Michael Maier Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 I found an used MKII for a song and an used MKIII but for 3 times more. What is the difference between the two versions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Chris Keth Posted November 22, 2007 Premium Member Share Posted November 22, 2007 I believe they slightly rethought the ideal circle of confusion for things. I don't have it in front of me (I'm away for the holiday), but Doug Hart's book mentions different circle of confusion used for the different version in the section on depth of field. Perhaps someone with the book handy could look for you if you don't have it. Personally, I would get the MK2 and not worry about it. The DOF calc is just a guide anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Wuijts Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 My '96 version of the book only mentions the MKII, but the filmtools site mentions the following about the MKIII: New Features Include: Two additional Circle of Confusion curves: 1/1400" & 1/200" (0.018 & 0.012mm) to suit modern high definition lenses. All curves are now alternately colored red and black for easy identification. Updated Lens Focal length markings to suit today's commonly used lenses. Easier to read Depth of Field distanc markings. Both Imperial and Metric disks supplied as standard HMI flicker-free windows chart (50 & 60 Hz). Compass incorporated into the central disk locking mechanism with Magnetic Variation markings and Sunrise/Sunset tables in the instruciton booklet. Super 35 and 2/3" video formats are now included in the reverse side Field of View nomogram. Close-up Magnification and Exposure guide (35mm Academy format). 6" and 15cm ruler markings. Soft carrying pouch with belt loop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Maier Posted November 22, 2007 Author Share Posted November 22, 2007 Thanks Chris and Alex. What is the compass thing with sunset and sunrise for again? Alex, do you share Chris' opinion about going for the MKII for 1/3 of the price? Keep in mind I?ve never used either. I'm actually not an AC. But I will shoot a long project using the Mini35 and the director wants very shallow DOF so I think a calculator will surely make my life easier on set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Chris Keth Posted November 22, 2007 Premium Member Share Posted November 22, 2007 The addition of CoCs for HD actually makes me think otherwise. That would be awfully useful. By the way, where are you finding the SamCine calculator? I looked a while back and was told that it's been discontinued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Maier Posted November 23, 2007 Author Share Posted November 23, 2007 (edited) Yes, they have been discontinued. These are used. I'm not really crazy about the CoCs for HD function. For that alone I wouldn't pay 3 times more. I'm just wondering what is the compass and sunset/sunrise thingy for and if the new features (save HD) listed above are really worth 3 times more. Edited November 23, 2007 by Michael Maier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Chris Keth Posted November 23, 2007 Premium Member Share Posted November 23, 2007 I'm just wondering what is the compass and sunset/sunrise thingy for and if the new features (save HD) listed above are really worth 3 times more. To me, no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Maier Posted November 23, 2007 Author Share Posted November 23, 2007 To me, no. What are they for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Chris Keth Posted November 23, 2007 Premium Member Share Posted November 23, 2007 (edited) What are they for? Updated Lens Focal length markings to suit today's commonly used lenses. - self explanatory Easier to read Depth of Field distanc markings. - again Both Imperial and Metric disks supplied as standard - nice feature if you work where you might run into both, or the one you're not familiar with HMI flicker-free windows chart (50 & 60 Hz). - to find what shutter speeds are kosher for magnetic HMI ballasts Compass incorporated into the central disk locking mechanism with Magnetic Variation markings and Sunrise/Sunset tables in the instruciton booklet. - for finding bearings and azimuth of sunrise/set Super 35 and 2/3" video formats are now included in the reverse side Field of View nomogram. - to find a particular looking lens on those formats. For most purposes you can use S16 for 2/3 and a bit longer than 35mm for S35 Close-up Magnification and Exposure guide (35mm Academy format). - this is kinda cool. When you shoot extreme macro you have to compensate exposure for the very close focus 6" and 15cm ruler markings. - self explanatory Soft carrying pouch with belt loop. - ditto Edited November 23, 2007 by Chris Keth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Satsuki Murashige Posted November 24, 2007 Premium Member Share Posted November 24, 2007 Hi guys, I've been using a Mk.3 for a few months now and it's fine for 16mm jobs, but it really only gives you a rough estimate of your DoF. It's more useful on wide lens shots to figure out if you can carry focus near/far. Once you get up to about 50mm @ f2.8, it's really useless for estimating DoF as the scales on the calculator wheel are not that finely marked, so I figure I just have to hit focus perfectly at that point. So if you're going to be spending about $100 anyway, I'd recommend that you get a cheap PDA and PCam software as it's much more accurate. The only other thing I use on the Mk.3 is the footage per second converter since I'm horrible at math. Well, if I get lost in the woods on location, the compass might come in handy.;) Oh, about the sunrise/sunset calculator -- you use it with a table in the booklet that comes with the Mk.3. The table has a list of cities on the left; each city's lattitude and longitude; and approximate mid-month lattitude and longitude of the sun at rise/set for every month. You then line up the North indicators on the compass and calculator dial, and the engraved lattitude and longitude numbers on the dial should match up with the sunrise/set numbers in the book. Sorry for the very non-technically correct explanation, but it works okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Maier Posted November 24, 2007 Author Share Posted November 24, 2007 So it sounds like I should just save my money and go for the MKII for 1/3 of price. I don't need HD (just 35mm) and the new features don't really interest me. If not even the MKIII is that useful I may as well save some money too since the MKII does all what it's needed i.e. DOF calculation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Dutton Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 (edited) Hello all fellow ac's. I have been using the MKII for the past 12 years and find it to be accurate for splits on all lenses including 16mm, 35mm primes. I have been using pcam for the past couple years and found it to be quicker at calculating splits when I have a dp breathing down my neck. I keep my Sam MKII in my kit in case my palm pilot takes a crap. Pcam is also great for calculating runtime and footage exposed at different frame rates. It also includes in the pcine package, flicker free rates, and much more. I would never be without my MKII on a film set. Andrew Dutton First AC/ focus puller Edited November 24, 2007 by Andrew Dutton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Maier Posted November 27, 2007 Author Share Posted November 27, 2007 Yes, but I think for the price I found the MKII($60 including shipping) I can't even buy batteries for the Pcam. :) I guess it's a non brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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