LEX with HVX ring and EX Achromat

Arrik said:
I always wondered why the z-riser was necessary considering the q-release does the same thing. However, the z-riser does give you the added benefit of a quick release, in the event that you wanted to switch out rods. For this application though, quick release hardly seem necessary or beneficial given the added weight.

What would be interesting to find out is if the z-riser is composed of the Q-release + the extra part that you took off. Or if what you are using is somehow unique from the q-release. From the pics you posted they look the same. If its the same, im sure someone may purchase it off you to turn their q-release into a z-riser.
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Good marketing. "Turn your Q Release into a Z Riser...".

It is a Q release. Standard 15mm grips. 15mm threaded holes. That's about it.
 
Yeah, go post that selling point in the Marketplace.

Then I'll take my cut for the marketing strat via paypal.:thumbsup:
 
by the way Tim.
you said that you settled after buy and selling lots of gears. but can you tell us or give us reviews on what you used and why you didn't like it? and maybe what made you settle on the LEX and HVX?

I don't have the money to buy all the stuff and check things out so maybe you can help us out a little because you seem to have a lot of experience on all kinds of equipment!! plus it's better to hear from a real time user! not just a one time M2 user like me...saying "M2 is a great adapter for the price, it's worth a buy" (the typical answear everyone says...which you can never trust)
 
There are so many pros and cons of each adaptor you have to weigh them against you needs. For me the main criterion were:
Image Flip
Light Loss
Build
Sharpness
Grain
Camera Compatibility

The LEX for me was overall the the highest scorer but not necessarily the best in certain categories. The Brevis is better in light loss. I like the Bokeh of the SG better. So in terms of image traits you have figure on what's your priority and what adaptor meets or exceeds them.

The one area that I can't compromise is build. You can have the best light loss and image but if your build isn't quality - it'll kill you. I've been down that road.

If you're tight on a budget they're all about the same give or take hundred bucks or so. Check the forums and make sure your camera excels with the adaptor you're interested in. I had to wait a month for Letus to have the parts for an adaptor that would give me great edge to edge on an EX 1 and HVX. Also, if you can save up for a good Rod Baseplate System. Take a look at what Hyson is doing. Looks solid and seems to have x/y adjustment at a decent price. Add a Q release and Z rods up front and you're good to go. I feel the quality of your rod/baseplate directly effects your image unlike other items. Vibaration, flex and alignment are critical to maintaining a quality image with an adaptor.

I've been reading alot about vibration issues and I believe it comes from the inherent instability of the platform look. The closer your camera is to the baseplate the less movement.
 
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Hysons' actually a good idea with the Extreme/Ultimate. The X-Y adjustment could help with the tiny offset I've got going on with my Cavision.
 
Tim - you really sold me on the Upgrade. I contacted a bunch of DVXUSERS who made the jump, but only you replied with convincing information. Even Hein didn't quite know how to explain why I should make the jump. Now I'm waiting on the new achromatte and hoping that E2E sharpness will be very pleasing.

According to tests with some manual Nikkors, the edges already suffer at wide open and only improve so much around 5.6 and upwards.

Long story short - the HVX + LetusEX is a good combo, hopefully the new EX1 adapted part makes it eve better.

j
 
You may want to solicit opinions about the new Brevis. I haven't had a chance to test it. I went with the LEX at the time I ordered it because of their achromat's compatibility for HVX and EX1. But the Brevis has one item I wish my LEX had which is offset adjustment and easy collimation. HVX is about 10 percent off center.
 
I think my next move for the rig is some sort of quick on handle for the monitor. I'm thinking the best system for handheld is not to have the Marshall or Nebtek on camera but instead in the AC's hands. With a handle, he could watch focus with one hand and pull it with the other. I get a much lighter rig. The AC has the monitor where it should be - in front of his face. Anyone have any ideas for a handle cheaper than Zacuto's?
 
Not sure about the monitor, but I have a question for ya: How often are your AC's pulling off of the monitor as opposed to straight measuring?
 
Kholi said:
Not sure about the monitor, but I have a question for ya: How often are your AC's pulling off of the monitor as opposed to straight measuring?
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With handheld, often times marks/measurement are useless and I have them go off monitor. Ideally a remote focus is the way to go for HH. Redrock can you hear me?
 
Tim Naylor said:
The LEX for me was overall the the highest scorer but not necessarily the best in certain categories. The Brevis is better in light loss. I like the Bokeh of the SG better. So in terms of image traits you have figure on what's your priority and what adaptor meets or exceeds them.
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thanks for the review!!

so are you saying in terms of image quality, you perfer the SG better? but the over all build, achromate, light loss, etc was better for the LEX?
 
I prefer the LEX sharpness but the SG's Bokeh. Word has it that SG has developed a new and sharper achromat for its flip.

There are aspects of build that I like and dislike about both. The all metal and battery compartment on the LEX is great. Solid, works. The direct threading to the camera makes for an easy adjust. The downside is the allen screws without shoes/shims against metal. If you need to flip the snorkel up or lens mount, you have to be careful about the screws scraping off paint and the paint ending up on optics. Happened to me. Pain in the ass to clean. The really should not have paint any where near the ends of the set screws. I'm also not nuts about the rods adaptor. I'd like to see one that attaches to the adaptor at two points instead of one or encircles it. This would reduce vibration or wobble from follow focus torque. Otherwise it's rock solid.

The SG's build has excellent rod support. And once dialed in has little to no play. Great for follow focus with stiff lenses. I'd like to see an improved Nikon mount and replacing the plastic knobs with metal. Also, perhaps a more solid spindle to disc mating should be developed. I've gone through two as well as my back ups (owned by a friend) has gone through two as well. The customer service and turnaround was great. But that's the most vulnerable spot. It makes me scared to do a job without back up. In fact every adaptor with the exception of a PS has me thinking in the back of my mind - when will the GG mechanism break down. They all will eventually.

If you plan on using your adaptor for client work or when you got a full crew in the wings either buy a back up or have friends/owners ready to help out in a pinch. I've had them go down twice on a job and was saved by the good graces of friends from this site and FEDEX. Antar sent me his from Ohio once.
 
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