Primes with 35mm Adapter
 

I've seen a lot of posts about Letus and others being utilized with the 350, but... Is anyone using high-end primes in conjunction with a 35mm adapter on the 350 and if so are the results worth the expense? I'm not knocking the 350 at all (I LOVE the XDCam HD workflow) but even at -3db and controlled lighting the images with run of the mill HD lenses from Canon and Fuji are less than optimum. Any NEW news on this subject?

Letus is working on a 35mm adaptor for the XDCam HD cameras which will mount directly to the camera body, not at the end of the lens. It will be a much more compact rig with a higher optical quality.

Thierry.

Yeah I heard about that. Haven't heard the definitive word on light loss and compatibility with various lens mount on the other side. NAB maybe?

Shot a music video last week with the PRO35 adaptor from P+S Technik, with Zeiss Ultra prime lenses (16, 25, 50 and 85mm). Adaptor is for 2/3" mount but i used the LO32BMT Sony adaptor to 1/2" directly to the F350 body. Was a studio set and I was working at 0db and around F2 to 2.8. The results are quite impressive, especially in the close ups. I will post a link when it comes up on YouTube

Thanks Dimitri- can't wait to see the link. It would be nice to see some hi-rez stuff too if you can. My problem with the adapters up until now has been their lack of portability/flexibility in the field. How was your combo in this regard?

I just recieved an email from P+S Technik, and apparently they have a 1/2 inch pro35 adapter out now.

http://www.pstechnik.de/en/digitalfilm-pro35-1-2.php

Don't see any specs on light loss. Looks interesting though.

I sent an email in,, will report back with some info, hopefully soon.

Dan, I will post a couple HiRes files when I get a little time.
Concerning portability, things are a bit gloomy. Camera gets heavier and bulkier with all these rods, adapters etc. Also, I used the blue handles to do couple of hand held shots, which moves the centre of gravity forward and makes the back muscles hurt for real. You need a good assistant to work with this system. Calculate that you have to carry quite a box containing the lenses, shades, follow focus etc. and another box containing the PRO35, rods etc. I wouldn't think its very feasible for only one person to handle all this.
Otherwise the length doesn't change much, so one could use a normal rain cover on location.
Ours was a studio set and my assistant is brilliant, so no problems there.

Yes there is a 1/2 inch adaptor due out now, but was not available for rental when I made the shoot. Mine was an MK I adaptor, which normally cannot do slow motion but the rental house said they had it upgraded and we should try. Happily, we tried and it worked very well at 50fps.
NOTE: if you use it, remember to ALWAYS repower the unit every time the camera is restarted from a shut down. It has a spinning groundglass and its supply is always cut off together with the camera and although its connected to the lens plug for power, doesn't automatically restart.

guys can we use Letus Extreme or Ultimate adapter for our F350?

I do believe there is a 1/2" adaptor.

and you don't know date of release? or when it will be possible to buy it?