FS: JAG35 Vibrating DoF Adapters

[jehugarcia]

1. Is there any vibrator hum audible from the JAG35?

1.5. As well any vibration to the camera body from the Adapter?

2. Do we get the full 36mmx24mm image in your adapter? Aka vista vision frame... or larger with the new Screens.


3. Are there any High res pics and 1080p HD footage from your adapter to download?

4. What happens if your battery runs out? Does filming come to a stop, or is there a way to charge the batteries or replace them on location?

5. Can your screens be changed out since Alex offers different grades?

6. How do you rotate the frame/ focus screen with your adapter to align the frame up for the V/H axis?

7. What brand achromat are you using?

8. Is there a reason you decided to go with the 25 micron gg screen rather then the other version of
Alex's? Alex said that the 25 is more grainy vs his others..

Well lets see here:
1,1.5: I've been using a copper wire for suspension of the gg holder, and as far as noise and vibrations its pretty good, you can't feel or hear it unless it's at full speed but at full speed it doesn't vibrate enough so you would never run it a full speed. The problem with using this copper cable is that its really hard to dial in the right speed, and by right speed i mean getting it at the point where its vibrating the most. This point is reached by slowing the motor down to just before it stops, when the motor is spinning at very low speed then you actually see the gg screen vibrating and looking trough the lcd you see dust and grain particles dissapear.

This problem has led me to try and experiment with other materials, I've been trying a 1/16" dia. Phenolic material that is more rigit and its easier to dial in speed because it pretty much vibrates more at any speed, but the drawback is that you can definetly feel the vibrations on your hand and sometimes it gets loud enough you can hear it.
I know Daniel from jetsetmodels.info uses carbon fiber pins for his suspension and maybe there is a good reason why he does, so until i find a good source of this material, i'll be trying maybe a combination of the two, copper and phenilic, to see if i caan get better results.

2- Yes full 36mmx24mm image can be recorded by the adapter, this is both the size of the Canon Ee screens and the 25 micron screen.

3- 1080p HD? No i don't think HV30 is capable of outputting that, the only samples I have is what I encode using H.264 and upload to vimeo.com

4.- Battery life on full charge is 4 Hours + and unit will operate while being charged also.

5- On current model changing the gg screen is probably not something that can be done on location, as i am using hot glue to hold the gg to the holder. I do have plans on having a custom GG holder milled out so that it requires no tools for change out.

6- Alignment can be achieved by a set screw placed on the 43-55mm step up ring, it requires a hex wrench that i provide with every adapter.

7- The model that will have the 25 micron screen, will have an Opteka 10x HD² Professional Macro Lens

8- 25 micron has the best diffusion according to Alex, so thats why i decided to go with that one, it would be easier to implement in my design, but while testing other grades i find that i will either offer all of them as a choice or stick with 15 or 9 micron.


Hope this helps.
jehu A G

[magestyx]

I've already ordered an adapter from Twoneil, but I keep seeing your ads on Craigslist and I'm curious about your adapters as well. The main issue I'm seeing is that all 4 corners of each of your videos are so much darker than the rest of the image. Is there going to be some improvement on that? Would zooming in slightly on the focus screen be able to correct it? The DOF is looking great, but from the Vimeo examples I've seen, the videos would all have to be cropped to be usable.

Or am I just being too nitpicky?

Magestyx

[jehugarcia]

I've already ordered an adapter from Twoneil, but I keep seeing your ads on Craigslist and I'm curious about your adapters as well. The main issue I'm seeing is that all 4 corners of each of your videos are so much darker than the rest of the image. Is there going to be some improvement on that? Would zooming in slightly on the focus screen be able to correct it? The DOF is looking great, but from the Vimeo examples I've seen, the videos would all have to be cropped to be usable.

Or am I just being too nitpicky?

Magestyx

Hi there, no not "nitpicky" I think this is a concern as legit as any other. It is one issue that plagues not just DIY adapters but all Dof adapters. Some, not all, but some professionally built adapters have successfully fixed this by adding a diffusing optical element on their design. Currently all of the DIY community is trying to find a fix for this issue. Many are trying a combination of lenses like Achromats and other types and experimenting with the order on witch they place them. Some have successfully removed the vignetting but it is a trade off, because they have introduced distortions instead.
Here i did a quick search on vimeo for Twoneil and other adapters and found that a large number of them suffer from this. Here re screen capturess:
Twoneil adapter

Alex's no vignetting but slightly distorted

Other adapter using Alex's screen

[NETTHERO]

vignetting doesnt have to be a horrible thing. be creative

btw, is there any way you can use a tripod for your sample videos? too shaky to see/compare clarity....thanks!

[KB6BMW]

Netthero you are in Rancho and Jehu also in Rancho and im in Colton, how many hv owners in Inland Empire? we need to meet and discuss about JAG35. Right?...

[magestyx]

Wow, those captures are really showing some problems.

