Inexpensive 35mm adapter?

Chamber005

Chamber005

Carbonite Member
I know they're not all created equally, but I was wondering what the overall consensus was on buying an adapter on the cheap. Like this one for 200 bucks with rods, etc --

http://cgi.ebay.com/35MM-DOF-Adapter...3A1%7C294%3A50

I have to get a 35mm adapter, but I just don't really have the extra cash to drop 1000 bucks on a top-of-the-line one right now. The glass is not an issue, I just need an adapter that will function for some web-based media stuff.

So, overall, what are the risks (generally) of going with a lower-end (or, at least, unknown) model?

Thanks!!
 
I would stay clear of the ebay adapters. From what i have gathered they are not of the best quality and there is very little customer feedback on them. I believe the maker of the adapter in the link is the same as the spinning adapters that are sold on ebay as well. There is a review on this forum...try looking up ebay adapter. Then again with all that is included for the price...it might be worth the gamble as the rods alone can run as much as $200. If you do purchase one please post a review :)

There are some better options out there for lower priced adapters that come recommended. Check this site out for a good list of adapters out there such as the Jag35 series, Twoneil35, GtPro, Handy35...all have a good customer base to find feedback on.
 
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I actually have been looking for info on this same adapter. I've emailed the seller a few times with questions about the adapter, and I only get responses in broken english that don't make much sense. His store says he's out of South Korea. Most of his seller feedback is ok, but I'm having a hard time finding out any specifics about the adapters, like if I need an adapter ring for an HMC150. Anyway if anyone has ever used one of these please let us know if it's any good.
 
jasonlcole said:
I actually have been looking for info on this same adapter. I've emailed the seller a few times with questions about the adapter, and I only get responses in broken english that don't make much sense. His store says he's out of South Korea. Most of his seller feedback is ok, but I'm having a hard time finding out any specifics about the adapters, like if I need an adapter ring for an HMC150. Anyway if anyone has ever used one of these please let us know if it's any good.
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Keep in mind ebay feedback is weighted more towards transaction experience and less on the actual product and the expectations of the buyers may not be as high as those who do their research. I'm still curious for a 'real' review of this product as well. It looks sharp...and the sample footage isn't bad. and all that is included for the price seems too good to be true.
 
I'm wary of purchasing what is traditionally expensive cam gear from online vendors or private sellers, such as eBay. While eBay can work wonders to find something for good prices, the general rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for. In my case, I'd rather pay the $1100-1200 it is for a well known, supported, and proven adapter than take a chance on an eBay one, even if it is a grand cheaper.

I mean, not to be that paranoid guy - but how do you know the guy who posted test footage of the adapter isn't the same guy selling the adapter under a different name, using a well known adapter? You can't be sure. And in my book, certainty is worth a grand. That's why I bought an SGBlade - Wayne Kinney at Shoot35 runs a remarkable operation out there. There's people and moderators always monitoring the forums, they respond quickly to emails about concerns or problems, and are generally just really helpful and behind their product's quality.

No joke, I had a question when I bought my SGblade that I couldn't find an answer to, so I emailed the information center at Shoot35. They got back to me in five minutes. FIVE MINUTES. And they solved my problem. I might even go as far as to say the excellent service is worth a grand more, nevermind the product being great.
 
Just remember, you get what you pay for. Good and cheap don't typically go together when buying video gear.
 
Finnegan said:
I'm wary of purchasing what is traditionally expensive cam gear from online vendors or private sellers, such as eBay. While eBay can work wonders to find something for good prices, the general rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for. In my case, I'd rather pay the $1100-1200 it is for a well known, supported, and proven adapter than take a chance on an eBay one, even if it is a grand cheaper.

I mean, not to be that paranoid guy - but how do you know the guy who posted test footage of the adapter isn't the same guy selling the adapter under a different name, using a well known adapter? You can't be sure. And in my book, certainty is worth a grand. That's why I bought an SGBlade - Wayne Kinney at Shoot35 runs a remarkable operation out there. There's people and moderators always monitoring the forums, they respond quickly to emails about concerns or problems, and are generally just really helpful and behind their product's quality.

No joke, I had a question when I bought my SGblade that I couldn't find an answer to, so I emailed the information center at Shoot35. They got back to me in five minutes. FIVE MINUTES. And they solved my problem. I might even go as far as to say the excellent service is worth a grand more, nevermind the product being great.
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I completely agree. Support counts for a lot. And I would not expect this adapter to perform as well as a Letus, SGBlade...however not everyone requires (or can afford) a high-end solution. And of caourse the posted could very well be the person selling the adapters, although it was mentioned that the seller is from Twain and speaks very broken English...so it might not be likley that it is the seller...however still possible.
 
IMO an adapter purchase is really something that you shouldn't get into on a low budget, simply because of all the secondary equipments that you need to get to have a working system. There's lenses, monitor (to flip the image since most low cost solutions don't come with a flip module), support rod. If you're low on funds to begin with, you're going to be compromised every step of the way and the result is going to be less than optimal. If the adapter unit is all that's needed, then sure, get what you can afford. But by going cheap now you're committed to buying all these lower end gears that have limited resale values and you're going to lose out once you're looking to upgrade.
 
