Keeping 35mm adapter footage smooth

[tkmslee]

I am having an issue with keeping my footage still and smooth while using a 35mm adapter. I even stuck it on a tripod to improve it but anytime I touched the lens to focus or to pan with the tripod, it is way shaky http://hv20.info/yopu/lehi1.mov if anyone has any suggestions, it will be appreciated greatly! Thanks.

[Erik Bien]

It looks as if you have just discovered why some of us are using (or saving for) tripods that cost more than the HV20!

[Rawfa]

The fact that the HV20 is so light doesn't help because every slight touch will be felt. I guess you have to put some money on a good tripod. BTW, what adapter are you using? If I had to bet I say it's the brevis...Looking good :D

[tkmslee]

The fact that the HV20 is so light doesn't help because every slight touch will be felt. I guess you have to put some money on a good tripod. BTW, what adapter are you using? If I had to bet I say it's the brevis...Looking good :D

I was actually sulking the other day because my wife would not let me buy the Brevis with all of its rails and glory. :(

[Rawfa]

I was actually sulking the other day because my wife would not let me buy the Brevis with all of its rails and glory. :(

What adapter is it than? It looks pretty impressive. If it was built by you I suggest you go into business, my friend.

[tkmslee]

What adapter is it than? It looks pretty impressive. If it was built by you I suggest you go into business, my friend.

Thanks Rawfa. I think you're just trying to make me feel good (or you're just good at stroking the old ego).

This is a DIY static adapter I made for myself and got it to my quality satisfaction. I am quite pleased with it. I just need a good tripod and support system for it now.

[CBarce]

Are you shooting with image stabilzation on ? I originally thought that was best. If so, you might turn it off. I had similar issues, and by turning off the stabilization with my Letus 35a, it seemed to resolve that "jerky" feel.

[tkmslee]

No I had it off the whole time.

[Rawfa]

Thanks Rawfa. I think you're just trying to make me feel good (or you're just good at stroking the old ego).

This is a DIY static adapter I made for myself and got it to my quality satisfaction. I am quite pleased with it. I just need a good tripod and support system for it now.

Seriously, I liked the quality of it so much I even thought it was the brevis or the M2. Congratulations on your achievement.

[twoneil]

No I had it off the whole time.

Should you turn off the image stabilization? I don't understand, is it the reverse we're suppose to do? hmmmm.....

[tkmslee]

Should you turn off the image stabilization? I don't understand, is it the reverse we're suppose to do? hmmmm.....

I think, from my observations, what happens is this. When you set up your adapter you are focusing in on something that's very close to the lens. Not only that, but you are also zooming in about half way. So you have two things working against you...we all know that any image is shaky when you zoom in and focus on something close. So I have found that the camera doesn't do well with movement whether the stabilization is on or off in this situation. I think we need to make sure our adapters are very sturdy and fastened to some kind of support. What I think happened for me was, since there was such a long appendage coming off of my camera with the adapter stuck to it, it would bounce a little as I panned. I don't have the best tripod either so I think the whole setup was just instable and not solid enough.

[um3k]

Using a 35mm adapter changes the optical properties of the system (apparent focal length, among other things). The IS simply won't work properly.

[Rawfa]

I think, from my observations, what happens is this. When you set up your adapter you are focusing in on something that's very close to the lens. Not only that, but you are also zooming in about half way. So you have two things working against you...we all know that any image is shaky when you zoom in and focus on something close. So I have found that the camera doesn't do well with movement whether the stabilization is on or off in this situation. I think we need to make sure our adapters are very sturdy and fastened to some kind of support. What I think happened for me was, since there was such a long appendage coming off of my camera with the adapter stuck to it, it would bounce a little as I panned. I don't have the best tripod either so I think the whole setup was just instable and not solid enough.

Ok, looking at it from this perspective what you could do is get your hands on a decent achromat so that you won't have to zoom in as much. The only problem is that good achromats are expensive. You may give it a try with a cheap +10 macro to see if it works. Found one for 7 bucks on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/MACRO-10-CLOSE-UP-LENS-Filter-43mm-NEW-w-Wallet_W0QQitemZ270128929130QQihZ017QQcategoryZ300 45QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem