Birger Lens Mount Reservations

[Matthew Verkler]

Vote Now!

Vote Now!

I have voted for the Nikon mount by making a reservation. I guess I could use a Red Nikon mount (if it comes out in time) while I wait for the Birger; the wait is a little disappointing. I have a great set of high-speed Nikon primes, which won't take advantage of the Birger control capabilities, but I also have a full set of AF-S zooms so I will ultimately want the Birger. I think having follow focus (including remote FF) in a streamlined and lightweight package is an extremely compelling argument for the Birger, not to mention that we can use great glass at a very good price point. No rehousing is required, and with the AF-S zooms, no external FF mechanism.

The only problem I can see is in the wait. Nikon people, vote now by placing orders! You're going to want it anyway, so let's get it going!

 

[Michael Hastings]

Nikon requires a mechanical linkage, Canon does not.

Nikon requires a mechanical linkage, Canon does not.

I'm not sure this is about the stats as much as it is about what they are already good at. They announced long ago that the Canon unit would be first. They already had a lot of experience talking to Canon lenses. They have to learn the Nikon stuff. Maybe that's easy. Maybe it's not. I don't know... but I'm going to take what I can get and it appears the Birger Canon may be the only SLR mount until January sometime.

I just hope this thing works. I love the idea of electronically controlling these lenses. Smaller lenses, lighter FF unit, blue tooth wireless control - it's pretty compelling stuff.

The reason Nikon is harder is on many of the Nikon lenses the focus is actuated by a mechanical linkage driven by a pin on the lens so the mount has to have a very precise drive for that pin, which is completely different from the all electric drive of the Canon lens.

 

[Joel Kaye]

many of the Nikon lenses the focus is actuated by a mechanical linkage driven by a pin on the lens so the mount has to have a very precise drive for that pin, which is completely different from the all electric drive of the Canon lens.

Doesn't that just sound like trouble? Sounds like trouble to me. It just seems like the Canon focus system may be superior for this application. As well as the AF-S/Silentwave Nikons.

 

[Anders Holck]

Agreed!

Or maybe a .PDF that you can enter text into and resave... I just scanned mine after filling it out last night, and e-mailed the scan, as I didn't want the 2 bit FAX to render my already difficult to read hand printing un-readable...

The PDF opened fine for me in Photoshop. A quick save to jpeg and off to an email

 

[Bill Goehring]

The reason Nikon is harder is on many of the Nikon lenses the focus is actuated by a mechanical linkage driven by a pin on the lens so the mount has to have a very precise drive for that pin, which is completely different from the all electric drive of the Canon lens.

Not true. That's no longer a factor.

Erik has stated, and it is confirmed on the order form, that only AF-S Nikkors--ie. only lenses that do NOT have the linkage pin--will have electronically enabled focusing.

It IS true, however, that Nikkor D and G series lenses will have electronically enabled aperture (iris) control. I'm not sure, though, of what the overlap is between D and G series lenses with AF-S lenses.

 

[Bill Goehring]

I should add that the most important zooms, for my purposes anyway, will have both both aperture and focus electronic functionality:

12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom
14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Zoom
24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Zoom
70-200mm f/2.8D G AF-S ED-IF VR Zoom
200-400mmf/4G AF-S ED-IF VR Zoom

 

[Jim Arthurs]

The PDF opened fine for me in Photoshop. A quick save to jpeg and off to an email

Oh sure, do it the smart way! I always add a few useless steps, just to keep any process interesting...

 

[Gian Joon]

Can someone please advise me if we can use Nikon Still Lens(Manual)+Birger Nikon Mount+RedOne for 4K Output with acceptable results for Digital Cinema Distribution Master. Or will it be more suited for 2K or 1080. I know this is not the right thread for this sort of question. But your answer will really help me in making up mind for Birger mount.

Joon



http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=64685

This is why I hope that a good 35mm photo lens or a not so expensive S35 will provide most probably similar or better results in 2k or 1080 than an insanely expensive and heavier smaller format cine lens. Of course I speak only for image quality, not handling, although the 35mm photo will be definitely lighter and there are solutions for follow focus etc.

 

[Joel Kaye]

Can someone please advise me if we can use Nikon Still Lens(Manual)+Birger Nikon Mount+RedOne for 4K Output with acceptable results for Digital Cinema Distribution Master.

You should be able to put any Nikon lens on the mount. If you know you're only going to use manual still lenses then you could just buy the RED Nikon mount when it comes out.

Nobody has tested a Nikon through to Digital Cinema Distribution Master that I'm aware of. The Bourne Ultimatum used some Nikons though. If you've got a project with a budget aiming for theatrical release you probably should rent some good PL mount lenses.

 

[Gian Joon]

Thank you Joelnet. I have got a few Nikon Manuals and my initial plan was to stick with Red Nikon Mount. But Birger deal is a good value for money. So trying to take a decision. God.... this is Hard.

 

[Siva Kollipara]

If we use Nikkor manual lens with Birger Mount, can we be able to use Folllow foucs and remot..?

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Manual lenses will work just fine, you will obviously need manual controls or automatics that are independent of the Birger system. Just like when using with cine lenses, but you'll have to attach gear rings to your Nikkor lenses for use with a follow focus or motor systems.

