Lenses

Wide-angle adaptors

Mark_the_Harp — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:30:04 +0000

Hi guys,

Sorry if this has been done to death, just couldn't find a topic - I remember a few odd postings though.

Does anyone have a good one that might work with the 14-140? I like the idea of:

having a wider field of view than 14mm
keeping the image stabilization
being a bit safer than taking the lens off the camera and changing to a different one and
less expensive than (say) buying a 7-14 or other small but pricey zoom lens.

I'm not interested that much in anamorphic (might have one for sale soon!) but I am very interested in knowing if there's an adaptor that's good enough quality and more cost-effective to use on my existing lenses than buying one of those expensive Panasonic / Olympus zooms.

50mm T0.95 SLR Magic paper announce

Raysito22 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:27:52 +0000

So this is the new 50mm T0.95 from SLR Magic. Most probably, another loved, personal lense, such as Voigtlander's 25mm before it. Beware, it's also a heavy one, as it's made for Leica M mount. Not without issues, it's T0.95. Watching the vid, you might see some optical issues, just as it happens with Voigtlanders 25mm: purple fringing and glow. The vid was recorded all at T0.95, so probably it gets better stopped down a bit. Its bokeh is quite a personal one, you might love it, you might see it too weird.

Conclusion? A really personal lense, but anyway, really interesting for its low-light capabilites.

Technical Data:

SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE 50mm T0.95

Lens Type: Fast normal lens with seven Tantalum glass elements to ensure superior cinematic performance.

Compatible Cameras: All RangeFinder M mount, LM mount for cinematography, E-mount, and micro four thirds cameras.
Optical Design: 12 elements in 7 groups
Distance Settings:
Distance range: 0.70m to ∞, combined scale meter/feet
Aperture: Manually controlled diaphragm,
12 aperture blades (circular), Lowest value 16
Bayonet: M-mount, E-mount, micro four thirds
Filter Mount: 62mm; filter mount does not rotate.
Surface Finish: Black anodized
Dimensions:
Length to bayonet mount: approx. 95mm (approx. 3.74in) without hood
approx. 110mm (approx. 4.33in) with retractable hood
Largest diameter: approx. 73mm (approx. 2.87in)
Weight: approx. 975g (approx. 34.39oz)

(WILL ADD PRICE WHEN ITS KNOWN, AS WELL AS OTHER VIDS OR PICTURES WHENEVER THEY ARE UPLOADED)

Which lens for both video/stills?

Diffusion33 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:32:51 +0000

Hi all,

I'm just about to purchase a GH2 and i've been considering a few lenses.

First is the summilux 25mm f1.4 which from what i have read is an outstanding lens for stills but no IS... From what i've read in various posts it also suffers from 'breathing' issues. I have read that this can be fixes buy un-selcting CAF! Is this really the case? Any good examples?

I've also looked at the Oly 45mm f1.8 but no IS and i want to start with a fairly versatile lens video/photo. I will defo purchase this lens in the coming months for portrait exhibition coming in june!

Next is the panny 14 to 140mm which seems to be offering best of both world ie: video/photo but at the cost of SDOF

I'm looking only at m4/3 lenses with AF so no need to mention the wonders of the Voigt f0.95 as i'm well aware of its capabilities and will be one i will get in time! I first need to settle in, in the new format!

My maximum budget is around £1150 for camera + lens

I look forward to hearing our ideas/thoughts

Micro 4/3 lens doubler

Brian202020 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:07:54 +0000

I have a project coming up where I'll be buying a doubler for my lenses. I want to try to avoid buying a Nikon doubler, and Olympus OM doubler, etc. I want to buy a Micro 4/3 doubler, if they exist, so it covers all my lenses. Do they make such a thing?

newbie question - old lenses worth a try?

herronhill — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:48:50 +0000

Hello, I hoped to get some feedback, apologies if my questions are on the beginner side. Just ordered a GH2 at one of the sales. I have some old Konica lenses - 50mm/f 1.7 and some others. I know these are quite common but I wondered if it would be worth trying them out on the GH2 and if so which adapter and where to get it, and are there any issues or shortcomings I should be aware in trying it. ie can I damage my sensor with some of the older lenses? I have seen different adapters from prices ranging 20-200, and wondered if it is necessary to get a certain kind of adapter that fits this lens, or is a cheaper adapter going to work just as well. Thanks for any info.

17-35 f2.8 Nikon OR 17-55 f2.8 Nikon DX good for Anamorphic?

B3Guy — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:38:12 +0000

Hey, folks! So I've been thinking long and hard about lenses lately. I have a range of inexpensive '80s 35mm still camera glass, which works alright for how much I paid for it, but I'm starting to think about where I would like to end up in the lens department.

