Rudolf

Thanks Rudolf. Indeed, run-and-gun is not ideal, but it beats any double focus system, no matter how light it is, don't you think? Maybe I'll do the drop test with the VD Isco. NOT. hahahaha! The original 36 would be blown to pieces if dropped, anyway!
Well, life turned out easier than I expected and the second review is up: Iscorama 42.
ANAMORPHIC ON A BUDGET - ISCORAMA 42.
http://www.tferradans.com/blog/?p=7633
For the third review, I'm thinking of the small Century Optics adapter, or the Panasonic LA7200, which are more "budget-like" lenses. The third option is Kowa for Bell & Howell. I'll be working on the Rectilux review on the side.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/b-w-filters-are-fighting-lens-mildew-with-uv-light--27637
Pretty interesting device.
 
 

@Jed worst dual focus ever.  Don't waste your time with SLR Magic.  Better to get a cheap Sankor or other 2x anamorphic.  Or just get a Cinelux and Focus Module and you'll have a single focus solution.  Perfect for run-and-gun one man operation.

​
For landscape, low end anamorphics are the worst choice.  Even the best wide anamorphics will never match a basic wide angle spherical lens.  Gone are the days when anamorphic selection is to obtain greater resolution.  shooting on 16:9 mode with a high end wide lens and cropping will result in an overall better image for when dof characteristics are unimportant.  Anamorphic landscape shots where all is in focus gains no resolution or aesthetic advantage   Barrel distortion is also an undesirable quality for landscape shots.

I finally finished the first of the anamorphic video reviews I set out to do a few months ago. The next ones won't take as long! I present you the mighty Iscorama 54.
Please let me know what you think of it, what worked and what could be improved, which lenses would you like reviewed and if you thought of it as useful or just more of  the same of what we have around the web. 
ANAMORPHIC ON A BUDGET - ISCORAMA 54.
 http://www.tferradans.com/blog/?p=7541
If you haven't watched/read my ground rules for the video reviews yet, check my other post!
ANAMORPHIC VIDEO REVIEWS - GROUND RULES​
http://www.tferradans.com/blog/?p=7508

Rangefinder will work on any lens, anamorphic or spherical. Looks like it's all aboard the morphic single focus bandwagon express! Price sounds good providing the optic quality is there (have doubts, yet would love to be proved wrong)...after all, all that these single focus adapters are - are variable diopters focused by a helicoid, not the Manhattan project like some would want you to believe.

Anamorphic is not just about a wider aspect ratio. Characteristics like flare and oval bokeh are much more important in my opinion.

Eris
You are right. When you start hitting the very far edges of the Bolex, it starts to distort. Not a problem locked down, but distracting otherwise, and pain ugly on pans.
I use my 16/32 with a set of FDs and I love the look. Quite simply the best rendering anamorphic I've seen and used, even ISCO. So much resolving power and a natural low contrast effect that can help a lot of digital artifacts. 
I'd be interested to know where you got your lens calibrated. 

Just beautiful and who cares about distortion?

I was just looking for a used GH2 because I thought there must have been a pricedrop meanwhile - no way!!! There is no significant decline in price that speaks for itself.
'Staffpick' - well deserved :)

short I did last year with BMPCC/SLRM Anamorphot
 

I am stunned! Very Impressive attention to detail. The colors, Locations, atmosphere...
and the image qualitiy is amazing. Is the GH2 superior to GH4??? Shouldn't have sold mine ?

My short film Reminisce shot on a GH4 + FM Module
 

That was great.  The emotion on the Walrus's face were spot on.   Beautifully done.

Little short shot with iscorama and GH2.
 

I am not a pro filmmaker  - just enjoy making some music and having fun with mostly super-8 film.
As many of you might know a lot of the Iscos were developed with the film enthusiasts in mind (the 54 for example were built in to fit most of the Braun Nizos, and Schneider Variogon lenses with their 62mm threads) but sadly there are very few movie clips online. So here are two clips I made last year. I think the Iscorama perfoms very good even with the small film format. Focusing is not easy and sometimes the image becomes very soft. But for me that is not so bad as I am not into that super crisp and ultra sharp look. And when the film is projected with the Iscorama in front everything looks even better (and it will be always stretched perfect ).
 
 
 

I am not a pro filmmaker  - just enjoy making some music and having fun with mostly super-8 film.
As many of you might know a lot of the Iscos were developed with the film enthusiasts in mind (the 54 for example were built in to fit most of the Braun Nizos, and Schneider Variogon lenses with their 62mm threads) but sadly there are very few movie clips online. So here are two clips I made last year. I think the Iscorama perfoms very good even with the small film format. Focusing is not easy and sometimes the image becomes very soft. But for me that is not so bad as I am not into that super crisp and ultra sharp look. And when the film is projected with the Iscorama in front everything looks even better (and it will be always stretched perfect ).
 
