Switch to HPX300 and P+S Technik Mini35 Compact

[balster]

Ok so a lot of people have been asking for some test footage from our new camera. They were right there should be more, so here it is:

Clip1: Slow motion

Clip2: Person in street 3 lenses

Clip3: Ninja in street different shutter speeds

Have a look at the bokeh, grain and other stuff that catches your eye and let me know what you think.

Got to my blog fore the original clips without compression.
--
It just didn’t work for me anymore. I tried balancing the EX1 rig with more and more Zacuto stuff. In the end it was all so heavy my back couldn’t take it anymore!

Looking back on my EX1 / Letus Extreme purchase, well it’s difficult. The EX1 produces a very good image and can very easily be mistaken / intercut with high end sony HD cams. But it’s just not a good handheld shooter. And let’s face it neither is the EX3. Price was the biggest reason I tried the Letus Extreme and I must admit that the image is very nice. But the build quality is just horrible. Not to mention the lack of product support.The Zacuto stuff has never failed me, even in the roughest conditions.I had been eyeing the HPX300 since it’s release but switching recording media and workflow held me back. The 1/3″ chip was also a big factor. But the main reason I was looking to get the camera was balance. I can’t begin to explain how important it is to have a good balance. And wouldn’t a good 35mm adapter rule out the chip size issues?I have thought about getting a Letus Extreme with relay lens but my experiences with the product quality and company held me back. P+S Technik has a reputation that’s impeccable and the Mini35c is around the same price point as the Letus Extreme with relay. After visiting the IBC and talking to Aki from P+S Technik about the Mini35 Compact on the HPX300 I made up my mind. And I am now shooting with this great combo:
Looking back on my EX1 / Letus Extreme purchase, well it’s difficult. The EX1 produces a very good image and can very easily be mistaken / intercut with high end sony HD cams. But it’s just not a good handheld shooter. And let’s face it neither is the EX3. Price was the biggest reason I tried the Letus Extreme and I must admit that the image is very nice. But the build quality is just horrible. Not to mention the lack of product support. The Zacuto stuff has never failed me, even in the roughest conditions.

I had been eyeing the HPX300 since it’s release but switching recording media and workflow held me back. The 1/3″ chip was also a big factor. But the main reason I was looking to get the camera was balance. I can’t begin to explain how important it is to have a good balance. And wouldn’t a good 35mm adapter rule out the chip size issues?

I have thought about getting a Letus Extreme with relay lens but my experiences with the product quality and company held me back. P+S Technik has a reputation that’s impeccable and the Mini35c is around the same price point as the Letus Extreme with relay. After visiting the IBC and talking to Aki from P+S Technik about the Mini35 Compact on the HPX300 I made up my mind. And I am now shooting with this great combo:

Check out my blog for more images and some test footage. More to follow.

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

Is this the standard lens ?
Have send you a pm.

 

[CinemaElectronika]

Hi Balster,

Looks terrific!

I was wondering how this setup would compare to the Letus Ultimate + Letus 1/3" Relay...

Unfortunately the later not available so far. But the questions are, as per your own experience...

Is the P+S Mini35C as sensitive as expected for the Letus Setup (only 1/2 stop light loss)?

The Letus 1/3" Relay Lens is 35mm Full Frame Size, optimized for 35mm Still Lenses as the Zeiss ZF's... Is the P+S Adapter also?

I see you have a Zacuto Zephyr300 attached to your HPX300 but without the rods... How's the P+S Mini35C attached?

Which Sachtler is that? The 15SB?

Congrats, Bro! Looks wonderful... Hope to see your work soon.

Henry.

 

[earmarkcreative]

Looking good Balster. Can't wait to see some more footage.

 

[balster]

Is this the standard lens ?
Have send you a pm.

No it's a fully equipped Mini35 Compact with its own (very small) relay.

Hi Balster,

Looks terrific!

I was wondering how this setup would compare to the Letus Ultimate + Letus 1/3" Relay...

- I don't have a Letus Extreme with relay so nor have I seen this hooked up to a HPX300 so I can't say.

Unfortunately the later not available so far. But the questions are, as per your own experience...

Is the P+S Mini35C as sensitive as expected for the Letus Setup (only 1/2 stop light loss)?

- In terms of light loss here is a quote from the P+S Technik website:

- Very light sensitive, loose only 1/2" stop
- Light weight and compact
- Power supply via camera, no extra battery needed
- Uses the P+S Technik Interchangeable Mount System (IMS)
- Camera needs no modification, just mount the MINI35 Comapct and a 35mm lens to your 1/3" video camera
- Adjustable ground glass speed
- Low noise level

All I can say is that it's all true.

