Nikon G to Sony PMW-EX3 adaptor
 

Just got my new Nikon G to Sony PMW-EX3 adaptor from Mike Tapa !!!
Mounts and Adaptors

This fantastic device enables you to use the modern autofocus Nikon lenses on the EX3. I have played with it a bit and it works like a dream!!
I have been using a few of Mike’s adaptors in the last two years and learned to appreciate their state of the art craftsmanship.
Going to use it mostly with my new Nikon 200-400 G f4 VR for wildlife work.

Cheers,

Ofer

Wow. Didn't know Mike was working on such an adapter. Very cool. Ofer, I'm envious you're shooting with the 200-400. Should be awesome with the adapter. Let me know how it works out for you.

Steve

I will do that ASAP. Going to Israel to do some wildlife shooting - hope to upload some footage as soon as I return around early June. Cheers,

Ofer (-:

Ofer,

Do you have any test footage you can show us, or maybe a shot of your Nikon G lens fitted on the EX3 camera with the adaptor? It sounds an interesting product, though somewhat expensive. It will be interesting to see if anyone else produces a similar product.

Good luck with your trip to Israel, not sure what wildlife you will see there.

Hi Vincent, you can see a shot of the camera with the adaptor on Mike's website.

I am going to Israel to film the European bee-eaters as they are nesting there right now. Will upload some stuff when I return. Just for your information - there is no glass in this adaptor so the image quality is not effected in any way - it all depends on the lens you are using.

The quality I get using Mike's other Nikon to EX3 adaptor with a few prime Nikon MF ED lenses is fantastic.

Cheers,
Ofer

Mike's got a patent in the works this time Vincent. But that's a very good point. Lesson, learned..

Yes, I saw that picture on Mikes site, but I am more interested to see a users setup rather than a product shot. How do you find it, can you set an accurate f number with a G series lens or is it just a question of setting the aperture until it looks right in the viewfinder.

lens choices
 

Add to the list...

I'd like to know which Nikkor lenses are best suited for use with the EX-3?

Besides the obvious need for good optics, many still camera zoom lenses aren't easy to use in the video world. Add to the need for good optics; good ergonomics, smooth zoom capability and ease of follow focusing.

I'm considering the Nikkor 80-200ED-IF & the Nikon 70-300ED-VR G & the 80-400 Tokina AT-X.

Thanks

Vincent.

The aperture is set visually.
The mechanism in the adaptor takes advantage of the activation lever on the back of the lens.
However, the scope of movement from fully open to closed down is only a few degrees, and is not linear, making any engraving impractical.

I had many enquiries from people wanting the original adaptor, but were disappointed when they realised that they couldn't use their G lenses, both on the EX3 and with my 1/3" bayonet adaptor.
It was this that prompted me to design these new versions.

Cheers.

Hi Ed,
I use the Nikon 80-200 ED AF and I like the result. I won't recommend using it wide open - especially when you have trees at the BG. The light spots you can see throught the leaves become circular and it doesn't look good. I usually use it at f5.6 - f 8 and get nice results.
I also use Nikon MF 300 f2.8 ED AIS, Nikon MF 400 f3.5 ED AIS, Nikon MF 500 f4 ED P and Nikon 600 f5.6 ED P. I use all these lenses on a regular basis and the results are excellent.
I haven't managed to use the Nikon 200-400 G VR in the field yet but I have great hopes for this lens.
I strongly advise not to use cheap lenses as you will get quite noticeable CA, softness and generally low quality image.
Cheers,
Ofer

80 - 200
 

Ofer

How are the zoom & focus on the 80 - 200? Smooth enough to execute during recording?
Are the focus & zoom separate rings?
Does the AF work?

Thanks for the input.

E

Hi Ed,
When using Nikon still lenses with these adaptors (from all the manufacturers) there is no automatic control of any kind as there is no communication between the lens and camera.
For focusing I use a follow focus device by RedRock so focusing is reasonably smooth. I don't zoom while recording. The focus and zoom rings are separated.

