Gear

Unique: Design Your Own Gear Contest

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:07:17 +0000

Starting from 27.09 we are running unique design contest.

Made possible thanks to:

Simple rules:

1. You design accurate 3D model of any thing useful for film making. Be it entire rig, follow focus or just simple clamp.
2. Contest do not have strick deadline.
3. At any moment company can choose winner.
4. Winner recieve item made according to his design for free.
And grants company right to produce such items in large scale if they like to.

Useful links and info:

Recommended free software:
Autodesk 123D
PTC Creo Elements Direct Modelling Express

See more info at
http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/865/solid-modelling-autodesk-123d-3dvia-shape-and-creo

Cheap software:
http://www.punchcad.com/p-9-viacad-2d3d-v8.aspx (runs on Win adn Mac), $99

Mac Software
http://www.ashlar.com/products/product-overview.html ( http://download.ashlar.com/downloads/88973_trial_downloads.shtml )
http://www.formz.com/index.html
http://www.solidthinking.com/default.aspx

Resource about 3D CADs for Mac - http://architosh.com/

You can also use any VM solution to run Windows programs.

If you ask me, get trials and choose the best software.
Usually trial versions of paid software offer big advantage in productivity.

In post you must provide detailed part(s) description and your reasons behind design.
To your post you must attach picture of 3D model and zipped 3D model itself (in native package format).

Power cable for B4 lens

loomis2 — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:20:23 +0000

I am having a heck of a time trying to find a way to power the servos on my B4 lens. What I need to find is a short, 12-pin hirose to d-tap cable, wired for a Fujinon lens, and I am not having much luck. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Compact interview kit (video & audio) backpack/waterproofed

Rambo — Wed, 30 May 2012 04:47:49 +0000

A lot of what i do involves traveling and shooting from water craft, so the lightest appropriate kit i can take with me is very important for the mostly web based event videos i produce. Plus, i often have to carry an extra kit (additional interview camera and audio gear) with me on the ocean in a waterproof backpack as i shoot from the back of a Jet-ski with my main camera (hacked GH1) in a waterproof housing.

This is what i have come up with for the extra interview camera and audio gear. It all fits into an 8" x 6" x 3" waterproof pelican type case which is then placed in a waterproof soft bag.

   GF2 with 14mm pancake (also often swap out with 20mm pancake),
   Zoom H1,
   Rode Video Pro (with aftermarket dead cat),
   Duel Hot Shoe Flash Bracket,
   Marumi 55mm ND's 2,4 & 8 (with step up adapter 46-52 behind hood & 52-55mm in front of hood 
   2 Battery's,
   Collapsible Rubber Hood,
   Zoom Red windsock

After I've shot the main on - water footage (after 40kms on the Ocean) I park my main cam and quickly assemble this kit for interviews. The camera strap i use behind my head as a stabilizing point and place the camera out in front of me so to view the LCD screen. If i have extended interviews, i will carry a small collapsible full height ball head tripod and stand to one side with the Rode on a 3ft collapsible pole to get closer in noisy environments.

I shoot at 30inches distance to subject, M mode, select an appropriate ND, apertureF2.8 to blur background, lock focus, FLICKER 1/50 and use the in-camera mic and recording (Level 2) to sync the Zoom in post. Actually the in Camera audio (when there is no wind) is quite good at close distance and often more usable than the Rode and Zoom. Sometimes i will use the red windsock on the Zoom and place the Zoom inside the persons shirt acting like a Lav (see a still from the video below).

Hope this is of use to someone :-)

Cheap waterproof case?

BadTripProject — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:04:58 +0000

In my next project I need to put GH2 underwater for maximum 30 seconds. What would you recommend? I was thinking about clear plastic bag but I wonder if plastic infornt of lens loosenes image quality significally.

