Various Optura questions at DVinfo.net

Earon Kavanagh · July 10th, 2004, 03:56 PM

Hi again, folks

Canon Wide Converter + Hama Hood

I'm wondering if these two add-ons will work together.

If so, will the Hama Hood connect to the Canon wide-converter and what (if any) step-up rings are needed?

Cheers,
Earon

Dave Perry · July 11th, 2004, 09:17 AM

Earon,

They won't work together. First of all, the wide converter doesn't have threads on the front and secondly, it's too wide across the front for the Hama to fit.

Roy Beazley · July 23rd, 2004, 09:25 AM

Anyway to stop the shutter effect from closing when taking a picture?

Thanks
RB

Chris Hurd · July 24th, 2004, 11:37 AM

You can change or disable the sound, but not the visual effect. Bummer!

Bob Stuecheli · September 29th, 2004, 06:53 AM

I was just reading the “Canon Optura 40 vs. Elura 70 Comparison” article (http://www.dvinfo.net/canonoptura/articles/optura40elura70-2.php) and I noticed that Chris Hurd says “The WA-34 wide-angle attachment included with the Elura 70 converts the field of view at the wide end to 35.4mm respectively (once again, in 35mm still photo equivalent terms). The WA-34 is not a zoom-through adapter, however. It works properly only when the lens is zoomed out all the way to full wide angle.”

I haven’t run across this concept before and it seems odd that Canon would have a lens that only works when zoomed to full wide angle. This would severely limit its use, to the point of being nearly worthless. I would expect to be able to use the zoom with the lens attached. What is the problem when you zoom in with the WA attached?

Does this problem also apply to the WD-H34 lens that is used on the Optura 40?

Can anyone help me understand what the problem is and why any wide angle or telephoto attachment lens would not be “zoom through”?

Thanks,
Bob

Kevin Girard · September 29th, 2004, 03:13 PM

ok when i put on night mode its all blurry and slow motion?
anyone know whats wrong. on my friends jvc it dose the same thing. were both confused. anyhelp is greatly appreciated.

Michael Wisniewski · September 29th, 2004, 04:00 PM

That's the way it works. You're not doing anything wrong. Night mode slows down the shutter speed to either 1/15 or 1/8 which results in blur. The other effect you may notice is that the image is grainier than normal and doesn't have a lot of color. Same thing happens on the Optura Xi.

It's mainly good for low light shots where not much stuff is moving and I've found it good for dreamy and suspenseful scenes.

A really cool effect with the night mode setting is to put something in front of your light source that casts moving shadows, like a leafy tree branch in windy conditions or a glass pane with water pouring/dripping onto it - the results can make some really interesting and freaky images - especially facial close ups.

Otherwise, add more light! And if you can't, c'est la vie.

Roy Beazley · October 10th, 2004, 05:30 PM

I tried my sb 24 but it doesn't fire .
Thanks

RB

Tommy Haupfear · October 12th, 2004, 02:15 PM

The DVSpot review of the Optura 20 mentions the VFL-1 combo light and flash but its rather pricey at almost $100.

Click here for the review.

Click here to purchase the VFL-1 from B&H.

Malc Bilton · January 18th, 2005, 10:18 PM

A friend has a Canon MV1 which he likes but can't get to connect via firewire. I tried on my PC (Fast high end box, latest professional software and works with my cameras).

Appart from tossing the MV1 into the bin has anyone got any advice? Many Thank!

Chris Hurd · January 19th, 2005, 12:41 AM

Howdy from Texas, Malc,

Yanks will know the MV1 as the PAL version of the original Optura from 1997. Do not toss it in the bin. It is one of the very few DV camcorders which has actually appreciated in value. Due to its unobtrusive SLR shape, one of these in good working order today can fetch more than what it was bought for new.

There are a couple of possible explanations for your problem. First, because of its age, the PC may not be recognizing it as a FireWire device. Traditional non-linear DV editing software such as Adobe Premiere may recognize it within the application, though.

Second, it could simply be a bad FireWire jack on the camcorder. Contact your local Canon-authorized service facility (find it at this site: http://www.canon.com.au/support/loca...as_video/dmmv1) and see if they can help. It could probably use a professional cleaning anyway.

