ultra909

Topic update: 

I've received Anamorphot 40 compact today. Really love the construction and short normal-near focusing ring. Works great with my Sony 28-70 kit lens as follows: in super35 mode full coverage over whole zoom range, so let's say 42 to 105 mm (ff equivalent). In full-frame mode without vignetting same lens works in the range starting from approx. 38mm to 70mm.

Therefore it becomes clear that 40mm pancakes (Pentax, Canon) are the best and widest adapting lenses for that combo.

Flares are blue but pretty decent and not so 'screaming' of anamorphic all over screen. SLR's Rangefinder for example has very blue flares.

With my kit 28-70 lens I have AF-C and image stabilization (lens costs 150 USD) and really don't need to get expensive Sony/Zeiss FE 55 1.8 right now as in any case I would have to stop it down to same values as shooting wide open with kit lens. I'm also happy as I can spend that money for the gimbal

Also with that 28-70 kit lens with maximum zoom at 70mm in Super35 mode I get roughly 105mm  ff equivalent and with NEAR position on Anamorphot 40 minimal focus distance is a bit less than 40mm (~1.5"). So I don't really need a close-up diopters (although I already ordered a set of non-achromatic ones, single lens).

So far, that's the most compact anamorphic setup I've ever dreamed of and I'm happy with it. 

probably depends on which clamps you use. vid-atlantic are general purpose ones but can't say they are super durable. 

I would also use extra clamps to lock anamorphic lens to infinity forever as focusing with rangefinder also alters lens alignment, I used electrical tape to lock anamorphic adapter but whole construction is still wobbly. or use a few lens supports as mentioned above, anyway using rangefinder without rails and follow focus is difficult because of wide range throw

4 hours ago, tweak said:

Maybe I  just read too much into what you were asking/saying. 

Are you asking:
Will 40 compact 1.33x lens work with AF-c?

If so, then yes. All 1.33x lenses will typically work with autofocus as long as you are not trying to focus too close.

thank you. that's what I would like to know. 

for close focus I can get a few diopters which are cheap for 62mm

On 2/21/2019 at 12:05 AM, tweak said:

What's described in the first post sounds pretty pointless if I understood it correctly. If you have to focus anyway while the camera also autofocuses, then why not just use a single focus lens? I could see this weird dual auto focus setup just creating problems. 

Easiest way to shoot with AF is just to put a 1.33x adapter on an AF lens.

that may sound as weird dual focus system, but basically is a single half-focus solution while depending on distance to the subject you adjust near/front on the anamorphic adapter while the lens tracks objects/faces automatically. may that sound weird?

Here is same setup, just with Helios, shot wide-open or closed to f/4.

Not pretending to be anything a cool demo, just fast test as is. 

Not really happy with the clamps as for each lens has to adjust them and even flares are true horizontal, lens doesn't always stay straight into the clamps.

Helios used in super35 mode, however I believe is better to use FF mode in 4k and crop heavy in post , otherwise full 2x squeeze on 16:9 sensor is just unuseable for watching. On mobile devices in vertical position especially  Rolling shutter increases so badly, must turn carefully. 

9 minutes ago, pureaxis said:

I used AF wit the FE28-70mm on the A6500 (full coverage with the 40-compact), it works well most of the time but not always especially at close focus and longer focal length

 

that's great to hear, especially I can use then my kit 28-70 lens in super35 mode. thank you!

Probably not relevant to pro video shooters, but technology doesn't stay place. A7iii has a pretty decent eye/face AF-C tracking, not mention the recent A6400.

I've purchased A7iii guide from DSLR video shooter. Please don't consider it as advertising as most of people here are aware of all what is explained in the course, just on example of a certain camera model. 

Apparently I can't upload any parts of that video course, but in one part Caleb Pike explains how he shoots video with A7iii, Anamorphot 40 compact and AF lenses.

Yes, that's dual focus solution but it really works: taking lens continuously tracks faces/subject in AF-C mode while manually adjust front/near on the anamorphic adapter. Pretty fast and working solution making small adjustments on the adapter, i.e. more to closer or to infinity and taking lens refocuses itself.

Has anyone tried that and can confirm that works?

I've got a rangefinder and can't say it is for everyone. Is also not for every lens and working with it requires follow focus in almost any cases as the rotation range is wide. 

I'm talking about more run-n-gun shooting situations, not a pro set in any case. However have to admit I prefer using AF-C lenses to track faces instead using follow focus solution. 

In the end, SLR magic wrote in initial press release when announcing Anamorphot40 that it is suitable to work with autofocus:

http://www.slrmagic.info/article/SLR+Magic+is+proud+to+announce+the+SLR+Magic+Anamorphot+1%2C33x+–+40+(Compact)+adapter

Any thoughts on that? 