VizTools reveals HandiZoom: Convert Canon DSLRs in a camcorder

Manu4Vendetta — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:49:25 +0000

But only for Canon. :(

Wanna shoot really serious video of the sidewalk on your DSLR, but can't get along with those dicey standard controls? Then maybe VizTools has a solution -- or at least a working prototype it's readying for NAB. The HandiZoom can be operated with only one hand and does motorized zoom with adjustable speed settings, as well as various other primary controls. It hooks up to compatible Canon DSLRs using USB and a rail system, with the aim of making the camera feel more like a traditional news shooter. Check out the video after the break, and then maybe throw down a few more pennies to pair it with one of these.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/viztools-handizoom-accessory-for-canon-dslrs/

D800e hdmi recorder

Jspatz — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:47:48 +0000

As far as I can tell, the 2 main choices are theAtomos Ninja and the Hyperdeck Shuttle 2. I would welcome any thoughts, opinions or experiences in this line. Thanks

Camera related tools

tonalt — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:58:08 +0000

Any recommendations for tools needed with cameras? I'm especially looking for quality little screwdrivers that I could use to tighten lens screws. Suggestions (link where I can order online with shipping to Europe)? I don't want to buy those cheap super market models.

My MacBook Pro can not handle files recorded with the Sedna AQ1 patch

a_fulda — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:13:25 +0000

Maybe this problem has been discussed (and solved) before but I could not find more specific information. Using a San Disk 32 GB 95 MB/s SD card I have recorded footage with the Sedna AQ1 patch. It plays back in the GH2 without a problem but on my MacBook Pro (V10.6.8, 2.8GHz, 4GB Memory) the files only show up as white document icons and can neither be opened with QuickTime Player nor with Final Cut Pro 7 (which quits if I try to import the .MTS files). I do not have this problem with the Sedna CQ20 footage where I am using the same GH2, the same San Disk card and the same MacBook Pro. Is it because the built in SD card reader of my MacBook Pro can not handle the Sedna AQ1 footage? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Internal to External Microphone Switch-over + remote focus and shutter control

andyharris — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:37:37 +0000

I've been hunting through the net and found a simple circuit that will act as a remote for the GH2. It effectively emulates a half press and a full press.

The circuit is here:

http://forums.steves-digicams.com/panasonic-leica/69192-fz20-remote-shutter-panasonic-dmw-rs1-2.html

However I find that with this, the external microphone is not enabled. I've been wondering if this is something a firmware hack could address or do I have to modify the circuit further.

Listening to some test clips back it seems that the external microphone is contributing a little when the 'half press' button is operated, leading me to think that the mics are getting mixed through resistance.

A possible experiment is to change the resistance between pins 3 and 4 to work out at which point it decides that the external microphone should be used.

My application is a thumb operated remote on a 'FigRig' mounted GH2 with hopefully a Rode Video mic giving me more directional pickup.

camera pouch

badhussar — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:02:43 +0000

Guys, I've been looking for a solid camera pouch that'll fit in my chrome messeger bag. I found this one-->http://www.crumpler.com/us/Camera-Bags/Camera-Pouches/Haven-L.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=HVN001-O00G60 which seems pretty cool, but i was wondering if anyone else knew of something better.

Atomos AtomOS 3.0

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 02:30:40 +0000

Atomos, the creator of the award-winning Ninja and Samurai field recorders, will be previewing the next major release of their unique operating system – AtomOS 3.0 - at NAB 2012, Central Hall C3, booth C6647. This simple firmware update adds groundbreaking functionality to their 10-bit field recorders, at no extra cost.

"One of the key new features of AtomOS 3.0 is SmartLog – the ability to mark in and out points and tag clips using XML metadata so that you can effectively make a pre-edit on your Ninja or Samurai before you even get to the edit suite. Everything you log – good shot or bad shot, for example - shows up in your NLE. This is a huge timesaver and yet another example of how Atomos is innovating to make end-to-end production easier." said Jeromy Young, CEO and Founder of Atomos.

SmartControl was designed specifically for use in James Cameron's Deep Sea Challenge. It allows start/stop/pause to be triggered on any number of Samurais interconnected via their LANC port. This allows control of any deck, even legacy video equipment, from the Samurai and control of the Samurai from any PC or Mac device - great for custom video installations, or simply to control recording remotely.