When I did research before, I looked at a number of popular examples that probably everyone has seen so far (looks like you might've grabbed one of the shots you posted from the last one):
http://vimeo.com/966095
http://vimeo.com/369717
http://vimeo.com/371492

I didn't notice it as much before, but now it's really bothering me. Since I don't have my adapter yet (and Meijer canceled my HV30 order) I can't test anything out, but I'm curious why some shots are so vignetted and some show almost none at all. Some are virtually perfect. Anyone want to note their settings they use for the best results?

It would make sense that zooming in a bit onto the focus screen more would help this, at the expense of losing/cropping some of the scene (losing some of the wide angle). Wouldn't it just be a matter of always zooming onto the focus screen more, and then using wider-angle lenses like a 28mm instead of a 50mm to compensate? Or does zooming onto the focus screen more start softening the image too much?

I'd like to know since I'm starting to collect lenses for my adapter before it arrives. Later, I plan on getting a 2nd HV30 (and possibly one of your adapters) so I can have a fairly complete production setup. I'll setup one camera to be steady on a subject speaking, then have the 2nd (probably with the screen flip hack) with a DIY steadicam plan I found so I can be mobile around the scene.

I was planning at first, to be as versatile as possible, on needing a 20 or 28mm, a 50mm, and a 100 or 105mm-- at least the 3. Now that I think about it, though, maybe I need to stick with the wider lenses if I'll be zooming into the focus screen more?

Magestyx

[David]

I didn't notice it as much before, but now it's really bothering me. Since I don't have my adapter yet (and Meijer canceled my HV30 order) I can't test anything out, but I'm curious why some shots are so vignetted and some show almost none at all.

Vignetting comes from a number of sources and is solved in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways it is solved:

- adding a condensor to the adapter.
- adding spacer rings, putting the ground glass further away from the video camera.
- zooming into the imaging element further and 'cropping' the vignette. There can be some downsides but this is sometimes made more possible by the use of an achromat in the adapter.
- large rear element on your 35mm lens
- Shooting wide open on your 35mm lens and not stopping down
- Using a different camera that's not the HV20

The HV20 is notorious for being slightly problematic as far as vignetting goes. Apparently this has something to do with the size of the lens on the front of the HV20. The guys at Cinevate have a specific imaging element for 'small cameras' and I can guarantee you that you'll find footage with the Brevis and the HV20 that shows NO vignetting. I guarantee it.

In the past, you couldn't find an adapter that would let you stop down the lens past a 2.8 or maybe an f-4 without some vignetting being introduced, that is no longer a problem. I know that the Brevis can shoot stopped down to at least an f-11 without introducing vignetting. AN F-11!!!! Of course this depends on the lens being used and the camera, but it's possible and I've seen footage aound demonstrating it.

I believe that the Letus also allows you to stop down a fair amount and the SGPro does as well, although NOT with the HV20, which vignettes on the SGPro.

Also, look at the EE-S Canon screens versus the EE-A screens and you'll see the vignetting in the EE-S go away when the subject is shot with the EE-A.

Vignetting is a problem, but is not insurmountable, even with DIY adapters.

[Worley]

The compact adapters don't allow you to zoom in close enough to the focusing screen to eliminate the vignetting. Adding additional spacer rings greatly improves this. I recently tested using additional tubes, an Opteka achromat, with a home made screen and a Canon EF 1.8 lens - no vignetting at all.

[dolphinnose]

Can it be used on a DVX100B (using step down rings) ? Thanks

[jehugarcia]

Vignetting comes from a number of sources and is solved in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways it is solved:

- adding a condensor to the adapter.
- adding spacer rings, putting the ground glass further away from the video camera.

Thanks for all the info David, I tried adding distance to put the ground glass further away from the video camera. Added about 2" so the camera had trouble focusing when gg was properly framed so i added the macro lens to help it.

here is footage http://www.vimeo.com/1090384

[Casey Pegram]

Just got my HV20 back with the LCD flip hack - everything looks great! Thanks Jehu.

Turnaround was extremely fast - I sent my camera in last Saturday and I got it back in today. It would've been even quicker except for the holiday on Monday. I highly recommend the flip hack to anyone using a 35mm adapter.

[tiny]

Thanks for all the info David, I tried adding distance to put the ground glass further away from the video camera. Added about 2" so the camera had trouble focusing when gg was properly framed so i added the macro lens to help it.

here is footage http://www.vimeo.com/1090384

Why are you not using the flip hack on that camera?

[jehugarcia]

Why are you not using the flip hack on that camera?

That camera is next in line to be hacked, just didn't get to it last night. BTW how can you tell that camera is not hacked? you never see the top of it where switch is supposed to be.

wait..... Are thinking camera must not be hacked because its upside down? I get that question a lot. The flip hack only fixes the way you monitor what you are shooting, only inverts image in your cameras LCD, it does not affect how the image is being captured by the CMOS sensor.

So whether camera is hacked or not, in order to prevent having to flip footage in your editing program you must hold your camera upside down while you shoot. Shooting upside down does not affect the way you see image in LCD, thats why everyone shooting with dof needs the flip hack,or some other way of inverting image. Test it , hold your camera upside down and look at your lcd, is image upside down or right side up? Does turning camera over have any effect on the way your lcd shows you the image?

