Must-haves

V

Vinnie

Member
In addition to a 35 mm adapter (in my case SGpro) and some sort of image-flip device.

What are the essential must-haves?

* Mattebox - do you really need one?
* Follow focus vs. hand focus?
* Stabilization or other support mounts?
* A lot of primes (any suggestions?)

Of course it all depends on budget and what kind of movie you want to do but I would like to hear what you guys think

Cheers :beer:
 
What are the essential must-haves?

* Mattebox - do you really need one? Nope. You can get a couple ND filters to fit all your lenses (by using step-down rings), and you can buy used hoods for most 35mm still lenses very cheaply. And that pretty much does everything a matte box does for a fraction of the price. People love to say you MUST have a matte box. It's silly. Now, if you have the money and the budget, why not. They can be handy and a pro cinematographer wnats one on hand, no doubt. But for an indie guy, it's not a must-have.

* Follow focus vs. hand focus? I tried hand focusing for a while before getting a follow focus with my 35mm adapter. If you want to do any rack focuses (and you will want that to fully take advantage of the cool depth of field) then you need a follow focus. So again, not a must have. But I'd recommend it.

* Stabilization or other support mounts? Well most 35mm set-ups (lens + adapter +rails + follow focus) get HEAVY. And that means that most consumer level stabilization systems are not able to handle the weight. So it's very expensive to get something to support this kind of weight. Not a must have. It's a wonderful-to-have. But not a must have. Actually, let's face it. NOTHING is a must have. It depends on what you want to achieve. A tripod is going to be your best friend. A cheap home-made dolly system will give you nice smooth shots. Going hand-held will be harder, but entirely do-able, and I've done it many times (though note you will have to shut off any in-camera auto-stabilization).

* A lot of primes (any suggestions?) Nikon 50mm 1.4 It's all you'll ever need. You might want more. Glass becomes addictive, and the options are endless. But that fast, beautiful lens is simply incomparable for the money.
 
I feel a mattebox is important for image controll. Filters, flare reduction, and maintaining contrast in the image.

Get at least 4 lenses. 24mm 35mm 50mm and an a 200mm. you can live without the rest.

dont NEED stabilization.
 
People here have lots of favorite ways to work and they tend to recommend their favorite goodies.

You need to figure out what kind of work you will be doing. If its interviews, a 28 35 and a 50 are way too short. I'd recommend an 80- 200 zoom for sure.

If its narrative then a wide a normal and something longer are a basic start. Could be 28 or 35, a 50 for sure to start, and then maybe an 85 or 105 prime.
If you're willing to work at 2.8 you could also go with a decent zoom.

I'd agree with Sean about the add-ons though - you need lenses first the rest is icing.
 
My 2-cents

My 2-cents

a MATTEBOX is nice to have especially if you plan on using 4x4 filters..but not a necessity. I use my existing camera hoods with nd filters and have no comments.

A good Followfocus is important...it's too hard and too far to reach that lens focus ring to really pull focus without one.


Lens wise I prefer to have the full set if possible. 24 or 28, 35, 50, 85 and 135..even though I have a 105 for some nice portrait type shots. Try to get the fastest lenses you can get. Anything above that tend to have much slower lenses.

Stabilization...a good solid tripod and fluid head will do wonders. Dollys and Jibs can be rented for specialty shots.

A good external monitor is essential for focus and adjusting your shots when using a adaptor..Much more important than a fancy Mattebox could ever do.

Lights and stands..are a must have with them having at least 3200K output on each. You can use scoops and reflectors with foamcore and gels to get the look you want if you can't afford Arris, moles or Lowels.
 
Yeah smithy hit the nail on the head - good monitors.
I would get a Marshall or something equivilent because you need to see that upside down image and you need to be able to focus with something on the camera.

I also like the Panny 17".
 
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