The lenses that will be a problem are the older AF lenses that use the mechanical drive.

BillG, there's also the ED AF-S VR 17-35mm f2.8 CF zoom. One of my favorites, definitely take a look at one if you don't have it in your kit. Although, you have a good selection there already if you own all those. My only concern with it is the focus throw is so short (1/4 turn of the barrel) and the ring free spins, so it will be a pain with a manual FF attached. But I'm hoping the electronic control will work well with it.

The Nikon lenses I anticipate using most on my RED are the 85mm f1.4, the 105mm macro lens. I'll have to treat the 85mm as a manual lens as it's based on the older AF system I believe. But it has manual aperture control, so all should be good and it's an awesome lens. The 105mm requires electronic iris control and should function well with the Birger mount, hopefully.

 

[Bill Goehring]

BillG, there's also the ED AF-S VR 17-35mm f2.8 CF zoom. One of my favorites, definitely take a look at one if you don't have it in your kit. Although, you have a good selection there already if you own all those.

Jeff--

No, unfortunately I don't own anywhere near all those lenses. I currently only have the 12-24mm and am currently planning on buying the 24-70mm and 70-200mm, although that 200-400mm looks mighty tasty.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

In honor of Black Friday, the largest shopping day of the year in the US, the Birger Engineering Cinema Lens Mounts for the RED ONE Camera are now available for reservation. Download forms at:

http://www.birger.com/pdf/cinema_order_form.pdf

Reservations are placed with a 20% deposit on a credit card, and are fully refundable prior to the scheduled ship date. The rest of the details are in the form.

I have accepted Ken Corben’s invitation to attend LART on 1 December. I have chosen this event for the public unveiling of the lens mount system from Birger. Over the coming weeks we will announce who our early users are, provide additional feedback as to which lenses are going to offer the best results with each of the mounts, and a great deal more information about the system.

I will do as Jim has, and offer a reward to the believers. Place a reservation and a refundable deposit prior to the public unveiling, and you will receive a free Bluetooth Remote Control with each system purchased.

Hey Erik,

just got the link to this post from Manny and sending order away.

I will be meeting you at the LART event with my entire L series kit and look forward to some great resolts.

We have seen already some good shots at the RPM with Manny's RED #41 wich were mounted on your preproduction unit very generously shipped to the event by Vlad's request.

Your attention to our needs and prompt responses are a great show of careness by you and your company to all of us that hope wonders with the Canon lenses.

I know all of the ones I have produce incredible images on my 1D III and I'm sure they will do so on the RED/Birger combination.

See you there.

Ciao,

KETCH ROSSI

 

[HD Hildebrand]

If the trend continues, and nobody orders the FourThirds or Sigma, we will certainly adjust the delivery date for the Nikon. Vote with a refundable deposit. The more votes we get for Nikon mounts, the more money we are willing to spend on tooling, and the faster this will get done.

Well this certainly changes my tune??? I sent in my Nikon order, though still a little torn, due to the uncertainty of its arrival date (my Red arrival is potentially December-January). Will probably still have to order a manual Nikon mount while I wait for the Birger and that means I need manual iris control lenses to go with it (17-35mm and 80-200 with some primes). Though the lingering question remains - is all this added expense and hassle really worth it? Perhaps - if Birger moves the Nikon delivery earlier.

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

I'm looking forward to try out with some Leica R lenses on Birger Canon EF mount with EOS to Leica R adapter.

Not to mention that Panavision Primo L-Series lenses are rehoused Leica R and also Panavision E-Series are rehoused Nikon F glass.

Steven Soderbergh shot with RED The Argentine and Guerrilla using Panavision Anamorphic Primo L Series that is actually rehoused Leica/Elcan glass.

ALL MANUAL!!!

 

[Dave Dessel]

Mount Configuration

Mount Configuration

Does anyone know if a control knob is necessary to determine the aperture on the Birger mount? Since the Bluetooth control will not arrive until February, I'm wondering if a lemo connected knob needs to be part of the order to make the system work.

Thanks,

Dave Dessel

www.daviddessel.com

 

[Roberto B]

If you've got a project with a budget aiming for theatrical release you probably should rent some good PL mount lenses.

why do you think to rent it when there's any project aiming for theatrical release?.. that´s just a quite conservative way of thinking..

sucks.. the aesthetic limitations coming from such conservative attitude too..

 

[Jim Arthurs]

Does anyone know if a control knob is necessary to determine the aperture on the Birger mount? Since the Bluetooth control will not arrive until February, I'm wondering if a lemo connected knob needs to be part of the order to make the system work.

While it hasn't been said explicitly, I'm assuming that there's a switch on the knob that would change its function from focus to iris and back again. At least, I hope it's that simple.

One of many questions....

 

[Elizabeth Lowrey]

Just placed my order for the Nikon mount. Here's hoping that its development moves up in time significantly, even though I don't get my camera until April. Am hoping most bugs are worked out of the mount by then.

I would also appreciate some updated info on if/when/how the Birger mount will integrate with the supergrip. It seems like for handheld work, that will be the best ergonomic and practical way to control a lens.