iPhone 4s using old lens with lens adapter
 

Hi All,

It is possible to use my Canon XL1 14x manual zoom lens with a lens adapter on the iPhone 4S since the sensor format for the iPhone is about the same (1/3.2" (4.54 x 3.42 mm)). Would something like the EnCinema adapter with a mCam accomplish that; or, would I need yet another adapter to interface with that lens adapter. What about the 16x zoom lens that came with the XL1 ? How would that affect the aspect ratio? What would be the effect on the resolution shooting 720p or 1080p ?

Thank you in advance for all the great minds at work.

Aletha

Re: iPhone 4s using old lens with lens adapter
 

I believe the iPhone adapters use a static ground glass plate (essentially it is a non-spinning 35mm adapter). They are made for use with 35mm sized photo lenses, so if you managed to attach your XL lenses you would only have a small circle image in the middle, like a huge vignette.

It might be possible to rig up something to use those old lenses in a more direct manner, but I doubt the return would be worth the investment....

Re: iPhone 4s using old lens with lens adapter
 

point the lens at a light on the cieling and set the focus to infinity. move the lens toward a white piece of paper until the light comes into focus. The distance form the paper to the back of the lens is the back focus length. construct a mount for the lens and the iphone that holds the chip inside the iphone at that distance... then put stuff around the gap to make it perfectly black.

I used this technique to fit a nikkon prime lens onto my XL1s. Straight lens physics.

Re: iPhone 4s using old lens with lens adapter
 

Gentlemen,

Thanks so much for the information. I am ever so appreciative that I can find answers to my questions from creative, informed, and gracious folks, who don't condescend to those still trying to grasp their craft.