I`m dong a research do find out camcorder lens to 35mm frame (GG) distances for different makes and models and create a reference list for those who plan to build a 35mm DOF adapter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field_adapter).

Please download and print out this pdf (http://www.autonomicum.com/researchdocs/35mm_framing_test.pdf) and follow the instructions.
Or just draw a 36x24mm rectangle and try to focus your camcorder on it.

So which is the smallest distance to fill the 35mm frame?

Any information regarding camcorders like FX1/Z1, HC1/A1U, DVX100, HVX100, HD100, and the XL series with stock lenses would be extremely good.

Your help is greatly appreciated,
Tõnis Liivamägi

Panasonic NV-GS150: about an inch (24mm)
Little bit zoomed in to avoid wide angle barrel distortion.

So... anyone with a DVX care to do this test? I tested a DVX yesterday with some standard +10 macro setups and had a lot of edge smear. I want to get rid of it and do it the simplest way possible.

I laud your efforts, Tõnis.

You should keep in mind that trying to do this is like saying "I want to find out how fast red cars are." Some are fast, some aren't. If the GG used is a Beattie or a Nikon D, it has a condenser built in, and this will change the amount of zoom and/or macro and/or condenser required.

Also the make and model of the other optics in the system (condensers, macros, etc) change this too. You could still build up a pretty good database though!

Bill,
You're completlely right but this is something count on. Just plain data.
And later add corrections related to lenses you have in particular case.
I've very many times stuck in stupid camcorders specs to find MFD.
Target of this project is(i guess) to collect and share "minimum focusing
distance" data across as much as possible camcorders. MFD is not car
color it's pretty objective characteristic.

Toenis keep going and don't forget to share your results :)

Actually nobody has answered to my question about MFD to 35mm frame, sad.
Few more days and I`ll unveil for what it was ment for...
... hopefully then I`ll get some answers.
European users will be happy.

T.