Ofer

About what I expected, thanks much.

New Nikon G to EX3 adaptor with Nikon G 200-400 f4 VR photos
 

Here are two photos of my new awesome combo –Sony PMW EX3 with the Nikon 200-400 G f4 VR. The blue ring is part of the adaptor.
This is the first time the new modern Nikon G lenses can be mounted on the EX3 using Mike Tapa’s new patent pending adaptor.
Mounts and Adaptors
You can now have a control on the aperture even with these lenses which don’t have an aperture ring - making it possible to enjoy the quality of the superb Nikon lenses such as the Nikkor G AF-S 200-400 f4 ED VR.
I guess there will be remarks as to the lack of a support system - I have been working with a similar system for nearly a year now and it’s just great. I will need to use the bar system just in order to mount the follow focus.
The blue and yellow rubber bands (modified balloons…(-: ) are used to control the movement of the fluid head without touching the handle.
Will post some footage obtained with this combo on my website in a few weeks.

Cheers,

Ofer
Ofer Levy Photography

It's about time someone did it, well done to Mike Tapa!
The 200-400 is a good focal length for the EX3 I have always thought, as long as you have a 2x focal length ratio in the zoom it's enough two shot sizes that'll cut (ie mid and cu), and that lens has an A1 repuatation on stills.
Steve

Just about to order the Nikon G EX3 adaptor
 

I was just about ready to order Mike Tapas Nikon EX3 G mount adaptor when a timely post from Steve Shovlar was posted on these forums. I have some G mount lenses which I am keen to use on my Sony EX3 but was apprehensive about spending £333 on an adaptor, especially as I had already spent £160 on the original mount.

But as Steve's mount is keenly priced at £150 I will now place an order for his mount. At least this gives a new lease of life to my Nikon G lenses.

I am sure that both Mike's and Steve's mounts will do the same job, especially as there are no optics involved.

Thanks to Mike and Steve for being so enterprising and developing kit at a realistic (read affordable) price for us.

Steve's adaptor - Sony PMW EX3 Nikon Adaptor.
Mike's adaptor - Mounts and Adaptors

Here are two photos of my new awesome combo –Sony PMW EX3 with the Nikon 200-400 G f4 VR. The blue ring is part of the adaptor.
This is the first time the new modern Nikon G lenses can be mounted on the EX3 using Mike Tapa’s new patent pending adaptor. Mounts and Adaptors
You can now have a control on the aperture even with these lenses which don’t have an aperture ring - making it possible to enjoy the quality of the superb Nikon lenses such as the Nikkor G AF-S 200-400 f4 ED VR.
I guess there will be remarks as to the lack of a support system - I have been working with a similar system for nearly a year now and it’s just great. I will need to use a bar system just in order to mount the follow focus.
The blue and yellow rubber bands (modified balloons…(-: ) are used to control the movement of the fluid head without touching the handle.
Will post some footage obtained with this combo on my website in a few weeks.

Cheers,

Ofer
Ofer Levy Photography

Neat to see this new series with the aperture ring. What strikes me as an additional advantage of iris adapter is that it could eliminate the flare issues that were being experienced with the excess light bouncing around beyond the small sensor areas.

I've got both types of nikon lenses, and this type of adapter (for me it would be the 1/3" JVC mount) is even more attractive to me now.

Sean.

There is no iris in the adaptor.
The blue ring on both this adaptor and the 1/3" version adjusts the iris of the lens.

But, having said that, you have given me an idea!!

Cheers

Ofer

Are you happy with hanging the camera off the lens as shown in your pictures above?

I was thinking of two areas of concern...

1. the lens mount handling the torque

2. the vibration or shake transmitted through the brace to the lens, especially on extreme telephoto

Did you try the camera mounted to the tripod? I would think the lens weighs less than the camera and would provide less torque to the mount

Aaaha. That makes much more sense. I was thinking it didn't seem quite right the way I was thinking about it.
I'm not sure if anyone ever tried masking the excess light coverage around the sensor which seemed responsible for the occassional internal flare issues with the 1/3" sensor/nikon adapters.

