Scarlet 2/3 and Redrock M2

[Steve York]

Hey All,

Long time lurker, first post.

I currently use several cameras (Canon HF11/XH-A1, Panasonic DVX/HVX) in concert with a Redrock M2 35mm adapter.

I plan on buying the 2/3" Scarlet non-fixed when available, how will this work with an M2? Which adapter might I need to attach the Scarlet? Any lens recommendations? I have little experience with 16mm, and a somewhat modest budget beyond the Scarlet/Accessories.

I searched the threads on this, but found few posts.

 

[Dominic Jones]

Hi Steve,

I think you'll probably find this will work well with a 35mm adapter, but do bear in mind that - at present - the Red's sensor is a good bit slower that most of the cameras you mention there. Scarlet's will probably be a little faster, but we don't know how much until they ship, of course...

As for optics, the best bet will be a super fast c-mount prime (this will help alleviate issues from the above point, or perhaps even make you better off, Scarlet sensor depending), if you are talking about minimum budget. The trick will be getting the length right and finding a very sharp lens of that length that also does macro - if you can satisfy all of those concerns, you should have a very good little rig.

From memory, on a Z1 with a standard M2 rig (i.e. not the flip version) and a 1" spacer I had to set the lens at about 25mm or so - now, the equivalent lens for a 2/3" system would be about 50mm, so I would suggest you are looking for a sharp, fast 50mm c-mount prime with a minimum focus of about 50cm (iirc, my focus was set to about 0.6-0.7m on the Z1, so say 50cm with some leeway).

HTH,
Dom.

 

[David Rasberry]

Using a 35mm relay adapter on a Scarlet seems like a waste. Good fast 16mm lenses will produce better sharper images. Keep in mind the 2/3" sensor has 4 times the area of the 1/3" sensors and much better DOF characteristics to start with. You won't approach the resolution potential of a Scarlet with a relay adapter. Anything other than very top of the line 35mm lenses will not be sharp enough.
If major feature films like Slumdog and Benjamin Button are shot with 2/3" HD cameras and lenses why won't it work for you?

 

[Steve York]

Thanks for all this info, Dominic. I've a much better grasp now.

 

[Steve York]

Great point, those films do look awesome for 16mm. Suggestions for pulling focus on these mini primes?

 

[Dominic Jones]

David makes a good point about sharpness, and I too think those used to 1/3" systems will be pleasantly surprised by the DoF possibilities of 2/3" systems.

However... I do not believe that means there's no point putting 35mm adapters onto 2/3" systems. I've had very good results in the past with the P+S Pro35 on F-900s and similar, and whilst, yes, the image may not have been as sharp when shooting a resolution chart, not all of cinematography is about getting a technically perfect image - a lot is about getting a look, and I - for one - often like the softer look of adapter-based footage. To each their own, of course, in this regard...

Also, it should be noted that "indie" adapters such as the M2 are most often based around stills lenses, and so the DoF characteristics are even further from 2/3" than S35 - and those used to the kind of DoF effects one can get from these systems should not assume that they will get a similar effect from fast lenses on 16mm or 2/3" systems - after all, it's not as if you can't put fast lenses on an adapter, as well.

That's my 0.02, at least!
Dom.

 

[Steve York]

I, too like that soft look for certain scenes. Can't wait to see the results when I get a chance to play around with the Scarlet.

Take care, guys, and thanks again for the help.

 

[Dominic Jones]

No problem mate, you too!...

Dom.