Birger Lens Mount Reservations

[Michael Hastings]

Spoke to Erik this morning.

He said he would have the first 10 done next week and volume shipping the following week.


If (and only if please) you sent in an order but have neither been charged on a credit card or received any confirmation, put a note regarding that on the " Birger "I didn't get a confirmation for my order yet thread""

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9532

If you already posted once that's enough, and if you got any notice in return don't post - it is only if you got nothing and it seems that it got lost in the pile or the ether.

 

[David Nardini]

Spoke to Erik this morning.

He said he would have the first 10 done next week and volume shipping the following week.


If (and only if please) you sent in an order but have neither been charged on a credit card or received any confirmation, put a note regarding that on the " Birger "I didn't get a confirmation for my order yet thread""

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9532

If you already posted once that's enough, and if you got any notice in return don't post - it is only if you got nothing and it seems that it got lost in the pile or the ether.

Good news ... ANY news from early testers ? Pictures of the kit as it nears finalisation ?

PS : some statistics eh 761 replies and 48,566 views ...

 

[Michael Hastings]

PS : some statistics eh 761 replies and 48,566 views ...

That's a lot of views.

I'm #140 in line (ordered at the end of November),

With that info and the numbers in the "I didn't get a reply thread" it sure seems like Erik's sold a sh*tpot of these things.

I wish RED would figure out how big a deal this is for a LOT of people and get fully behind it rather than seeing it as competition. Which it isn't - I have convinced half a dozen people to go RED primarily because the Birger option exists - that couldn't make sense out of RED otherwise.

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

Hi Aqua. . .

I'd like to know what to do in my situation (and, surely, a few others are in this boat, too).

I originally ordered with one credit card, but have since changed credit cards, so the info I originally sent into Erik is no longer valid. I ordered at the very end of the very first reservation period, so I don't want to lose my place in line. I also don't want Erik to think that I'm not interested.

Any thoughts as to what I should do?

Thanks much.

I am so looking forward to this device! It will be my Actioncam's lifesaver!

Stephen

 

[Michael Hastings]

I would send him an email with the title "Changed Credit card info." with your details

and then post exactly this same info over on the "I didn't get confirmation... thread."

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9532

Post just one time unless there has been a change since your original post. The whole idea of that thread is to give him one spot to find the information he needs to take care of everyone - in case paperwork was lost, emails spamfiltered or whatever.

I've talked to Erik enough to know he is a reasonable guy - he's just overwhelmed (he has other projects and business too) and I'm sure he will try to determine where everyone fits into the order and do the right thing.

Hi Aqua. . .

I'd like to know what to do in my situation (and, surely, a few others are in this boat, too).

I originally ordered with one credit card, but have since changed credit cards, so the info I originally sent into Erik is no longer valid. I ordered at the very end of the very first reservation period, so I don't want to lose my place in line. I also don't want Erik to think that I'm not interested.

Any thoughts as to what I should do?

Thanks much.

I am so looking forward to this device! It will be my Actioncam's lifesaver!

Stephen

 

[Ketch Rossi]

I feel for me too. ;-) Luckily, I'm busy with other stuff. Also, I got a confirmation and res number from Birger so I at least know what's going on. Still - I'd like a weekly update even if it's no new news. I don't think even Aqua has been able to pull focus with the mount yet, have you? I just want to know the basic functionality has been solved and we truly are just waiting for the parts to show up at this point.

Yeah, I bet you do.

No I haven't as again the one used at Vlad's event was a very first prototype one.

But again I have no doubt that this mount will be a great alternative to PL.

For some, and or many, Canon L series glass will be more then plenty when paired to the Birger mount, modern SLR glass such as Canon L series has great resolve power and beautiful looks, I personally love this glass.

Ciao.

In case you guys forgot this shot of the 85mm f1.2L II from LART

 

[Andrew M.]

With such lenses like new generation Canon L II I am considering to dump Master Primes especially in the wide end and use Canon 14 mm L II
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=151&modelid=15670

I want to test it on the Birger mount first though, before I make the move.

There is more to the lenses quality then CA or sharpness, though mechanical consistency of adjustments on the new Canon lenses looks better then RED 18-50.

Even Master Primes do not justify 26K extra for marginal improvements of precision.

Current Master Prime MSRP for 65mm is 15,780 Euros and 14mm MP is just starting to ship and 14mm Canon is already out there for less than 2K.

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

You're right, Andrew. . .

I am all over this Birger. . . the ability to use great 35mm glass that doesn't break the bank is just going to be stupendous.

Stephen

 

[Andrew Madu]

Hey Ketch,
very nice snap...

Not being a Canon man myself I wondered whether you were you familiar with the Nikkor range of lenses? If so is there an equivalent Canon L/L II lens to the Nikkor 14-24 2.8G ED in terms of quality?

Many thanks.

 

[Kenn Christenson]

Spoke to Erik this morning.

