Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Alister, I've got a real nice Fujinon HD ENG B4 lens that I use with my Viper. I'd love to try your adapter on my F3 and finally get a nice long range zoom with a servo on my F3. I think it'd be kind of neat to have the option to use my Fujinon HD Zoom on my F3. I'll be watching this thread to see if you're able to get these spun up at a reasonable cost.

There is no way I'd put $5k toward something like this but if it were a bit more reasonable, I'd certainly consider it.

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Does your lens stay parfocal, no matter the adapter? I thought that the parfocal characteristics of the lens were related to the exact distance to the sensor the lens was designed for?

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Yes it stays parfocal. I am going to get a few made up. I'm in Singapore for broadcast asia at the moment so can't do much right now, but as soon as I am home I hope to get some completed units.

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Hi Alistair

I'm interested as well in buying one of your adapters. What do you think the extra weight would be? Do you think there is any issue regarding the F3 mount and your adapter taking the weight of a 2/3" ENG lens?

What exactly are the minimum criteria for a 2/3" lens? 2 x doubler? 16:9? All BL mounts? I've started sniffing around for them and your previous post about them being numerous is right. There's quite a price range so it's a little daunting if like me you're not very familiar with them. Any tips welcome.

Not so home-brew anymore
 

Spent the day with Mike of MTF services today testing the first production version of my adapter. It certainly looks good. We tested it on a variety of 2/3" lenses from super wides to long zooms and all worked well. Right out in the very corners there is some softness, but much of this is typical of an ENG zoom. Within the normal "broadcast safe" window the images are nice and crisp. I'm really pleased with the end result and the guys at the rental house (aim image, thanks guys) wanted to keep the adapter rather than let us take it back to the workshop. So, the CNC machines are now machining the first production run which should be for sale by the end of the month from MTF.

There are some pictures on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...9256241&type=1

2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Hi Alister,

This is great news. Many of us are anxiously awaiting an affordable 2/3" adapter for the F3. Speaking of affordable, any idea on what we can expect on the price?

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

For the F3 kit it should be £1150 GBP.

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Congratulations on your work and initiative. The main Canon zoom you've been testing with is SD, right? So you're confident that even with an SD rather than HD lens mounted on your adapter (because of the expense), the pictures should be sharp with good contrast? Is it the same with the other lenses you tested at MTF?

Have you uploaded any footage shot with the SD lens and the adapter?

Does the cable connect to the F3 and give zoom servo and iris control?

What is in the F3 kit apart from the mount?

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

I've been testing with an SD lens and it works reasonably well, however it is softer out in the corners than the HD lenses we have also been testing the adapter with. Contrast and centre sharpness with the SD lens (Canon J16) are what I would call acceptable, not as good as can be achieved with an HD lens, but useable.

At the moment we are only supplying the B4 to Canon mount adapter and the F3 kit which includes the B4 adapter plus a Canon to F3 adapter. The B4 adapter will be fitted with a lens support bracket on it's base.

The cable will be a separate item. Initially it will only provide power for the zoom. Pricing for the cable is to be confirmed.

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Hi Alister

Any chance of uploading some frame grabs so we can eyeball the resolution, especially from your SD Canon J16 lens as well as the HD lenses?

Many thanks.

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

As soon as I get a full production unit, I'll post some grabs. I forgot to do it when we were doing the testing.

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

Alister;

Is there any reason i could not use your B4->Canon with a Canon -> Emount on my FS100?

And maybe i should cross post this on the FS forum if it's a workable concept?

d

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

This was one of our intentions and Mike will be selling a kit for the FS100 to go B4-Canon-Sony E.

The only issue with an FS100 is how to power the zoom lens as they require 12v and the FS100 batts are 7.2v

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

An AB plate with power taps on the back of the rails should cover off the 12v needs?

d

Re: 2/3" lens on Sony F3 via homebrew adapter
 

How would an older 2/3" 4:3 lens go on your adapter on the F3? Was your original Canon J16 4:3? I've been looking at used HD lenses which are presumably all 16:9 but curious if SD 4:3 would work?