Throw me a bone here, people ! (Nikon G adapter query)

Tyrant Lizard

Tyrant Lizard

Active member
Hey guys. Recently acquired the AF100 body. Looking for lenses. Have spent 9 years on the DVX so am looking for basically THAT setup (auto zoom, wide to close range, fast). But, in the meantime while I search, a friend of mine has a bunch of Gtype Nikon lenses.

I've seen adapters range from $45 to $400. I'm wondering if you guys can just shout some brands that you like, or maybe a G adapter that's worked for you, out at me so I can go look them up.

Thanks.

Also, what's the availability of decently fast wide to close auto zoom lenses out there for us, AF100 users?

Thanks guys,

TRex
 
I use the Novoflex. It works fine. I replaced the Kipon adapter with it as the Kipon, though only around $100 had a lot of play and would not work with the lenses you describe.
 
Tyrant Lizard said:
Looking for lenses. Have spent 9 years on the DVX so am looking for basically THAT setup (auto zoom, wide to close range, fast). But, in the meantime while I search, a friend of mine has a bunch of Gtype Nikon lenses.
Click to expand...

You are out of luck if you're looking or "THAT" type of lens. G Nikons will work but require a specialized adaptor that can manually control aperture - stick with D type Nikkors with an 'F' ring and go with the Voigtlander, Adaptimax or Novoflex adaptor.

Fast, auto zoom wide to close lenses only exist on fixed lens cameras - the AF100 utilitizes variable prime lenses and should not be thought of as a 'zooming' camera unless you go with a B4 adaptor and 2/3" servo controlled Fuji or Canon video lens and then with several modifications - see http://blog.abelcine.com/2011/02/11/using-23-lenses-on-the-panasonic-af100/

There are dozens of threads about lens preferences and are worth a search.

Good luck,
Scott
 
You're only real option for a DVX type servo zoom is to buy an adapter and get a B4 mount lens for a 2/3" camera... but then you will also have to make sure it's a quality HD lens and you'll need to also get some sort of power adapters.

[EDIT] What SNP said
 
Wow. I think I know what you guys are talking about. You mean like taking the front end of a shoulder mounted JVC or whatever (PANASONIC, doesn't matter) and then mount THAT to the front of the AF100, using the zoom buttons on the lens? I've seen someone do that online. I don't remember who. I'll have to retrieve the link.

Erik, yeah. Thanks, man. That is what I need. What about varifocul lenses?

I'll be able to work with primes, no problem. But I gotta have zooms.

Someone else researching with me said we are still waiting from Panasonic for true zoom lenses. Am I to believe that there are no "true" zoom, parfocul lenses or varifocul lenses for the AF-100 yet? Other than chopping off the front of one camera and sticking it on the AF? I mean that's cool and all, but looks a little pricey (this is a start-up rig, meant to get the ball rolling).

I thank you guys again for your help.
 
There is a 12-35mm and a 35-100mm parafocal (I think) f/2.8 "X" (pro) lens Panasonic will be releasing soon. But they're stills lenses optimized for video, not true servo zoom video lenses like what you would see on a 2/3" camera (or even an Sony EX3). Making a lens for a sensor that big that has the performance of a standard video lens get's to be expensive. A decent HD lens for a 2/3" shoulder mount camera is ~$15k new. A comparable 4/3 lens would be a lot more.
 
so it's parafocal with manual zoom? That's what we are facing as users? I'm sorry if this is obvious, but I don't understand. With a parafocal lens, will it zoom in if I press the zoom in button on the camera?

I mean, is there a reason they even put the zoom button on the camera? Am I just completely missing something here?
 
Tyrant Lizard said:
..... Am I to believe that there are no "true" zoom, parfocul lenses or varifocul lenses for the AF-100 yet? .....
Click to expand...
Well, maybe not for directly mounting on the AF100, but by using a PL adapter such as
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/808237-REG/16x9_Inc_169_CLM_PLMF_Cine_Lens_Mount_PL.html
or
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/752784-REG/SOLID_CAMERA_500009_PL_Adapter_for_Panasonic.html
you could mount a professional PL lens, such as
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/665583-REG/DigiOptical_DO_18_50F_DO1850F_18_50mm_T3_PL.html
but you'll be spending as much on the lens with adapter as you did on the camcorder.

- Ken
 
Wow, you're right! I was almost positive I saw one. I only got the body out of the box for a minute to check it out before putting it back (waiting for lenses). I guess I've been shooting on the DVX for so long I just saw it there anyway. Wow.

Okay.

I'm getting the picture here. Thank you.

But my question still is: If I get the lens and the mount (Ken Hull), how do I physically operate the zoom while filming? I mean I'm so used to having a nice button that would get me my nice slow zoom in or out. Am I supposed to now use follow focus and zoom focus and get pullers to do this?

Thank you.
 
Tyrant Lizard said:
Wow, you're right! I was almost positive I saw one. I only got the body out of the box for a minute to check it out before putting it back (waiting for lenses). I guess I've been shooting on the DVX for so long I just saw it there anyway. Wow.

Okay.

I'm getting the picture here. Thank you.

But my question still is: If I get the lens and the mount (Ken Hull), how do I physically operate the zoom while filming? I mean I'm so used to having a nice button that would get me my nice slow zoom in or out. Am I supposed to now use follow focus and zoom focus and get pullers to do this?

Thank you.
Click to expand...

It's my understanding that the 4/3 and m4/3 standard doesn't have any sort of electronic zoom protocol built into it, so it's basically impossible to control the zoom with the camera. If you use a lens that already has a servo zoom built into it like a B4 mount ENG lens, as long as you supply power to the servo, you can control it with the rocker on the lens. Otherwise, when using a stills lens you need to control it manually with the zoom ring.

If you want something that works like your DVX, you'll need to get another camera like the AC130/160, or invest in a B4 lens + adapter setup. That's basically your options. What your looking for doesn't exist to the best of my knowledge.
 
But my question still is: If I get the lens and the mount (Ken Hull), how do I physically operate the zoom while filming?
Click to expand...


You mount a Zoom Motor (like a Hayden) to the lens if you want it motorised. Manually operating a cine zoom lens is not as hard as you might think either.
 
ok these china made adapters are killing me. planning to get a novoflex..
so everyone here who has it can vouch that it has no play on the mount?

it would fit snuggly all lenses? currently, some of my lenses are too loose while others are ok. :\
 
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