Tagged with focus - Personal View Talks

Focus tracking for video?

mpgxsvcd — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:29:28 +0000

The prototype GH2’s had focus tracking in video like the G2 does. Apparently the final firmware removed that functionality. Now that we have a lot of good work being done on the AVC-HD settings is there any possibility of looking into adding the Focus tracking back? If not I understand I just know that a lot of people would love to see this feature added back.

It was rumored that Panasonic removed this feature because it was not considered worthy for high end video users. I can't imagine why they would think that. This might be the one feature that would actually get pro users to actually use AF for video.

If it truly is controlled by the firmware I wouldn’t expect it to be too big of a deal to add back.

Extend physical (not focal) length of lens?

shane — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:30:57 +0000

I buckled down and bought the Voigtlander 25mm f.095 and I love it. But now it's time to put a follow focus on it. As anyone who owns this lens will know, the focus ring has old-school ridges that make it tricky to put a focus gear on, but right underneath it is a "smooth" area that I am convinced could be made to turn with my iDC System Zero follow focus (if not by itself, then with a standard office ziptie or something similar).

The problem is, the shape of this device puts the rubber about a millimeter shy of where it needs to be. It's so close, but it doesn't quite touch:

If I could find a way to add even 1/8 of an inch to the lens, I think that it could make contact and possibly work. But my problem is that all adapters tend to do something. I want one that does not do anything. Since it's a manual lens to begin with, I won't be losing any functionality.

Does anyone know of anything like this, or another workaround?

Features for stills

MartinOcando — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 01:54:46 +0000

First of all, I'm new at this forums, and congratulations to Vitaliy on his new endeavor. Great for him, great for Panasonic and ultimately great for us.

I have a question. Are there any plans to enhance stills functionality, like intervalometer, focus trap, exposure trap, etc. A-la Magic Lantern for Canon, but for our Lumix cameras?

Thanks

Moire Focusing - Gh2, possibly other cameras

DUCK — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:26:30 +0000

So far, I'm just playing with video on my GH2, but I've found something curious while trying to learn to pull focus; the touchscreen seems to show moire whenever sharp details are in focus. On my screen, I see a sort of rainbow pattern where in-focus highlights should be. So far, this actually seems to be a reliable indicator of what's in focus. With catch-lights in eyes, along with numerous still scenes, I've reliably found that whatever was ringed with moire was perfectly in focus when examined after the fact...

Problem follow focus and Optical Panasonic/GH2

joeevento — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:34:19 +0000

Hi all, I did my first work with the GH2 Panasonic Leica 25mm Summilux + but using the follow focus that I had just arrived, and then tested for the first time on the field, I encountered the following problem: focus can not be done with the classic signs of the white disc follow focus because the lens gear, remember that it is mechanical, no correspondence between the movement and the fact the actual increase in focus so I've often found with the adapter ring on the lens all the way up. After checking that follow focus has no mechanical problems I've found that moving quickly or slowly the wheel focusing optics is obtained more or less increase in focus depending on the speed of action and thus rendering useless the same ff if not for an operating comfort. Does anyone have suggestions? thanks

For Sale: Canon FD Prime & Zoom Lens Package w/ ND Filter Set - Complete & Color Matched

cowpunk52 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:26:12 +0000

I'm selling a complete set of Canon FD Prime Lens + 1 constant aperture zoom with a screw-on ND filter set. I spent several months putting this lens set together, making sure all the samples matched as closely as possible with no visible color shift between them. This is a perfect budget manual focus lens package to go with a GH2, AF100, FS100 or NEX camera. The glass is pristine and they all function flawlessly. Each lens is also already geared with zip tie focus gears and are ready for follow-focus attachment and operation.

I just finished shooting a feature film with these lenses on a GH2 with the Quantum 9b settings created by @driftwood and the images came out f-ing amazing. This is a truly beautiful set of very high quality glass. However, I'm purchasing a C300 package now, and these will not be adaptable to that camera... so they must go, sadly. I hand-picked each of these lenses, and love them all. I'm 100% certain you will, too!

The lenses are as follows:

20mm f2.8 FDn

28mm f2 FDn

35mm f2 FDn

50mm f1.4 SSC

85mm f1.8 SSC

135mm f2 FDn

35-105mm f3.5 FDn

The ND filter set includes:

Tiffen 72mm ND 0.6

Tiffen 72mm ND 0.9

Tiffen 72mm ND 1.2

Tiffen 62mm ND 1.2

B+W 62mm ND 1.8

Step-Up Rings: 52-72, 55-72, 52-62, 55-62, 46-52

I'll sell the complete package for $1500, including shipping to CONUS. Payment is made by Paypal as a gift, or purchase payment with fees added. I would prefer not to separate, but if you want just one or two items, send me a PM with an offer.

I also have a Novoflex m4/3 to Canon FD adapter that I will add for an additional $100 if you want it.