AtomOS 3.0 also incorporates precision monitoring aides such as Focus Peaking, Zebra, False Color and Blue-Only. "Now there's no need for an external monitor", added Young. "We're responding to customer feedback by giving even more functionality, but at no extra cost".

Other new enhancements included in this major update are automatic file recovery in the event of power failure, auto-record when an input is detected, Loop Playback and iPhone/iPad/Mac/PC recording support – a great feature for gaming and app software companies to record and demonstrate in superb quality how their app or game works.

Originally developed in collaboration with Apple, the Ninja and Samurai field recorders allow the recording of pristine, 10-bit uncompressed images straight from your DSLR or camcorder directly to Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD.

Pricing and Availability
AtomOS 3.0 is a free firmware update for existing Ninja 2 and Samurai users and will ship 30 April 2012. See http://www.atomos.com for details.

Zacuto solves HDMI cable issue -- with their rip off rates

brianluce — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:20:54 +0000

Looks excellent, but $130? Nah. My entire Shrigg cage and CF rail system was only $150 and my HDMI cable is rock solid.
http://store.zacuto.com/Pincher.html

I need a little equipment and gear shopping help in Shenzhen/Hong Kong, China!!!! Lanparte User!!!!

TenaciousJake — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:49:44 +0000

Hey gang! So I'm heading to China in a few days, Macau specifically, but I'm trying to arrange a day trip to Shenzhen and surrounding area when I land in Hong Kong. I'm documenting a high-wire artist with my 7D, 5D, a couple GoPros, and my fantastic Lanparte shoulder rig; Master Chief Edition;) and I'm in need of a few extra thing's. I could only find these things online by ebay retailer or directly from the company in China but it dawned on me that almost everything I want is created in a factory (or is distributed) in Shenzhen or somewhat near where I am staying. Lanparte, Cinematics, Chinavasion, Dengfu (that's for my triathlon bike), to name a few. Also, many of the ebay retailers I come across when ordering are located in Shenzhen or Hong Kong. I'm in the south of France for the moment and I'm severely isolated from anything remotely resembling a photography store, let alone anything this specific. I generally order all of my stuff online as it is and from what I hear, there's no way a package would get to me in time nor should I consider having anything sent to me in China. Instead, I'm hitting the pavement and attempting to buy what I need directly from the Chinese manufacturers and I'm coming to the site that has already brought me sooooo much fortune. I'm hoping I can find a little help, if not, just some leads to go on.

The list (just simplifying, not trying to sound condescending):

Lilliput 7" monitor w/Peaking and HDMI out, ebay retailer is located in Shenzhen, I'm going to email them.

V-Mount battery pinch w/battery and accessory cables/dummy battery. I sent an email to Lanparte but I've yet to hear back.

Video tripod/fluid head. The FC-04H Mod Fluid head + CT7402 legs would be ideal (I know, order one from PV deal but I didn't have the cash until now and like I said, getting something shipped to me in China is ill-advised), or something similar. I know that Weifeng is in Ningbo but perhaps they have a retailer in Hong Kong, this is what I'm trying to find out.

Lav Mic Fuzzy windscreens.

Honestly, anywhere that sells cheap lenses. I completely understand that I get what I pay for but judging by my Lanparte rig, China really is trying to break the stigma for poor quality.

Please let me know if you've got any answers/ideas/leads/thoughts.

Thanks and be well!

Jake Gilbert withallyourmight@gmail.com

Remote Control of .. zoom? focus?

kavadni — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:34:22 +0000

I stumbled across this, I am into RC cars

http://www.gentles.ltd.uk/w-rc-camera.htm
http://www.gentles.ltd.uk/gentwire/focus.htm

has anyone had any experience? The GH2 is listed as a compatible camera

Body armor for GH2?

gizmo — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:18:39 +0000

There's a lot of various body armors for DSLR's but I can't find any for GH2. Does any one know where can I buy some rubber body armor for GH2?

Gear for Using Heavy Lenses with GH2?

willianaleman — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:22:51 +0000

I have heard that the GH2 mount is not as heavy as the Canon 5D and the it is advisable to use a rail to support the lens. The heaviest lenses I have are Nikkor-P Auto 300mm, f/1:45 and Vivatar Tele-Zoom 85-205mm, f/1:3.8. Any advise on the rail would be appreciated.

