Mamiya RZ lens(es) on Epic, compatible with a follow focus

[Jared Roessler]

Well it works. Takes about $400 worth of stuff and a handful of hours to build, but it works.

Footage to come. And these lenses breathe quite a bit, as you would guess.

Had it over at ARRI/CSC in New Jersey on Wednesday for a camera checkout, there were fitment issues when we tried it on an ARRICAM ST but it works fine for Epic or One.
Just thought I would share and answer any questions if anyone had any.

 

[Christopher Mills]

so, what are the bits? macro bellows to what to PL?
which focal lengths of Mamiya lens did you use?
and is this to prepare for Dragon?

 

[Jared Roessler]

Macro bellows, adjustable plate for macro work, better bearings, a riser block and an older style RED rod bridge. It's set up here for the Canon mount, afterwards I affixed a PL mount to the canon bayonet for the test at ARRI.
I tested it with a 50mm, 65mm, 75mm, 75mm shift, 90mm, 90mm RB-series, 110mm, 127mm, 140mm, 180mm, 250mm, and a 100-200mm zoom. The zoom is a little weird but it would work with a FIZ.

I guess it'll be good for Dragon but that's not why I made it. It's mostly a proof-of-concept for a prototype. Also, I had recently built a much simpler rig for stills on my DSLR and figured what the hell, couldn't be that much harder to build one for vi

 

[Jared Roessler]

Known issues:
Takes a speedcrank to use effectively.
Gearing is reversed.
Breathing is noticeable.
No witness marks whatsoever, no place to mark distances.

Like I said, this is mostly a proof-of-concept for a prototype. I'm sure it will see some use on some of the fashion and beauty stuff we shoot/rent support for, but for now I'm just pleased that it's possible to use these distinctive and unique lenses for video.

 

[Shane Betts]

I seeing a shift/tilt rig a-comin'... Cool!