Video Tutorial | Vibrating 35mm Adapter [Part 3 of 4]

As promised here is part 3 of the 4 part video series on building a vibrating 35mm adapter. Enjoy!


35mm Adapter Tutorial Walkthrough 3 from Martin Frericks on Vimeo.

CLICK HERE FOR PARTS I and II

Shallow Depth of Field | Do it in Post [revisited]

Below is an update to the previous tests of creating a shallow depth of field in post production. I have to say I am very happy with the results. It is the same concept of utilizing shape layers to mask the different levels of depth and simple blurs connected to expression sliders, but now I use the matte choker to soften and blend the blurred edges. I plan on creating a video tutorial when time permits. I also might try this technique with a little more dynamic/exciting footage as well...will keep you posted.


Shallow DOF in Post Final from Daniel Holland on Vimeo.

Video Tutorial | Vibrating 35mm Adapter [parts 1 and 2 of 4 part video tutorial]

Utilizing the vibrating 35mm adapter tutorial and parts from jetsetmodels.info these tutorials detail the build process. I find these tutorials very informative as the guys building this have not built one previously and we get a look at issues and questions that come up along the way. Very much a must watch if you plan on building a vibrating adapter. The parts can be sourced from jetsetmodels.info and ebay (see links below).
Part I


35mm Adapter Tutorial Walkthrough 1 from Martin Frericks on Vimeo.

Part II


35mm Adapter Tutorial Walkthrough 2 from Martin Frericks on Vimeo.


Parts III and IV to follow shortly.

PART SOURCE

Macro Extension Tubes


CPL Filter



Canon EE-A/EE-S Focusing Screen

Canon EE-A Focusing Screen $29.99

Canon EE-S Focusing Screen $27.99
Step Rings




Macro Filters

Video Tutorial | DIY Steadicam!

This is an excellent tutorial on Steadicams and offers an easy alternative to the high end Steadicam brand. I use a Stedicam Merlin currently and I have to say the results produced from this DIY are very comparable. Check it out!

"Garret Brown's original Steadicam® is an icon that revolutionized filmmaking. Being the first and the best, it naturally and justifiably commands a premium price. It is for this reason that homemade DIY Flying Camera Supports have been around since at least 1977, just one short year after Mr. Brown's invention.

With this tradition in mind, I present the two fundamental principles behind the Steadicam and show you how to build your own Flying Camera Support."

DIY Steadicam - Flying Camera Support from Videopia on Vimeo.

You can find the Pro Series AM-101KB Monopd by Dynatran on ebay for a lot less than Amvona!

35mm Adapters | Choosing the Right Lens

The 35mm lenses you use really make a difference. Note that 35mm refers originally to the film type the lenses were made for and not the focal range. The focal range(also in mm) really determines the type of shot you will get wide to narrow. Before I get into the difference between lens types there are a few things you should note:

• All lens manufacturers/brands provide different lens types
• The wider you can open your aperture the more light you can utilize for an adapter
• For an adapter you want a manual lens or at the least a lens that can be switched to manual
• Each lens type produces different results and in most cases you would want to switch between lenses depending on your desired shot.

With that stated let us go over the 3 different types of lenses I use in my arsenal and why you would choose a specific type...

(for this example I am using Nikon compatible lenses, however any brand will most likely have lens types in each range)

 

Wide Lens

above: Tamron 17mm lens

I would consider a lens in the range of 0mm - 40mm to be a wide lens. This type of lens with an adapter produces some very interesting results. It works out well for wide shots such as establishing shots. Keep in mind the wider you go the more distortion, however this can also be a nice surreal effect.

 

Wide Angle Footage using a 35mm Adapter

Outdoor - Tamron 17-35mm DOF Adapter test from Incubust on Vimeo.

 

Apefos HV20 and Tamron 17-35 f2.8-4 lens from apefos on Vimeo.

 

50mm lens

above: Nikon 50mm manual lens

This will be your most utilized lens. It offers a nice mid-range and is suitable for a variety of shots. I like to use this lens particularly in mediums shots of people conversing with one another.

 

50mm Lens Footage using a 35mm Adapter

35mm lens adapter test from Michael J. on Vimeo.

