Maximizing DOF with Anamorphic Adapter

S

stidle

Active member
As everyone knows, the Anamorphic Adapter greatly reduces the ability to achieve Depth of Focus on the DVX...I presume that this is because it is essentially impossible to zoom all the way through to Z99, etc...(what other reasons are there?)

...anyway, I was curious if we could discuss ways in which DOF could be maximized, even given the limitations of the Adapter? (If there's already a thread about it, please direct me there.)

Thanks!
 
Yes, I suppose that's what I meant. Maximize Shallowness of Focus, I guess makes more sense.

Now that we have semantics cleared up, can anyone help?
 
My personal use of the Ana adapter has always been like this. . .

Wide angle shots, use Ana adapter
tight shots/ closeups, use stock lens

Because closeups and headshots give the illusion of having more resolution than wide angle (lots of stuff in frame) shots, you can usually get away with this with no problem.
 
You can't do it. To do so is to be counterproductive against the one thing that makes the anamorphic adapter work at all -- deep DOF.

If you try to employ shallow DOF with the anamorphic you'll end up with shots that are overall out of focus.

Furthermore, keep in mind that the anamorphic is effectively a .67x wide-angle adapter too (on the horizontal axis) and you'll see that it's fairly impossible to get shallow DOF and widescreen imagery with the anamorphic. That's why, even though Squeeze Mode reduces resolution, I think it's such an easier way to shoot with fewer compromises.
 
Man, suddenly after actually buying the darned thing I am hearing nothing but bad things about the Anamorphic Adapter. I like the way it ends up looking, but what a headache. If my faith isn't redeemed sometime by the end of the week, I'm just going to sell it.
 
The LA7200 is a great tool, but not appropriate to use all the time. If you are shooting a wide shot, say an establishment shot, you don't really want shallow depth of field.

I have and use the adapter often, but it, just like any piece of optics, isn't for every situation.

Focusing is not that much more difficult if you understand how the adapter works, shifting the focal plane only in the horizontal axis. You do need to stop down further when using the adapter (and this does give you greater depth of field and requires more light) so use it when its appropriate and shoot squeeze when its not (just don't shoot in camera squeeze with the adapter installed).

The wider field of view can be a very handy tool in really tight setups.

Don't give up on and sell it off before even learning how and when to use it.
 
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