"Hacking" my gear with Sugru

ed_lee83 — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:45:15 +0000

We all know the word "hack" is synonymous on this thread (with good cause) but I've also discovered something called Sugru (www.sugru.com) - a sort of moldable silicone that turns rock hard after 24 hours. Their tagline is "Hack Things Better". It's really fun stuff and I've used it to repair, modify or improve my gear.

(From L to R)

The Trusmt cage - which I got through the generous deal through PP - was not tall enough to fit my GH2 setup so I stuck two spare rods on top of the existing ones to raise it up
Here I use coins (best thing I can think of!) to create some anti-twist plates) for the Ownuser GH2 battery grip
Stuck a Sony battery adapter onto the back of my monitor
Made the grip on my broadcast zoom lens a little more ergonomical for me
Replaced a lost screw & knob for my matte box
Added an extra cold shoe mount on the Modula 3 rig. Edelkrone sells cold shoe adapters at a ridiculous US$60 each!
Molded more grip on my tiny NEX-5N (ran out of black)

Got a few packs left so still thinking of ways to hack!

Rings custom

cordvision — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:07:25 +0000

Lens Upgrade
If you have ever shot with true cine lenses you know how useful it is to have a common front element diameter. I decided to get custom adapter rings made to upgrade still image lenses to a common front element diameter of 80mm. It's a must have item for everybody that shoots with still image lenses. Not only does it make your lenses look more professional, but most important it makes your life on set easier.

is 32gb worth it?

kenoah — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:12:55 +0000

Im switching from a desktop to a laptop. The ones I'm looking at either have 32gb with a slightly slower CPU and a HDD, or 16gb with a slightly faster CPU and two SDD harddrives which one would be better for video editing on a laptop? thx kenoah

Usefull camera accessories that you cannot do without

chrimsbroome — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:55:57 +0000

Here is a topic for all those who need something cheap, but also does a lot for the money.

houlder support that helps you keep your shots steady:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320612019199?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

9 volt rechargeable batteries for your Rode Video Microphone Pro + charger:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170760883943?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Rode Video Microphone Pro Plug Adaptor:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/250882722526?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

LCD View Finder that doubles the view of the LCD screen and blocks out sunlight:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LCDVF-16-9-Viewfinder-GH1-GH2-GF1-GF2-GF3-NEX5-NEX3-NEXC3-/160708492748?pt=UK_Photography_DigitalCamAccess_RL&hash=item256af8fdcc

Huge! 5100mah 8.4 volt Battery Pack to power your GH2 up to 9.5 hours (You need DC coupler and a DC Jack too Tamiya female to go with the battery pack)

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8-4v-5100mah-Battery-Radio-Control-Models-NiMh-rechargeable-battery-flight-pack-/320813602961?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item4ab1fb1891

8.4 volt battery pack charger (ask for a bigger version like 600mha or 1000mha charge because 300mha with take you ages to charge a 5100mha battery pack):

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Trickle-charger-NiCd-NiMH-battery-packs-/110747244760?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item19c90cd8d8

Test your 8.4 volt battery pack and know when its running out (Very rare item):

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dynamite-DYN4062-Sentry-LiPo-NiMH-Capacity-Gauge-/350489458681?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item519accb7f9

Malti Battery Tester (AA-AAA- 9volt & button batteries:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Universal-AA-AAA-C-D-9V-Button-Cell-Battery-Volt-Tester-/140598855449?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item20bc584719

Wireless Remote shutter for the GH2:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/sonnovel-RW-221-Wireless-Shutter-Remote-Panasonic-GF2-GH2-FZ100-/160690648268?pt=Camera_Camcorder_Remotes&hash=item2569e8b4cc

Power Your GH2 from the mains:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AC-DC-DIGITAL-CAMCORDER-POWER-ADAPTOR-SUPPLY-CHARGER-3-3-3-5-6-6-5-7-8-4-VOLT-/120800939302?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_PowerAdaptors_SM&hash=item1c204c0d26

Your welcome everybody. Maybe you could help me find out if SLR Magic's scope is good or not. Anybody have it please send me some samples :-)

GH2 Run´n´Gun, reduced to the max Setups

goofy23 — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:55:21 +0000

Hello,
i am absolute new here, my first post, so hello and happy new year.
Really appreciate the work Vitaly did, this was the reason for deciding for the GH2.
I am normally no quick poster, i patently search the forums for my needed infos.
Read a lot and found a lot for the GH2, Cam is on order as some other parts.

