Downside to Using PL Mount Converter

[Joe Taylor]

Hello

Everyday I weigh my options to invest in a RED1 and every day I get closer and closer to making that decision.

One big hurdle are my lens options. My still camera package is a Canon EOS syatem and I have big investment in EOS lens'. I understand that the RED might have an EOS mount in the near future, and that sounds great until you consider that still camera lens', especially Canon's EOS, can be problematic for several reason. (1) aperature control is electronic. (2) Zoom lens' extend and retract.. big problem if you're using a mattebox which I use quite often.

I also have a Arri IIC with large assortment of len's. All of which have the old Arri bayonet mount. I do have a Arri to PL mount adapter, which seems to work fine. Large assortment of len's. Angenieux 25-250. Zeiss Standard primes. Astro-Berlin telephoto. Macros. All sorts of cool lens that I would be proud to mount to my new RED.

Can anybody see any potential problems with using my Arri lens' with the PL mount on the RED system?

Again, the Arri len's mount with the PL adapter might seem the obvious choice for me.

Any pro's out want to tackle this one?

 

[Dominic Cochran]

Again, the Arri len's mount with the PL adapter might seem the obvious choice for me.

Looks like you know the answer already!

As long as you haven't had any problems with your specific adapter when you've used it in the past, you aren't going to have any issues.

 

[REDHKSC]

Can we used Zesis Digit prime Lenses if we could get the B4 to PL mount adapter ?

There are many sets Digit Primes available cause the people use them for the Sony's HDCAM camcorders.

Stewart
ASIA - HKG / CHINA and Thailand

 

[PaulClements]

I understand that the RED might have an EOS mount in the near future, and that sounds great until you consider that still camera lens', especially Canon's EOS, can be problematic for several reason. (1) aperature control is electronic. (2) Zoom lens' extend and retract.. big problem if you're using a mattebox which I use quite often.

Hi Joe,

Do a search for Birger mount or look in the lens section of the forum and you should see some threads about it there. Basically the Birger mount will allow you to use your canon's and will electronically connect to your aperture and focus on the lenses and hopefully avoid some of the issues you are obviously aware of.

As for the issue with the extending and retracting you are of course spot on, some will have more problems than others.

Since you have some bayonet lenses though you might as well get them remounted and collimated with semi permanent PL mounts and just use them anyway!

Paul

 

[Rocco Schult]

From what I know, Arri steel to PL adapter should give more tolerance if you change it. They are meant to be mounted fixed, otherwise you have to adjust backfocus everytime. Apart from that, if you're happy with using the lenses (and they're sharp enough - remember how crisp 4k will be), or just give you a look you like, theres nothing speaking against it.

 

[Stephen Williams]

From what I know, Arri steel to PL adapter should give more tolerance if you change it. They are meant to be mounted fixed, otherwise you have to adjust backfocus everytime. Apart from that, if you're happy with using the lenses (and they're sharp enough - remember how crisp 4k will be), or just give you a look you like, theres nothing speaking against it.

Hi Rocco,

Arri made some very expensive ones that could be changed quite well, not to be confused with the $99 ones on Ebay.

Stephen

 

[Emanuel A.]

I've actually done some research on the subject and you can find them on ebay from China $150 (aluminum) or out there from Russia $250-$290 (stainless steel) or from Visual Products, Cinematechnic or Les Bosher $400-$500 (also stainless steel) but as quick release. What would you advise?

 

[Stephen Williams]

Hi Emanuel,

Visual Products, Cinematechnic or Les Bosher all have good reputations, I have some cheap ones, they are way off.

Stephen

 

[Emanuel A.]

Can we used Zesis Digit prime Lenses if we could get the B4 to PL mount adapter ?

There are many sets Digit Primes available cause the people use them for the Sony's HDCAM camcorders.

Stewart
ASIA - HKG / CHINA and Thailand

From China, there are so many good things like competitive industry and prices, Wong Kar-Wai, Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige and this nice "crazy" fellow and our brother in RED. The answer to your question is: yes.

 

[Emanuel A.]

Hi Emanuel,

Visual Products, Cinematechnic or Les Bosher all have good reputations, I have some cheap ones, they are way off.

Stephen

Thanks Stephen, I know but my major concern is between quick release and fixed adapters...

 

[Stephen Williams]

Thanks Stephen, I know but my major concern is between quick release and fixed adapters...

Hi Emanuel,

Fixed adapters would be safer for wide lenses, which have the least depth of focus. For example a 16mm lens has to be set twice as accurately as a 32mm lens.

Stephen

 

[Stephen Williams]

Can we used Zesis Digit prime Lenses if we could get the B4 to PL mount adapter ?

There are many sets Digit Primes available cause the people use them for the Sony's HDCAM camcorders.

Stewart
ASIA - HKG / CHINA and Thailand

Hi Stewart,

There is a B4 to Pl adapter, it's fairly expensive because it's an optical converter. On a 3 chip camera the RGB focus on 3 different planes, that has to be corrected. It will only cover the 2K part of the sensor.

As digi primes are fairly expensive, it's probably not the best route unless you already own the lenses.

Stephen