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Yaron Y. Dahan

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Everything posted by Yaron Y. Dahan

  1. If anybody on this forum still has the manual in English, i would be much obliged to get a copy
  2. Hey folks, I just recently got my GH3 set up and am looking for some sort of basic sound set up that would get me through the day. Any thoughts on what I should get for a total budget of 400$? It would be either a decent gun mike, or a cheap gun mike + ext. recorder I guess. I know there is a Panasonic made DNW-MS-2 kind of "Designed for" the GH3, but I don't know if it has any advantages/benefits. And actually maybe its not so great becuase of its very short cable. In sound I really know nothing about nothing, so I am open to any of your helpful thoughts.
  3. Hey folks, So after all these discussions, I just wanted to thank everybody for their thoughts, and write back here about what I decided and why, so maybe it will help out others who are considering the same decision as myself. So, finally, after much hesitation I went with the Panasonic GH3. I'm not yet 100% sure it was the right decision and only time will tell... First and foremost, I think that although with my approximate budget of about 5000$ I could have gotten some "better" video camera, this budget when applied to the GH3, really allowed me to do a lot in terms of lenses (mostly) and accessories. Ultimately I bought the GH3 with the new 12-35 2.8 lens and the very pretty 17mm nokton .95. I also got a c-mount to MFT adapter, which should allow me to get some nice cheap fantastic lenses that basically nobody uses anymore. With the thousand or so left over, I am thinking of (maybe, and not yet immediately) buying a 16mm camera). I think that it really simply didn't make sense for me to get anything biggest and better. I was looking at the Sony f100, which looks and feels pretty sweet to be honest, but then, the logic goes, why not just buy an f700? and then why not an f3? And what about tripod to hold them? And lenses? And a monitor? It just becomes a black pit of spending, for something that is certainly more worthwhile to simply rent. Daily rental fees for the F3 are like 300 euros (in a kit, sometimes less, sometimes more), plus you don't have to be stuck with a worthless brick in five years. Besides that, the qualities of the GH3, esp. the autofocus and its low-light performance make it a really attractive offering. That, plus the fact that anyhow I wanted a good still digital camera pretty much decided it for me. The fact that it allowed me to buy a few nice lenses didn't hurt either. The GH3 certainly does have its disadvantages, but I think that in my case, a "split strategy" works best because it allows me to make the most of the Gh3's plusses - namely to use its compactness as an advantage for things that require freedom,smallness, discretion, etc. And if I want to do anything more, shall we say "Serious" it's always possible to rent (at this point anyhow, I'd be making either relatively short films for lack of budget, or shoot with funding) So anyhow, there are my two bits... hope this helps out anyone else thinking about purchasing a camera...
  4. Thanks Andries and Reinhardt, Actually I ran a few films throuhg the camera anyhow, and all seems to work. So lucy there, even if not on the lens. Better not to fix what aint broken, yeah? In the meanwhile I will keep my eye out for a pristine lens from some sort of reliable dealer... better than spending all that money I think.
  5. Hey Reinhard, I'm in Germany, so I'd love to hear where I might get the fungus cleaned. If you have any addresses that would be most excellent. If it's too expensive, I'd just buy another camera (bought the last one for 160 euros!)
  6. Not so much caught up as lost.... but like I wrote, I'm more interest in final look, in feel of the color, etc. than in bitrates and color specs and pixel size... I want to buy a camera at this time cause I need soemthing I can have at home and use at will (although when I do "bigger" projects, I will for sure rent)
  7. @Matthew - Maybe I'll just give up all this video nonsense, and just get myself a proper 16mm film camera and burn through my savings... :) Kidding aside, it may even (at least at the start) be cheaper... I remember I bought my still Nikon FM3A for like 500$ brand spanking new when people were paying 5000$ for the Canon 5D. At 10$ for film + processing (even with scans) I'd have to run through 450 rolls of film befrore it was worth it for me to buy a digital camera... okay okay, movie cameras run through a LOT more film (and I have a slight fear of being absolutely ignorant.. you know loading the film backwards or something), but I am also considering this (not sure if as an and or an or)... But otherwise, I have no problem with video looking like video. I think the days of trying super hard to make video look like film are ending...(okay usually with people shooting on the Alexa or Epic... but still....) I quite liked Inland Empire and Lynch squeezed that video look for every last drop of "uncinematic imageness" to make a fascinating film (and boring too, very very boring). On an aside... Nobody has written anything about the Sony NEX 20/10s.. Anybody have experience/thoughts here?