I have made a Nikon adapter for G lenses that incorporates a grooved baffle with the intention of avoiding flare issues. It was also anodised and dyed black. So far I have had no flare issues, if I do I will try flat black paint.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/images/attach/jpg.gif

Several other people have already asked Ofer that question in another thread! It does look a bit dodgy, but he's happy with it and he's obviously knows what he's doing! If it was me I'd definitely want some support though.
Steve

There's an awful lot of trust going onto Ofers lens support mount. If he trusts it fair enough, though something like a Zacuto base plate with 15mm rods under the camera, with that large lens supported by a rod mount would be more secure IMO.

Alistair - nice move! Looks like a practical solution! I gather you just made this for yourself personally...

I just received one of Steve's adapters and I have to say it's very nicely made considering the price.

Thanks to all of you who gave me the good advice regarding the support system - you were right of course.

No damage was caused to either my lenses or to the camera's lens mount but I guess it wasn't such a healthy situation to work without a support.

Here is the simple but effective support I have been using in the last couple of months.
You can also see the whole setup including the Flash XDR.

This is such a great forum - thank you all !

Regards,

Ofer Levy Photography

Ofer, that's awesome. Very similar to what I will be doing too. I've got Mike Tapa's long lens support and was one of the first to buy his ex3 to Nikon adapters----but I've been holding off for some dumb reason to buy the EX3. I got worried by some of the talk out there about long lenses and skew concerns at high magnification and in helicopters. However, you have mentioned good success (with good tripod of course) and a few others have as well. So, I'm ready to bite the bullet. I was hoping to hold out for Scarlet, but the EX3 should be fine for now (Scarlet a second camera :) Plus, I'm missing out on getting wildlife footage lately---it is cruel to be in the field and see so much but no camera. Thanks for providing some encouragement. I'll try to keep in touch and post some footage later this summer/fall---as long as everyone doesn't mind. I could use some critique as I have been primarily a still shooter. Hoping to use my big Gitzo 1548 with this rig---just need to find a good head for it. Have a Wimberley but can't imagine how I could mount an EX3 to it and be effective. I'll be shooting with the stock lens, and then my Nikkors---300mm f/4, 500mm f/4 P, and likely the 80-200mm f2.8, unless the 80-400 is worth getting (probably too slow). Any feedback would be welcome. Thanks.

Hi Steve,

The EX3 is the way to go IMO. Just download the sample clip I shot from the Convergent-Design (Flash XDR) website and you can see for yourself.
I am thrilled with this camera and its performance when used with long Nikon lenses.
The stock lens is not that great but there is no real alternative for wide angle shots as well as the fact that it is the only lens to work automatically. (as far as I know)
You will need the 80-200 f2.8 and it is a good lens - I often use it.
I don't know the 80-400 but you will have to have a long zoom. I use the 200-400 f4 VR G which is fantastic but the 80-400 might be fine as well. Don;t worrry about being too slow - shooting at f5.6 to f11 is fine IMO.
I use the Miller arrow 25 fluid head and I am very happy with it - the WImberley is not for video work as I own one and tried...(-:

Drop me an email if you need more info,
Cheers mate,

Ofer Levy Photography

The stock lens is pretty good IMHO. When you start putting $30k broadcast HD lenses on the EX3 and find you can tell the difference in image quality for the majority of shots it says a lot about the EX3/EX1 lens. Sure it's not perfect, but it does a good job for the money.

When the NanoFlash arrives (not long now) this will be the final piece in the jigsaw. While the FlashXDR is a great piece of kit, it's just too big for my liking, I think the Nano is better suited to the EX. The availability of adapters for various lenses, whether it's 2/3" HD or 35mm lenses direct or via the large number of 35mm DoF adapters now tailored for the EX. The EX3 can be the core of a remarkably flexible camera system at a price/quality point never seen before.

