SGPRO 35mm adapter + FF first impresions.

A

Andreas

Well-known member
15mm rods...are actually 14.8mm... and thats fine by me. The problem is that I have 15.1 stainless steel rods and they fit perfectly in the main base, getting through the SGPRO unit with a little help with a screwdriver (hmmm "little" is an understatement) and then we arrive at the SGPRO FF unit where it doesn't fit at all. I was forced to use a curved hand-file ! (not recommended to anyone that does not have a lot of experience with tools... actually not recommended at all).

The FF is perfect. Cannot find any other words to describe it. Of course that is my first impression as the title of this thread dictates. We 'll see.

Some problems allying the camera (Sony HDR FX1E) with the SGPRO Unit. The camera appeared a little higher and somehow off center. I had to disassemble the unit from the rods, attach the SGPRO unit to the 72mm threads and then putting it carefully back to the rods. Seems OK now, again we shall see. The unit is silents and solid. Much smaller then I expected from pictures around the web.

Overall satisfied.

More soon... probably...

best
Andreas
 
There are shims delivered to align the camera. It's normal it does not fit out of the box, just like that. There are also rods delivered that fit perfectly.
 
I have read that the camera arrives aligned out of the box for the FX1 and as for the rods, I just wanted to use my custom made rods that fit my needs lengthwise. They should be OK, since they are 15.1mm. The diameter of each base varies and it shouldn't. It does not permit to use any other then the delivered once or a 14.8 custom made, but anyhow it is stated to be 15mm not 14.8 If I knew this I would have searched for the right steel tube. I mention all this only to clarify the correct diameter for anyone that can and want to make there own.
 
Hi Andreas,

Our support system has been shipped in standard config since the Rev3, ready for the user to adjust for their camcorder. I realise the old Rev2 tutorial that you received after your purchase states otherwise. We are making a fresh tutorial this weekend for the latest Rev3, sorry for any confusion.

Our rods will fit any standard clamps made for 15mm rods. The problem you have is because you are using rods that are 15.1mm, which is non standard and too big.
 
You're going to love the REV 3.

What is the amount of play on the follow focus. Love to know how it compares to the comp (RRock, Indie, Chrosziel). The design look clean and simple as it should be. My biggest beef with any FF is the play. Over 1mm it becomes an issue for quickl direction changes on long lenses, etc.
 
Hi Tim,

Not even close to 1mm. It is 0.3 and only if you push it real hard it reaches 0.4 !!! Without any pressure it is even better 0.1-0.2

Andreas
 
Just to explain the testing procedure. 0.3 is when you stop the lens by hand and push the FF all the way to left or right. 0.4 is the same but you push real hard this time. 0.1-0.2 is measured without holding the lens this time, turning the FF from 0 point until the lens starts to move.

best
Andreas
 
I'm also very satisfied with my Sg Follow Focus: it's not a surprise that the build quality is great and as Andreas said there's like no play at all in the gears. I'll post some pics of my entire rig soon.
 
Another thing that I was curious about was the actual field of view SGPRO offers. Following Barry Green's instructions and according to Panavision FOV calculator I tried to measure my widest possible frame in a distance of 3 feet with a 50mm lens and I ended up with a 57.5 mm X 32 mm frame (in inches is 22.4 X 12.6) So I guess what we have here is a frame wide almost exactly like 35 mm negative will give. No vistavison possible which is even wider (ground glass starts to appear.

Anyone else tried to measure this ?

Andreas
 
One other thing you should keep in mind Andreas,
The lens set for a 35mm motion picture camera is slightly different than SLR photography. In the first case, the "normal" is the 35mm while for the second, the "normal" is 50.
Nice design for your lens gears and FF Wayne, btw.
Best,
Dan
 
Again with the frame thing... Some more testing gave me a 52cmX29cm frame at 3 feet away with a 50mm f2.8. Camera at f2. I don't think the adapter can go any wider without quality loss and if we zoom in closer camera's aperture has to get smaller while the GG grain gets bigger.

Again, anyone else's results ?

Wayne what are your own findings on this ? I know you also use FX1E. What aperture do you find that works better ? Please, work with me here :)

best
Andreas
 
Andreas,

Thats right, I also use the FX1e. To relay the full 36mm frame width, you need a zoom setting of 18mm on the zoom ring. You can actually go a little wider at about 37mm frame wide.
 
Andreas said:
Hi Tim,

Not even close to 1mm. It is 0.3 and only if you push it real hard it reaches 0.4 !!! Without any pressure it is even better 0.1-0.2

Andreas
Click to expand...

That's a breakthrough! Never seen a FF with no play, even your 4 grand Arri Studio still have more play than a 1500 dollar Chrosziel DV. But .3-.4 is quite amazing, though not surprising considering the thought Wayne puts into his products. Damn, maybe I should sell my Chrosziel and buy two.

Tim
 
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