Letus Elite?

This might clear up some confusion about the use of the back focus adjustment (needed for all lens types: Nikon, Canon, etc.

The added back focus adjustment allows you to quickly and accurately adjust the distance between the rear element of the prime lens and the ground glass (film plane). This results in accurate focus marks on the lens and sharp focus with the lens set to infinity. This is a great improvement over the Letus35 Extreme design and will allow users to fix back focus issues in the field quickly and accurately. This also makes using a tape measure for focus and calibrating lens markings more accurate.
 
I only use Nikon lenses at the moment and took the time to adjust the backfocus using the updated Nikon mount and I get accurate focus marks and sharp focus at infinity with all my lenses, including the zooms.

What exactly do the added optics do? Are there other benefits to using it other than backfocus that justify me purchasing it?

How much more improved is the image quality of the Elite vs. Extreme? If it's marginal, I think I'll keep putting pennies aside for an Ultimate...

Thanks,
 
hienle said:
Hi all,

It's been a long time.

I don't even see this coming either ;-) Just lots of people asked for it so decided to do it.
The part will work as is for the Extreme, so Extreme owners can get it.
Zacuto wants this want so we designed it for them, unless the volume is too low, they will have exclusive right for now. For the upgrade, I will work something out.

Thanks a lot for your strong supports. You guys have brought us to the level we are today. Not coming here often already make me feel guilty, but your guys' strong support made it that way (thanks, by the way ;-). If you need anything fast, please email it to info@letus35.com

Thanks,

Hien
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Hien - Any chance Extreme users will be able to send their Extremes back to Letus and have you guys upgrade their units to the Elite? Similarly to the service Cinevate offered customers of their REV2-MC model adapters.

Leo Versola said:
How much more improved is the image quality of the Elite vs. Extreme? If it's marginal, I think I'll keep putting pennies aside for an Ultimate...
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^^^ What he said.

DD.
 
Chenopup said:
If you're using lenses that require different mounts, this is a HUGE deal. Will be much more enticing to be able to switch mounts and quickly adjust backfocus.

cheno
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Wait a minute you mean to tell me each time you change ya lenses the focus from the Letus has to be adjusted (that's what's known as back focus?) In that case I might sign up for one of these too...
 
dantewaters said:
Wait a minute you mean to tell me each time you change ya lenses the focus from the Letus has to be adjusted (that's what's known as back focus?) In that case I might sign up for one of these too...
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No, he means that if you're using different mounts with differently collimated lenses all the time, having a backfocus ring you can alter on the fly is an absolute Godsend. Sure, each Letus lens mount has a predetermined backfocus measurement corresponding to the lenses it will be taking, but not all lenses are collimated the same, hence why they might need a little fine tuning sometimes. However, I only use my Nikon F Mount with Zeiss and Nikkor lenses, and backfocus has never been an issue for me, hence why I'm pondering over whether or not the jump is worth it.

DD.
 
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zacuto said:
Couple things on the Letus Elite.
And for anyone interested. Next month (check our site) Letus will be coming out with with a B4 adapter that will allow you to attach a Letus Extreme, Elilte or Ultimate to any 2/3" B4 mount camera like a HPX500, Varicam, Sony F900 as well as others. This is an exciting product and one that I've been really pushing for.
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Are you saying a relay lens...
 
You don't need to send the unit in. You can purchase the back focus option and install it yourself. Check the website tomorrow and we will have it listed as Letus Back Focus.
 
zacuto said:
You don't need to send the unit in. You can purchase the back focus option and install it yourself. Check the website tomorrow and we will have it listed as Letus Back Focus.
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Is the back-focus ring the *only* difference between the Extreme and the Elite? Or are there other differences, too?

I ask because I noticed "New and improved vibrating Ground Glass" mentioned in the Elite's notes as well as the "Built-in precisions back focus adjustment with lock"... Or is the Elite using the same ground-glass as the Extreme?

DD.
 
zacuto said:
3. In a comment to someone in this listing about the Scarlet's 2/3" imaging. DOF adapters were first created for 2/3" 3 chip camreas. P+S Techniks sold many many $25,000 DOF adapters for 2/3" imagers. We still rent them in our rental department today. So hang on to your DOF adapters you will need it for your scarlet too.
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There are a lot of theatrical released films that was shot with 2/3" F900, Varicam that were shot without the aid of any 35mm adapters. Here are just some examples of films shot in super 16mm film format with that less than 35mm DOF. SOme of you guys might recognize these films.

