Ninpo33

Yeah exactly, for cheap smaller auctions it’s minimal. The secondary downside to the bullshit Tariff scam is that the options for shipping have decreased as well so the lowest priced options are now unavailable and there are just two options. I used to be able to pay $18 - $20 for a 7 day delivery but now that option is unavailable so ECMS is around $25 for the same sized package. One pro tip i can recommend is that they will store your package for 30 days free of charge while you sort it out and then you are able to combine smaller items for savings on postage. You have to be careful with weight and size however because i once combined 5 items and it ended up bumping me into the next tier and it ended up being $100 or more. Still though, cost per item was only $20 so in the end it was not bad. After your item arrives you can select the shipping rate in a drop down menu. As of last month there is now a 15% Tariff charge that’s added and that’s new. Also be sure to search for coupons in that drop down menu because right now there’s a 50% off international shipping so i just saved $30 on that and recovered some fees. I might do a youtube video soon doing a deep dive into it, I’ve been using it for 8 or 9 years now and learned a lot of tricks.

I know we’ve ventured off topic from Anamorphic adapters but I’m currently shopping for some cheap lenses with character and will use these with my Blazar Nero 1.5x so it’s somewhat relevant LOL… I stumbled upon both of these listings earlier, one from ebay US and one from Japanese Yahoo auctions. This is what I meant before when I said that there are bargains to be had for the savvy shopper.

I only buy old glass LOL. I look at the price of new lenses and think, "wow that's like 10 - 20 interesting vintage lenses" So you haven't bought from any of the Japanese websites or you have and haven't had good results? Speaking for myself, it's been a game changer and I've ordered 12 items just this week. 10 - 15% OFF coupons and promotions all the time so there's your tariffs leveled up right there. I will say that it depends what you're after and there are some things that are better on eBay vs direct from Japan.. Once you find a groove though, it's great to bounce back and forth between the two cultures and see what's what? Some things are really popular in Japan and fetch premiums while other items that are rare in North America sell for very reasonable prices. But it's nice to have options. And yes I got 3 of those Yashica Scopes 1.5x in mint condition for $80 each. combined the shipping for $20 and it was 2 days door to door. As far as fungus and issues with quality... The Japanese culture generally is very honest and most sellers accurately describe their products, warts and all. Better photos than eBay too and a much more realistic idea of what you're getting. I personally don't mind taking chances on things if the price is right and I know I can fix any smaller issues. But that has really never been an issue for me and any issues are almost always me trying to really get a good deal and gambling on a bad/cheap lens. I will say that the experience has changed for the worse with Trump in office and this most recent tariff grift. Shipping is a bit higher and you don't have as many options but at least delivery is super fast and always well packaged/protected. I'm a fan. Hopefully things normalize soon but it's still a deal. Here's a post I screen captured a while back with more info about the Sirui 1.25x mods

Another bargain right now is the Laowa Nanomorph lenses if you’re OK with APS-C. Used they’re getting really cheap and they’re very tiny. For a native mount solution and ease of use they’re quite acceptable in my opinion. Especially if you consider not needing to mess with all the clamps, adapters, FVD’s etc and being able to go wide.

My “Pocket Anamorphic” setup i’m working on. Waiting for a couple eastern european guys to finish with a small scale front focuser prototype for these little 8mm scopes.

Right now it’s a great time to pick up older adapters vs new modern $$$ anamorphic lenses. The 2x stretch and even 1.5x stretch of the older adapters looks really good to my eyes compared to the modern offerings. The Yen is also fairly weak so buying from Japanese websites takes it to another level. There’s also a nice middle ground and I’ve had a blast choosing from the best of both worlds. My favorites in 2025 1. Most Kowa Prominar 2x and 1.75x versions. $200 now 2. Elmoscope II because they are usually in amazing condition and equal to the Kowa’s but cheaper because they are not as well known. $150 now 3. Smaller 8mm scopes because they are fun and I’m working on a tiny solution with old small Rangefinder glass and Fuji APS-C $100 - $150 now 4. Blazar Nero 1.5x adapter because it’s good and you can play with completely different looks depending on taking lens and sensor size. Looks really good on APS-C and gets very funky on Full frame. $500 or less now on the used market if your patient. 5. Siuri 1.25x adapter mod where you take out the anamorphic and convert it to just a DIY Variable focusing adapter for cheap. That way you can have a budget focusing option for the older adapters at a reasonable cost. $250

Apparently not...!!!

We can dream... Shady website specs leaked on a Chinese social media site. • 4K 240p uncropped • 5.1K 120p open gate, ProRes RAW • V-Log2 • 16+ stops dynamic range • Arri codec • 39 LUTs • ProRes 4444 XQ, 4444, 422 HQ, 422, 422 LT, Proxy • 32-bit float audio • Phase Hybrid AF • 8.5 stops in-body image stabilization • 120fps continuous burst shooting • Dual CFexpress Type B slots • New active cooling system

This right here… Don’t waste your time trying to have a normal debate. Instead of admitting you were right about exposing more lens character at the edges with MF sensors he moves the goal posts and still says you’re wrong because “not ALL FF lenses look good on MF” You obviously never said that or claimed that but it’s a tactic people use to find ways to “correct you” after making a valid point. eatstoomuchjam won’t ever admit the might not know something and always needs to maintain the belief that he’s right. Either self esteem issues or simple EGO. It’s the same tired argument with the “MF Look” or something being “Cinematic”. Terms many of us understand and use but these idiots want to argue on an internet forum about how these aren’t a thing. Yet they’re on a full frame camera talking about how “technically” you could achieve the same look with Super 16. I’ve given up with most of the characters here, big waste of time.

Funny I’m not seeing any of your posts about the wonders of the GH7 but lots here on the Eterna. Funny that you would waste your time here when you could be getting the same EXACT look out of M43 and save a lot of money. After seeing your further posts below and remembering our previous exchanges I’m going to decline your invitation for further discourse. Your ego and style of cherry picking various “truths” makes it an exercise in futility.

Yes I agree. I’m ok with this strange little ZR as a sort of 1st gen beta to roll out the new cross pollination. Smart to make it $2,000 because it’s still very capable but it will allow them to test out all the features on content creators, and then hopefully roll it into pros later.

Just curious, if there is no such thing as a medium format look, then why do a lot of the great celebrated filmmakers choose to shoot on it when going for big tentpole films? The Joker, Dune, Revenant, Dark Knight, etc… Why go through all the trouble of extra weight, crew, expense if there’s nothing to gain over Super 35? Surely they believe there is a benefit. Why do you own a GFX 100ii?

“Useless” is a bit of a strong word LOL. Most real documentaries have an actual sound recordist on set so I see no idea why this wouldn’t make a great B-Cam to a big brother C400 or whatever. If it’s the R5ii sensor in there that’s a pretty sweet look and a very capable camera.

Yes, 100% Tokina made and these lenses predate the Kino and Komine partnerships. Vivitar lenses have a serial number system that will tell you which original manufacturer made the lens normally but these older 60’s preset versions predate that serial number system. I’ve researched them quite a bit over the years however and found information confirming Tokina. My 35mm is doing great and solid, maybe you got one that was not very well taken care of?