 

Zoom Lens

above: Nikon 70mm-200mm manual lens

I would put a lens in the range of 70mm+ as a zoom lens. These lenses can range from wide all the way to zoom, but I would not advise using this as your main lens as the light loss tends to be more severs and they are long and heavy...so when using a lens like this make sure you have some kind of support to take the stress off of your camera. With that said this lens comes in handy for extreme close-ups. It also comes in handy when you cannot get close to enough to your subject to achieve your desired shot.

 

Zoom lens Footage using a 35mm adapter

It's a small world... // Letus mini & 100mm macro from [ PIXEL VIKING ] on Vimeo.

 

Here is nice footage using various lens types discussed.

BBC HD from Ted Ramasola on Vimeo.

 

So that is my lens arsenal. I find it useful to have these lens types on hand, but if you are just starting out I would suggest a 50mm lens to begin. The key is practice and know your lenses, then you will find yourself swapping lenses more instinctually and you will see the how dynamic your footage can become.

 

By the way ebay is a great source for manual lenses. Just search for your manual lenses and you will see.You will most likely get the best deal there.

 

DIY Breakdown | DIY Static 35mm Adapter for $80

HV20.com forum member sdeming shares with us his DIY static adapter he built for $80.

Part list:

1. Electrical pvc 2'' connectors that thread together. Total cost $3.00 (found at menards)(pictured below)

2. The SH-51EE found on Jetsetmodels.info site. Total cost $30.00 with shipping.

3. Canon EE-a or EE-s focusing screen. I found mine on ebay for $40.00

4. A UV Filter 52mm. Again, I found mine on ebay for $8.00

5. A Step ring 52mm to what ever you lens is. Mine is a 42m, so I bought that for $3.00 on you guessed it, ebay!

6. An achromat, I had mine from an old camera, and I don't consider this part of the expense, because on my adapter, it can be taken off and used as a macro lens. You can also find on ebay.

7. Hot glue. I found a gun at Menards for $5.00 with the glue. 8. 2'' PVC pipe, as small as you can buy it. I found mine for $2.00 at menards.

How to construct

1. First, you'll need to cut down the male and female pvc parts to 1/2 inch from the outside edge. THE NON-THREADED PARTS ONLY!



2. Paint them matte black inside and out, but do not paint the threads. I covered them with electrical tape prior to painting and it worked well.


3. The female pvc piece (the one with the treads on the inside) holds your lens. Here's how, first you'll need to take the 2'' pvc and make a vertical cut about 4'' long on a table or miter saw. Then, on a miter saw cut off two pieces from the end about 1/4 inch. Do it in this order, otherwise the small 1/4 ring will shatter and you may get hurt. BE SAFE! Here's what you'll end up with.


4. Take your step ring that that goes from 52mm to whatever you adapter threads or quarter turns into. and on the 52mm size, wrap the pvc around it like so:


5. press this into the 1/2 non threaded side of the female pvc section, like so:I tapped it in with a level to make sure it was in there straight(but it shouldn't matter if you cut your 1/4 piece of pvc straight).


6. Glue the ring in, not too much, just enough to make sure no dust gets in there.

7. Screw on your lens

8. Now we're working the male piece of pvc. So, to make sure you're all lined up, I used scotch tape as a temporary gg and put an x in the center of the tape.

9. Push the gg holder with the (cut out side facing the camera) into your male piece of pvc.


10. Now, screw the two pieces together and I found that you're going to leave about three threads exposed for the proper focal distance. Hold up your adapter to some light and adjust your lens and focal distance till you get a crisp image on something close and far away.

11. Screw in your 43mm step ring and mark the top of the adapter with a pencil

12. Mark the top of your camera and step ring with a pencil too

13. Remove the tape from the gg holder.

14. Glue in gg holder

15. Glue in lens (small beads in the corners only!).

16. Remove your 43mm step ring from the front of the camera.

17. Screw the step ring into your uv lens.

18. Take your second piece of 2'' pvc

19. Use a dremil or sand paper and sand down the inside untill you can wrap it around your uv lens and fit inside the non threaded side of the male adapter.


20. place it inside


21. Place the uv lens and the stet ring inside next, lining up the marks you made with the pencil.


22. Holdup the male piece to your camera, lining up the marks, and make sure your still aligned. Just make sure it looks square.