  8. Hmmmm, well the question is (and this is the one I've asked myself) if it has so many ergonomical issues that can for the most part only be solved with buying a whole lot of extra gear (after all the point of the DSLR is that they are cheeaper alternatives)... then I can't help but wondering if they are the right tool... But, I guess it can't hurt to play with one for a day and test it...
  9. Hey Alan, Thanks for the thoughts. Maybe I am being unnecessarily prejudiced against DSLRs, but my feeling is that they always felt too small for me. I know tons of very beautiful stuff is shot on them, but I guess it's also important for me for the camera to feel good in my hands, as the more comfortable I feel with it the more I'll use it (for the personal stuff). and you are right that when I do fiction anyhow, I would have an external recorder. As for the follow focus thing, it's on the lens I know, but I always get the feeling that when there's a crew with a DSLR that to follow focus you practically have to poke the cameraman's eye out. Again, I've only used DSLRs two or three times and seen them a handful more, so maybe there are some awesome accessories or something that help out there. I am still worried about all the going into menus in order to do stuff, but you have made a good point, and I'm definitely going to test one of these Panasonics along with the others. I mean the price is certainly right.
  10. Will, I started looking into fixed focal length as your ecommended, and was thinking that even if I do find a good zoom I should have maybe a pair to begin with of wide and normal as you recommended. I lookes at this list here:http://us.c-mount.passion.pro/ And I was wondering if you had any speicfic recommendations for one of the wide lenses: Angenieux 15mm f1.3 Bell et Howell 10mm ANGENIEUX BOLEX Bolex Switar 10mm f1.6 AR Canon TV Bolex PHF 12mm f1.2 Century 9mm f1.8 Cine Paragon 1,5 8mm Computar f1.3 12mm Computar f1.3 12.5 Computar f1.3 16mm Cosina TV LENS 12.5mm f1.4 Cosmicar 12.5MM f1.4 Dallmeyer f1.3 12mm Elgeet 12mm f1.2 Cine Navitar Wide angle lens Elgeet 13mm f1.5 Prime Wide Angle Elitar 13MM f1.5 Kenr Paillard switar 16mm f1.8 Kern Paillard Switar 10mm f1.8 R21 Kinotar Professional 12.5mm 1.4 Kodac cine ektar 15mm f2.5 Schneider Cinegon f1.8 10mm Som Berthiot Cinor f1.5 15mm Som Berthiot f1.9 10mm BOLEX Switar 10mm 1.6 Lens Bolex Beaulieu Switar Bolex H16 RX Lens 10mm f1.6 Tokina 8mm f1.3 Wolensak 1inch f1.9 25mm Cine-Velostigmat Lens Zeiss Biotar 1,4 16mm Also two other things that weren't clear for me and maybe you can shed some light: 1. If the lens is listed as bolex does this mean that there is anythign special about the mount or lens? or just that they were produces for the bolex? 2. Is there any difference between the cine-lenses and the TV lenses? thanks a lot!
  11. Cool. thanks folks for the recommendations. Looks like I'm gonna have to add some "Saved searches" to my ebay :)
  12. I'll keep that in mind. I don't see so many of them here (Germany)...
  13. that's pretty much it. Basically I bought an 8mm camera to try it out, liked and used that, so bought a better 8mm camera. Now I'll give 16mm a shot, so need a camera to play with/practice on, and when I use it enough, well then, I'll go out and buy something super fantastic... what I would like now is something that 1. I can play with/learn on 2. Will still give me pretty decent images If I use it for hours and hours, then I can find something fancier. If not, well then, it's less of a loss @Gregg. Thanks for the list. I'll keep exploring from here, and keep my eyes peeled.