I aim for a light and prtable Run´n`Gun Setup with the GH2 (of course with the beatifull Hack i will for sure will donate)

On order are:
-GH2 with 14-140 (ok not the best in lowlight but good for "quick" work i guess)
-20mm Panasonic and 14mm Panasonic (good price/value ratio)
will aim for something more wide too,may the 12mm, or 9-18mm Oly,but later, when the x series is out.

Cheap small Rig
-http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HDSLR-DSLR-RIG-15mm-Aluminium-camera-shoulder-support-Canon-Nikon-Sony-Olympus- /260915832474?_trksid=p4340.m185& _trkparms=algo%3DDLSL%252BSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BUA%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D260872970162%252B260872970162%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5291128584711970553

-Juiced Link DS214

http://www.juicedlink.com/audio-preamps-mixers-etc-c-66/ds214

- Rode Videomic Pro

As i said i aim for a small and light Setup.
As been a Soundguy for TV for several Years i am very aware of all this higher priced equipment and also own some good audio gear.
I decided for this light Rode Video Pro and unballanced Mixer cause i dont really see a need for more (XLP and ballanced), even as beeing a Soundguy who owns, Wendt Mixer, NTG3, NTG1, modded Oktavas,ME80, several Lavs, Sennheiser GH2 and many higher regarded stuff i had to work with.
From my work, i did for several years, i know also a lot the 416, Shoeps, Neuman and other stuff, also very well SQN and Sound Devices Mixers. Lectros, Audio,AT wireless n stuff.

I know the NTG1 well (own it), not bad, not as precise as the NTG3 (which is on par with 416 yep) but usable for a lot of stuff but a bit low on output.

As i far i saw and read, the Videomic is not very far from the NTG1 in sound quality, it seems they share some characteristics.
The Videomic Pro is also small and light, which i prefer on my new setup, so it was a easy dicission.

i decided for the DS214 instead of 454, cause i dont see a need for XLR and P48 (even if my whole mic collection needs it).
It als weight and will drain batts in the mixer faster then you really need for a good sound.
The 454 is a bit too heavy in my eyes for the GH2, for some seroius audio i plan to take my Sennheiser G2 wireless on the second channel, the Videomic Pro is more a atmo mic.
I dont see a the reason for a better mic in this position, if sound should be good, get it close to your object and aim right, something you mostly dont can do mounted on a DSLR rig, so i simply dont want to carry the weight.

I plan do to a wireless boom mike config too, wtih the Sennheiser G2 TX, will may take a ME80 for it (easy to use, high output, good directivity).

And thats it for sound, Videomic Pro and, GH2 Wireless with ME80 on boom or Lav (MKE2, AT830).

I dont want to use a follow focus or something, this rig should be for doc work.

So i decided for this small one above.

I am not sure if i should power it seperate, what i dont want is a 14.4V V-Monut, may a smaller Canon or Sony 7.4V external, but i am not sure, in this case i would build a adapter (opening a cheap Ebay Batt for it).
Maybe i will work on internal batts only, G2 is working 14h with 2 AA, the Mic is fine too for long, DS214 should also be fine on 9V for a long time, one favour of not using p48.
Not sure about the runtimes of the GH2 while recording videos.

Long Post sorry,

THE QUESTION

could some advise me some things for mounting this setup?
I think most of the Brakets are too big and heavy, just want to add the JC DS214, Videomic pro and GH2, and may a LED Cam light.
This should be one unit (DS214,G2, Videomic Pro and GH2) which can be mounted on the rig by demand,
The Videolight can be mounted on the rig, not on cam directly,may the better choice.

