Nikon Lens Adapter

[Stephen Williams]

Actually, we have what

«collimnation is not needed everytime you change the mount... a collimnator is just used to adjust your back-focus if something gets knocked out of alignment.»

Hi Emanuel,

With all due respect I don't agree with that statement. With a 35mm lens at F5.6 it is unimportant, but an 18mm @1.3 is a different story.

In any case how would you know after changing the mount that it had not been knocked out of alignment by 1 apec of dust?

Stephen

[Emanuel A.]

Stephen,

As I already said: you're the experts...

My point is: maybe Jim had changed something on the way you're used to -- this is a new camera design, after all! So, let's hope Jim is right!

[Finner]

My point is: maybe Jim had changed something on the way you're used to -- this is a new camera design, after all! So, let's hope Jim is right!

Unless Jim is able to change dust being on Earth ( I am sure their are some "FANBOY'S" ready to say he can) then I see no way of changing a mount being something that you would not have to be very careful with.

Take note that I am not saying that swapping mounts will not be able to be done by us users. I just feel very strongly that you will have to be very careful when doing it.

As for my camera it will ship with a PL mount and I doubt very highly that I will ever swap it with another mount.

[Sanjin Jukic]

Go back to DSLR experience and the latest anti-dust system implementation in the Sony Alpha camera:
"One of the more interesting features of the camera is the new anti-dust system for the image sensor. Many long time DSLR users know the problem - sensor dust. When changing lenses it is inevitable that a minor degree of dust enters...find its way to the sensor filter surface. The dust will show up as faint blobs in images which naturally accumulate over time and it´s an annoying task to remove these traces via an imaging application. Cleaning the sensor yourself is possible but it´s not exactly a fun aspect to do so and there´ll be always some images affected before you become aware of the problem. In order to provide some protection Sony implemented two improvements - a special anti-static coating applied to the low-pass filter in front of the sensor and a mechanism to shake off dust by taking advantage of the image stabilizer. This is similar to Olympus´ well-proven anti-dust system but the shake frequency isn´t quite as high thus less efficient. Unlike Olympus the Alpha activates the anti-dust shaker when switching off the camera. You may debate whether this is smart or not but this way it has no negative side-effect on the startup time of the camera."
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/dsl...ndex_sony.html

Also brand new Canon 400D has got built-in anti-dust system.

Sooner or later the RED should get its own built-in anti-dust system(??!)

[chuck colburn]

Go back to DSLR experience and the latest anti-dust system implementation in the Sony Alpha camera:
"One of the more interesting features of the camera is the new anti-dust system for the image sensor. Many long time DSLR users know the problem - sensor dust. When changing lenses it is inevitable that a minor degree of dust enters...find its way to the sensor filter surface. The dust will show up as faint blobs in images which naturally accumulate over time and it´s an annoying task to remove these traces via an imaging application. Cleaning the sensor yourself is possible but it´s not exactly a fun aspect to do so and there´ll be always some images affected before you become aware of the problem. In order to provide some protection Sony implemented two improvements - a special anti-static coating applied to the low-pass filter in front of the sensor and a mechanism to shake off dust by taking advantage of the image stabilizer. This is similar to Olympus´ well-proven anti-dust system but the shake frequency isn´t quite as high thus less efficient. Unlike Olympus the Alpha activates the anti-dust shaker when switching off the camera. You may debate whether this is smart or not but this way it has no negative side-effect on the startup time of the camera."
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/dsl...ndex_sony.html

Also brand new Canon 400D has got built-in anti-dust system.

Sooner or later the RED should get its own built-in anti-dust system(??!)

That would be spiffy! In the mean time check the gate.

[Emanuel A.]

Unless Jim is able to change dust being on Earth ( I am sure their are some "FANBOY'S" ready to say he can) then I see no way of changing a mount being something that you would not have to be very careful with.

Take note that I am not saying that swapping mounts will not be able to be done by us users. I just feel very strongly that you will have to be very careful when doing it.