Best of luck,

John Davis · March 11th, 2005, 04:07 AM

Hi, I have been browsing these forums for the past 4 days having just found this website. I have been looking to replace my Sony DCR-TRV11 bought in 2000. It is a 1/4 CCD with approx. 680k pixels.

I thought I had to step up to a 3 CCD camera, so for days I have been looking at the GL2 or Sony 2100. Of course the cost is much higher. I almost ordered one but I was concerned about the Canon turning off power in the middle of recording and the size of the Sony. I kept hearing about the Xi being one of or the best single ccd camera out there so I went to this forum.

I tape school events but any money I receive goes back to the school to help the teams. So the DVD's I create are really just to learn from and perhaps give them a keepsake.

I ordered the Xi with a UV filter and extra battery from B & H Photo yesterday so I am looking forward to using it soon. I think I made the right choice.

Thanks to the people of these forums for their advice. John

Michael Wisniewski · March 11th, 2005, 03:47 PM

Welcome to Dv Info and congratulations on your purchase. Keep us updated on your experiences with the Optura.

Nancy Berry · April 13th, 2005, 12:36 AM

I've just about decided that I want to buy an Optura 40, but notice that a lot of the websites out there are posting that it and the Optura 30 have been discontinued. They are to be replaced by the Optura 300, 400 and 500...

Of these new versions, I've yet to see one with the accessory shoe, which is funny because a lot of the reviews that I've read on these suggest getting a light to put in this slot for use in low light areas.

Does anyone have any clue if this is a growing trend?

Also, does anyone have any horror stories to tell me about the Optura 40 before I purchase it?

Thanks in advance...

Nancy

Robert Mann Z. · April 13th, 2005, 01:30 AM

>>>optura 30 have been discontinued. They are to be replaced by the Optura 300, 400 and 500...<<<

no the optura 30/40 have been updated by the optura 50/60, one major update was the addition of an optical image stabilizer...the advanced accessory shoe is still there...

you can read my review of the optura 60 here http://emptyloft.com/optura60/

July 10th, 2004, 03:56 PM	#1
Earon Kavanagh Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 65	Various Optura questions Hi again, folks Canon Wide Converter + Hama Hood I'm wondering if these two add-ons will work together. If so, will the Hama Hood connect to the Canon wide-converter and what (if any) step-up rings are needed? Cheers, Earon

July 11th, 2004, 09:17 AM	#2
Dave Perry Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 796	Earon, They won't work together. First of all, the wide converter doesn't have threads on the front and secondly, it's too wide across the front for the Hama to fit. __________________ Dave Perry Cinematographer LLC Director of Photography • Editor • Digital Film Production • 540.915.2752 • daveperry.net

July 23rd, 2004, 09:25 AM	#3
Roy Beazley Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: tampa fl Posts: 92	Taking snapshots Anyway to stop the shutter effect from closing when taking a picture? Thanks RB

July 24th, 2004, 11:37 AM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	You can change or disable the sound, but not the visual effect. Bummer! __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

September 29th, 2004, 06:53 AM	#5
Bob Stuecheli Tourist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 1	Wide angle zoom through question I was just reading the “Canon Optura 40 vs. Elura 70 Comparison” article (http://www.dvinfo.net/canonoptura/articles/optura40elura70-2.php) and I noticed that Chris Hurd says “The WA-34 wide-angle attachment included with the Elura 70 converts the field of view at the wide end to 35.4mm respectively (once again, in 35mm still photo equivalent terms). The WA-34 is not a zoom-through adapter, however. It works properly only when the lens is zoomed out all the way to full wide angle.” I haven’t run across this concept before and it seems odd that Canon would have a lens that only works when zoomed to full wide angle. This would severely limit its use, to the point of being nearly worthless. I would expect to be able to use the zoom with the lens attached. What is the problem when you zoom in with the WA attached? Does this problem also apply to the WD-H34 lens that is used on the Optura 40? Can anyone help me understand what the problem is and why any wide angle or telephoto attachment lens would not be “zoom through”? Thanks, Bob

September 29th, 2004, 03:13 PM	#6
Kevin Girard New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 13	night shooting(optura 20) ok when i put on night mode its all blurry and slow motion? anyone know whats wrong. on my friends jvc it dose the same thing. were both confused. anyhelp is greatly appreciated.