23. If all is well glue in the uv filter only, not the step ring. Make sure there's no dust. If you want, buy two uv filters, pop the glass out of one of them and glue that in, then uv lens will just thread in on that. This way, you can clean the gg if you need to.


24. here it is with the achromat, with removes vignetting, and since you don't have to zoom in as much, removes some camera shake.

25. Enjoy! Here's a screen capture of some weeds by an old farm house.

Save $$$. Source Parts For Your Vibrating Adapter at Home!

I plan on putting together a nice tutorial, but I have come to realize when your budget for an adapter is low, being resourceful can really help. It can also be great to use these material to practice building an adapter before using quality materials. Alternative for your ground glass...use an old digital camera of cell phone that has an lcd screen. There is diffused material that works well behind that LCD screen. Vibrating motor...use an old cell phone. I took apart a Motorola and a Samsung I had lying around and found two different, but usable motors. One was a off-balanced spinning motor and the other a 12mm pancake motor...both work like a charm. Ground glass holder...use any thin plastic material from a VHS cassette box to a coffee can lid. GG holder support rods, use q-tips...yes q-tips...don't laugh...try it :). For housing use 2" pvc pipe. Lens mount...use protective lens caps and/or the mount off an old film camera. Macro...try an old pair of binoculars or magnifying glass. Holding it all together...Gorilla Glue or better yet JB -Weld...I will post a tutorial and results of a vibrating adapter I am building...my goal is to keep quality up and cost down...stay tuned...

 

Product Overview | The Apefos 35mm Vibrating Adapter

I'd like to introduce the Apefos 35mm adapter. This is a vibrating adapter that can suite larger and smaller camcorders. It has a unique design, however looks to be bulky and most likely heavier, however it does include a support. Also, having a sturdy adapter might not be a negative thing in the long run.

The Apefos 35mm Kit


Footage from the Apestos 35MM

Apefos HV20 and Tamron 17-35 f2.8-4 lens from apefos on Vimeo.


Apefos HV20 and ASANUMA 35-105 f3.5 lens from apefos on Vimeo.


A Grade - The Grating - APEFOS from apefos on Vimeo.


For more information
http://www.apefos.com/ http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=1760

REDROCK MICRO M2 on ebay!

Vibrating Ground Glass Holder Alternative

 

 

I cannot down jetsetmodels.info and their product as they are custom milled and of quality, however I understand that their ground glass [focusing screen] holders can take a large bite out of your budget. I have written about a couple of DIY alternatives in the past, one was using parts found in hardware stores and the other was using parts found in your own home. Below is an image of the new alternative by HV20 forum member gregtay67. It looks like this can be easily constructed by any DIYer. I have to say the footage acquired using this is absolutely stunning (see below).

 

For more info visit here.

And here.

 

In Action

35mm DIY DOF adapter vibrating motor in action from Greg Tay on Vimeo.

 

Footage from adapter utilizing this ground glass holder

35mm DOF Adapter 5 micron focusing screen from Greg Tay on Vimeo.

 

Video Tutorial | DIY Vibrating Adapter...even Cheaper!

I recently came across this tutorial. The entire build is fairly unique as far as part sources. The ground glass is from a old digital camera's LCD, but a cell phone LCD also has a matte material within the LCD that can be used. I know I have a box of old useless cell phones from the years sitting at home...and never realized I could utilize them. Also the vibrating ground glass holder is just an old plastic VHS tape box. The vibrating support rods are just q-tips(yes q-tips)...all in all a pretty inventive way to keep costs down and still get nice results. The tutorial is in French, but I feel it is pretty straight forward.

Video Tutorial


creer 35mm vibrant
by gregstephen


Sample Footage

Shallow Depth of Field | Do it in Post [no 35mm adapter]

So you have footage that you feel would benefit from shallow depth of field, except everything was shot with a wide depth of field...what do you do? I have developed a few methods of producing the look of shallow depth of field in post utilizing After Effects CS3. Below you will find sample footage based on one method of tracking motion, then using shape layers as track mattes and expressions to control blur. Another method is to create custom depth maps to use with the lens blur filter, however using this method you take a huge hit in rendering time and resources. I plan on producing a 2 or 3 part tutorial on these methods, but until completed, I thought I'd provide some sample footage showing that it is possible to achieve this in post production with decent results.


