If I told you here, it wouldn't exactly be just telling you, would it?

Now, where is my black suit.... *rummage*

Ha ha ha....
No I fully understand. I am not special, adn if you can't tell me, that's cool.
However, if there is any word on when this "non-existant" product might come into existence, I'll start saving now. :O

Hey guys,

I also have an XL2/M2 set-up. I use the 20x lens as my relay lens, and while genuinely concerned at first with the set-up (like you seem to be Matt), I can tell you that after a while, you really do get used to it.

What most people don't understand before they purchase these 35mm adapters is that when you put that sucker on the front of an XL2, it's not really a "digital" camera anymore. In the sense that run and gun "guerilla" type filmmaking isn't really THAT possible anymore. It's more like an actual film camera set-up. With the still lenses (I use a Canon FD mount), you have to be pretty precise with your composition, lighting, camera movement, etc. But when you do all that, the results can be quite astounding. Just don't go into it thinking you can accomplish "Saving Private Ryan"-type handheld movements right off the bat. It takes practice.

Having said all that, two days after getting my M2 set-up in the mail from Redrock, I went out around Austin with my brother and tested it out. First time using it, NO tripod, it IS handheld (but relatively static). Keep in mind that it was my first time using the adapter, and I had not correctly set my GG image element, so there is a noticeable amount of flicker, but soon after posting this footage online, the guys at the redrock forums helped me fix it and the thing is a beauty now.

So again, Canon XL2 with the M2 adapter, using a Canon FD 50mm 1.4

Here's the footage: http://suitedproductions.com/redrock_test.html

Jeff,

I understand what you mena, however I have shot handheld 35mm using arri and atton cams. I have a lot of experience doing complex hand held work with follow focuses and heavy cams. My style of film making nessecsitates the ability to go handheld, hence, wanting a proper viewfinder.

A few questions
 

Hey guys,
I've read this thread and the Red Rocks website and I still have a few questions which you could probably clear up for me if you would.

1.) The M2 requires a 72mm barrel on the relay lens. Does this mean I can use the 16x manual XL zoom as a relay lens? Is there any reason I shouldn't?

2.) If using the zoom as a relay lens do you zoom it to 20mm(because a 20mm prime was discussed as a relay lens earlier in this thread)? What about the focus and iris on the relay? Do you set it to minimum and wide open respectivley and just leave it there(using the 35mm lens to make all focus and exposure adjustments)?

3.) If using the M2 with PL mount primes can I use my follow focus for the 16x on the 35mm primes? Its set up for 15mm rods, but does anyone know if their teeth have the same pitch?

Thanks- Hunter

BUMP!

Actually, I was curious Brian,

Can the redrock body be raised up from the rail clamps? I own a mattebox and rods and would love to be able to mount it on those 15mm rods (Cavision Matte box).

Is it possible to take the M2 off the clamp, maybe put some shims under it and raise it up a few mm's?

Hey Matt

Yes, we sell a shim kit that allows you to adjust the adapter vertically - however, it's a standard 15mm/60mm center to center, so all your normal rod-mounted gear should already work fine. We have lots of cavision matte box users, chorosziel matte box/ff, etc.

Hey Brian,

That is great to hear. Since I can get away with only buying the adapter, and not rods, makes me much more likely to buy it! HOORAY!

Still wish I could shouldermount (Darn image flip... I wish someone would make a view-finder flipper... hint hint wink wink nudge nudge say no more say no more)

OK...

so let me get this right...

I have a Canon XL2. What would I need to get up and running to get this film look?

EF Adaptor for XL2?
Micro35?
what else? I have a fairly inexpensive tripod ($200 Davis & Sanford FM 18 Fluid Head) and I also have a DV Rig Pro from Veri-Zoom for the XL2)

would the above be all I need and just use my 20X lens or do I need to get another lens? If so, which one will give me a beautiful look and where can I get it?

I am gearing up to begin shooting my third short film in a month. Is there a steap learning curve on this thing or is it a matter of being good at having a steady shot and knowing how to manually focus the lens?

also, do I need another moniter for this or is the viewfinder on the XL-2 anough? I know these questions may seem dumb but I am brand new to this technology and want to make sure this is the right thing for me to sink my $$$ into.

You do not need the EF adapter,

only to make it smaller for hand held work...

Mat