Camera Setup for P+S Pro35 Adapter

EuropeDOP · May 25, 2005

Frank wrote on my post for "DVCPRO50 vs. SDI 10 Bit uncompressed":

"presumably your test will include a film transfer. be certain to test with AND without the 35 adaptor. the adaptor may prove to be too soft on the big screen. instead of the Zeiss primes you could try the Digi Primes or simply a Fujinon HD Cine style zoom. You may be surprised at the results."

We like to share our experience how to receive a very good image quality with the Pro35 Adaptor and Zeiss Primes on the SDX 900. Our experience is based on the comparison between a Canon HD Zoom Lens and a Zeiss SuperSpeed Prime Lens set.

First of all, we are able to receive a very sharp and detailed image with the Pro35 Adapter. The image holds more detail that the Canon HD Zoom Lens and a very "Cinelike Color Style" that leaves the HD Lens far behind. We know that this is against the common statement that the Pro35 reproduces a soft image when shown on the big screen. We know about some tests from Tape to Film transfers that proof the soft image statement. Anyway, here is how we do it:

1. We use the vertical and horizontal detail enhancements of the camera. Bring the 35 mm image into the camera as clear and sharp as possible. We use V = 8 and H = 9 detail enhancement setup in the camera. You must find the appropriate detail settings for your scenes. It is a fight against noise.

2. We focus with digital zoom which we place on the UserSetting Button. I guess it is not worth to mention but you need to adjust the backfocus for your lenses. The grain of the groundglass of the Pro35 must be clearly visible when not rotating.

3. We use the Color setup of the Goodman Guide enhanced for our scenes. The main purpose is to draw a colorful three dimensional looking image with a high contrast range. We use the Filmlike1 gamma.

4. Here is the most important clue: The Adapter is very sensitive to light. If you slightly overexposure the image looks washed out immediately and looses details. You need to do some testings on this. We found according to our color correction settings in the camera an optimal zebra setting that is very reliable for a correct image exposure. So we setup the camera with the zebras to show an overexposure for the focus area of the scene.

5. The restriction with the Pro35 is that your focus area must be exposured absolutely correctly. Then the focus area reproduces the 35 mm image very detailed and sharp. But other areas might look washed out when they are overexposed. You must live with that restriction. You might not be able to receive a detailed image in all areas.

6. One main problem remains: You must watch the rotating ground glass of the Pro35. We used a speed of around 6-7. The speed depends on the lighting condition and might stay visible as a kind of soft grain.

This is it. Our image tests won against the Canon HD Zoom lens. The Pro35 image looks sharper and more detailed then the HD Zoom lens and is much more close to a 35 mm film image.

Edited May 25, 2005 by EuropeDOP