Loaded question

P

Pijetro

New member
Hey all....

I've migrated temporarily over from the DVinfo forums, because the AF100 threads are jam packed..
That's great, and i've read lots..Thank you all.

In the meanwhile, i've got some questions hopefully you can answer, taking into consideration my situation..

I've been shooting weddings with an XHA1 for several years, and was looking to add some filmic elements and feel.
So we got a Brevis 35, and i bought a bunch of older Nikkor primes. They're pretty fast, but nothing extreme.
Realistically, it's a pain to setup, or run'n'gun, and it's got a big footprint, and by now, the DSLRs have taken off. Especially for wedding work..

But at $1500+ just for the body, and never mind all the gear lenses, rigging and audio extras, you could easily spend $5000 on a DSLR kit.

So in came the Af100, and i was hoping that this would answer my prayers.

But before i pull the trigger on a purchase, i was wondering...

Will i regret holding on to the Nikkors, or should i purchase the newer generation of Lumix and Voigtlanders and start a new collection of lenses from scratch?
Assuming the Nikkor primes were a good investment, and i do stick with them, do i need to spend on a good quality novoflex or adaptimax for these older lenses, or is there a better cost effective adapter?
Is anybody actually using the AF100 for weddings, and preferring it over the DSLR's?

Thanks for you patience..
 
All your manual Nikon lenses will work wonderfully on the AF-100 with either novoflex or adaptimax adapters. Make sure they have the adjustment ring or screw for iris control. If you shoot with a Brevis 35 then shooting with a AF-100 will be so much easier. Smaller and lighter. Better light sensitivity, XLR audio input. The list is long. Much easier than shooting with a DSLR. Go for it.
 
Erik Naso said:
Make sure they have the adjustment ring or screw for iris control.
Click to expand...

Considering i'm riding my iris ring on the XHA1 all day, perhaps the novo or adatpimax would be a must..I couldn't shoot any other way.
That's good do know about the Nikkors..
I always had this feeling that perhaps older lenses would not be able to keep up in performance, or keep up with the newer lenses in terms of fidelity..
I'm glad that's not the case.

Thank you, and love your work....
 
Hi I have shot a wedding with AF100 using Nikon lenses and all went fine. It was a two camera shoot and would suggest that is the best way to go because of the lack of servo zoom and large zoom range on large sensor cameras making single camera coverage harder. Even if you only locked the 2nd camera is locked off on a wide, It could give you the freedom to move around and utilise the benefit of the shallow depth of field of the AF100. So I would add in the cost of the 2nd camera, maybe a GH2 would be OK? I found my Nikon 24-70 f2.8 the most useful for a wedding but maybe even better would be the the Nikon 17-55 f2.8. Both lenses need a "G" adaptor that has a screw or iris control ring on the adaptor to control the iris. I enjoyed using the AF100 on a wedding but would be very nervous particularly with audio with a DSLR.
 
Most older Nikon prime lenses have manual irises. If yours have iris rings, a cheaper non-adjustable adapter will work.
 
Regardless of which nikon lenses you use, don't skimp on the adapter...you will regret it and end ip purchasing a decent one in the long run anyway.
 
You're already experienced shooting with your set of lenses — don't change if you don't have to. I came to the AF from a similar setup (DVX & Letus with Nikons) and I can tell you that streamlining the load and set up has been all worth it!

Other pluses: ability to use the entire aperture range of your lenses and not losing a stop.
 
StephenM said:
Most older Nikon prime lenses have manual irises. If yours have iris rings, a cheaper non-adjustable adapter will work.
Click to expand...
I should have mentioned this.
You can get a cheap Fotodiox for Nikon for around $45, $65 with iris control, or pony up and spend several hundred for one with iris control that is solid. I have both and I use both. The Novoflex is well made. Newer Nikon lenses don't have manual iris control but unlike EOS they dont require a electronic adapter to use the iris. With Nikon non manual their is a pin on the lens mount that when moved with the adapter opens and closes the iris.
 
Last edited:
Just remember if you are constantly riding the iris, on a manual Nikon you have click stops, get the Novoflex with the iris control and you will be able to smoothly control the iris.

Best,

Jan
 
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