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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 :)

Birger Lens Mount Reservations

That's what I'm wondering also! And haven't got any answer on my email to Birger.
Anyone know if Birger really have Canon mounts on stock as they say? I'm almost ready to order my RED One but want to be shure about beeing able to buy the Canon mount and Impero first. The somewhat unclear Birger-question is what's holding my RED-order back at the moment. Does Birger really exist...? Or are they just too busy manufacturing and delivering? What's happening?! Anyone?
Ulf/OneHouse
 
Birger & Impero put to the test

Birger & Impero put to the test

Over the last 10 days we put Impero and Birger to the test in several different applications. Our success was critical to the fact that Birger and Viewfactor teamed up and made their products compatible. Everything didn't operate perfectly, but we still couldn't have accomplished what we did as well without Birger and Viewfactor. I am glad to hear that Birger can now create firmware updates in-house. Because there is still a few tweaks to modify.

Our first configuration was using a Jimmy Jib in the 35' configuration. The wireless functionality in the application was a huge benefit. The blue tooth locked on and worked flawlessly throughout the shoot. We ran a 50' HDSDI to a Panasonic 50" plasma monitor with an HDSDI input card. Our focus puller stood nearly 25' from the Jib and pulled focus while viewing the monitor without any problems. In addition, having the record start/stop on the Impero saved mag space and time later while doing back-ups and footage review.

Our 2nd test was using a ActionProducts Steadi Cam Red Edition. The blue tooth locked and the focus puller ran along side the steadi cam operator without any drop. The larger 9" Pro LCD offered the focus puller much better viewing angle for this application. But, if you could afford an IDX cam wave, in conjunction with a 50" plasma, this would be an ideal situation for best focus.

Our 3rd application, was using Birger underwater with Red and in an Aquavideo underwater Red housing. We didn't try using the hardwired knob here, but instead ran the lemo output to the USB input while using the Birger software on a laptop. From the surface we were able to control focus and iris without any problems.

Our 4th application was while using a Matthews doorway dolly and 30' of dolly track. We set-up with 4-5 different focus set points. Using the Impero we hit focus mark every time. The knob is smooth and the control was super accurate. Again, our focus puller benefited from a 50" plasma and stood nearly 25' away from the dolly final track position. Our Dolly rider could have ran Birger and pulled focus directly on the Canon lens, but the Impero was far more accurate and it freed the dolly operator to focus just on framing with pan and tilt.

Our 5th application was while using a helicopter, Tyler front mount and Tyler side mount. We locked on with blue tooth and controlled focus and record start stop from inside the cabin flawlessly. I would advise using the 4-pin lemo cable instead of using blue tooth in the helicopter to avoid interference in the future.
 
The focus worked flawlessly, it was always smooth and super accurate. Every time we marked the ring with a dry eraser and dialed to the mark, focus was dead on. However, iris jumped around a bit when using different lenses. Luckily, all of our applications didn't need a live iris adjustment. I spoke with Kurt at viewfactor and he advised me that this was a firmware problem and that Erik at Birger was familiar with the issue. Finally, I am not certain why, but the two preset buttons 1 and 2 didn't function with our knob.
 
Thanks again. Good to know focus worked flawlessly. Iris is less critical and if it can be fixed with firmware updates it sounds like Imperos could be sent out real soon. How about it, Erik?
 
Oh Oracle of Birger mount knowledge (you guys), forgive my laziness when I ask thee the following question:

What are you guys using for the really wide end? I am asking about anything below 20mm really to be more specific. Has anyone used the Canon Tokina for example? Anything else?

I am sorry to ask before catching up on the thread first, but last I read was a few dozen pages ago.
 
Impero Email

Impero Email

Thom Steinhoff said:
Update Please!

"Next week I should get my Imperio and hopefully I'll get my shipping notice today..."

I've been saying that for how long now? :)

News please--good or bad. The natives are restless!
Click to expand...

Got an email from Amy a few days ago, a few weeks it seems on the Impero. She says they will send out emails when ready.

Best,
Frazier Nivens, Ocean Imaging
 
Frazier Nivens said:
Got an email from Amy a few days ago, a few weeks it seems on the Impero. She says they will send out emails when ready.

Best,
Frazier Nivens, Ocean Imaging
Click to expand...

Thanks for the head's up, Frazier.

A few weeks. News could be better, but I guess that means Erik isn't satisfied with the software, yet. I'm sure if he doesn't think it's ready to ship--there is no sense rushing him--it will only be better when it arrives.

Thanks Again,

Thom
 
We have used the red-line Canon 14mm Prime. You get a little warping on the edges with the 14mm, but I personally like the look. You have to get a little creative with the matte box because the front of the 14mm is fixed with a hood. I suggest using the Zacuto donut and elastic fabric reducer to keep the light out of the back of the box. All of the Canon EF series prime lenses are very good. After all, still photographers have been using this glass to shoot far more than 4k for years. But, if I could afford 7 arri super primes or 7 master primes with a full set of motors, I would go that route. Or you could save the $100+K and go with Birger.
 
Oh wow! f/2.8! I know so little about Canon glass. So I assume it pulls focus flawlessly with your Birger.

I wonder how it stacks up to the Tokina at 14mm which is about the sweet spot as far as I've heard.

Has anyone used the Tokina?
 
Impero Update Great News

Impero Update Great News

Erik Widding said:
Imperos... not weeks, but hours... don't make me regret this update...
Click to expand...

Good to hear, thanks for the update, we do appreciate your efforts. We'll be patient.

Best,
Frazier
 
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