He said he would have the first 10 done next week and volume shipping the following week.


If (and only if please) you sent in an order but have neither been charged on a credit card or received any confirmation, put a note regarding that on the " Birger "I didn't get a confirmation for my order yet thread""

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9532

If you already posted once that's enough, and if you got any notice in return don't post - it is only if you got nothing and it seems that it got lost in the pile or the ether.

Hate to keep harping on this, but what does this mean to those of us who ordered the Nikon version?

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Andrew, I also love the Arri MP's, they look and fill what they are warted, but again with RED/Birger/Canon L glass combination it will be a new world of possibilities, at literally a fraction the cost.

Now as far as visual quality I don't dare want to compare a SLR Canon L series glass to a MP, but nonetheless Canon those hold its ground.

At the end of the day, it is not only a matter of quality of image, but integration of workflow with a cinema style production crew.

So we wait and hope that the Birger mount will allow for a suit workflow on set.


Thanks Duke,
that would be the 16-35mm f2.8L II, this is a totally redesigned piece of glass with a larger front element of 82mm, just a stunning lens for a zoom, but do remember that Primes are always a better way to go for sharpness and speed.

If you follow the link below to B&H the lens sales for $1,400.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486708-USA/Canon_1910B002_EF_16_35mm_f_2_8L_II.html

Ciao.

 

[planet e]

Aqua, what exactly is going to happen with that "other" thread, the "we sent in our stuff but haven't heard anything thread?" i mean, i think it is nice that you compiled it, but what is the desired outcome?

any ideas?

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

Andrew, I also love the Arri MP's, they look and fill what they are warted, but again with RED/Birger/Canon L glass combination it will be a new world of possibilities, at literally a fraction the cost.

Now as far as visual quality I don't dare want to compare a SLR Canon L series glass to a MP, but nonetheless Canon those hold its ground.

At the end of the day, it is not only a matter of quality of image, but integration of workflow with a cinema style production crew.

So we wait and hope that the Birger mount will allow for a suit workflow on set.


Thanks Duke,
that would be the 16-35mm f2.8L II, this is a totally redesigned piece of glass with a larger front element of 82mm, just a stunning lens for a zoom, but do remember that Primes are always a better way to go for sharpness and speed.

If you follow the link below to B&H the lens sales for $1,400.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486708-USA/Canon_1910B002_EF_16_35mm_f_2_8L_II.html

Ciao.

Ketch,

Canon L glas is nice but not the best in all still photo lens
industry.

Dalsa recenly rehoused for its cine 4K acquisition
series of Leica R lenses.

Even you could rent them right now HERE>>>

Academy Awarded Panavision Primo L lenses are also based on
Leitz/Leica glass.

Read more about the best lenses that are available for Canon EF mount at

Lens FAQs: Who's the Daddy?

CIAO!

 

[Vincent S]

I called Birger today, I don't think I spoke with Erik but I was able to confirm my order as well as find out that I am #86 in line. I ordered on Nov 28.

He also told me it would be 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Sanjin,

yes off course there are many choices out there, I just so happen to be very happy with Canon, I also own a little Leica, which produces great shots, but we are talking about lenses that can be purchased, the Panavised rehoused Leica's are great lenses, had the opportunity to see them at Cinegear last year, but there not for sale, also they are in very limited supply and to rent them it will be not easy fro any RED owner, not getting a Panavision camera with it.

When using lenses one must also choose the system, it is not a good idea to use a mount with an adapter on top of it just to go with a different lens.

Examples are very often made in the world of Professional digital Photography, you can have just about any camera and use just about any manufactures lens, Use Canon cameras with Nikon lenses, or Leica's or what ever you like, just get an adapter.

The issues come to place in the workflow, if you have an electronicly optimized lens and mount, once you put an adaptor in it, you loose all the glory of the electronics and you are back to manual only.

In this case Birger/EF on RED is just that, a mount with full electronic control over the lenses, now off course you can put an adapter and use Leica's or Nikon's or anything else on it, just snap an adapter on the birger, loose all the electronic control over the lenses and go manual.


It is all about the beauty of options that let people decide for their individual needs, personally I think one must choose a media that best fits their needs, for many the possibility to control a lens electronicly is a must, in cases such as the fantastic Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II Superspeed it only works electronicly, but for many shooting with lenses switched to manual is the only way they will shoot.

Its all about choices.

Ciao

 

[Michael Hastings]

Aqua, what exactly is going to happen with that "other" thread, the "we sent in our stuff but haven't heard anything thread?" i mean, i think it is nice that you compiled it, but what is the desired outcome?

any ideas?

My idea was that Erik would have a consolidated way to get that information - i.e. if emails weren't getting through possibly because of spam filters or whatever, then sending again wouldn't do anything. Also just as a place to say, "hey I sent in an order in November so should get the free bluetooth deal". Putting it out there now is a little better than waiting until 2 weeks after he starts shipping and saying "hey I ordered in November" but that is the first anyone heard of it.