 
 

I am not a pro filmmaker  - just enjoy making some music and having fun with mostly super-8 film.
As many of you might know a lot of the Iscos were developed with the film enthusiasts in mind (the 54 for example were built in to fit most of the Braun Nizos, and Schneider Variogon lenses with their 62mm threads) but sadly there are very few movie clips online. So here are two clips I made last year. I think the Iscorama perfoms very good even with the small film format. Focusing is not easy and sometimes the image becomes very soft. But for me that is not so bad as I am not into that super crisp and ultra sharp look. And when the film is projected with the Iscorama in front everything looks even better (and it will be always stretched perfect ).
 
 
 

A little CGI short with Blackmagic Pocket and square front Lomo anamorphic as adapter.
 

I was thinking about the NX1 as well but went for a used GH4 (€1.000). What I like about the GH4 is the fact that it is very reliable and a "grown up" camera system with lots of glass. I only own 14-140mm and the 35-100 and use them very rarely. For video I use FDs, Nikon and M42 with cheap speedboosters and anamorphic adapters.
You could buy a cheap Canon FD 20mm 2.8 plus 100$ speedbooster and you are pretty wide and fast...

You're from Slovenia? If that's the case, like I said in the other topic:
​You could just order a NX1 already. Don't think that's a problem. If you're up for a little road trip, you could even cross the border and go up to Vienna where it's in store and pick one up in person. Don't think it's much of an idea to go up and buy a new GH4 kit and then sell it in a few months though. Unless you really have a shoot coming up where you need the 4K or something and you really need to buy it locally for whatever reason... I'd say there's little point to get the GH4 now if you're set on the NX1 already. But if you go GH4, pick one up 2nd hand. Must be some folks that went fullframe with the A7S and perhaps Nikon D750. Or the NX1, and now have to part with their beloved GH4. And once you're done with it, if you bought it second hand, you don't have to drop the price much lower than what you got it for. You'd lose more on a new one. And in the end either a new or 2nd one both can accomplish the same.
@ darrellcraig: you're right. I was mainly talking about the normal line-up like the 14-140mm and the 14mm and 20mm pancakes. From what I've seen the Leica branded ones are something else. But then again, so is the price, no?

​The 14-140mm is a great flexible lens. It's sharp, has pretty nice rendering and contrast and everything. But... personally I think it's a little too modern and tends to give off a slight clinical but also video look. Kinda lacks 'soul' so to say. The pancakes are pretty sweet, the 20mm f/1.7 and the 14mm f/2.5. Olympus has very sweet offerings too, and I like the character Olympus lenses give off quite a bit better, more organic with very nice rendering. Yes, they are e-native lenses, even the Olympus ones, they share the same e-mount, so in-camera settings and autofocus. With none of the Olympus lenses stabilization though, as Olympus doesn't build that into the lens, but into their camera bodies. But then again, the 14 and 20mm lenses also do not feature built-in stabilization. The closest thing to the 15mm f/1.7 Summilux might be the 17mm f/1.8 from Olympus. They're pretty similar in price. No experience with either here, so not sure which is the better performer. If you want it for tight spaces... there are the Tokina 11-16 or 11-20mm f/2.8 zoomlenses. Not as tack sharp as a prime, especially wide open, but very usable and flexible lenses I'd like to think. Could get one with a Nikon mount and cheap dummy adapter. Or a focal reducer/lens turbo. Or if you can accept the price and range the Sigma ART 18-35mm f/1.8 of course. But again, adapter needed, so no AF, full manual everything. Could be the holy grail amongst the choices though... In the end it's a tough call I guess. But you really have to be dedicated and sure of the choice for the 15mm f/1.7, because you're putting quite the constraint on your range. The 14-140mm again is just so great because it's so flexible. But if its character bothers you, then that's not really gonna work either.

I've had GH2,3 and now 4 but don't use Panasonic lenses for video. I think the glass is at least (maybe more?) important than the sensor. Andy Lee gave so many great tips for very cinematic lenses - especially for Panasonic cameras. I am looking forward for the update btw. and think Panasonic are doing a great job

Lens will be out this summer and there will be a front attachment too making it a single focus anamorphic. I shot this short with the SLR Magic anamorphot 2X.
Different taking lenses. Voitlander 17.5mm, SLR Magic 35mm, Canon FD 50mm 1.2, Helios 58mm. Diopters used. 
 

​John, I promise I will try for sure and do my best. The Moeller headquarter is as I mentioned on my usual cycling route but I am cycling right now (only indoors). But as soon as it gets warmer I'll have a visit. Or maybe I try it by phone first to make an appointment
I am looking very forward for the tests of the rectilux and hopefully owning one togehter with my Moellers. If I had more cash I would have ordered one already but unfortunately I have spent too much on my hobbies.