What I learned today getting my Scarlet and lenses checked by a lens tech.

[Brandon J.F.]

I have another thread going with some example shots I have taken with my Scarlet-X. I was really disappointed with wide shots because of how soft they were. Today, I found out what the problems have been...

1. The focus marks on my 22mm LOMO were way off. The 35mm was also off a bit. The 50mm was all, but perfect and the 150mm was flawless. The focus marks were adjusted on the 22mm, but there is no way to adjust the markings on the 35mm so that will need to dealt with later.
2. The rear element of my 22mm lens was slightly smudged. Easy to fix...
3. The biggest issue though was the backfocus. It was significally off. I don't have a RED Focus and no one locally does here either so we had to use an ARRI Ultra Prime to check it out. We also threw on a Vantage lens (with Leica glass). The backfocus is now about as close to perfect as it can get with this method. The difference is huge.
4. One other issue, specific to the 35mm LOMO, is that the image goes a little soft when shooting wide open at a T1.7. It looks fine at T2 though. Not too much of a surprise there.

All of the above took the technician several hours to go through and test. I'm really happy now that the mystery is solved. Great timing too since we are about to shoot the first scene of my feature very soon (see links below).

So, if you have a Scarlet and something feels a bit off about the results you are getting get your backfocus checked. It's quite simple to adjust, but you need someone who knows exactly what they are doing to do it.

 

[Andy White]

Hi Brandon

Glad you got them checked, as suggested in your other thread... it means you can use them as intended now.

I'll never shoot wide open on any older lens... and now you see why lens techs are good guys - with collimators and nice tools

Backfocus is one of the caveats that some people miss... so it's good you're documenting your journey.

 

[Brandon J.F.]

Thanks Andy. I really appreciate the advice you gave about this.

 

[Andy White]

Thanks Andy. I really appreciate the advice you gave about this.

No problem, just happy the results are going to get you what you want 0 and save you renting some lenses you didn't need!

Now your movie will look consistent - and have the creamy Lomo look

Keep updating

 

[Bob Gundu]

My Scarlet was way off too.

 

[Brian Iannone]

I received my Scarlet last Thursday but only started shooting yesterday, and something definitely feels off to me. I'm not sure if it's the same issue you're describing, though.I've only tested the Scarlet with a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L and I can't seem to get the image in focus. It's always soft... And by "soft," I mean practically out of focus.

Could something like this be due to a backfocus issue? I've heard that the 24-70mm is soft, but this to me seems beyond just "soft." I've never had images this fuzzy while shooting stills on a 7D.


EDIT:
Here's an ultra-quick sample that I just shot at 4K HD:

Alternatively, here's a link to the R3D (2MB): http://www.brianiannone.com/scratch...checked_by_a_lens_tech/sharpness_sample_1.zip

 

[Tyler Bourns]

I've noticed three of my Canon lenses which are supposed to be parfocal are not holding focus at all throughout the zoom. I've actually been meaning to make a post about it. Would this be a backfocus issue? If so, how would one backfocus a Scarlet with the Canon Mount on there?

Brian, I have a 24-70 2.8L and it has been focusing fine and definitely not out of focus soft. Minus the not holding focus through zoom problem I noted above...

Thanks.

 

[Brian Iannone]

Brian, I have a 24-70 2.8L and it has been focusing fine and definitely not out of focus soft. Minus the not holding focus through zoom problem I noted above...

Hey Tyler. I just added an image to my post. That's the sharpest image I've been able to achieve with the Scarlet and 24-70mm. Are you able to capture sharper images than that? If so, I have to assume that my issue is not lens-related, but instead camera-related.

 

[Brandon J.F.]

Brian, your shot has a familiar softness to it... I can't say for sure, but it would not surprise me at all if it's caused by the backfocus being set wrong.

Tyler, adjusting the backfocus is the same regardless of the mount. However, I have no idea at all how to do it properly with a Canon mount/lens and even though I've now been through the process myself I would still not do the adjustment myself. You really need someone who knows exactly what they are doing to make these adjustments.

 

[Brian Iannone]

Brian, your shot has a familiar softness to it... I can't say for sure, but it would not surprise me at all if it's caused by the backfocus being set wrong.

I see. Since I'm new to RED cameras and haven't experienced an issue like this on any other camera before, what would your advice be regarding what I should do? I'm assuming that I need to have the backfocus checked; is that something any camera service center can do or is it something I should ask RED to take a look at?