Here's the deal . . . I like the idea of shooting 4:3-16:9 anamorphic converters (so the 1.3x ones like LA7200, Century, Optex, etc.), but I'm also starting to become less attracted to having a set of manual primes (I know, I'm crazy, right?)

The issue with going serious with primes is that they should all be good, and all be from the same line of lenses, which together means spending quite a bit of money one way or another (even a good set of FD lenses will add up the $$$ quick). So, I've been looking into zoom lenses that reach far enough into the wide end of things for the GH2 to be wider than "normal" (25mm), while also reaching beyond normal somewhat. Constant aperture is fairly critical for filmmaking, as well as an acceptably large aperture (2.8 or lower).

These two Nikon lenses are essentially the two that fit the bill 100%:

the 17-35mm f2.8 and the 17-55mm f2.8 DX.

Does anyone have experience with either of these on the GH2? (or experience with them at all?) Obviously the 17-55mm f2.8 DX reaches past 100mm equivalent on the GH2, and both start from around 35mm equivalent, the next common focal length wider than 50mm. Somehow I like the idea of having all my "lenses" in one lens. Keeps the lens flavor identical at different focal lengths, saves changing lenses unless after a certain lens "effect" from another lens, etc.

Would either of these be able to play nice with an LA7200 anamorphic? Technically, this adapter covers as wide as 17mm, and most anamorphics seem to have no trouble with any longer focal lengths, but I've also heard zooms can do crazy stuff to an anamorphic. Still, the LA7200 is one of the very simple shoot thru designed ones, and with a lighter squeeze as well.

Thoughts? Advice?

PL mount lenses on GH2 ?

lenuisible — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:40:03 +0000

Hi team,

I have a friend who'd like to rent some PL mount lenses for a school project (because he's used to work with them and has all the necessary rigs/FF/tripod available at his cinema school (and a budget)). I read what @cbrandin says about film lenses being softer than digital by design, and I was wondering if anyone here had experience with them.

Thanks !

SONY VCL-ECU1 wide-angle on lumix pancakes ?

feha — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:53:40 +0000

Any reviews on this wide-angle adapter ?
There some bundle on ebay 14mm 2.5 + vcl-ecu1 ?
Would this work also with 20mm 1.7 ?

About wide-angle adapter:
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dac-nex-accessories/vcl-ecu1

Some cheap options of this?

Manu4Vendetta — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:35:34 +0000

Im needing another lenses for video and cinema basically. I have the Lumix 14-42mm f3.5 and the incredible Canon FD 50mm F1.8 (100mm in M4/3).

- 35mm native or equivalent to 35mm (what about of the Fujian and the SLR Magic?)

- Adapted to 50mm at M 4/3 (25mm in tradicional format)

- 12mm in tradicional format (24mm equivalent in M4/3)

Preferably luminous.

Thank. :)

Matching lenses for Summilux 25/1.4?

ctbehrens — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:09:27 +0000

I recently bought a GH2 with the Leica/Summilux 25/1.4 - really nice lens.

Was hoping I could match it up with some old FD lenses that I have from the old days - a 50/1.4 and a 35/2.

I think they will be very tough to match...

Summilux is a much sharper lens and warmer compared to the FD's.

What lenses in the 35 to 55mm range match up well with the Leica/Summilux ?

Thanks!

Chris

Favourite lenses

kenoah — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:18:15 +0000

What is your favorite lens? Why? In what kind of environment?

Mine is the 20mm. It produces really nice depth of field and is lightweight. Clients dont appreciate it because its small and they equate a huge looking lens with a better image. Im actually thinking of buying the biggest hugest lens i can find just to get clients and shooting a few warm up scenes with it. And then shooting all of the real footage with the 20mm

23mm F1.7 Hyperprime

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:24:22 +0000

It is NEX lens prototype.
Interesting if they'll release it also for m43.

I let you know soon.

Rotating lens adapter for Micro 4/3 primes

DrDave — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:39:55 +0000

Looking at old TV cameras, you can see some that have three lenses mounted which rotate. Since Micro 4/3 needs an adapter anyway, why not make where you can attach three prime lenses and rotate them while filming? I would buy one!

Last chance Smurf

DrDave — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:33:13 +0000

Last chance to pick out the lenses in the Smurfathon. Take a chance, spin the wheel. The candidates are the Olly 45mm, the Vivitar 55mm and the Rokkor 50mm. Easy as pie!

Century Optics 1.33x with GH2+14/2.5 thoughts.

itimjim — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:54:00 +0000

Thanks to @LPowell , I received a rather splendid anamorphic adapter at a very keen price. I've only just began testing with it, and yes it's got some quirks as all the adapters do, except the worth-its-weight-in-gold Iscoramas.