Complete package will be shipped in a foam cut-out hard case. Two filter slings are included for the ND set.

Lens Hacks for Focus-By-Wire Speed/Sensitivity

Majost — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:20 +0000

Has anyone done any work around reverse engineering the firmware for any of the mFT lenses?

Specifically, I am interested in changing the sensitivity of the focus ring on lenses such as the Panny 20mm & 25mm so that they are more follow focus friendly.

DIY "remote" focus control (accurate, LEGO!)

Matt — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:40:33 +0000

Okay, so this is not a particularly clever invention, but it actually works and is quite useful, which makes it worth sharing. :)

Now, I've had an idea in my head for quite a while now; remotely controlling a DSLR's lens' focus ring using (I don't know the proper word) 'motor mirroring'. Basically using one motor as the "generator", and the other to control the focus. So it happens that I found my LEGO and made my idea! Really pleased with how it turned out, so I thought I'd make a video demonstrating it and to show it to everyone here, as I think it's of interest to the people who browse these forums.

It's pretty useful for me personally, because of my shooting style. If you have LEGO, try and build yourself one. Mine took an hour, but I'm sure if one was to invest more time a better device could be created!

For Sale: Shoot 35 Follow Focus FF - No Reserve

redbaron — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:23:55 +0000

This follow focus is in mint condition. For use with 15mm rails. Used only in the studio. There is no reserve so Bid now and have fun!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shoot-35-Follow-Focus-FF-DSLR-Camera-15mm-Rails-No-Reserve-/260937271932

Best Follow Focus Gear Ring Belts ?

feha — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:04:24 +0000

I bought a new version i-Focus from Gini rigs ...
0.8 standard ...
I wonder what is your experience with gear ring belts ?
Not only for i-focus from "Gini", but in general ...
Which one do you prefer ?

Is there any (chance) USB Follow Focus for Panasonic GH2 cameras ?

feha — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:18:29 +0000

I saw the USB follow focus deal.

Looks great, i wonder is there any of this kind for GH2 ?

GH13 Body with Box and optional lens $275 plus shipping

DrDave — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:34:02 +0000

Excellent condition GH13, works perfect, with box, charger, battery, strap, etc. $275
Currently has the Concert and Event Patch 24p. Can be preloaded with your favorite patch.
Optional rare Vivitar 28mm "close focus" lens, super condition, with m/43 adapter for the lens add $50.
Insured shipping will be actual cost, ~$12

GH2 Shoulder Mount Follow Focus rig - Gini + TrusMT

LPowell — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 03:55:14 +0000

Here are a couple of photos of the shoulder mount follow focus rig I recently assembled, using parts from various sources.

Gini DSLR Pro Pack shoulder mount
http://cgi.ebay.com/DSLR-RIG-PRO-PACK-/260827565577?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cba88ce09

TrusMT DSLR T2 follow focus
http://cgi.ebay.com/DSLR-Follow-focus-T2-Matte-box-Canon-5D-7D-60D-600D-/270786604503?pt=US_Camera_Camcorder_Accessory_Bundles&hash=item3f0c23add7

DSLR "Matte Box" lens hood with flags
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390332331443&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Berkey Systems CHP-2 chest pad
http://www.berkeysystem.com/store/shoulder-pads/chest-pad/

iShoot tripod collar mount for Canon EF 100mm f/2.8
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2-8-USM-Macro-Lens-Tripod-Mount-Ring-/260821785675?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cba309c4b

Dot Line Nikon-M4/3 lens mount adapter
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dot-Line-Micro-Four-Thirds-Adapter-Nikon-F-Lenses-/390330740020?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae1866d34

Tokina AT-X 235 AF PRO 20-35mm f2.8 zoom lens, Nikon mount
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/20-35mm-f28.htm

16X9 Model HDV7X1 0.7X wide angle convertor, 72mm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381965-REG/16x9_Inc_HDV7X1_HDV7X1_0_7_Wide_Angle.html

Gorilla Plate for GH2

Tommyboy — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:50:49 +0000

I'm looking for suggestions or "zacuto" gorilla plate for gh2. My setup consists of dslr base with D|focus follow focus system and zacuto gorilla plate. I found this setup to work perfectly on the canon cameras however, the zacuto gorilla plate is too big for my GH2 and there is no way to replace the battery with the gorilla plate screwed to the camera . The reason why I need "zacuto" gorilla plate for my gh2 is that is more portable and easier to slide up the camera from the dslr base with out touching the follow focus system. Any advice?

Focus Assist Zoom While Recording with GH1?

Davide_NYC — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:33:18 +0000

I find myself wanting to do focus assist zooming while recording without having to stop my recording.

I'm using manual lenses so I just want to check focus while shooting.
I've read the manual and have tried to accomplish this with settings.

Is there a way to do this?