Video Tutorial | 35mm Adapters Explained

A Funny Look at DIY 35mm Adapter Builders

I saw this a while back, but since it is now up on Vimeo I thought I'd share...I find a good laugh at ourselves helps us not take things too serious. Remember it is funny because it is true :).

Product Overview | Brevis35 Vibrating 35mm Adapter

Since I mention the Brevis35 Vibrating 35mm adapter several times, I figured it only fair to add a post on it. The Brevis has a strong following and can definantly hold its own when compared to other high-end adapters such as Letus, Redrock Micro, SGBlade. Check out the sample footage below and for more information visit cinevate.com.

Sample footage

Product Overview | Redrock M2 Encore Spinning 35mm Adapter

Redrock Micro recently introduced their newest addition to their product line. The Redrock M2 Encore (M2e) Spinning 35mm Adapter. If you have the means, this adapter is worth taking a look at. I would compare this adapter to other high -end units such as the Brevis, Letus and SGBlade.

Sample Footage:



From Redrock Micro:

M2e Overview

The M2 Encore attaches to your existing DV or HD camera without modifications. Once installed and setup, you attach 35mm still photographic (Nikon, Canon, etc.) or motion picture lenses to achieve true film-style footage.

The M2 Encore works with other Redrock accessories including the microMatteBox and microFollowFocus to deliver a complete cinema rig at a fraction the cost of comparable solutions.

Collimating Lens Mount

The M2e comes standard with a collimating lens mount that allows you to easily and precisely set adjust your adapter so your lens distance markings and infinity focus are precise. All new M2 Encore adapters are shipped from the factory pre-collimated.

Live Lens(tm) Active Lens Mount for Canon EF lenses

A first for commercial 35mm adapters, Redrock introduces the Live Lens active lens mount for Canon EF lenses to be electronically controlled while attached to your M2 Encore. Controls include the ability to adjust aperture, and an accessory port for future enhancements. Live Lens is slated for availability in Q1 2009.

M2e and microX Encore Flip Accessory

The M2 Encore has a companion updated microX Encore flip accessory for correctly orienting the image ("rightside up") for ease of use and monitoring. More details on the microX Encore can be found on our microX Encore product page ->.

M2 Encore Summary of Benefits

• Best light efficiency available in the industry at 1/2 stop light loss (including the microX Encore flip accessory)
• Completely redesigned optics for edge sharpness and vignette-free operation
• Rugged high quality construction for durability and silent operation
• Complete Bundle solutions

M2 Encore Technical Details

• Aircraft-grade machined aluminum construction
• 100% glue-free assembly
• Universal camera support, including Sony EX series cameras
• Completely reformulated optics to eliminate distortion and vignetting
• 1/2 stop light loss - best efficiency in industry, and superior color contrast when stopping down
• Interchangeable lens mounts without opening the adapter, including PL mount
• Interchangeable knob accent colors
• New more powerful motor
• Internal dust trap
• Access port for cleaning adapter internals and inserting optional internal mattes
• Collimating lens mount (new adapters come pre-collimated from the factory)
• Integrated rechargeable battery for 18+ hours of continuous level power
• Works with external battery bricks such as v-mount and Anton Bauer
• Battery indicator status for charging, on, and low battery
• All new screen holder with optional mattes and frame sizes for academy 35mm, SLR 35mm, 4:3, 2.35"1 (cinemascope) and more
• Fast shutter speeds up to 1/500 and beyond
• Faster setup (with simplified attachment to microX)
• Legendary Redrock Bokeh from cinescreen II with cineLux
• Intelligent power (Internal Power Regulation, Built-in battery charger, power management and fault protection, diagnostic status indicator)
• Shock mounted motor to reduce vibrations and to protect the motor and gg
• Full rubber gaskets in all seals for silent operation and light leak prevention
• Works with existing Redrock microSupport system Baseplate and microRods
• Weight of complete M2 Encore Indie Bundle: 6lb 12 oz (13 kg) )including rod support, baseplate, microX Encore and all mounting equipment)

For Current M2 Owners

There are many new features and enhancements in the new adapter release. The primary improvements of the M2 Encore from the M2 that were most requested by you are:

1. Improved light transmission - The full Encore system including flip accessory loses only 1/2 stop of light
2. Improved edge sharpness/vignette reduction - entirely new optics deliver radical improvements in edge sharpness
3. Sony EX series compatibility - All M2 Encore components work with virtually any prosumer DV or HD camera up to 1/2" chip size.
4. Collimating lens mount - precise adjustment of backfocus just by turning a knob
5. No need to replace batteries - internal rechargeable battery and built-in support for external battery packs such as Anton Bauer

DIY Breakdown | Quick Home Depot 35mm Adapter Lens Support

HV20.com forum member nwduffer has offered some insight on how he made a 35mm adapter lens support out of parts found at your local hardware store...for on $13 total.

"So, in a buying frenzy this past month, I picked up an HV30 locally, and ordered a Letus 35mini adapter, and assorted little goodies, and waited for the adapter to arrive in the mail. I've got an event Saturday that I'd like to shoot with my gear. It showed up this week, and after assembling and playing around yesterday, I realize I'm really going to need something to support the adapter and lens when mounted on my tripod. So I quickly look up support systems, and of course, no surprise, everything is $100-400, and no one has anything like that locally. So the way I see it, in order to use my setup tomorrow is I either overnight something, and pay almost as much in shipping, or I try to build it."

Parts List (based on Home Depot prices):
$5 electrical junction box
$1 electrical face plate
$3 of sprinkler 1" x 8" pvc threaded to match junction box (score!)
$3 of plastic tubing holders
$1 (or less) metal bracket for under tubing holders

Total - $13



"I also had to use the quick release plate and holder from an old junker tripod, which are shown in the last picture.

This is mostly complete. After work I plan to put a bottom bracket of some sort (I have an old Metz flash bracket I think will work great) to mount my Bogen quick release to that will put the weight evenly between the front and back. I will also use a little rubber strap to come across the top of the Letus and hold it down securely. After that, I think it's ready to rock and roll and will work great for my shooting tomorrow."

Product News | Jag35 Introduction Video

Jehu Garcia, creator and maker of the the Jag35 series of 35mm adapters, now has a nice video that overview his products and service. Check out the video above and for more information on the Jag35 series of adapters visit Jag35.com.