Need help with Letus

J

Joe Mitchell

New member
I have an HVX200a with the letus extreme, HVX optimaztion kit, backfocus ring. When I use this setup are the focus settings on the LCD no longer relavant? If so how do you measure to the subject. I realize that focus has to be done on the lens and not the camera focus ring. I have several fixed glass lenses but have been testing with the Nikon 85mm 1.4. The focus settings on the LCD are way off. I also do not see what the backfocus does. I know it's purpose is to move the lens closer or further away from the ground glass of the Letus but nothing seems to happen no matter where it is set. I am sure I just do not know what I am doing given I am a real novice. I am having a real hard time getting anything but real soft focus. I followed all the insturcitons in terms of setting up the camera. I did the following:

1. added HVX adapter ring and optimization kit to the camera.
2. Put on Letus adapter and adjusted it so the edges are sqare with the LCD
3. Used an external monitor and focused in on the grain of the glass to get it as sharp as possible
4. Attached Nikon mount and nikon lens.
5. I have been shooting at f5.6 outside

I would love to pay someone to spend a couple of hours with me in Las Vegas to help me learn to properly use this adapter. So if anyone lives in Las Vegas and would be willing to help me please let me know. I'm not rich but it's worth an honest fee.
 
So far, everything you done was right.

The focus of the camera has to be set to the grain of the ground glass, you may consider locking it with tape.
Zoom in with the camera, till your ground glass covers the whole screen. (should be around 38, when I remember that right).- than focus on the GG.
Make sure the HVX is not in autofocus mode (button under the camera lens), that will screw things up and drive you nuts.

To set the backfocus, you have to go to infinity on your prime to see differences.
Most still lenses don´t have precise enough markings to really measure and set your subject.

You do it, by looking at the monitor - if you have a follow focus, you can mark the ring, or put some tape on the lens and make your own marks.
If you really want to measure with old school tape, use the ground glass as focal plane (I think there was a mark somewhere on the Letus)

best, Frank
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top