FS7: Success with Commlite Adapter

Awright, this Commlite adapter is becoming less and less exciting to me as we play around with it. In a comparison test between two FS7 cameras with the same Canon lens (and then a different Canon lens), we discovered a distinct decline in contrast using the Commlite vs. a Metabones adapter. At first, we couldn't figure out what was causing the discrepancy between the images because all the Paint settings were identical. We even thought that just maybe there was a possibility that the sensors weren't uniform from one camera to another (long shot). Then we switched out the adapters and that's what appears to be introducing the image "degradation." Pretty sure it has to do with the inside black coating on the Commlite not being as light absorbative, but rather, bouncing some incoming light around that diffuses the image and lessens contrast and even color vibrance. It was notable to both myself and Lenny Levy, who owns the other camera. Probably merits additional testing to confirm, but I can say I am eagerly awaiting delivery of the Metabones adapter I have on order. The Commlite is being relegated to a distant back-up role.
 
I was with David and stand by the scientific veracity of our methodology. We were really caught off guard by this. 2 cameras, similar lenses , same settings, but the Commlite had slightly less contrast than the Metabones - a very thin veil. At first we thought it must be the lenses, so we switched them and it didn't make a difference. I figured the cameras were just a little different but on a whim ( actually i humored David) we switched out the Commlite for another Metabones (Mark III) and the match was perfect. Odd.
 
I'd agree with this - I'm using Contax Zeiss lenses with EF mods on the Commlite. These are lower contrast lenses to start with - but with the Commlite I was scratching my head at what seemed like a loss of sharpness using the lenses. I'm thinking it is most likely the light bouncing around inside and lowering the contrast even further. I might try flocking the adapter and see what happens. Still no perfect way to use EF glass on this camera though.
 
It felt like loss of sharpness also, but since that made absolutely no sense I'm with you just loss of contrast from light bouncing around.
 
Thanks for doing these test. Good to know, and nice we all have the Metabones II for free if we want it. I sent in the rebate last week and will use it over my Commlite if I use EF glass at times.
 
I think it's pretty outrageous to be honest and pretty much making a statement about how Sony view their customers around the world.
 
As Charlie Sheen said to the guy heckling him for not being funny on his post breakdown standup tour... 'I already got your money dude'

Sony don't have any incentive whatsoever so do anything for me now I've given them all my cash.
 
Yeah, Joe, I'm with you on that. Just "flock" that damn Commlite adapter, and wait for the Metabones. I think that's more or less what you said, no?
 
Interesting post. I just received,y commlite adapter today. As I didn't do any side by side with my Ultra I didn't notice anything like that.
I was just checking out if IS worked etc. I will do a side by side as well tomorrow.
 
I tried a few more shots. Inside a quite dark living room, no big change in contrast between the to that I could see, at least nothing I can't live with. Even the scopes didn't change that much.
I used a 24-70 f2.8 mkI and zoomed in when I changed to the ultra. Do you have the commlite with the square back as well?
it might be easier to spot the difference in a bright daylight shoot, and will try that tomorrow to see
 
Do post back on that. Would be good to know. I suspect that outdoors there will be more stray light coming in at different angles that will cause the contrast shift. But it would be good to know our experience.
 
It was a pretty subtle difference , and I'm not sure how much you would notice it if the cams weren't side by side. You could make an argument that less contrast was better.
In the side by side the Metabones looked snappier, but it wouldn't ruin your shots at all. We didn't see if in custom you could just drop the black level a hair to get a match.
 
Frankly, I didn't find the difference all that subtle. Since the Commlite was on my camera at first, I was pretty disappointed in comparing the image between the two cameras. I doubt that the difference will be that noticeable in a "darkened" room. I think that, as Joe said above, that where there is plenty of ambient light is where the condition prevails. Good to know, though, under what conditions the Commlite would be serviceable if needed.
 
I did a few quick tests again today. We used my FS7 with my commlite and a rental FS7 we will bring to a shoot next week with my Ultra. Both cameras had a canon 24-105mm f4.
It was raining so we just set up the cameras side by side in an open office with big windows so quite a lot of light in the room. My colleague and me where both hard pressed to see a difference, the black chair where maybe a bit more black with the Ultra.
We didn't have much time and only on card available so we only compared in the camera viewfinders.
Don't think anyone would notice if we did a 2 camera shoot and edit the 2 together. That's what we intend to do anyway
 
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