Would apreciate some hint to some Rig/Mounting stuff you use, or may some pics of your "reduced to the max"small setups.
Any thoughts about the setup will be welcome, i am completely open, there is may something to optimize.
Goal is a light one person setup.

Tents

Athiril — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:07:24 +0000

I am looking at these 3
http://tente.quechua.com/en/tent/r-8,a-58,tente-2-seconds-ii.html#
http://tente.quechua.com/en/tent/r-11,a-35,tente-t2-ultralight-pro.html
http://tente.quechua.com/en/tent/r-8,a-60,tente-2-seconds-air-ii.html

I like both the 2 seconds tent, because obviously the setup time and 15 seconds pack away time when you're good at it, and packs into a 70cm diameter flat disc.

I like the 2 second air tent for the high ventilation, but it's 3.8kg vs 3.2kg of the 2 second tent. 68cm diameter flat disc.. slightly better

The ultralight tent however is just -2kg-, and comes with a compression bag, less convenient to set up and pack away, 8.5mm diamter x 40cm length carrying size! If im reading the categories right, the T2 Ultralight Pro would also be a 4 season tent, as it's in the category for handling snow. Although living in Australia I still haven't seen snow, would be awesome to go camping in snow in June though.

What would you choose?

I'd be of course carrying cameras (RB67, lenses, GH2, lenses).. tripod with fluid video head (701HDV), and other misc stuff.

Trusmt Cage

saverio7 — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:25:15 +0000

Thank you arranging these great deals! The Trusmt Cage is listed on eBay for $390 plus shipping. It's close to $100 cheaper on this site all in all. The fact that it is one of the great deals available here is quite an endorsement to the value of the manufacturing. I am sure Vitaliy only posts deals that are products he believes in and that says a lot to me. Anyone ever used one yet? Looks very comparable to the ReWo Cage. I am not sure the price difference between ReWo Cage and Trusmt Cage. Does anyone know? Does anyone know which has advantages over the other? The Trusmt Cage looks very well made, the Matte Box too. Does the Matte Box come with donut rings? I can't wait to get my hands on these products. Perfect for my new GH-2. Thanks for making these deals available to us, Vitaliy!

Help me to select gear. Beginners topic.

blackste — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:01:03 +0000

Hi, I am all set to order a Rokinon 85mm 1.4 to use with my hacked GH1. Currently I have the Lumix 14-140 and 20mm pancake. I will be ordering this from USA along with some other items and using US address supplied by https://bongous.com/ to have the goods delivered to my country.

I am accumulating as many things as possible that I need from USA, since I get to save on the freight charges.

I would appreciate your help on things I need for using the Rokinon (this is mainly for the video) on GH1 and some suggestion on other gears.

Here is my list

1. Rokinon 85mm 1.4 for Canon (going Canon as I have plans to buy some Canon FD lens, however no Canon lenses with me yet)
2. Which canon adapter would you recommend? Will the EF mount be able to take FD lens? Or you need a separate FD adapter as well?
3. Need a Vari-ND filter. How many stops will be needed if I need to use 1.4 in daylight on ISO 100 at 50 fps? Is Fader ND from Lightcrafts a good buy? Is 77mm future proof?
4. Would like to buy some FD macro lens. Any suggestions? This is also for video mainly. Any other FD lens that would be a nice addition?
5. What is the secret behind the cost of the Novoflex FD adapter?
6. Is there any focus help available for the Rokinon on a GH1?
7. Any budget follow focus with rods etc? This is not a priority, but I just might get one.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Need help with Monitor & tripod

Aksel — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:57:52 +0000

Hi everybody

I was wandering if you can help me make a decision.
I need to buy a Monitor (max $250) & 2 Tripods ($200 each) this is what I found & if you know about something better please let me know

Thank you

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EI717A-Tripod-Fluid-Drag-Head-Kit-Video-Camera-/130456992875?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item1e5fd7bc6b#ht_3203wt_1165

http://www.amazon.com/Fancier-Professional-Heavy-Camcorder-Tripod/dp/B003UOHPQU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320257879&sr=8-1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lilliput-5-569H-HDMI-Monitor-6600mAh-Battery-cable-gift-/160615752802?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256571e462#ht_7282wt_1398

