Cheapest 35mm solution? at DVinfo.net

Douglas Wright · April 5th, 2009, 06:57 PM

I have a Canon XH-A1 and I'm looking for the cheapest 35mm solution available. I am strapped for cash and simply cannot afford a Letus or Redrock setup right now, but want to start working on my own shorts and I really want that 35mm look.

I know going for something cheap will mean sacrificing some quality, but I'll just upgrade when I'm able to afford it.

Marcel D. Van Someren · April 5th, 2009, 07:01 PM

You could build your own. It will save you some money and you'll lean alot about how they work.

Douglas Wright · April 5th, 2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcel D. Van Someren

You could build your own. It will save you some money and you'll lean alot about how they work.

How much would a DIY setup typically cost to build?

Marcel D. Van Someren · April 6th, 2009, 08:17 AM

it varies depending upon what you have laying around the house and what you need to buy. Not counting cost of the 35mm lens and the achromat lens, mine cost about $60 in materials. A lot of time was involved especially in testing and tweaking so depending upon how much your time is worth, the price is acutally much higher.

You can read about my trials and successes and even see test video as I progressed through different stages of build:

Mid-Format DOF Adapter - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

Tom Koveleskie · April 6th, 2009, 08:20 AM

There are a few guys that make decent DIY adapters and sell them. Go over to the dvxuser.com site and search the 35 mm adapter forum. They are going for $350- $500. This is a better bet than trying to start from scratch. I've seen some nice footage with these adapters.

Robert Altman · April 6th, 2009, 11:16 AM

Another approach--a Nikon d90. Bodies are going for around $850. Quality is very good, but not great. Depending on what you are looking for in your final deliverable it may be the most reasonable solution (especially if you have any Nikon lenses--but you will have to buy lenses for any 35mm adapter anyway). The d90 has a grain/sharpness structure of 16mm, with a DOF/optical look of 35mm film.

Just a thought.

April 5th, 2009, 06:57 PM	#1
Douglas Wright Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 61	Cheapest 35mm solution? I have a Canon XH-A1 and I'm looking for the cheapest 35mm solution available. I am strapped for cash and simply cannot afford a Letus or Redrock setup right now, but want to start working on my own shorts and I really want that 35mm look. I know going for something cheap will mean sacrificing some quality, but I'll just upgrade when I'm able to afford it.

April 5th, 2009, 07:01 PM	#2
Marcel D. Van Someren Major Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA Posts: 325	You could build your own. It will save you some money and you'll lean alot about how they work. __________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Canon XHA1 * SGBlade 35mm adapter -RR1, RR2 w/ Optics Upgrade * DIY Mid-Format adapter

April 6th, 2009, 08:17 AM	#4
Marcel D. Van Someren Major Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA Posts: 325	it varies depending upon what you have laying around the house and what you need to buy. Not counting cost of the 35mm lens and the achromat lens, mine cost about $60 in materials. A lot of time was involved especially in testing and tweaking so depending upon how much your time is worth, the price is acutally much higher. You can read about my trials and successes and even see test video as I progressed through different stages of build: Mid-Format DOF Adapter - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking __________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Canon XHA1 * SGBlade 35mm adapter -RR1, RR2 w/ Optics Upgrade * DIY Mid-Format adapter

April 6th, 2009, 08:20 AM	#5
Tom Koveleskie Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Wales, Pennsylvania Posts: 76	There are a few guys that make decent DIY adapters and sell them. Go over to the dvxuser.com site and search the 35 mm adapter forum. They are going for $350- $500. This is a better bet than trying to start from scratch. I've seen some nice footage with these adapters.

April 6th, 2009, 11:16 AM	#6
Robert Altman Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New York Posts: 28	Another approach--a Nikon d90. Bodies are going for around $850. Quality is very good, but not great. Depending on what you are looking for in your final deliverable it may be the most reasonable solution (especially if you have any Nikon lenses--but you will have to buy lenses for any 35mm adapter anyway). The d90 has a grain/sharpness structure of 16mm, with a DOF/optical look of 35mm film. Just a thought.