September 29th, 2004, 04:00 PM	#7
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	That's the way it works. You're not doing anything wrong. Night mode slows down the shutter speed to either 1/15 or 1/8 which results in blur. The other effect you may notice is that the image is grainier than normal and doesn't have a lot of color. Same thing happens on the Optura Xi. It's mainly good for low light shots where not much stuff is moving and I've found it good for dreamy and suspenseful scenes. A really cool effect with the night mode setting is to put something in front of your light source that casts moving shadows, like a leafy tree branch in windy conditions or a glass pane with water pouring/dripping onto it - the results can make some really interesting and freaky images - especially facial close ups. Otherwise, add more light! And if you can't, c'est la vie. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

October 10th, 2004, 05:30 PM	#8
Roy Beazley Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: tampa fl Posts: 92	Is there a flash for the Optura 20? I tried my sb 24 but it doesn't fire . Thanks RB

October 12th, 2004, 02:15 PM	#9
Tommy Haupfear Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 1,415	The DVSpot review of the Optura 20 mentions the VFL-1 combo light and flash but its rather pricey at almost $100. Click here for the review. Click here to purchase the VFL-1 from B&H.

January 18th, 2005, 10:18 PM	#10
Malc Bilton Tourist Join Date: May 2004 Location: batemans bay australia Posts: 4	Canon MV1 Firewire problem A friend has a Canon MV1 which he likes but can't get to connect via firewire. I tried on my PC (Fast high end box, latest professional software and works with my cameras). Appart from tossing the MV1 into the bin has anyone got any advice? Many Thank!

January 19th, 2005, 12:41 AM	#11
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Howdy from Texas, Malc, Yanks will know the MV1 as the PAL version of the original Optura from 1997. Do not toss it in the bin. It is one of the very few DV camcorders which has actually appreciated in value. Due to its unobtrusive SLR shape, one of these in good working order today can fetch more than what it was bought for new. There are a couple of possible explanations for your problem. First, because of its age, the PC may not be recognizing it as a FireWire device. Traditional non-linear DV editing software such as Adobe Premiere may recognize it within the application, though. Second, it could simply be a bad FireWire jack on the camcorder. Contact your local Canon-authorized service facility (find it at this site: http://www.canon.com.au/support/loca...as_video/dmmv1) and see if they can help. It could probably use a professional cleaning anyway. Best of luck, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 11th, 2005, 04:07 AM	#12
John Davis Tourist Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2	Just Ordered An Optura Xi Hi, I have been browsing these forums for the past 4 days having just found this website. I have been looking to replace my Sony DCR-TRV11 bought in 2000. It is a 1/4 CCD with approx. 680k pixels. I thought I had to step up to a 3 CCD camera, so for days I have been looking at the GL2 or Sony 2100. Of course the cost is much higher. I almost ordered one but I was concerned about the Canon turning off power in the middle of recording and the size of the Sony. I kept hearing about the Xi being one of or the best single ccd camera out there so I went to this forum. I tape school events but any money I receive goes back to the school to help the teams. So the DVD's I create are really just to learn from and perhaps give them a keepsake. I ordered the Xi with a UV filter and extra battery from B & H Photo yesterday so I am looking forward to using it soon. I think I made the right choice. Thanks to the people of these forums for their advice. John

March 11th, 2005, 03:47 PM	#13
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	Welcome to Dv Info and congratulations on your purchase. Keep us updated on your experiences with the Optura. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

April 13th, 2005, 12:36 AM	#14
Nancy Berry Tourist Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Florence, AL Posts: 1	discontinued accessory shoes? I've just about decided that I want to buy an Optura 40, but notice that a lot of the websites out there are posting that it and the Optura 30 have been discontinued. They are to be replaced by the Optura 300, 400 and 500... Of these new versions, I've yet to see one with the accessory shoe, which is funny because a lot of the reviews that I've read on these suggest getting a light to put in this slot for use in low light areas. Does anyone have any clue if this is a growing trend? Also, does anyone have any horror stories to tell me about the Optura 40 before I purchase it? Thanks in advance... Nancy

April 13th, 2005, 01:30 AM	#15
Robert Mann Z. Skyonic New York Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NYC Posts: 614	>>>optura 30 have been discontinued. They are to be replaced by the Optura 300, 400 and 500...<<< no the optura 30/40 have been updated by the optura 50/60, one major update was the addition of an optical image stabilizer...the advanced accessory shoe is still there... you can read my review of the optura 60 here http://emptyloft.com/optura60/