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=+Lilliput+%3A+569GL-50NP%2FH%2FY&x=0&y=0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LILLIPUT-7-668GL-70NP-H-Y-LCD-Field-HD-Monitor-HDMI-YPbPr-DSLR-Composite-Input-/260879832420?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbda65564#ht_2498wt_1398

Thank you

Some gear advice for my 60D

eddy444 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:42:50 +0000

hi guys,

just wanted to say hi. I am new to DSLR filmmaking and would like to say I love this forum. I just registered today, but i visit this site on a regular basis. I am picking up a Canon 60D next week on sale in Toronto, Canada for $899 Cdn. (body only) As I am on a budget I find the posts on here very helping in deciding what gear to get.

I am looking at getting a few things over the next few months - any suggestions or advice?

follow focus - trustmt/wondlan, others? in the $250 - $350 price range...
lens gears - ?
shoulder rig - gini/trustmt/wondlan others? in the $250 - $400
matte box - cinematics/trustmt/pro aim, others? in the $300 - $500
viewfinder - neewer? looking for something under $100

any suggestions on must have gear?

Thank you very much for reading and I appreciate any advice...

Martin Mestre

A good removable camera strap for the GH2

jimtreats — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:32:42 +0000

I wondered if anyone knew of any decent removable camera straps for the GH2.

I've always been a bit peeved that the camera strap eyelets on the GH2 move, if you move the camera around a little vigurously these things hit the camera and make a noise. To be honest your footage would probably be jello mess if you did this anyways.

My main issue is since getting a steadicam i had to take the strap off as it was just a nightmare balancing with it on. However i rarely use the steadicam so would like a strap from time to time, one that's more easily removed than the stock one with its threaded knot and slider.

Anyone know of a good one?

DIY gear

lolo — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:07:03 +0000

Hello i´m starting this thread for those interesting in DIY gear can post some useful advices and their own DIY equipment
(speccially @bkmcwd :) and his lovelly DIY glidecam)

well here is mine snorricam, really straightforward (i don´t think i should place any instructions :P),
-2 wood surfaces (one square for the back and a circled one for the front (diameter must be at least a third of the entire lenght of the camera arm, to make a stable triangle))
-3 velcro strips
-2 elastic bands (optional)
-arm from a security camera (this one is the trick, in fact i actually manage to find an arm that can be extended by adding other tubes (look at the second picture, those are two different tubes, so this is a matter of looking in the stores the one most suitable))
-and screws

video (the weight and design doesn´t bother at all):

pics (as you can tell in the third picture, is really portable; and as you can tell in the first picture, i´m really fat hahahah):

PhotoClam Universal Plate PC-59-UP3

stoney — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:18:51 +0000

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ko&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fkimpd.com%2F797

Anyone tried it? It looks perfect on GH2. Some said it fits GF1, too.

Building a wireless hidden cam setup for on-the-road filming!

fatpig — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:38:32 +0000

Hi guys, just wanted to share with you my thoughts on the preparation of my little hidden-cam web series.

I thought about combining a mini spy cam:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/New-Mini-Digital-CCTV-Video-Security-Color-Camera-TP3-/280671525764?pt=DE_Haus_Garten_Heimwerker_Sicherheitstechnik&hash=item4159539b84

with this wireless transmitter:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/2-4GHz-Wireless-Audio-Video-AV-Transmitter-Receiver-G-/220829184661?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336a71f295

using 2 of these batteries:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Portable-5V9V12V-DC-Rechargeable-CCTV-Li-ion-battery-ep-/260815354736?pt=DE_Foto_Camcorder_Akkus&hash=item3cb9ce7b70

and record it with a laptop!

My Questions:

1. does anyone know if it is possible to attach TWO different devices to this one battery (different voltages) at the same time?

2. does anyone have experience with the mini spy cam? I know its the cheapo type, regarding picture quality and viewing angle?
i couldnt find any samples

Thanks in advance!

Greetings