Extreme on an HV20. Didn't use it for anything serious, but it seemed to work fine. Obviously you'll need ring adapters to connect it to the 72mm thread of the Letus. I've also put the Letus on an old Hi8 handycam from the 90s and an old 80's betamax camera just for kicks.
 
David Antony said:
Can I use the Letus Extreme with the HV20?
[..]
I've seen alot of footage of the HV20 recently and love the look of HDDV, its Dirt cheap and has just the aesthetic I'm after, and its lack of manual controls is something I'm willing to look past to obtain it.
Click to expand...

Yes you can. Only negative is that the image is flipped upside down on other models. This Letus has a prism inside, which allows you to record the image without being flipped.
One advice, even if it's totally possible to focus without one, I'd suggest you to get a external monitor, with HDMI connection. It'll help a lot.
I've used a 35mm adapter on my HV40 (a DIY spinning one) and the look of the videos were unique. It tends to add a more "organic" look to the shots. That's why I like it as much.
 
I was under the impression that the Letus Extreme model flipped the image? thanks for the picture, sorry for the late reply.

DodoHu If this is still available I'll take it, check your PM asap please buddy.
 
Not sure I see the appeal. Grain is tough on HDV and the hv20 is super slow like 80 ISO to begin with. Both cool products, but man just get a t2i.
 
Grain is what I'm after, I've actually got a t2i already buddy. Not what I'm after for my current project. Thanks though.
As for the appeal? The way the HV20 captures the skintones out of the box, is much nicer than the way my t2i does. Less magenta, very natural looking and also means less colour correction/grading to achieve the look I'm after.:beer:
 
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Grain might be what you're after, but what HDV does to it almost certainly isn't. As for skin tones, change your picture profile or grade.

Oh well. Have fun flushing your money down the drain. If "terrible" is the look you're after you'll get it.
 
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