QuickHitRecord

Andrew's review from a while back: [url="http://www.eoshd.com/content/639/rewo-gh2-cage-full-review"]http://www.eoshd.com...age-full-review[/url] If anyone is interested: [url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/ReWo-V2-0-Professional-Grade-Cage-for-GH2-Rare-and-no-longer-in-production-/200808264756#ht_617wt_1367"]http://www.ebay.com/...6#ht_617wt_1367[/url]

[quote name='XXX' timestamp='1345125434' post='15802'] @nahua What kind of lenshood do you use there? [/quote] It's a Panasonic LA7200 anamorphic adapter. But it does look a lot like a lens hood. ;-)

The pocket rig blocks access to the battery compartment on the GH2 and there is only one point of contact for mounting it on a tripod (at the end of the stem), so it does tend to move. Other than that, it's a handy tool for sure.

Loved the shot of the ambulance.

I have an Isco Gottingen Anamorphot that is 1.5x. It can be a bit tricky to use, but I think that it creates a nice, cinematic image. Here's something that I shot with it: [media]http://vimeo.com/47144249[/media] As you can see, it's not sharp by its very nature. But I do like the look.

[quote name='xenogears' timestamp='1344858106' post='15495'] There's another matte box on Ebay, made of high-grade ABS and aluminum, is cheap and doesn't look so bad, here's the search result on ebay: [url="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=Compact+Pro+Matte+Box"]http://www.ebay.com/...t Pro Matte Box[/url] [/quote] This actually looks very good. Thanks for the share. The only thing that I am trying to figure out right now is how to attach a variable ND fader to one of these things. LightCraft Workshop makes a set of two 4x4 ND filters that work together to the same effect but they are priced at over $400! That's why I was looking at modifying this one, which seems to be able to take a screw-on 82mm filter: [url="http://www.thecinecity.com/eshop/PROAIM-95mm-Wide-angle-Matte-box-MB-95-French-flag-for-all-DV-HDV-DSLR-Cams-Free-Adapter-ring.html"]http://www.thecineci...apter-ring.html[/url] Has anyone found a workaround?

Hi Caleb, I used to own a Bell & Howell, which is very similar to your Kowa. [quote name='Caleb Genheimer' timestamp='1344666672' post='15298']I was shooting very quick, improvising as we went. This meant the Tokina ATX diopter went off and on the Kowa a lot. It inevitably got smudges, etc. Those with Tokina ATX diopters . . . how do you clean them? I tried a Zeiss lens cloth, but that left streaks. I'm seriously considering permanent protective glass either side of the Tokina seeing as it is an expensive, rare, high damage-risk type of item. Am I crazy for considering this?[/quote] This has been doing well for me: [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/343088-REG/Giottos_CL1001_Lens_Cleaning_Kit_with.html"]http://www.bhphotovi...g_Kit_with.html[/url] Be gentle and make sure not to spray the solution on the glass directly. [quote name='Caleb Genheimer' timestamp='1344666672' post='15298']How do you cap the back of your Kowa when not in use? I have the Redstan clamp set, which is great, and I'm thinking of getting a threaded rear cap that fits the rear Redstan clamp. Are there other options?[/quote] A generic lens cap like this: [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/807037-REG/Sensei_lc52_52mm_Center_Pinch_Snap_On.html"]http://www.bhphotovi...ch_Snap_On.html[/url] Your diameter may be different than mine was. [quote name='Caleb Genheimer' timestamp='1344666672' post='15298']How to support the Kowa's weight? There's no denying, the Kowa is a massive chunk of glass and metal. The weight of it puts a lot of stress on the focusing mechanism of the spherical "taking" lens that it is mounted to . . . so much so that many of my taking lenses seize up, almost unable to focus. Does anyone have a support solution for alleviating the weight of the Kowa? Perhaps one designed for a 15mm rod system? A regular lens support won't work with any taking lens with a moving front (most older lenses). It needs to both support the Kowa and slide in and out with the taking lens as it focuses.[/quote] Not a perfect solution (it was blocked from full coverage of the RedStan clamp by screws), but this helps: [url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lens-Support-Rail-Block-Rod-Clamp-fr-15mm-rod-DSLR-Rig-Rail-System-Follow-Focus-/230836450089?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35beecb329#ht_1234wt_1136"]http://www.ebay.com/...#ht_1234wt_1136[/url] [quote name='Caleb Genheimer' timestamp='1344666672' post='15298']Has anyone tried pulling focus with two pullers and two follow focus units? Theoretically, this should be possible . . . assuming the camera and actor movements are accurate. Does anyone have a gear on their Kowa? Just curious :)[/quote] Never had the manpower. You could be the first! But make sure to get it on camera (a different camera).

