Clamp options for Kowa 16-H

[cbh 1]

I managed to pick up my first anamorphic adapter for $650AUD, a Kowa Prominar 16-H and i've been looking at some of the clamp options.

From what i've read, the Redstan adapters sound really solid but I'm wondering if many people have tried any slightly cheaper alternatives such as the clamps from Rafcamera? 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141997441693?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

I've also got some rods and would love to know if anyone has any cheap support options?

Thanks!

[Bold 156]

You might look at Rapido Technology for a 16-H clamp.

[Justin Bacle 192]

I had a RAF rear clamp but switched to vid-atlantic front and rear clamps (for my ultrastar).
- The RAF is more compact but it is a pain to change alignement (tiny screws that require an allen key.
- The vid atlantic is great to use and easy to align. I just can't figure out why they went with a 60mm rear thread instead of a 58 or 62 as they are standard sizes.

The rapido technology clamps seems to be the best option ATM but I haven't tested them yet.

[Hans Punk 707]

RedStan adapters are best by one hundred nautical miles. If budget is a factor - Rapido is very decent.

[cbh 1]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I just checked out Rapido and they look great although based off this page: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings/adapter-for-kowa-lens/kowa-8z-16h to buy the components to mount a helios 44 to the Kowa 16-H i'm looking at $60USD which for me is $79AUD.

I compared it to the price of the two part clamp by Redstan: http://www.redstan.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=33&product_id=70 which costs 55 pounds, or $88AUD.... plus the step ring off ebay ($2), I'm thinking it's probably worth the extra $11 to get the redstan. 

Or am I missing something?

[Jim Chang 47]

2 hours ago, cbh said:

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I just checked out Rapido and they look great although based off this page: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings/adapter-for-kowa-lens/kowa-8z-16h to buy the components to mount a helios 44 to the Kowa 16-H i'm looking at $60USD which for me is $79AUD.

I compared it to the price of the two part clamp by Redstan: http://www.redstan.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=33&product_id=70 which costs 55 pounds, or $88AUD.... plus the step ring off ebay ($2), I'm thinking it's probably worth the extra $11 to get the redstan. 

Or am I missing something?

One thing that Rapido Clamp different from other clamps, is that Rapido clamp can be reused for different combination of anamorphic lens & taking lens, just get a new step down ring (10$-15$) for connecting to the anamorphic lens, and a step up ring (5$) for connecting to a different taking lens.

Say, you have KOWA-16H, then the step down ring is part 0115 over here: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings/adapter-for-kowa-lens/kowa-8z-16h, but if you have KOWA for B&H, you only need to get a new step down ring (part 0100) over here: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings/adapter-for-kowa-lens/kowa-for-bell-howell, then you are good to go, no need to purchase a new clamp. So if you plan to invest in anamorphic shooting, Rapido clamp is future proof, and that's all the reason why I develop these clamps, cause I collect more than 50 anamorphic lenses, and they are all different from each other. See the list of Rapido clamp supported anamorphic lenses: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings

Btw, if you have larger anamorphic lens, needs rail support, you can check my V2 clamp, which has additional features comparing to V1 clamp: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/rapido-anamorphic-lens-clamps-with-rail-support

 

Cheers, 

 

Jim

Rapido

 

 

[tweak 398]

I don't know if you've seen but Raf actually makes a 16-H clamp now that is exactly the same as a Redstan (but costs a 1/4 the price).

[cbh 1]

6 hours ago, Jim Chang said:

One thing that Rapido Clamp different from other clamps, is that Rapido clamp can be reused for different combination of anamorphic lens & taking lens, just get a new step down ring (10$-15$) for connecting to the anamorphic lens, and a step up ring (5$) for connecting to a different taking lens.

Say, you have KOWA-16H, then the step down ring is part 0115 over here: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings/adapter-for-kowa-lens/kowa-8z-16h, but if you have KOWA for B&H, you only need to get a new step down ring (part 0100) over here: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings/adapter-for-kowa-lens/kowa-for-bell-howell, then you are good to go, no need to purchase a new clamp. So if you plan to invest in anamorphic shooting, Rapido clamp is future proof, and that's all the reason why I develop these clamps, cause I collect more than 50 anamorphic lenses, and they are all different from each other. See the list of Rapido clamp supported anamorphic lenses: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/customized-step-up-down-rings

Btw, if you have larger anamorphic lens, needs rail support, you can check my V2 clamp, which has additional features comparing to V1 clamp: http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/rapido-anamorphic-lens-clamps-with-rail-support

 

Cheers, 

 

Jim

Rapido

 

 

Thanks for the info Jim! definately sounds like a great product.
The fact you can use the same clamp on all different lenses is pretty neat.
I'll definitely be getting one if I continue to buy and shoot with more anamorphics.
It's looking like a pretty good option for the price for me at the moment.
 

