rented a Fujinon A15x8BDEVM-28B 2/3" servo zoom for the AF-100
- Thread starter sunny_j
- Start date
sunny_j
Well-known member
i am going to see how sharp the lens is on a chart everyday shooting. if i like the way the lens performs i will get the rails, evf and a few other accessories before i do any shooting with the lens. i know the max lens weight i can attach is 2.5 pounds so for the tests i will support the lens with my hand.
I am confused by the various model names of the A series Fujinon lenses. There is Argus, Pegasus, and perhaps others. I don't know the significance of these labels (listed right next to the model number). I've not seen any description of what these signify.
I do like the mechanics of these lenses. Three fingers layed on top of the lens can easily control focus, zoom, and aperture at the same time. And of course, you get the power zoom if that appeals to you.
The optics have me confused. I've used mine in low light with the aperture open had gotten some sharp footage and other times, I've had the aperture closed a bit and had soft footage. I'm wondering if this particular lens has an issue. But overall, the mechanics can't be beat, it's parfocal, and its reasonably sharp. There is some CA, but really not bad at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npDFzB0atEc&context=C3947e04ADOEgsToPDskJ7dU_T56gt1xx3TQPtMlYV
I do like the mechanics of these lenses. Three fingers layed on top of the lens can easily control focus, zoom, and aperture at the same time. And of course, you get the power zoom if that appeals to you.
The optics have me confused. I've used mine in low light with the aperture open had gotten some sharp footage and other times, I've had the aperture closed a bit and had soft footage. I'm wondering if this particular lens has an issue. But overall, the mechanics can't be beat, it's parfocal, and its reasonably sharp. There is some CA, but really not bad at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npDFzB0atEc&context=C3947e04ADOEgsToPDskJ7dU_T56gt1xx3TQPtMlYV
analog_addict
Well-known member
I think these servo zooms aren't particularly good. I tried one on my AF and the results were disappointing. Your footage looked like mine. Relatively sharp but has a warped view to it. The center looks fine but the edges (image circle not intending to be filmed?) look warped. You also get a lot of CA and it just doesn't look right to me.
The only really nice footage I have seen was from someone using that corrective adapter that costs a few $k
The only really nice footage I have seen was from someone using that corrective adapter that costs a few $k
No, its not optically top-shelf. It’s an $84 lens.
I've heard about the Able Cine HD2x. I’ve not seen a side-by-side comparison from them showing its benefits. The only side-by-side comparison I have seen is this one, which compares an Able Cine HDx2 together with an HD lens vs an SD lens with mechanical adapter.
http://gearjones.com/2011/09/15/abel-cine-hdx2-vs-mtf-b4-to-micro-four-thirds/
If they didn't show which lens was which, I would have picked the SD lens over the HD, because the contrast looks just a bit better. But its very close. I would like to see other comparisons.
HJ lens - $8000 - $12,000
Able Cine HDx2 - $5500
Total - $13 - 17k
YJ lens - $50 - 1000
Adapter - $260
Total - $300 - $1300
Its hard to see the $10k difference in that comparison.
Now if I could only get the mechanics of the Fujinon mated with the optics of the Lumix 14-140.
I've heard about the Able Cine HD2x. I’ve not seen a side-by-side comparison from them showing its benefits. The only side-by-side comparison I have seen is this one, which compares an Able Cine HDx2 together with an HD lens vs an SD lens with mechanical adapter.
http://gearjones.com/2011/09/15/abel-cine-hdx2-vs-mtf-b4-to-micro-four-thirds/
If they didn't show which lens was which, I would have picked the SD lens over the HD, because the contrast looks just a bit better. But its very close. I would like to see other comparisons.
HJ lens - $8000 - $12,000
Able Cine HDx2 - $5500
Total - $13 - 17k
YJ lens - $50 - 1000
Adapter - $260
Total - $300 - $1300
Its hard to see the $10k difference in that comparison.
Now if I could only get the mechanics of the Fujinon mated with the optics of the Lumix 14-140.
Mitch Gross
Veteran
Disclaimer: I'm from AbelCine and the product manager on the competing product, the HDx2.
The sharpness falloff and CA I see as you get out to the edges of the frame is to be expected with the setup you show. That adapter setup has you using the B4 lens' internal doubler to expand the image to cover the 4/3 sensor. It was never designed to do that, but instead just to magnify the image in the center. That's why the optical quality quickly fails as you get outside of the center 2/3" image area. This is why our adapter does not use the doubler but instead has its own optics.
The other adapter is less costly since it is only mechanical parts, but then you are at the mercy of the design of the lens' internal doubler. If it performs poorly in 4/3" projection (most do, as evident by your video) then you may get unsatisfactory images. It is up to you to decide what is acceptable.
BTW, that footage shows the lens with the backfocus way out. You should be able to zoom in & out while maintaining focus. To set this, zoom all the way in and adjust the focus in the front (regular focus ring). Then zoom all the way out and adjust thefocus in the back (rearmost ring just before the mount -- there should be a small clamp knob you have to loosen in order to rotate the ring). Lock the backfocus in place again and you're all set.
The sharpness falloff and CA I see as you get out to the edges of the frame is to be expected with the setup you show. That adapter setup has you using the B4 lens' internal doubler to expand the image to cover the 4/3 sensor. It was never designed to do that, but instead just to magnify the image in the center. That's why the optical quality quickly fails as you get outside of the center 2/3" image area. This is why our adapter does not use the doubler but instead has its own optics.
The other adapter is less costly since it is only mechanical parts, but then you are at the mercy of the design of the lens' internal doubler. If it performs poorly in 4/3" projection (most do, as evident by your video) then you may get unsatisfactory images. It is up to you to decide what is acceptable.
BTW, that footage shows the lens with the backfocus way out. You should be able to zoom in & out while maintaining focus. To set this, zoom all the way in and adjust the focus in the front (regular focus ring). Then zoom all the way out and adjust thefocus in the back (rearmost ring just before the mount -- there should be a small clamp knob you have to loosen in order to rotate the ring). Lock the backfocus in place again and you're all set.
sunny_j
Well-known member
its a micro 4/3 to b4 mount.
i got around to testing it over the weekend and the results were okay. my biggest complaint is that its soft around the edges .the HDx2 can fix that but its to much $$$
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
I use my wide angle Angenieux with the MTF aadapter and support. Got the Abel Cine cable which provides power to the lens and also lets you start and stop the camera from the lens as well.
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
No 2/3" b4 lens covers a micro 4/3 sensor without either the built in doubler or the Abel Cine adapter.
Erik Naso
Veteran
Is this your ENG-Run & Gun setup?
How do you like the image quality compared to cine/still lenses. I'm sure there's a trade off for connivence.
I'm thinking about getting a B4 lens for ENG style shooting but concerned about the quality of the image.
Last edited:
sunny_j
Well-known member
which optical doubler are you using? HDx2?
does the sharpness fall off around the edges?
I just made a purchase of a quantity of the B4 to micro 4/3 adapters that have the tripod mount, which allows you to hang both the lens and camera off of the MOUNT (which is strong), eliminating any possibility of damage to your camera mount. Works on AF100, GH1, GH2, etc. I have them for sale on eBay--not sure what the protocol is for posting links to eBay listings, but they're $320 with shipping. I will give a $20 discount to dvxuser members if you PM me.
Erik Naso
Veteran
Turbodog.
You should post some pics of your product. I would like to see what you got.