The rear lens element on the adapter is 52mm, which is also fitted with a custom step up for a 52mm thread size. This means my collection of Canon FDs bolt directly into it. 28/2, 50/1.4, 85/1.8 and 135/2.8. I also have the Panasonic 14-140, 100-300 and 14/2.5, which I've bought a 42 to 52mm step up ring for to attach the Century to it. Knowing that 14mm is super wide, I was expecting a complete mess of results and some serious vignetting. I was pleasantly wrong. It's far from perfect though, but in my mind, usable nonetheless.

I'm still testing the anamorphic. I'm keen to do real world, rather than test charts, so it may take some time. I'm a bit concerned over edge sharpness in some of my longer lenses, as first look seemed to be much of the same, although less pronounced. I do have a Tokina +0.4 Achromat to rig up somehow to the lens, which looks to help, although not for infinity.

Here's a very run and gun sample from the other night, and a few photos of the adapter mounted on the 14/2.5....which looks insane :-)

Best Anamorphic Adapter for about 1000USD ?

fatpig — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:09:11 +0000

Hi guys,

I'm really getting into the Anamorphic topic now as I will be shooting my student project at my film academy next summer.
I was wondering, If i were to get about 1k - if there was any adapter out there for me with the possibility of rack focusing and getting reasonably close to the subject?

LA7200? Iscorama? Hypergonar Hi-Fi2?
Does any of this mean anything to you?

Help is much appreciated! Have a great day! :)

37mm Century Optics Anamorphic Adapter w/ Diopter

CRFilms — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:23:07 +0000

Bought one of the last 37mm Adapters on Amazon cause I wanted a new one not just a ebay hand me down. It works on 28mm up to 135mm manual lenses with no vignetting. The problem was close focus, within 3-5 feet.

Without a diopter you can't focus that close. The Eyepatch Productions guy has done various vlogs on using anamorphic adapters specializing on the La7000, but thats out of my price range. He did use a cheap diopter, instead of the $100+ the guy from EOSHD recommends and he got good close focus. I asked if any cheap diopter would do and he said yes. I ordered a set of 62mm diopters from adorama, these: http://www.adorama.com/MC62CUS.html Their name brand set and it cost under $25 shipped.

They allowed me to close focus. Not sure the order they'll attach, but these are with an old Nikon E 50mm 1.8 around 4 feet away. Image10 is without diopter. Image9 is with 1+ diopter. And image11 is bare lens no adapter. Shot with poor fluorescent overhead lights and iso 640. Image6 is iso100 with diopter. Lens wide open in each shot.

1.75x or 2x anamorphic

sethdp — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:06:03 +0000

trying to choose between two anamorphic lenses. 1.75x isco or a sankor 2x lens. leaning more toward the sankor cause of the ease of adding a diopter with a fitler ring. but is the 2x squeeze alittle to much or does it really matter. is the isco that much sharper then the sankor also? any help or feedback would be great
thnaks seth

Lomo Anamorphic Zoom 35OPF29-1 available for testing in Sydney Australia mid January 2012

modology — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:44:14 +0000

Hi everyone, I'm not sure if this is right place to post this but my friend Jack Smith have a Lomo Anamorphic Zoom 35OPF29-1 available for testing mid January 2012. I am looking for someone who has GH2 and live Sydney Australia to give it a test. This would be a good opportunity to catch up and know other like minded film maker in Sydney. Cheers.

4-12mm Tamron + LA-7200 no Diopter required @ F 1.2

leoj — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 03:10:11 +0000

for a laugh wanted to try this lens on the LA-7200 with a step up Ring, so why not see how it can focus with the LA-7200.

The 4-12mm is a great Macro lens and excellent at close focus see psynema's video

i put it into ETC mode with it zoomed out all the way to 4mm @ 1.2 with ETC on Hit the Record button it was really SHARP at F 1.2

Anamorphic lenses/adapters made for dslrs?

fatpig — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 06:17:31 +0000

I was just wondering, if there were any manufacturers out there, making anamorphic adapters just for us prosumers- for hdslr use.
And if not- does anyone know why it is not done?

Im seriously curious, because it seems this would be a great market..

Don’t lose a slim cap

stoney — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:59:36 +0000

I made a dumb mistake in swapping front lens caps between 14mm and 20mm when I sold 20mm. Both 46mm size, but 14mm one is slimmer. Sound silly but the few millimeters difference does make noticeable difference since the pancake is so tiny.

The price of the slim cap is $25 from ebay. No one else sells it. Geez. Adorama sells original Lumix lens caps for 46/52/62/67mm at cheaper price, but that's not the slim 46mm cap. Some suggested Leica slim lens cap at $27. Nah.

Luckily the buyer agreed to exchange the caps. Thank gawd.

