M2 Test, several different ones

Is it just me, or are several of these shots out of focus?

I also have an M2/DVX combo with the same lens (50mm f/1.4 Nikon). I'm having the same issues. Several of my shots have been almost too soft.

It seems to be difficult to get a crisp, clear focus with the M2. I'm sure this is probably attributable to "operator error" (perhaps in setting the backfocus) in my case, but I'd really like to improve my skills with the adapter. Anyone have any suggestions?

BTW, I don't mean to sound critical of the test--I enjoyed it!--but I've done similar tests with mixed results.
 
Last edited:
Whenever I shoot through the M2 I feel like I'm doing voodoo. Sometimes it's crispy-clear, sometimes it's soft and muddy. What I can already tell. I only see unbearable softness when I'm shooting wide open / or close to, with my wider lenses... So it may be just the lenses, or the backfocus... But it's tough!
 
I'm right in that same boat with you Sean Michael. I just got my M2 a few days ago and I'm still having trouble getting a crisp image. I do admit though I am getting closer than what I had started out with. I really think it's all about getting the distance from the lens to the ground glass just right, it seems like once you've got that and can focus to infinity everything else will just fall into place.

That's what I hope at least. I've just been doing tests..tinkering...doing more tests...for the past few days and that's my conclusion so far.

As for your tests, the shot of the woman and her dog was pretty cool. You've got some good stuff in there, but some of the other stuff is just a tad bit soft.
 
The M2 is a 35mm adapter...check out http://www.redrockmicro.com/

I empathize with the "doing voodoo" comment. Sometimes my shots are really crisp and in focus; other times, they are way too soft.

I don't yet have enough confidence in the M2 to use it when working with a crew & actors.

FWIW here's my own M2 test, with similar results. Some of these shots are fine, others not so good.

http://www.walkaboutclub.com/m2test080606.wmv

I think the key is in setting backfocus--but I'm not sure how to consistently and reliably do so!
 
Sean Michael said:
The M2 is a 35mm adapter...check out http://www.redrockmicro.com/

I empathize with the "doing voodoo" comment. Sometimes my shots are really crisp and in focus; other times, they are way too soft.

I don't yet have enough confidence in the M2 to use it when working with a crew & actors.

FWIW here's my own M2 test, with similar results. Some of these shots are fine, others not so good.

http://www.walkaboutclub.com/m2test080606.wmv

I think the key is in setting backfocus--but I'm not sure how to consistently and reliably do so!
Click to expand...

I have been figuring out by trial and error the focus issue. I think the focus on the GG is paramount. I have read this on another thread...maybe it will help.

"By Justin Marx
A 1st AC friend of mine had these tools that measure the 10'000th of an inch, so we used those to adjust the distance under the collet to get the "almost" perfect infinity.. Going by eye is impossible! and will drive you nuts..

My focus is still not PERFECT, but having your zoom set to 74 and your focus around 15 seems to work well for me.. that seems to be the real factor.. try and start there and see where your focus lands (start by zooming to 74, then get crisp focus on the GG by moving the M2 till it's focused at 14 or 15)
- - Justin Marx"

Also, I forgot to set my detail levels up in the test. Try to set the detail to +7, the V Detail to +7 and Detail Coring to +7. Maybe that will help! The M2 changes everything, so I will test until I am pro... haha :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
I found out that my camera (DVX100b) looks very good with the M2 at a Zoom of 70 and a focus of 38. F5 Detail at +5 V Detail at +5 Detail Coring at +7 Master Ped at -7 Color Temp -3 Normal Gamma, Matrix Cinegamma.
 
msconce said:
I found out that my camera (DVX100b) looks very good with the M2 at a Zoom of 70 and a focus of 38. F5 Detail at +5 V Detail at +5 Detail Coring at +7 Master Ped at -7 Color Temp -3 Normal Gamma, Matrix Cinegamma.
Click to expand...

Thanks... I'm going to set up my M2 tonight and run some similar tests. I'll let you know if I discover anything useful!
 
What is the collet? Are you guys actually having to open up the box and move things around like the gg?

I would have thought that if you were buying a m2 with a specific brand mount that they would have done the R&R to know what the perfect distance is and it would come shipped that way ready to go out the box. Am I missing something here?
 
mungk said:
What is the collet? Are you guys actually having to open up the box and move things around like the gg?

I would have thought that if you were buying a m2 with a specific brand mount that they would have done the R&R to know what the perfect distance is and it would come shipped that way ready to go out the box. Am I missing something here?
Click to expand...

I didn't have to move the GG at all. The M2 works awesome for be as is. :)
 
I haven't moved the GG, or opened my M2 for any reason (other than to check the battery).

Even though it's ostensibly configured for the DVX, there are vertical/horizontal alignment issues with the M2. It's definitely not a "plug & play" device.

The distance issue concerns mounting the rear of the M2 to the DVX, not the Nikon lens to the M2.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top