STILLS
Shot with an HVX200.

original



DOF created in Post




Now obviously it is always more convincing, especially to the trained eye, to shot with a shallow depth of field. Unfortunately you don't always have this option. I can think of two scenarios where this could be useful. The first is you did not shoot the footage or had no control over footage that was shot. The second would be if the video was shot with a wide DOF for effect to be composited...and now the effects are there, but the depth isn't...

Video

DOF in Post [no 35mm Adapter] from Daniel Holland on Vimeo.

Please comment below :)

Great Deal | Opteka 10x HD² Professional Macro Lens

Just a quick note that the Opteka 10x HD² Professional Macro Lens is currently on sale at Amazon for $29.95 (originally $79.95). I've about this before. The Opteka makes a great alternative to high-end achromats for your DIY 35mm adapters. Ideal for small consumer HD camcorders. This is the cheapest I have seen this macro (goes for $39.95 on eBay), so this is a good deal.

Opteka 10x HD² Professional Macro Lens

Feel free to comment on this product below, thank you.

Video Tutorial | About 35mm Adapters

Below is another excellent tutorial from Videopedia. This goes into 35mm adapters ups and downs and why you might need one. A must watch!

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35mm Lens Adapters from Videopia on Vimeo.

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Links from Tutorial

• Vimeo
• Letus
• Redrock Micro
• Jetsetmodels
• Ebay
  
  
  
  

Letus Ultimate price!?

Okay, if you are like me you are probably wondering how it is possible for the Letus Ultimate to jump $3000+ higher than the other Letus models. If you head over to this blog they feature the "Ultimate Autopsy. Here they overview the Letus Ultimate and crack it open to see what makes it tick. That is when the reasoning for the price leap becomes more apparent...

Adapters for Less

I recently came across some good deals on 35mm adapters on eBay. eBay auctions are a good opportunity to find 35mm adapters for a better price including Redrock Micro, Brevis, Cine, Letus, and others. Check it out.

Letus 35mm Adapter Flavors

If you have the means to buy a commercial adapter, then you are a richer man than I. Letus is one of the key players in the commercial adapter market offering a few options when it comes to non-static adapters. Here is a quick run-down of what Letus has to offer. One thing that separates the Letus from most is that it flips the image upright by design. So no need for a flip module, hack, upside-down rig, or mirrors.

 

Letus35 mini

$1,100

 

The Letus35 Mini is especially designed for smaller camcorders with filter thread sizes < 43mm. The mini is a vibrarting compact unit.

 

list of features:

    * Half the weight of the Extreme
    * Weighs only 1 lb 9 oz
    * Hand held balance. No support rods needed (hold the adapter and the camera and SLR lens will balance nicely)
    * Travel sized adapter
    * Great adapter when space is limited.
    * New prism technology with proprietary Image Orientation Correction technology (IOC). This adapter "flips" the image upright
    * Highest optical grade achromatic lens (custom-made for this specific adapter)
    * Custom condenser specially tailored for this adapter to get the best possible picture quality
    * 16:9 native aspect ratio
    * For cameras with a filter size of 43mm or smaller
    * New and improved Ground Glass element
    * Beautiful film-look bokeh
    * Absolutely no vignetting
    * Best edge-to-edge sharpness in the industry
    * Stunningly beautiful image colors
    * Casing milled from solid aluminum
    * Anodized black finish
    * A sleek, built-in On/Off indicator with LED
    * Battery is fully enclosed and secured by magnets for ease of replacement during a shoot
    * Virtually silent vibration system that will not interfere with microphones
    * Alignment is a breeze with the new and improved thread ring design
    * Comes with your choice of one free mount (Canon FD, Nikon AI, Canon EF (EOS), Pentax K mount, Minolta MD)
    * PL mount and OCT19 mount also available at a discounted price if selected as the primary mount on the Mini.
    * Hex key for adjustment/installation
    * End caps included for protection during transport/storage
    * Light switch in the back to avoid distraction to those in front of camera
    * Threaded holes on the front of the tube for matching up to support systems
    * Custom support bracket available for those wanting to use a rods support system
    * One year warranty

 

Footage

Raw footage version of vimeo.com/1216509 from [ PIXEL VIKING ] on Vimeo.