Adorama makes a DOF adapter that that have on the showroom floor. its really a medium format, (equivalent to a 70mm adapter rather than 35). Its actually great for the price. A little more than $800 with the Mamiya mount (for the medium format lenses) and a Nikon mount, I believe. I attached some demo footage below. It's explained how i shot it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR6qM-zpsYE

Contact Adorama, they haven't updated their website so they only have information about the old model on their site.

I'm not a spokesperson for Adorama or for the adapter, just a film student who is looking for the same thing, a decent, but cheap lens adapter. After doing this test shoot with it, I can say it was light-weight, sharp, and very easy work with. You could probaly get a working kit for a little over a grand.
 
what camera are you using?
I've seen good results from the jag35 (http://www.jag35.com/) on smaller cameras.

Also, I wouldn't really buy a pro 35mm adapter right now. VDSLR's are so close and pretty much the same price.
 
Huy Vu said:
IMO an adapter purchase is really something that you shouldn't get into on a low budget, simply because of all the secondary equipments that you need to get to have a working system. There's lenses, monitor (to flip the image since most low cost solutions don't come with a flip module), support rod. If you're low on funds to begin with, you're going to be compromised every step of the way and the result is going to be less than optimal. If the adapter unit is all that's needed, then sure, get what you can afford. But by going cheap now you're committed to buying all these lower end gears that have limited resale values and you're going to lose out once you're looking to upgrade.
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Good points. However I disagree, as it is ideal to have the best equipment, but you can achieve desirable results with "DIY" alternatives. Of course, you have to do your research and it can be argued it's not worth the time and risk, I still feel there is something to be said for some of the ingenuity involved with all the DIY equipment that are being produced. In fact all the top adapters and equipment seem to have roots in the DIY world.
 
Ive been researching for hours and hours on this topic and have narrowed my choice to the Handy35 V5 unit. It is the most bang for your buck! If you go the makers site www.handy35.com he has a few videos showing the assembly of the unit and its features. While other units are just adapters the V5 supports the camera and can be upgraded with a rail system and monitor holder. According to the website the unit can be used for most cameras. I was able to work out a group buy on the hv20 forum and so I have a coupon code that gives 10% off your purchase. If you're interested in the code then just email or pm me.

Mike
bobafet1@hotmail.com
 
Interestingly, the Handy35 probably can't be classified as a "low-cost" adapter. At $750 without a flip module, it's comparable to the other established manufacturers' non-flipped configurations. With that said, the the Handy35 people seems to have their act together as far as business model goes. They've got a decently designed site, a sleek adapter body and a fairly well shot sample video. I'd feel a lot more confident buying from these guys then I would from the other unknown options out there.
 
I've been following the Handy35 and have read a lot of positive reviews on their v3 model. The V5 design is sharp. And it is a spinner, which I find to produce the best results when they are made well.

And the Jag35(jag35.com), which is getting a good reputation, started out as a DIY project on the HV20.com forums. And it comes in different flavors with a spinner option coming soon. It is cool to see this product evolve and continue to do so.
 
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davidpula said:
I got the discontinued Redrock M2 with achromat, hard mount, and lens mount for $650 shipped. Did some test shots and it's spectacular. I'm using the indisystem shoulder/rod system.
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/sc.2/category.7/.f
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Yes... I still love my old M2! Picked up the new glass, but to be honest, I like the look of the original better. Call me crazy.:)

You should be able to fine the original M2 systems pretty cheap these days.
 
Huy Vu said:
Interestingly, the Handy35 probably can't be classified as a "low-cost" adapter. At $750 without a flip module, it's comparable to the other established manufacturers' non-flipped configurations. With that said, the the Handy35 people seems to have their act together as far as business model goes. They've got a decently designed site, a sleek adapter body and a fairly well shot sample video. I'd feel a lot more confident buying from these guys then I would from the other unknown options out there.
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Its actually $699 but I have a coupon code that gets 10% off the order so really you can get the unit and some extras for cheaper. Taking the price and build quality into consideration I think this unit beats most of the competition. There are a lot of Vimeo flicks with the unit and the results are spectacular. Then again, everyone has their own flavor.
 
bobafet1 said:
Its actually $699 but I have a coupon code that gets 10% off the order so really you can get the unit and some extras for cheaper.
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$699 for the unit but you need a lens mount to have a working adapter which is another $50. This is actually one of my sore point with adapter manufacturers in general. They constantly advertise the unit at a certain price but then they charge you $100-200 for a lens mount, which you pretty much HAVE to get. Why not just built the price into the adapter cost and make it clear what you're getting?
 
Huy Vu said:
$699 for the unit but you need a lens mount to have a working adapter which is another $50. This is actually one of my sore point with adapter manufacturers in general. They constantly advertise the unit at a certain price but then they charge you $100-200 for a lens mount, which you pretty much HAVE to get. Why not just built the price into the adapter cost and make it clear what you're getting?
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Can't argue that logic.
 
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