Also any advice on compatible lenses with Anamorphot 40? I mean of course everyone has Helios44m and some other set of manual glass incl. SLR micro primes itself. But with AF that would be totally different choise of glass. Sony FE55 1.8 seems will pair well

topic update: I've got the cheapest solution so far.sankor16c + rangefinder and vid-atlantic clamps.

Waiting for Helios44m to arrive. Just did some tests with my Sony 28-70 kit lens. Best results were using Super35 mode with maximum focus 70mm (equivalent to let's say 105mm). In that case I got no vignetting and pretty decent quality (min. apperture at 70mm is f5.6 no need to stop anywhere down).

Now I can surely say every newbie MUST try is basically 2x anamorphic on 16:9 sensor  Picture is so interesting but has to be cropped heavily. I learned it in a hard way but for a pretty decent price. Whole construction is sorta wobbly. I didn't put it on the rails yet as it would be smart to put some lens support element before the follow focus.

Single focus solution sorta works, but is difficult to focus as peaking don't really works great at f/5.6 and dark conditions.

https://youtu.be/bfkol6bcIEw

https://youtu.be/0heobCB9ym4

My next step: I definitely want to try Anamorphot 40 as I said initially in the topic. Pretty sure Helios44 will pair well with it (probably super35 or a bit of clear image zoom will do the job to remove slight vignetting). SLR magic have lots of dealers in UK so I still have around a month to get things before brexit without customs clearance 

Another thing: I don't really want to open another topic, but are there list of lenses that work well with Anamorphot 40? There are tiny but interesting pancakes from Samyang (24, 35mm 2.8). I'm thinking about FE 55mm 1.8 - I purchased DLSR Videoshooter video guide for A7iii and Caleb explained how he does AF-C video focus manually tweaking Anamorphic adapter (without rangefinder). Is that a great solution?

are the t-shirts still available? ?

wow, guys, thank you so much for the replies.

I didn't receive any email notification but check manually the forum almost every day.

So, I just ordered SLR Magic Rangefinder. Is just a move so I don't have any way back  so while it is delivering I'm thinking on further rig

I really like the rigs above and probably should rename that topic to 'show me your portable anamorphic rigs'.

@CfFilmmaker

Thank you for the inspiring words. I would like to have more lightweight setup of course and dealing with clamps isn't super gun-n-run solution I believe, especially when it comes to aligning the lenses. I mean how strong and solid the whole construction will be (without rails, lens support etc). 

SLR Anamorphshot 50 x2 is definitely an interesting option I'm strongly considering while oversleeping it and making next decision. Could you tell what is its size difference with 1.33 or 2x version?

I also spoke with Eddie from Vid-atlantic and they offer front filter ring 72mm for Sankor. So with step up 72-77 ring I will fit securely rangefinder to the front but the clam will be needed anyway. Stupid question - do you need to cover the area where clamp is fixed so no light is getting in from the outside?

Hello guys,
I'm new here but seems that's the proper place to ask questions.
Instead of asking the question about what lens to get, I've made a research on the internet and of course on Tito's videos and picked some of my favourite things to start with the anamorphinc with my A7iii.

So far, I've found a few affordable solutions. I can't simply spent a few k$ for some anamorphic lens from which you would need occasional art film look once, meanwhile you do rest of your job on workhorse AF-C lenses.

I see anamorphic glares now almost in any recent Netflix movies and seems that glares will be on every wedding films soon.
Apart of the budget thing, I also want to have as compact setup as possible. I.e if possible to not pick my rails and single focus basically run&gun solution

So:
1) 
SLR Magic Anamorphot-40 1.33x Anamorphic Adapter (Compact) - $499
+
SLR Magic Rangefinder Cine Adapter (Near/Normal) - $ 279 - That rangefinder is also one of the cheapest on the market, but seems needs 77 to 62 downscale ring to connect to Anamorphshot-40.
+
add normal lens in the range of 35-70mm.

Seems the most popular lenses will be Helios 44 (easy and cheap, $ 50+) or also could be micro primes - both options has directly 52 mm filter thread.
Helios being a 58mm with 1.33x adapter will be around 44mm normal view. 1.33x will not give you lots of oval bokeh, however Helios already has it a bit, isn't?
So in total $ 828+ for a such a starter combo.

2) Anamorphic Store offers Schneider and Isco kits but even the simplest signle solution without taking lens will cost $ 1.549 + taking lens. As an option, is possible to get rangefinder only for let's say $679 and then look for Isco/Kowa lenses at eBay ($300+) and then make clamps to fit them together etc., so let's say that more DIY solution will costs around $1k+

Any thoughts on both?
Am I thinking right?

I personally think I have to choose anamorphic system first and then look for pairing lenses which are easier to pick.
Of course Anamorphot-40 is more like for crop and with FF you have to use Anamorphot-50 better...
Thank you for the comments!