[issara]

Got my LCD mod back from Jehu today. It's perfect. This guy is no joke!
Thanks J!!

[tiny]

lol .. . Good point. I see now.

[PappasArts]

jehu, this is a great video showing your product.

So was there or was there not much improvement with the tube on Vignetting in your
opinion?

BTW the FF system is looking sweet! Can't wait to see it in action....

Thanks

Michael Pappas
Arrfilms@hotmail.com
PappasArts & Arrfilms Main site
pbase.com/Arrfilms
PappasArts.com
Myspace.com/PappasArts

Thanks for all the info David, I tried adding distance to put the ground glass further away from the video camera. Added about 2" so the camera had trouble focusing when gg was properly framed so i added the macro lens to help it.

here is footage http://www.vimeo.com/1090384

[Ian Lim]

Jehu, the vignette has been reduced significantly on your last footage.... great! I'd love to see an outdoor test with the new setup, especially at noon

[jehugarcia]

jehu, this is a great video showing your product.

So was there or was there not much improvement with the tube on Vignetting in your
opinion?

BTW the FF system is looking sweet! Can't wait to see it in action....

Thanks

Michael Pappas
Arrfilms@hotmail.com
PappasArts & Arrfilms Main site
pbase.com/Arrfilms
PappasArts.com
Myspace.com/PappasArts

Not the extra 2" tube and the macro, but i have been testing a 38mm achromat from surplused.com and it looks very promising, I will do my best to keep testing and upload footage as time permits.

[search_results]

Jehu, I love your videos and adapter--so much, really, that I can't get excited about shooting with my stock HV30.

I'm wondering, though, if you could explain the differences between your videos and Alex_MD's videos -- specifically the color and sharpness.

Alex_MD's vids and stills seem to have richer colors and I'm wondering if this is just a simple camera setting or if it's something about the adapters or lenses you're using.

In terms of "softness" (I'm a complete newbie, step in at any time), I think you mentioned that your newer rigs are more finely tuned (do you have any vids available from the newer units?)

Thanks!

[mustardseed]

Jehu, I'm still waiting for my refund for the broken lens & adapter I returned to you. FedEx shows you received it back on Thursday and I have not heard from you at all and I have sent you several emails.

[Skyler]

2 Quick Questions, do you ship to canada, and does it cost any more then 375$ for the lens/jag35

[liroy]

2 Quick Questions, do you ship to canada, and does it cost any more then 375$ for the lens/jag35

I live in Edmonton and I just received it, so he ships to Canada. I'll post some demo stuff later. I like it, but I think it's time for the flip hack !

[tomperson]

This adapters seems VERY promising. It has CANON mount, which is the best choice for flexibility choosing your lenses. It's small. It has vibrating GG. It offers all the features I was looking for at a REASONABLE PRICE. Alelujah! I was just about starting the process of buying all the parts to build one myself, but at this price tag, this one might well be THA BOMB. Congratulations!

I have some questions before deciding whether i should buy it or not.

1) How much does it weight?

2) Is it made of metal? Are there any plastic parts? What's your subjective take on its durability?

3) How easy is it changing batteries on the field?

4) How does the custom GG compares to Canon EE focusing screens? Is it brighter? How about bokeh? Is it easier to clean and handle? Is there the possibility of having several different GGs and using one or the other if one feels so? Is it durable?

5) I have the same question as "search_results" regarding color and sharpness. It seems your clips look a bit dull, maybe you filmed them in cine mode, which by itself is a bit unsaturated and less sharp.

6) In well lit conditions (let's say a sunny afternoon), how much can you stop down the lenses before noticing image degradation (vignetting, grain)?

7) Regarding vignetting. Despite the fact that I don't expect 1k performance on a product that costs 1/4 of it, I'd like to know if there's a noticeable loss of light on the corners, the footage seems to suggest that.

8) How many units have you already produced/sold?

9) Is it possible to attach this rig to Cavision rods system or Manfrotto's Telephoto support?

10) It seems you're quite busy testing new possibilities and redesigning your product as you go, such as the new achromat, would you let us know what enhancements are on the pipeline for future versions of the product? I'm willing to wait a few months if some important feature will be added in the near future.

11) Once the payment is done, how much should we expect to wait before unit arrives?

I know these are a lot of questions, but i feel they are fair questions, and just what you would like to know before spending your hard earned cash.

Thanks again for your contribution to the low-budget filmmakers world.

PS: I'd love to see customer's experiences here, please those of you who bought the unit, show footage, let us know how was the experience!!!

[Skyler]

I live in Edmonton and I just received it, so he ships to Canada. I'll post some demo stuff later. I like it, but I think it's time for the flip hack !

did it cost more for shipping?

[wflanagan]

All,

I saw the comment from above. Jehu is a great guy, and has always responded to me in a few hours.

My adapter arrived from him today, but it had a small problem. He helped me work through an interim fix, until he can send me another one. Then, I ship the broken one back to him in a week or two when the new one shows up.

I just wanted folks to know that yes, he's not a big company. But, at least for me, he's being VERY VERY helpful and supportive.

Hit me in the privates if you want to talk about it.