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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Better Nikon Mount Solutions Anyone?

I've just got off the phone after an in depth conversation with Jacek at Optitek. Great conversation regarding the inherent flaws of using a Nikon flange for cinema use. Everything from seating, tilt, wear to back focus issues seem endemic to what is essentially a 30.00 piece mounted on a plate. Basically spring tension as opposed to friction based (PL) are susceptible to error.

What he's proposed to me is that he can design and build a precision PL style Nikon mount based off the Nikon Vista Vision design and sell it for 500.00. 50.00 less than the current RED mount. It would essentially involve a ring that tightens on the "ears" on the Nikon's mount, firmly pressing the lens into the seat and towards the camera - PL style.

It would be completely CNC'd and upon receiving the order he could turn it over in a week's time.

To make this happen, I need to put at least 20 orders or more to make it worth his time. If you've priced what cine grade mounts go for you'll see 500.00 is more than reasonable and a far better deal than the current RED/Nikon mount. This mount would not require any modification of the camera other than unscrewing and swapping mounts.

If you don't know, Jacek Zakowicz, is a lens technician with a long standing reputation in the film business, based in Los Angeles. He's no fly by night operation. If you visit Optitek's website you'll see they manufacturer some high precision items far more challenging than my Nikon proposition (ie. the PL to PL 2x extender for a 24-290 Optimo - now that's heavy duty). I'm confident he's up to the task and understands what's demanded from a professional grade mount.

If you don't know who I am, I'm a NYC based DP (shooting for 15 years) and new RED owner. You can see what I do at www.timnaylor.com. I live in Brooklyn.

Please email me if you're interested in becoming the first 20 for a truly pro Nikon mount at cinetim@mac.com.

I'm looking to get this order off within the next ten days.
 
Tim is a great guy and he knows what he is talking about. I would go in with you but I don't use any Nikon's on my Red's. Maybe I would buy one and rent it out to Red owners out there that need to rent Nikon glass as well and save a few bucks off of PL mount rentals. I also agree that the Nikon mount needs to be locking ring style. PS technik makes them both ways and you can choose the cheaper or pay more for the quality version that really locks the lens in place. Now the only play you will notice is in your actual lenses :)
 
Thanks for the kind words, Steve. I use Nikons for my own use and subrent PL glass. So this Nikon thing is worth getting right for me. Concerning the play in the lens, I hear you. It's like going grocery shopping. Pick the goods ones, toss the rest. When you get a good batch they can really work.

Eitherway, I'll bring it round once it gets made.
 
It seems to me that if someone - Jacek or whoever, is going to go through the trouble of creating a new and better Nikon mount... now would be the time to make that a smart mount.

I never really followed the Birger saga, but it does seem like there could be a happy medium - maybe just wiring up the electronic guts of a Nikon camera to corresponding sensors on the mount - anything so there's control...

I have a beautiful Cooke 20-100 (which Jacek has serviced) and I use it when I can, but for sit down interviews I always go with my 85mm 1.4 Nikon... and for anything handheld, the Nikons are a lifesaver... So I'm certainly interested in anything that expands the options available for those of us who find use for still Nikon lenses.
 
i think a new dumb mount is unnecessary. A smart mount is what is needed.
Aloha
-A
 
Poi Boy said:
i think a new dumb mount is unnecessary. A smart mount is what is needed.
Aloha
-A
Click to expand...

I'm doing this 20 others and me, who want to get a pro mount for our AI Nikons. That's my priority. Smart mount would be nice, but for now I use AI's and ZF's because I like the ability to use a manual follow focus on them. The 17-35 and 70-200 and the like aren't too practical for proper manual focus pulls.

Think of my proposal as a guy who wants something machined but can't afford it unless he orders 20. I'm not about to go through a lens mount "saga" of protos and approval. I'm not in this to be in the manufacturing business. I'm doing it so I can shoot with the lenses I have.

So I'm getting something machined to my liking and to make it affordable I need 20 on my team. Once I get 20 orders in, I'm out. And whoever wants a mount after that can contact a machinist/lens tech talk specs and do it all over again.

I just need a pro mount that lets me use my cool collection of manual lenses as the one I have I don't find acceptable.

So please before folks begin to say what dumb idea this is (no pun intended) please comprehend my intentions.

Thanks
 
Chill dude, that is my opinion. I think the current options for manual lenses are very usable. I would like something a little smarter thats all, doesn't mean I'm pissing on anyones parade, I hate when that happens.
Aloha
-A
 
Cinewalt said:
It seems to me that if someone - Jacek or whoever, is going to go through the trouble of creating a new and better Nikon mount... now would be the time to make that a smart mount.

I have a beautiful Cooke 20-100 (which Jacek has serviced) and I use it when I can, but for sit down interviews I always go with my 85mm 1.4 Nikon... and for anything handheld, the Nikons are a lifesaver... So I'm certainly interested in anything that expands the options available for those of us who find use for still Nikon lenses.
Click to expand...

I second this...not that I care to hook up a computer to control iris or focus. I would, however, love to see something built in for adjusting iris on lenses that are missing the manual iris ring. In fact, I would prefer Jacek keep it all mechanical, as this will likely speed up the "development" process, and subsequently, the delivery.

Thanks, Tim, for taking the lead on this. I have a 20-100 as well, and as much as I love that lens, I'm definitely keen on finding more affordable and lighter glass to mate with this camera. If there's some form of iris control, no matter how simplistic, I'll join your band of 20. Let me know how things develop...

Cheers,
Clint
 
I've contacted Jacek about designing a simple Iris knob. I'll have more info on its feasability on Monday in terms of price. I may have to raise the group number to 30 or something. Let's wait on Jacek's word though. But as far as a "smart" mount goes a la Birger, wait on them - not me.
 
Poi Boy said:
Chill dude, that is my opinion. I think the current options for manual lenses are very usable. I would like something a little smarter thats all, doesn't mean I'm pissing on anyones parade, I hate when that happens.
Aloha
-A
Click to expand...

My apologies. I'll delete the mild expletive. I guess I got a little excited about a pro Nikon mount becoming a reality. I've contacted everybody about making a better mount and Jacek was the first who showed genuine interest. Going "smart" would derail things as far as getting a workable mount say, in three weeks. But you're right, a smart PL style mount would be the bees knees and should someone accept this mission I wish them luck and godspeed......
 
great.
 
Hi Tim,

Good work fella - that sounds like a great option... Personally I'd love one, but cash is tight at the moment (and the pound weak!), plus I have to factor in the fact that Les' mount is (for the time being at least) working fine.

I also don't shoot that often with the Nikkor set!

A bummer, as I can see this deal going through and me wanting one after the ship has sailed... I'll stay in the loop, and if I get paid on a few of my outstanding invoices before you buy I might jump in at the last minute, if that's ok.

Good luck putting together the buy mate,
All the best,

Dom.
 
Picture ( as promised ) of a Cine Style - Nikon mount on a Vista camera, thread tightens and allows no play in the mount.


10_1233867039.jpg



Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com
 
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