- Babel , Hustle and Flow, The Devil's Reject, From Dusk to Dawn, The Motorcycle Diaries, March of the penguins, Jackass the movie, Lock stock & two smoking barrels, The last king of scotland.

Working with a 35mm adapter is a pain in the butt. It is a compromise, you never get that same high resolution out of your stock camera lens. Yes of course it looks great on your tiny computer screen, watch it on your big HD tv or have it projected at a theater. But of course in the spirit of the adapter industry, we must have the super shallow DOF where the nose is in focus and the check is out of focus, add extra vignetting and then finaly, we must magic bullet the whole scene to death.

It is really liberating to us when we shoot on 2/3" sensor camera and we can get "enough" DOF to forgo the use of any 35mm adapter aperatus. For those that still want to spend $9k on a 35mm adapter for their 2/3" camera, more power to you too ! :beer:
 
oh, you can also add the original "SAW", This is spinal tap, Leaving Las Vegas, An inconvenient truth to the list.

Yes, IMHO, the 2/3" RED Scarlet (whenever it comes out) WILL make a BIG DENT in the prosumer marketplace (EX1, HVX 200, HPX 170, CANON A1 ...etc). Just make sure you are aware of the rolling shutter issue. While it is almost impossible to get shallow DOF with 1/2" and 1/3" sensor, 2/3" sized sensor is definitely adequate enough for most filmmaker.
 
yes it is cool to have a mount that can finally adjust the back focus. It finally came after almost a year of asking . But again, I still think a spinner is a better option then a vibrator . That is why the ultimate is still a better option for those who can afford it. There are times when you can see the differences, and those times are pretty much critical for me. Need to save more $ again...
 
dantewaters said:
Wait a minute you mean to tell me each time you change ya lenses the focus from the Letus has to be adjusted (that's what's known as back focus?) In that case I might sign up for one of these too...
Click to expand...

Dave Draper said:
No, he means that if you're using different mounts with differently collimated lenses all the time, having a backfocus ring you can alter on the fly is an absolute Godsend. Sure, each Letus lens mount has a predetermined backfocus measurement corresponding to the lenses it will be taking, but not all lenses are collimated the same, hence why they might need a little fine tuning sometimes. However, I only use my Nikon F Mount with Zeiss and Nikkor lenses, and backfocus has never been an issue for me, hence why I'm pondering over whether or not the jump is worth it.

DD.
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Dave is right, but again, how sure are you that all your nikon lens are still in perfect backfocus. Over years and time, the lenses needs to be service. So for those who doesn't have money to service it. finding your lens backfocus point is critical . And having a mount that does allow one to do that is critical in my option.
 
Dxmetal said:
Yes, IMHO, the 2/3" RED Scarlet (whenever it comes out) WILL make a BIG DENT in the prosumer marketplace (EX1, HVX 200, HPX 170, CANON A1 ...etc).
Click to expand...

I doubt that. Everybody talks about Scarlet like it's going to replace every other camera out there. At that price point, it's revolutionary, no doubt, but only in the same sense that the first viable low cost 35mm adapters were revolutionary: it's good that you have the features available at the low price, but there are going to be compromises that will take time to iron out before it becomes a household items (so to speak). I can see several already:

1) How long would it take for you to get your hand on one? Order a RED now and it's about a 4 months wait according to their website (and the camera has been out for some time). If you need a camera in the short term, it's not going to be a Scarlet.

2) How are you editing that footage? It's REDcode RAW at 2/3k resolution so good luck working with that on a laptop. Folks who buy a Scarlet is also going to be investing in a powerhouse editing station, if they don't have one already. So your A1 or HVX or DVX will always have a place in the segment of the market who can't afford to buy a camera AND spend the same amount of money on a new computer.

3)Storage? Even if they include a CF card in the box, you're going to need more and will be paying for more. If you think P2 is too expensive, Scarlet might not be right for you.

Obviously there's a segment of the market for whom Scarlet will be a godsend, but those people aren't "low budget" in the same sense that we usually discuss it. If you ONLY have close to $3k to spend on a camera, you're not going to be looking at a Scarlet once you realize the compromises that you'll have to make.
 
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