16 minutes ago, tweak said:

I don't know if you've seen but Raf actually makes a 16-H clamp now that is exactly the same as a Redstan (but costs a 1/4 the price).

Ooo this one? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141997441693?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649
Very tempting since I only own one anamorphic at the moment and am pretty keen on just grabbing something on the cheaper side that is still going to be decent quality but at only $15 more i think i'll probably just grab the rapido.

Thanks for everyones opinions and suggestions, greatly appreciated.
It's a bit daunting getting into anamorphic shooting but this forum has made it that much easier. 
 

[tweak 398]

If you're only going to use that clamp on the 16H, the Raf is a much better option.

[cbh 1]

13 hours ago, tweak said:

If you're only going to use that clamp on the 16H, the Raf is a much better option.

They conveniently just sold out last night! haha so frustrating.
I've emailed them to see when they'll be getting more but if it's a bit of a wait I'm just going to get the rapido, they look really nice.

[tweak 398]

2 minutes ago, cbh said:

They conveniently just sold out last night! haha so frustrating.
I've emailed them to see when they'll be getting more but if it's a bit of a wait I'm just going to get the rapido, they look really nice.

He makes custom orders very quickly usually, so I doubt it will take long.

[bzpop 38]

On 2016-10-29 at 6:28 PM, tweak said:

I don't know if you've seen but Raf actually makes a 16-H clamp now that is exactly the same as a Redstan (but costs a 1/4 the price).

i have both, and they're  not the same, redstan clamp has a thread on the back for the lens and the screws are just for the alignment

[tweak 398]

7 minutes ago, bzpop said:

i have both, and they're  not the same, redstan clamp has a thread on the back for the lens and the screws are just for the alignment

So does RAF  , he actually makes 2 versions, one doesn't have retaining ring (I guess the one you have).

(Also there are about 4 different versions of Redstan 16H clamp, so it depends which type you think Im talking about).

[bzpop 38]

1 hour ago, tweak said:

So does RAF  ,

post the link pls

[tweak 398]

Find them yourself I don't have time for that. They were on Ebay and his website, if it's not there anymore email him and he will make one for you.

[ken 106]

I don't have time too.  So just use 52 or 55mm to 50mm adapter ring.

[Timotheus 139]

1 hour ago, bzpop said:

post the link pls

Eh...it's in this thread, right!?

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/141997441693?_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649&_mwBanner=1

(sold, but you can check how it looks)

[bzpop 38]

57 minutes ago, Timotheus said:

Eh...it's in this thread, right!?

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/141997441693?_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649&_mwBanner=1

(sold, but you can check how it looks)

lol, no my friend, this is not the same, i almost smashed my Kowa 35 using one of those with that "flat spring", the lens just fell off due to a poor design :)),

Rafael (Raf) told me he never had the lens in his hands to do a proper design, he used whatever blueprints he could find;

listen to papa - Redstan might costs more, but it's because his product is better, it's actually the bets on the market.

[tweak 398]

48 minutes ago, bzpop said:

lol, no my friend, this is not the same, i almost smashed my Kowa 35 using one of those with that "flat spring", the lens just fell off due to a poor design :)),

Rafael (Raf) told me he never had the lens in his hands to do a proper design, he used whatever blueprints he could find;

listen to papa - Redstan might costs more, but it's because his product is better, it's actually the bets on the market.

You're wrong... this is the V2 Raf adapter. Yes to the untrained eye it probably looks like the kowa 35 version you had, but I can assue you if you actually use it properly and screw in that retaining thread that is now included and recessed into the adapter there is no way possible that your lens can fall off during alignment (or any other moment). 

I assume you have never had this adapter? I've had two for 16H (original and V2) and I will vouch for them fitting super snug to the mm and doing what I say they do.

You are wasting time and money buying a Redstan for a 16H and if you're lucky you wont even receive your purchase. It's up to you, good luck!

[Grimor 265]

3 minutes ago, tweak said:

You are wasting time and money buying a Redstan for a 16H and if you're lucky you wont even receive your purchase. It's up to you, good luck!

I've purchased 2 times from Redstan and everything was perfect. Fast delibery and good comunication.

All my respect to Alan.