I suspect that if you faxed in an order it is there somewhere. But sometimes something as simple as that gets messed up in small companies that are used to dealing with just a few orders per week. My company has somewhat of the same situation and I can remember when we sold a videotape advertised in a magazine and got several hundred orders. People kept calling and saying they didn't get it (we mailed them media mail so no tracking) and the secretary said well the post office must have lost it. When I made them photocopy the front of every one with the postage and address, suddenly the post office never messed up. In other words, it is easy to lose track of this stuff in small companies.

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

Ketch,

I respect your Canon L point of view.

My approach is based on the lens tests from other high photo professionals that I trust

and it means to choose a right MIX OF LENS BRANDS if you go from super wide 8mm to super tele 800mm.

If you work in a "classic" framing range from 28mm to 100mm

and look for something special and exceptional then you should

choose Leica R if you have already Birger EF mount on RED or the best

choose Leica M that will work with upcoming P+S Technik IMS mount on RED.

Ciao.

 

[Andrew Madu]

Hey Ketch,

that would be the 16-35mm f2.8L II, this is a totally redesigned piece of glass with a larger front element of 82mm, just a stunning lens for a zoom, but do remember that Primes are always a better way to go for sharpness and speed.

many thanks for the info. The Canon looks like a very nice piece of glass.

I love the cinematography crafted by DP Oliver Wood on 'The Bourne Ultimatum', using mainly a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 and an Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 (both modified to sit on ARRI Cams), both of which were used for up to 80% of first unit photography.

 

[Michael Hastings]

Differences are very small.

Differences are very small.

While there are certainly some differences, I think the differences between Leica R, Zeiss ZF, top quality Nikkor and Canon L series, particularly regarding resolution, are VERY small and subtle.

I know a number of professional photographers for major magazines and ad work that shoot almost exclusively with Canon L series zooms. I strongly believe that 80% or more of published professional photography (at higher resolution than 4K by the way) is shot with Nikkor or Canon L glass.

I'm not saying there is no difference, but I think (and no offense here) there is a certain level of snobbery that overemphasizes the amount of difference that there actually is.

I have purchased some Zeiss Contax/Yashica for my manual backups for emergencies (i.e. if we were to break a cable or something on the Birger mount) and also in the case of my Zeiss 50mm 1.4 to allow a faster F-stop when necessary. And if you already have or can get a good deal on some similar Leica glass it would make sense also.

But I highly doubt that the subtle differences between Leica or Zeiss manual lenses will be worth the tradeoff for most shooting of having the smoother focus control/follow focus capability that we will get with Canon EF on Birger. In other words, for those looking for a high quality, superhigh bang/buck ratio lens alternative to traditional cine lenses it is Canon EF or Nikkor on a smart mount.

If LeicaR or Zeiss ZF is going to be your regular choice you might as well just go with a dedicated "dumb" mount - or go back to real cine lenses.

To some extent I think this level of subtle distinction just confuses the issue for people that are trying to evaluate Birger vs. RED/Zeiss/Cooke PL and may not be aware of how really good the better Canon and Nikon lenses are. Are they ABSOLUTELY THE BEST COMPARED TO LEICA? Maybe not (the Leica vs others discussion seems to take on almost religious tones) but certainly the slight differences aren't relevant to a lot of people that can and do make really excellent pictures. What is relevant over here is that Canon/Nikon/Birger creates a powerful solution to high quality low cost lenses on RED.

I'm not trying to blast the Leica/Zeiss vs. Nikon/Canon discussion per se. However since theatrical/narrative type DPs tend to pooh pooh ALL still lenses on RED as virtually crap and some RED purchasers (possibly video shooters that haven't had the chance to fully understand what is available in still lenses and also aren't familiar with cine glass) buy into it, it has been hard enough to explain to people that although that may be true for the DPs particular genre, i.e. theatrical movies, it has very little relevance to documentary/nature/EFP type shooters where there may actually be benefits to the modern still lenses over cine-style AND that the encoder/follow focus Birger solution probably overcomes a lot of the limitations of still lenses even for theatrical/narrative shooting.

 

[Joel Kaye]

that the encoder/follow focus Birger solution probably overcomes a lot of the limitations of still lenses even for theatrical/narrative shooting.

Yeah - these lenses all are going to look pretty darn good. And I think the Birger will come through for narrative work.

The good thing about not being in L.A. is I virtually never have to have this discussion. I just show a picture of 4K vs. SD vs. HD and then say it looks like a Hollywood movie at a fraction of the cost and that's all anyone needs to know. They're sold. Nobody outside LA and a few other cities knows PL lenses and Arri Matteboxes from a hole in the ground. Thank God I don't have to keep up with that fashion show. Pull out your iPod... show them a scene shot on video and then show it on RED... then show a trailer from a similar movie from Hollywood. Sales pitch over.