As for my camera it will ship with a PL mount and I doubt very highly that I will ever swap it with another mount.

I understand your concerns and as matter of fact we should be grateful for your wise words anyway. Also 'cause there are some other purchases where we must well know what expects us.

As you well know, I'm buying a stabilizer for example. Where the weight has a relevant role to deal with. Going with the Flyer, for instance, doesn't give enough or comfortable space to think on a PL zoom lens (even so far so compact the RED zoom will be). The same will be possible to equate on the 300mm purchase now when the zoom won't be available so soon as late 2007 and the majority will use SLR lenses until then.

Having such easy trick can solve a lot of hassles. I'd say this will be a business itself. I'm sure Jim knows it and taking his own words I'd add he seems very sure of the difficulties and how to deal with. For the RED business sakes. Ours and concerning the RED revenue(s), as well.

[Brook Willard]

My point was to comment on the simplicity of the change. It has been discussed in the past that there may be something "different" about the mount changing - something that doesn't require the kind of infinitely calibrated clean-room experience we're all used to. While I have not personally swapped lens mounts, I have witnessed the process firsthand and know the level of precision required. Prior discussion on the subject has made it seem as though it will be a job for any capable AC on location - not for a bunny in a clean room. ;)

I guess we'll see with time.

[Stephen Williams]

Prior discussion on the subject has made it seem as though it will be a job for any capable AC on location - not for a bunny in a clean room. ;)

I guess we'll see with time.

Hi,

Any capable AC on location with a depth gauge and training could change a film camera mount on location. However the depth gauge could damage the sensor on any digital camera.

When I use a Viper with digiprimes I use a sharpmax to check backfocus.

Stephen

[Finner]

As you well know, I'm buying a stabilizer for example. Where the weight has a relevant role to deal with. Going with the Flyer, for instance, doesn't give enough or comfortable space to think on a PL zoom lens (even so far so compact the RED zoom will be). The same will be possible to equate on the 300mm purchase now when the zoom won't be available so soon as late 2007 and the majority will use SLR lenses until then.

I would not be too worid about swapping mounts being that tough for the application you are planning. Where the problem comes in is some people had talked in the past of how they would shoot one shot with a ziess pl mount and then move into the close up with a mount change and a nikon and then a little later in the day get an adapter for a cannon (which this kind of thought is crazy because you would get such unmatched lens looks that your project would look like crap.)

Mainly what I am trying to state is that you make sure you take changing a mount very very seriously and don't tell producers or directors that changing the mount is a simple 2 minute thing. If you put the pressure of a fast on set mount change on yourself or your focus puller sooner or later you will have big problems. I have found in this bussiness if you tell directors or producers that something is a big technical job that has to be done very presisely they will get off your back and give you the time to do it right and if you or your assistant gets it done faster you look like a hero. If you say it is a quick easy job and you take even a little longer time then you tell them they will be on your back non-stop and the chance of making a mistake becomes that much greater. Then if a mistake is made by rushing it and the mistake is found later the next day then more then likely they will NEVER hire you again (Yes its harsh but it's how this bussiness seems to work).

I would say "Do not take changing mounts lightly and anyone who tells you to not worry about it and that you can rush is giving you very bad advice. For the sake of your carreer everytime you do a mount swap make sure you take the time to do everything in your power to do it very cautiously."

[Emanuel A.]

I follow your wise advices.

As Brook said: the time will tell. And Jim as well! :) We are waiting for his input. I mean from the RED delivery and not exactly only promises. But as Alexander would say: In RED we trust! ;)

The point is: with RED there will be a real practice for the media convergence. And reading these boards, it's easy to see how these times are changing. Any PhD researcher on a film history and aesthetics studies basis might easily guess what we can find over here: different levels of moviemaking and film work.

For example, im my case, I'll be RED shooter but director for sure and as well (without mention the screenwriting and production jobs where I've been working since I finished the law school :D, my Master in Media Management, my both degrees in editing and directing). As we can see, the multivalency will be the field of many RED shooters (even if not for all).