Sans Mini35?
 

Are there other ways to "fit" 35mm lenses onto DV cameras (specifically the XL-1)? I keep hearing/reading about the converter but am also hearing it's not worth the cost (rental, buying, etc.) because of this ground glass problem. Aren't there "regular" adapters for utilizing 35mm lenses (for DV)?

Hello Eric,

Welcome! No offense, but this topic has been covered here a hundred times.

Please take advantage of the "SEARCH" button at the upper right of your screen - CLICK on that and enter any string of keywords that you choose - such as "Mini35Digital" or "Optex PL-Mount adaptor", etc.

Yes, those who don't know how to work with a budget or simply do not have a budget will say it is not worth renting or buying... However, those filmmakers who know how to create a budget and work within one unanimously agree that the Mini35Digital and the PRO35 are wonderful creative tools to work with. With the right lens(es) and in the hands of a skilled DP, the Mini35Digital will have a significant effect on the image in terms of depth of field, resolving power, lattitude, etc. When used properly (well lit, well composed and well exposed) your raw video footage will look much more like a film to video transfer.

Of course, there is also the OPTEX PL-Mount to XL1 adaptor which will allow you to use certain PL-mount cinematography lenses, but not with the same 1:1 focal length conversion factor that you CAN get with an optical lens adaptor such as the Mini35Digital and some 35mm cinematography lenses - but that's ok, really - provided that up choose the right lenses. My favorite lenses to use with the OPTEX PL-XL1 adaptor are S16mm ZEISS Super Speed T 1.3 lenses, which you can usually rent a set of 4-5 different focal lengths for around $225/ day.
http://www.zgc.com/zgc.nsf/c7a682995...256B81000CB326
Don't forget that, in filmmaking, often times when it is time to change the shot, the cinematographer will change the lens as well.

You can typically rent a Mini35Digital package with a few primes, with related accessories and Sony field monitor for somewhere around $950/ week. To me, that is NOT expensive - considering what it allows you to do with your images.
http://www.zgc.com/zgc.nsf/902a2548f...5?OpenDocument I would suggest that if you find that to be exhorbitantly expensive, then you probably should revisit your project goals and budget to make sure that it is realistic, or perhaps hold off for a few projects until you can get yourself to the point where you are working with a tangible budget.

- don

Thank you, Don, for the great information. I am aware of the cost(s) of the Mini35 but was just curious. And I apologize for my "redundant" inquiry.

Hi Eric,

No need to apologize! There is no such thing as a dumb answer here. I just wanted to point out that if you do a search, since it has been addressed often by many people, you will get much more of an answer than any one person's opinion.

Hope this helps,

- don

Don I totally agree with what you said but I think rental price depends on local oddly (and sadly) enough to rent a mini 35 with a few primes out here (ca) is closer to 500 a day if you're lucky! at that price I'd rather try and rent an HD cam... well maybe... or just shoot on film.

Hi Nick,

Check out TCS - Technological Cinevideo Services
630 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10036
+1-212-247-6517

I think places like these have no problem renting out of state - assuming you have insurance.

Have you shot on film before?

Even an HD cam will benefit from the PRO35 as you an increased and very supple control over shallow depth of field. You should check out the demo DVD available from ZGC http:zgc.com shot by cinematographer Jan Fauer, ASC. In Jan's own words: "I went to Denver to test the PRO35 with no idea of what the results would be. I left Denver amazed by the ingenuity of this piece of equipment, which lets us use familiar 35mm motion picture lenses on 2/3" video cameras and provides the same pleaseing depth of field (as 35mm motion picture cameras)"

The test footage on the DVD is sweet!

- don