I think that by suggesting that the OP write off all anamorphic lenses except for the Iscoramas, you're making it evident that you have been missing out on a lot great anamorphic action. There are anamorphic lenses with a lot more character out there. Even the ultra-low budget filmmakers (and I fall into this category) can create great images with these. [quote name='Jimbawb' timestamp='1344627091' post='15279'] The main question is 'would general audiences be happy to watch a film where the majority of the whole pciture is filled with black?' the answer is probably not.[/quote] Agreed. I would not want to sit through a 3.55:1 feature. It IS better suited for short films. [quote name='Jimbawb' timestamp='1344627091' post='15279'] So Mondo, if you have an HD camera that shoots 4:3 natively then this lens could be perfect! In fact if thats true, you must tell us all which camera that is!![/quote] The GH2 can be hacked and made to record in 4:3 natively. The drawback is that the last time I checked, it was only available at 30 frames per second. I am considering shooting a short film with a the Hypergonar because I like the look so much. I currently have it on a shoulder rig and with a +1 diopter I can focus between 3'9" and 4'3" (image attached). I focus with my legs; just walk in or out until I see pores. Difficult, but that just means that fewer people are going to try it -- and that makes it all the more appealing to me. Envious of the Alexa. One day I will get there.

[quote name='Jimbawb' timestamp='1344617323' post='15273'] Hey Mondo, just a warning, don't go buying a lens like the one in the link above, it's a projector lens and ain't no good for shooting![/quote] I respectfully disagree. I don't know about the lens above but my Hypergonar HiFi-2 is a 35mm film projection lens and though it is difficult to use (heavy, dual focusing, requires a diopter), I think that it creates a fantastic image; among the best that I have seen. I prefer it to Iscorama. No one uses these lenses to make their lives easier but I believe that the extra mile really goes a long way. Here are some samples of the same subject that I shot in succession with some of my lenses that you may find to be helpful in your search: [media]http://vimeo.com/42505123[/media] I have some other videos up with footage from later acquisitions, and there are hundreds of them out there by other people as well. I'd recommend looking at as much footage as you can before making a decision. Good luck!

Isco Animex... that is a new one to me. I don't mean to hijack your thread, but do you have any footage that you could direct me to (PM or new post is fine)? I am forever curious about these lenses.

I am working in FCP so I can't offer you any pointers. But I am curious, what is your 1.75x lens?

Anyone had any experience with this? http://www.thecinecity.com/eshop/PROAIM-95mm-Wide-angle-Matte-box-MB-95-French-flag-for-all-DV-HDV-DSLR-Cams-Free-Adapter-ring.html

Thanks for the info, Marcus. I have Manfrotto 701 and 501 heads. Could a quick release plate for an RC2 could be mounted on top of the standard 501PL plate? What would be the orientation would it need to be in? Blocking the battery door is a deal breaker for me. Have you seen this? [media]http://youtu.be/aAOHa2HUYU0[/media]

I applaud your innovation. This is a problem with this camera for many users but it's a bit late in the game in the lifecycle of this camera (since the GH3 is supposedly right around the corner). I have been using one of these: [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/774435-REG/Dot_Line_DL_0308_Right_Angle_Flash_Bracket.html"]http://www.bhphotovi...sh_Bracket.html[/url] Though I cannot hit the record button easily, I can wrap by hand all the way around it and I like it.

Thanks, Tony!

Hi David, You'll get a lot more feedback if you post this in the main forum -- this is the anamorphic forum.

Manfrotto RC2s look promising, and they now offer a plate with an anti-twist lip. But I have read that the quick release adapter does not sit flush on a flat surface for some reason. That makes it difficult to mount on anything.

After some more experimentation, I have reached the conclusion that this lens is actually capable of producing a nice cinematic image after all. Here's clip that I shot with a Canon FD 50mm f1.8 and a +1 diopter:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a solid, cost-effective, low-profile quick release system? I have been using Manfrotto's 501PL quick release system for years now but they don't stick to my camera very well (and they twist), and they stick way out in front of and behind the camera body -- even moreso than when I was shooting with larger Canons. Because I still have two Manfrotto heads, I am ideally looking for something that can be secured to the 501PL plates or directly to the heads.

I have seen these old Panavision projection lenses on eBay before but I didn't know that they weren't dual focus systems. That's certainly interesting. I have looked up footage samples before, and it gives you a very soft image like this: [media]http://vimeo.com/15967013[/media]

There is a cloud moving behind the hill in that shot that tricked me into thinking that it was a parallax shift like you would see in a dolly move.

That has a great look to it. Further reason for me to switch out my non-AI. The fireworks sequence is one of the best that I have seen! Thanks for sharing.

Looks like you guys are ready to take over the anamorphic world! Here's something that I shot recently with my Baby Hypergonar: http://vimeo.com/46948810

[left]My friend Alex works as a biologist, and this summer he has the good fortune to work on bird study in Grand Teton National Park. I went out to visit him and spent a week hiking/backpacking/bushwacking/canoeing around one of the most scenic places in North America. I brought my GH2, Konica 40mm and Baby Hypergonar along for the ride. I feel like I have been relying on music too much lately, so this piece is without any (mostly): [media]http://vimeo.com/46948810[/media][/left]

I live in Northern VA and I run a GH2. I work in production but I am always open to collaborating on the side. Have any projects in mind?