50mm 1.7 Minolta MD

Alexauwa — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:02:56 +0000

I've just ordered an old Minolta MD 50 1.7 with a Kipon adapter (GH2) on ebay as any footage I have seen just looked phenomenal. Since I am already excited about shooting on the weekend, I was wondering if you could share some recommendation on how to shot like manual setting, etc or even share your experience on that lense!?

I am looking forward to your replies.

Best,
Alex

35mm best lens for the GH2

Alexauwa — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:33:15 +0000

I film on the 14-140 mm kit lense which handles shot on daylight pretty well. I am know looking for a 35 mm lens which handles night scene well and provides better DOF.

You guys have any recommendations or experience to share?

Looking forward to your reply.

Question: max weight of a lens on a gh2 body

lolo — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:55:13 +0000

does anyones knows how much lens weight the gh2 body can handle without risking damage?

Lens price supply & demand

stoney — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:43:37 +0000

RAM price is getting cheaper while there is harddrive supply issue. Less harddrive, less machines, less RAM demand, lower RAM price.

Can that apply to the lens price? For whatever the reason if sales of camera bodies go down, will the lens price go down?

Recovering the full field of view when using 35mm SLR lenses

Mark_the_Harp — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:03:22 +0000

Would it be possible to put some sort of wide-angle adaptor behind a 35mm SLR lens (ie between the lens and the sensor) to reduce the image diameter so it matches the MFT sensor area?

Just wondering, as this could give us back the full field of view of the lens (which was designed for a larger "sensor") and I guess it would also make use of all that light that's being wasted because it's falling outside of the sensor area in our MFT cameras.

I'm sure the resident lens gurus (guri?) must have had a go at such a thing...so does it work? If it does, what bits do we need to do it?

Choosing lenses for a trip

v10tdi — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:59:58 +0000

My wife and I are headed to Ecuador/Galapagos Islands next month. I'm going to be a bit limited in the gear I take. So the question is - which 4 lenses should I bring?

Some thoughts…
Most of the filming opportunities will be during the day.
Most of the animals will be fine with "close up" photo/video.
Most evening hours will be aboard ship.
3 days/nights in Quito.

My lens inventory:

Panny
7-14mm f4
14mm f2.5
20mm f1.7
14-140mm f4-5.6
100-300mm f4-5.6

Minolta Mount
45mm f2.8 Rokkor-x
50mm f1.4 Rokkor-x
58mm f1.4 Rokkor-x
28-200mm Vivitar f3.5-5.6

My thoughts:
0. 14mm (too small to count against the limit :)
1. 7-14mm
2. 14-140mm
3. 20mm
4. 50mm

What lens would you swap or leave? Why?

Tommy Miau Oka (fee-Bay Tomioka wannabe-s)

Krolik — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:10:08 +0000

Monitoring a well-known world market since a while. There is a certain craze there - nearly every lens which can't be properly identified becomes a "Tomioka" - made lens. Or maybe "Komine". Than the seller sets an unreasonable price and waiting for the Godot to his item being sold.

Nevermind that even the (unjusitfiedly) famous 1.2 Tomioka seem to be a pretty lousy lens, hugely over-rated and I believe, no comparison to Minolta 58mm or Nikon 55mm or many Canon lens (FL 1.2 to FD SSC 1.2) which can be easily converted to EOS mount. Just got my third Fujinon 1.2, all under 100 Euro. With the new MFT <--> Fuji AX adapter time to "downgrade" these great Fujinons to Tommy Miau Oka cat's miau and sell for few Megabucks.

But hey, every Miranda, Mamiya, Mamma Mia lens now is Tommy Miau lens, so I am going to have a big company. I know, there was a secred collaboration between Tomioka and KMZ... and every 58mm Helios is a Tomioka. I did read the secret files in the basement of KMZ. And Тётя Маша (aunt Mary) has a Tomioka plant in her огород (veggie garden) growing, so $$$$$ is the limit.

Lenses Variations

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:39:16 +0000

Interesting stuff at LensRentals

Here’s a group of Canon 35mm f/1.4 lenses, for example, and there don’t appear to be any bad copies. It’s a nice, reasonably tight group of results. And knowing how other lenses look when they’re bad.

Unfortunately (for my sanity), all lenses aren’t primes with nice tight test patterns that make great examples. Below is a run of almost 100 copies of the Canon 24-70 f2.8 zoom lens tested at 70mm. Why so many? Because when I first tested two dozen copies they were a random smattering of results scattered around the chart. Data doesn’t make any sense? Get more data. Luckily we have a lot of lenses.

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/10/notes-on-lens-and-camera-variation

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/10/the-limits-of-variation

Unfortunately, many guys, reviewers even, completely ignore all this.