 

[Tyler Bourns]

Brian, your shot has a familiar softness to it... I can't say for sure, but it would not surprise me at all if it's caused by the backfocus being set wrong.

Tyler, adjusting the backfocus is the same regardless of the mount. However, I have no idea at all how to do it properly with a Canon mount/lens and even though I've now been through the process myself I would still not do the adjustment myself. You really need someone who knows exactly what they are doing to make these adjustments.

Would this be a lens specialist do you think or do I need to find a Red Specific Tech for this? Thanks for your response.

 

[Brandon J.F.]

I see. Since I'm new to RED cameras and haven't experienced an issue like this on any other camera before, what would your advice be regarding what I should do? I'm assuming that I need to have the backfocus checked; is that something any camera service center can do or is it something I should have RED check?

Would this be a lens specialist do you think or do I need to find a Red Specific Tech for this? Thanks for your response.

With a Canon mount/lens I have no idea. I have a PL mount. Hopefully someone posts here with some advice for you guys with Canon mounts. I'm curious as well.

 

[Tyler Bourns]

Hey Tyler. I just added an image to my post. That's the sharpest image I've been able to achieve with the Scarlet and 24-70mm. Are you able to capture sharper images than that? If so, I have to assume that my issue is not lens-related, but instead camera-related.

It's hard to tell from the Small still frame, if you send me an R3D still or a Hi Res Tiff, I can compare better if you'd like...

 

[Matt Ryan]

Brian, your shot has a familiar softness to it... I can't say for sure, but it would not surprise me at all if it's caused by the backfocus being set wrong.

Tyler, adjusting the backfocus is the same regardless of the mount. However, I have no idea at all how to do it properly with a Canon mount/lens and even though I've now been through the process myself I would still not do the adjustment myself. You really need someone who knows exactly what they are doing to make these adjustments.

It seems you guys aren't alone. We've been trying to figure out what was wrong with Mile's Scarlet as none of his Canon lenses were giving a sharp image. Check it out as it may be the same issue. He will be posting some comparisons soon.
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?72594-Scarlet-sharpness-workflow-question

 

[Matt Ryan]

It's hard to tell from the Small still frame, if you send me an R3D still or a Hi Res Tiff, I can compare better if you'd like...

Right click the image and select open in new window and it should show full size. Reduser limits image size in posts.

 

[Ted Parkes]

Checking and adjusting back focus is necessary from time to time and particularly / mandatory when switching between mounts. Should be part of your regular camera prep.

 

[Brandon J.F.]

It seems you guys aren't alone. We've been trying to figure out what was wrong with Mile's Scarlet as none of his Canon lenses were giving a sharp image. Check it out as it may be the same issue. He will be posting some comparisons soon.
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?72594-Scarlet-sharpness-workflow-question

Just looked at the examples... Again, looks quite familiar.

 

[Andy White]

Basically, it's common that, before a big shoot, you'd get your camera checked (and all your lenses)... the step into the big leagues offered by the Scarlet just means new owners have to get used to some more normal practices

In the old days (don't forget - I'm an old timer - LOL) a DP (no matter how major league) wouldn't own a camera. That's where the rental house comes in... and why they're setill important on big projects now. They have guys or access to experienced techs and make sure kit they send out is shoot ready.

The big growth in owner/operators driven by the first RED wave a few years ago, simply meant that a lot of these guys started to acquire skills to make sure they knew how their kit works.

Remember that RED stuff is high-end - and has a cost implication sometimes... especially when you're taking your first steps

http://www.red.com/store/accessories/product/red-focus - this is Red's tool for backfocus adjustment - I know from your posts you love tech, so something else to look at (Brian, that is

 

[Brian Iannone]

Just looked at the examples... Again, looks quite familiar.

By familiar, do you mean familiar to the images you were seeing before you had your Scarlet's backfocus adjusted?

It's hard to tell from the Small still frame, if you send me an R3D still or a Hi Res Tiff, I can compare better if you'd like...

Here's a link to the R3D (1.9MB ZIP): http://www.brianiannone.com/scratch...checked_by_a_lens_tech/sharpness_sample_1.zip

http://www.red.com/store/accessories/product/red-focus - this is Red's tool for backfocus adjustment - I know from your posts you love tech, so something else to look at (Brian, that is

Aha, I do indeed love tech! That's something that I'm definitely adding to my shopping list.

 

[Brandon J.F.]

I should make one thing clear... This post is not meant to be critical of RED. It's meant to help people that may have similar problems. Andy is exactly right with his post above.