Canon GL2 + Letus35 + 50mm 1.4 lens
 

There's been alot of great reviews for the Letus35 so I won't go over what has already been covered in other posts. I really like the adapter, and the only thing I'm having issues with at the moment is a shaky image when adjusting focus due to the length of everything attatched. Is it necessary to turn off the image stabalization?

Clip 1
10 seconds, raw premiere dv avi

Clip 1
20 seconds, quicktime H.264 codec


Clip 2
10 seconds, raw premiere dv avi

Clip 2
20 seconds, quicktime H.264 codec


Clip 3
10 seconds, raw premiere dv avi

Clip 3
20 seconds, quicktime H.264 codec


The H.264 codec desaturated the image so I gave those clips a bit of color correction.

"Is it necessary to turn off the image stabalization? " . .interesting point .. However, with the front heavy leverage I guess some rods and clamps would be good? You gonna tell me you already have them? The cyles of vibration is in the order of what Hz? Maybe even WITH OIS set "ON" the stab aint getting the frequency anyway?

Grazie

I recommend that all cameras be supported and stabilized, particularly small DV cameras. Dan Diaconu is developing an adapter/lens support mechanism for 15mm support rods. I use a monopod almost constantly to keep my image more stable.

I would still be interested in knowing if OIS needs to be on or off.

Marcus

Ois
 

I could be wrong, but I think having OIS on amplifies the camera shake as it works based on the physical movement of the lens, and since the adapter image is rotated 180 that corrects in the wrong direction. Seems worse on than off with an adapter in my experience anyway.

You are wise in the ways of science!

I didn't even think about that, Andy. I'm usually good about figuring out things like that. I think we need a sticky with a FAQ about 35mm adapters, how they work, and how to use them.

anytime you use a 35mm adapter, TURN OFF image stabalizer. I would NEVER turn on image stabalizer in the first place unless i was letting grandma film little timmy's soccer game. stabalizer increases the image size and shrinks it when it senses something is moving to much, thus reducing the quality of the image just a tad. if you are really gung ho about your cinematography, go manual all the way.

Those 2 missing clips are waiting to be screened by Google Video, should be up in a bit.

I'm a little skeptical if the rod supports will be enough. What I would really like is a button operated device to change focus so that I don't have to touch the lens at all.

Did someone say follow focus? But that needs a rod system, so I don't really know if there's a solution like that out there for you, Chad.

Rod supports plus a battery powered follow focus, with a little chord going to a handheld button would be ideal. I'm sure someone will come up with a solution, half of the people on here seem more like engineers and scientists than cinematographers.

I think you might be better off with follow focus and one of those cord thingies that you just turn, I think it's called like a whip or something. Can't remember. Dan could definately help you out there.

HA-HA-HALF??? LOL... ONLY??? at least do something more useful and improve some things instead of just shooting meaningless clips. I have watched every test presented (and I will keep watching) regardless the content vs. sitting in front of the TV for 90 min for a brand product. (here is the missing link btw):
http://dandiaconu.com/gallery/album30
half....

Ben do you have a pic of this "whip" thing?

Chad, here's what I'm talking about:
http://www.hydroflex.com/site/cameras/folfocthm.gif

yes the picture is extremely small but you get the idea. Attaches to the follow focus knob and allows you to turn the knob using the whip at any angle.

Dan, that Letus support thing looks like it could really work well. Is there any way I could order just the mount that slip onto the rods without the rods themselves (I have the Cavision rods and they're non-returnable)? Thanks.

Also, I'm no engineer but what about focusing a zoom lens while its resting on that? What if you put rollers of some type on that device? Say, cut out four slits at the edges, put in rubber rollers and drilled a small metal axel to use so the zoom lens would rest on them? Of course that wouldn't account for the x movement at all but maybe ball rollers are in order...

How about if we play "Master Ben stops lifting skirts and blowing covers"? And then “Master Ben gets the toys”? The rollers are there just didn't upload the "explicit" pics. (dam! can't hide nothng here! goda move to another site, so I can work in piece!)

ok. i seriously want that. any idea when it will be available?

hahah! ahh Mr. Diaconu, you never cease to amaze. Let me know when you've perfected your ingenious design and have it available.

Ahh this place is so amusing

Just as serious:
I know for fact (from my own experience with MPIC) how difficult and risky it is to have the contraption and the SLR lens unsupported mounted on the thin tread of the camcorder! (Regardless how light everything seems). In all honesty a FF and gear on the lens is a must for professional work/results only, as we all know! But in this case, the Letus support I see it as bravery not to have or use.
The prototype I made is good for all Letus owners. Actually is abut the same as MPIC support (slightly different size and height). To make it available for all is just a matter of taking orders and having the parts CNC-ed. A month? 45 days? or so. The price should be less than $100 (for the Letus on rods mount only) somewhere at $85? (but don't hold me to it OK?)

The rods and the camera/tripod support should be around $125-150 (from me). You could buy that from Cavision (just as well) but I am planning to have it made with some modifications, to address some of the issues I had and solved. As I explained in an earlier post, both camera plate and that raiser on the rods mount, move L/R no matter how tight the screws are.
What that means; you line up the frames (camcorder and GG) and during shooting, they move (not much!!!) just enough so two corners (or sides) of the GG end up in the frame. Fix it in post because most camcorders will not show the whole frame (under scan) Discussed somewhere here.
For what they are meant to do, they are fine OK? But tolerances exist even in CNC mass produced items.

Now, if you are interested, I'll take orders and have them made, ready before the end of the year (I hope). A matter of how many people will show interest.

I do the best I can to help you guys, regardless the humor in my posts.
I do take everything seriously when I work, but communication via this forum is just "practical means" to relax to me.
So.. Master Ben, what can I do you for? (dam ESL)

Never mind. Someone just sent me this: http://cavision.com/rods/lenssupport.htm Buy Cavision.

. .and Cavision are based in Canada - oh dear.. . .

Grazie