Fujinon 13x3.5 Wide Angle Or Mini35? at DVinfo.net

Scott Harper · September 16th, 2006, 12:45 AM

Assuming you intended to shoot a low budget feature I'm curious which of the two choices others out there would buy if they had a spare 10k to spend on their package? I just ordered the wide angle lens but have been having second thoughts after comparing prices between the wide angle lens and the Mini35 system with the Nikon mount- for which I already have a few good quality lenses in my arsenal. Any feedback from experienced users of either or both would be appreciated.

Jack Walker · September 16th, 2006, 01:19 AM

From what I have read, setting up the 35mm adapter and keeping everything aligned, etc. etc. is not that easy.

The wide angle lens is an excellent lens that gives an excellent picture without doing more than setting the telephoto, iris and focus.

For shooting a low budget feature, in all kinds of situations, where time is the supreme God, and anything that can make things simple is a godsend, intellectually I think the wide angle lens is the right chois.

Hopefully, Tim Dashwood, who just finished a feature with the HD100 and wideangle lens, will have an opinion based on experience.

Not to mention, I think the wideangle lens will hold its value well for resale. I think it will continue to be the number one all around lens for the HD series for shooting video.

The 35mm adapter may give more dof options, but I don't think this is the determining factor in making a choice in most situations that will be encounted.

Brian Drysdale · September 16th, 2006, 05:14 AM

Another consideration is the amount of light you lose using the Mini35. If your lighting resources are limited, you may find it better going with the wide angle. There are a number of factors to be considered on a production, having 35mm DOF is only one of them.

Ralph Keyser · September 18th, 2006, 12:23 PM

The Mini35 also turns your lightweight, flexible camera into a beast that requires a crew to keep it happy. Something else to keep in mind.

Henrik Helms · September 18th, 2006, 01:40 PM

I´ve have used the wide angle lens for some time now, and filmed 5 documentaries with it - from my point of view it lifted the camera up to another level after I changed to the wide angle instead of the stock lens.
The colours is better, it is working better in low light situations - and I have no more problems with back focus.
I am a very happy that i to the chance and spent the money....

Joe Carney · September 18th, 2006, 01:47 PM

Have you checked out the Letus35 for the HD100? It's under $1K US. I don't know if it comes with the lens adaptor you need, but it's getting good reviews overall. It has it's own relay lens like the mini35.

check out the Letus subforum in the alternative image forum here on dvinfo.

Just a thought if you already have some lenses and you're strapped for cash.

Scott Harper · September 18th, 2006, 03:44 PM

Thanks Guys, I just received my lens today and am blown away by it so far. I'm doing more tests this week but so far it's a keeper!

September 16th, 2006, 12:45 AM	#1
Scott Harper Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 119	Fujinon 13x3.5 Wide Angle Or Mini35? Assuming you intended to shoot a low budget feature I'm curious which of the two choices others out there would buy if they had a spare 10k to spend on their package? I just ordered the wide angle lens but have been having second thoughts after comparing prices between the wide angle lens and the Mini35 system with the Nikon mount- for which I already have a few good quality lenses in my arsenal. Any feedback from experienced users of either or both would be appreciated.

September 18th, 2006, 01:40 PM	#5
Henrik Helms Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Herning, Denmark Posts: 45	The wide angle choice I´ve have used the wide angle lens for some time now, and filmed 5 documentaries with it - from my point of view it lifted the camera up to another level after I changed to the wide angle instead of the stock lens. The colours is better, it is working better in low light situations - and I have no more problems with back focus. I am a very happy that i to the chance and spent the money.... __________________ Greetings from Henrik dBA MEDIA www.dba-media.com

September 18th, 2006, 01:47 PM	#6
Joe Carney Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centreville Va Posts: 1,828	Have you checked out the Letus35 for the HD100? It's under $1K US. I don't know if it comes with the lens adaptor you need, but it's getting good reviews overall. It has it's own relay lens like the mini35. check out the Letus subforum in the alternative image forum here on dvinfo. Just a thought if you already have some lenses and you're strapped for cash. __________________ Boycott Guinness, bring back the pint!!!

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September 16th, 2006, 01:19 AM	#2
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	From what I have read, setting up the 35mm adapter and keeping everything aligned, etc. etc. is not that easy. The wide angle lens is an excellent lens that gives an excellent picture without doing more than setting the telephoto, iris and focus. For shooting a low budget feature, in all kinds of situations, where time is the supreme God, and anything that can make things simple is a godsend, intellectually I think the wide angle lens is the right chois. Hopefully, Tim Dashwood, who just finished a feature with the HD100 and wideangle lens, will have an opinion based on experience. Not to mention, I think the wideangle lens will hold its value well for resale. I think it will continue to be the number one all around lens for the HD series for shooting video. The 35mm adapter may give more dof options, but I don't think this is the determining factor in making a choice in most situations that will be encounted.

September 16th, 2006, 05:14 AM	#3
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	Another consideration is the amount of light you lose using the Mini35. If your lighting resources are limited, you may find it better going with the wide angle. There are a number of factors to be considered on a production, having 35mm DOF is only one of them.

September 18th, 2006, 12:23 PM	#4
Ralph Keyser Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico USA Posts: 287	The Mini35 also turns your lightweight, flexible camera into a beast that requires a crew to keep it happy. Something else to keep in mind.

September 18th, 2006, 03:44 PM	#7
Scott Harper Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 119	Thanks Guys, I just received my lens today and am blown away by it so far. I'm doing more tests this week but so far it's a keeper!