 

Letus35 Extreme

$1,500

 

The Letus35 Extreme is a vibrating adapter designed for larger camcorders.

 

list of features:

   * Highest optical grade achromatic lens custom-made for this specific adapter

    * Custom condenser specially tailored for this adapter to get the best possible picture quality

    * New and improved Ground Glass

    * Beautiful film-look bokeh

    * Absolutely no vignetting

    * Best edge-to-edge sharpness in the industry

    * Stunningly beautiful image colors

    * Casing milled from solid aluminum.

    * Using prism with proprietary Image Orientation Correction technology (IOC) that makes the image up-right

    * A sleek On/Off indicator with LED

    * Battery is fully enclosed and secured by 2 magnets for ease of replacement during a shoot

    * Virtually quiet vibration system that will not interfere with on-camera microphone

    * Alignment is a breeze with the new, improved 72mm ring design

    * Professional finish and look

    * Comes with your choice of one free mount (Canon FD, Nikon Locking, Canon EF locking)

 

Footage

The Desert Of Rhode Island - Letus Exteme Film - HDTV from Tom Guilmette on Vimeo.

 

 

Letus35 Ultimate

$4,500

 

This is the newest member of the Letus family. It is a spinning adapter and has a very cool design. It has many features that most adapters do not and has a nice custom look.

 

list of features:

    * Smart Spinning Ground Glass (patent pending)

    * Built-in precision back focus adjustment with lock (patent pending)

    * X / Y alignment adjustment to correct for offset image sensors (patent pending)

    * Off center spinning GG element (patent pending)

    * Off center driving motor for optimal performance (patent pending)

    * Variable RPM motor with LED screen speed display

       * Built in flash memory to remember last settings

    * Ability to do a full stop-down on a 35mm lens (tested to f22)

    * Works with high shutter speeds (tested to 1/2000)

    * Modular accessories. Extreme / Ultimate accessories interchangeable

    * Low battery warning

    * External power hookup

    * Automatically switches to 12V external supply if it is available

    * Absolutely silent, no vibrations

    * Includes PL Mount, choice of camera optimization kit, D-tap power cable, custom waterproof case, and rods support bracket

    * Prism technology with proprietary Image Orientation Correction technology (IOC). This adapter "flips" the image upright

    * Highest optical grade achromatic lens (custom-made for this specific adapter)

    * Custom condenser specially tailored for this adapter to get the best possible picture quality

    * Stunningly beautiful image colors

    * Casing milled from solid aluminum

    * Anodized black finish with anodized blue back focus adjustment ring

    * Built-in On/Off switch with variable RPM control and memory

    * Battery is fully enclosed and secured by 2 magnets for ease of replacement during a shoot

    * Interchangeable thread rings and lens mounts for easy adaptation to different cameras / lenses on the fly.

    * Hex key for adjustment/installation

    * End caps included for protection during transport/storage

    * Threaded hole on top and bottom the front tube for matching up to support systems

    * One year warranty

 

The Big Impression - Herbalife from kholi hicks on Vimeo.

 

Video Tutorial | Building a Vibrating 35mm Adapter

I recently came across this tutorial by Jorge A. Sepulveda. You might have seen his tutorial on building a static adapter, he has recently put out a two part video tutorial on building a vibrating adapter. Although it isn't really refined, the basic concepts are there and the footage from the adapter is very comparable to others. This is the most in-depth video tutorial on a vibrating adapter I have come across yet. Enjoy! Feel free to comment on the video below. Thank you!

Part I


Part II

Video Tutorial | Depth Of Field Demystified

I recently came across this great depth of field tutorial by D. Eric Franks for "Videopedia". Eric also has a series for Digital Juice television (DJTV) called "Tech Know". His videos are always informative and valuable. This time he is tackling depth of field and also offers a solution/trick to achieve depth of field with just your DV camera...no adapter. This is a must watch! Please comment on the video below. Thank you!


DoF Demystified from Videopia on Vimeo.