The Letus 1/3" Relay Lens is 35mm Full Frame Size, optimized for 35mm Still Lenses as the Zeiss ZF's... Is the P+S Adapter also?

- The Mini35 Compact is built for full frame 35mm still and film lenses.

I see you have a Zacuto Zephyr300 attached to your HPX300 but without the rods... How's the P+S Mini35C attached?

- The Mini35 Compact is built for the Chrosziel 401-89B LWS so I have to wait for it to come in. Then I can do some real testing.

Which Sachtler is that? The 15SB?

- The tripod is a Sachtler 18PII

 

[balster]

test footage

test footage

Before I forget: are there any requests for specific test shots? or settings with this setup?

 

[earmarkcreative]

Before I forget: are there any requests for specific test shots? or settings with this setup?

People, people people. I would like to see a person outdoors in sunlight at various f/stops and the same thing for a well lit (tungsten) interior, again at various stops between fully open and say f/8 or f/11.

Does the P+S allow you to stop the lens all the way down like the Letus Ultimate or is it "capped" like the Elite/Extreme?

Thanks

 

[balster]

First footage

First footage

No people yet but I have uploaded some uncompressed footage for your viewing pleasure, check it out.

No grading, no lighting, shot on AVC Intra, 1080 50i 25PN with a 85mm, 1.4 Zeiss lens.

Does the P+S allow you to stop the lens all the way down like the Letus Ultimate or is it "capped" like the Elite/Extreme?

Thanks

The Mini35c has it's own exposure ring next to the back focus, it also has a speed dial. Here is a close up:

The adapter is powered by the camera hirose output, it's remote controlled with a button on the handle via the camera lens connector. So when you press the button the ground glass spins and the camera records.

 

[Barry_Green]

What's the ballpark pricetag on that mini35c + relay setup?

 

[hammerhorror]

What's the ballpark pricetag on that mini35c + relay setup?

I was quoted $7,390 for the mini35c + a Nikon lens mount. I really want one of these, but it almost costs just as much as the camera itself. It looks like it is very well made though.

 

[balster]

I was quoted $7,390 for the mini35c + a Nikon lens mount. I really want one of these, but it almost costs just as much as the camera itself. It looks like it is very well made though.

7500 US sounds about right. You should not compare the cost of the adapter to the camera but rather view the complete setup as one great camera.

 

[earmarkcreative]

Balster,

Wow! Wow! After seeing your full res footage I'm sold on this setup with this camera. This is by far the best looking footage I've seen from this camera so far. I can't wait to see some tests with people using this setup.

In terms of price, it's cheaper or equivalent (depending on how much you want to spend on an ENG lens) to go this route over say an HPX500 with lens. At least this route, you have an ENG lens for those gigs that require it and you also have the option of a more "filmic" style of shooting.

 

[hotchkiss]

7500 US sounds about right. You should not compare the cost of the adapter to the camera but rather view the complete setup as one great camera.

A great point. Having the flexibility of going with either the stock lens when appropriate, or the mini 35 set up makes for a very flexible camera package. How is the front end weight and ergonomics with the unit attached ? How about for hand held work?

Just when I told myself I would not spend any more money....... :-O .

thanks

 

[balster]

Weight

Weight

A great point. Having the flexibility of going with either the stock lens when appropriate, or the mini 35 set up makes for a very flexible camera package. How is the front end weight and ergonomics with the unit attached ? How about for hand held work?

Just when I told myself I would not spend any more money....... :-O .

thanks

The weight and balance are ok, I haven't really done any handheld shooting because I'm still waiting for the Chrosziel 401-89B LWS to attach the adapter to the camera in a secure way.

Will keep you guys posted.

 

[zeke]

I didn't think P+S Technik had anything under 10K USD. I'm going to check this out.

 

[balster]

focus chart

focus chart

Edge to edge sharpness is very good and there is no chromatic aberration.

Shot with a zeiss 50mm at f1.4 720p.

 

[zeke]

Have you shot anything at 1080x25p?

 

[balster]

Have you shot anything at 1080x25p?

Here is some uncompressed footage shot on 108025p

 

[zeke]

Thanks balster, that was nice. I was hoping for something more dynamic, more movement...to see what it would take to control rolling shutter. 25p is 6% faster than 24p and if it helps reduce rolling shutter issues, I wondering if anyone on this side of the pond would want to pay for the upgrade.

Once again, thanks for posting.

 

[Gary Baker]

Any chance of seeing some new footage with this adapter?