Need to be able to control depth of field focus, 35mm adapter? How?

[Airwolf]

Doing some test filming with the HV30, I would really like to be able to focus on the subject and have the background behind him be blurry, which gives a much better film look. But the only way i seem to be able to accomplish this is if i am a long ways away zoomed in on the subject. Which i will not always be able to do. I have been reading about 35mm adapters but there are so many of them that i am getting confused. I have heard that the adapters create grain in the film image which i certainly don't want. As digital video is grainy enough already. Is there simply a way to attach a lens to the Hv30 so that i can accomplish this focusing technique or do i need some sort of adapter, filter, or other item, please help. Thank you.

[PadawanGeek]

You can't just attach a lens to get shallow DOF. You need to have the 35mm adapter. The DOF from a 35mm adapter is caused by the focusing screen.

[JedEyeZ]

You do not need to be THAT far way to blur the bg. I did it a few nights ago with my nephew, I was about 6-7 feet away. Zoomed into a portrait and MF to blur out the bg.

But on the big scale, if you can...an adapter is the way to go.

[CWildenradt]

I agree with these posts. I'm able to get shallow DOF without an adapter by carefully setting up my shots......but that's not always practical. It becomes REALLY impractical if you are shooting impromptu stuff. Really, if shallow DOF is important to you, look to get an adapter. Regarding the grain, it's going to vary based on which adapter you use and what your shutter speed is. Your picture can look silky smooth or very grainy depending on your settings. The more pressing issue with adapters is that of the potential for increased dullness and decreased color saturation. That is a whole other discussion altogether though.

[sdeming]

Additionally, make sure your aperture is as wide (small numbers) as you can get it while zooming in. If you're shooting outdoors a lot, you may want to get a neural density filter (makes stuff darker) so you can open your aperture up as much as she'll go.

Also, I know 35mm adapters can be confusing, but if you poke around the internet (check http://jetsetmodels.info/ for adapters and how they work). And of course check youtube.

I don't notice any grain with my adapter, unless I'm shooting with a high shutter speed in low light.

[Airwolf]

Are there any 35mm adapters that don't flip the image upside down? I can't film with the camera upside down and i can't film with the image being flipped either.

[JedEyeZ]

You have two options, get a flip for your adapter or get the lcd flip hack.

Understand that everything you add to your rig you are losing light, and a flip module will rob you of even more stops.

Brevis, letus, and red rock all have flips. I dont know of any DIY that sell them. I personally would rather not have a flip and gain a little light.

[sdeming]

Get the flip hack from Jag here if you're going to get an 35m adapter.

Totally worth it.

[koolpenguin89]

Do a freaking search, this must be the 3rd thread started on this subject in the last month.

Dylan