I agree the Flash XDR is a bit big to mount on the EX3 but I always use a tripod and mount the Flash XDR on the tripod so there is no problem. The NanoFlash would be the ideal solution for most users in the field.I can see a significant difference in quality between the stock zoom lens and all my Nikon lenses, however, I don't know whether there is an alternative which is wide enough to replace the stock lens.
I consider getting the Nikon 12-24 f4 or Tokina 11-16 f2.8 for wide angle shots but with the 5.4 crop factor it won't be that wide.
I also agree with you that the image quality/price of the EX3 is exceptional. Using it with the Flash XDR/NanoFlash which gives you 100 Mbs and even more as opposed to a max of 35Mbs of the EX3 - takes it to the next level IMO.
Cheers,
http:Ofer Levy Photography

Try to borrow a 12-24mm lens to try it out first, or just pop into your local camera store and ask to mount it on your EX3. I think you will be dissapointed with the results.

IMHO lenses from 85mm through to 300mm work best. I will post a review of Mike's and Steve's adaptor shortly. Both have their good and bad points and both do an excellent job with Nikon lenses.

I have to agree with Alister re the stock lens, I think it's really good.
I tested it against some of the best nikons ever made (55 f2.8 micro, 105 f2.5 and 17-35 f2.8AF) and the stock lens was better than all of them - much to my surprise.
It also handles superbly with the manual focus, zoom and iris all being smooth and sweet
Steve

I would get your Nikon lenses seen to, the 55 and 105 should totally outperform the stock lens - at least my lenses do. Especially when it comes to Chromatic aberations.

I also agree that the stock lens is superb and obviously it is far more versatile than a fixed focal lenght lens.

Nothing wrong with my stills lenses AFAIK, they're great on my DSLR. Again, I was really surprised, I assumed the Nikons would be better, just a question of by how much.
Can you do some side-by-sides for us to see? I may have mine somewhere still.
Steve

Here is a short clip using a variety of Nikkors (Old series). I will be posting a full review of Mike's and Steve's adaptors asap.

Sony EX3 Nikon mount

Hi Vincent, this is an interesting clip. I feel it is not that easy to get the right impression by watching it though. I believe the way to do this kind of comparison is to show the two images side by side on a split screen. In some of your shots the exposure wasn't the same so it is really not easy to judge the picture quality (I assume this is what you were trying to show? )
Another point which is worth mentioning IMO is that the mentioned Nikon to EX3 adaptors dont effect the picture quality in any way as there is no glass in them.
Last thing is that you can easily eliminate the vibrations seen in some of the clips by using a rubber band attached to the handle. I use the Nikon 600 f5.6 and even the Nikon 800 f8 on the EX3 and there are no vibrations as I never touch the fluid head's handle with my hand - always throught the rubber band. Check out this clip Lesser Kestrel, Sony PMW EX3, Nikon 600 f5.6 on Vimeo
Cheers,
Ofer

Ofer,

This clip was put together in a couple of hours when I got the first version of Mike Tapa's EX mount. I now have the second version of both Mike's and Steve's mounts and will do a side by side comparison (filming over the weekend). You are quite right there are no optics in the mounts, so the results will be identical. However, there is a world of difference in the way the two mounts handle, both have their good and bad points - as usual my reviews are based on the product's capabilities, without influence from the manufacturer.

I will also include some frame grabs comparing the Stock lens agains the Nikkors.

I used a fixed aperture of F8 for the exposures on the clip, I too was surprised how much variation there was. I will test for this again, maybe I just got it wrong (at least I hope that's the case).

Thanks for the tip on vibration reduction, I will give this a go.

Thanks Vincent, well done, looking forward to see your findings.
Regards,
Ofer

These adapter rings are quite interesting. Has anyone used one on a PMW-350? Is back-focus not a concern since there is no zoom-through? I am personally more interested in macro capabilities as opposed to 1,000 mm shots.

Patrick McLoad