  14. Hello there folks, The time has come for me to buy my own video camera, and (surprise surprise) I wanted to get some advice from the vast experience of the folks on this site. Now I know that there is no such thing as “the best camera for xxx price” because then one can end up with a hammer although one has a job that requires a screwdriver…. But I have to admit, I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of products on the market. I am scrolling through the B&H site in my price range, and there are just way way too many cameras (and way too many of them have way too good reviews), and I barely know where to begin, and need your help. Sooo to cut to the (somewhat long) chase: I would like some advice on which cameras to look at or test before I make my purchase. Thanks for the patience in advance for reading this long post What I need the camera for and what my philosophy of filmmaking is Camera for Director - I am not a cameraman, but a film director. I do not believe in the tyranny of tech-specs and for the most part believe that the feel of the image is the single most important thing. There are some MiniDV cameras that look better than some HD cameras, despite the technical superiority of the latter. I have a (still camera) Nikon D60 which I never use because I feel the image is glassy, plain, the colors are uninteresting. Whereas the tiny Sony Cybershot I had (before it got stolen – bastards!) made far more beautiful images, despite that it had not the same capacities. The Best tool us the one I will use – I have expensive photo gear which I don’t use simply because I don’t like it (often too heavy, bad ergonomics, poor user interface). I far far prefer a tool that is less than perfect visualwise (which is a limitation with which one can be creative) than one which is annoying to use. This doesn’t preclude the use of very good tools. I have several super 8 camera for example, and the only one I use is my Beaulieu 6008, because it’s well, perfect. Heavy, good glass, variable speed, good feel, the right buttons in the right places etc. I would love something that I could use for years and years – Okay, I know this is video and model change every two weeks, but still.,, This would be nice. For still photography (in film) I have two “forever cameras” my Nikon FM 3A and Contax T2… they are little beasts of perfection. And if I could find something similar in video, I would be only too happy. My budget, some technical considerations, etc. Budget - My absolute maximum budget is 5000$. I do not necessarily need or want to spend this much money but am willing to if the “per-dollar-impact” of what I spend is worthwhile. My preferred price point is about 2500$, becuase then I could buy a nice tilt and pan tripod with a nice head and a matte box with a few filters... although if folks here tell me that I can get what I need for 500$ I’m not adverse to that either. (the iphone is tempting only for its camera) As this will be my first “serious” purchase of a video camera, I do want it to be a good investment, and hopefully something which I can continue to make images with for years to come. Use – My use of the camera is destined for short films which will be shown (one hopes...) on large screens in film festivals worldwide. This comprises of 1. Fiction short film with actors 2. Video diary stuff (i wander through the city and shoot stuff cause its pretty or ugly or whatever) Technical preferences, Good low-light – I shot my last film on the F3 (which I neither need, nor have enough money to purchase), and o it looks very very good at night. I do a good amount of night shooting under “available” (street) light, and I need a camera where the darkness of night (or room) doesn’t turn into grey, pixellating mud. Best possible dynamic range for the money Useable sound – Although if I shoot fiction films with the camera I will record sound separately, I want to be able to use the camera input for documentary/ video journal purposes, so the sound should not be overly crappy/compressed. PAL (25p) – I live and work in Europe Manual access to controls – Don’t like when white balance, filter, zebra, iris, etc. is buried deep in menus. Manual, zoom, focus, iris is a must ????? Finally, I know that there are quite a few DSLR options out there. For the moment (unless someone convinces me otherwise) I am not really in favor of them. Besides the fact that I really dislike the way the D5 for example looks, the smallness of the camera, the difficulty to follow focus, the poor sound, and the fact that they aren’t designed as video cameras make me think twice about them. But if there's something I absolutely have to try, let me know... Cameras I am currently looking at Sony NEX F100 - right price range. Big sensor. I like the F3 (does this matter?). Other people seem to like it. (although they seem to like the 700 better). A bit on the pricey side. (and will probably have to spend more on accessories than I need/want) Sony NEX 20/10 - These are far more in my preferred price range, although I fear they will be quickly outdated, and will quickly lose value unlike above camera. VG10 seems to get worse reviews than the VG20. Sony NEX VG900 - somewhere in the middle of the above too... somehow it feels like it's sitting on the fence.. but what do I know? (that's why I'm here). I would be tempted to go for either the NEX 20 or F100 JVC GY-HM600 - Read somewhere that this was a very good camera with good low light performance. For me I can't tell the difference between a camera like this and the 8,000 other similar prosumer models out there. But others know more than me Sony's HXR-NX30U - Cute little thing. Is this good enough for what I need? Like the portability, but still will likely be super shakey, and if I want something small I can buy an iphone... Panasonic AG-AF100 - Honestly, now that the Sony's are here, seems a bit not worth it as much. two years old. Correct me?? Perhaps a second hand Sony PMW-EX1R ??? OR????? Any other ideas???? I seem to a little bit biased towards interchangeable lens cameras, and I may be wrong here, but I think I have perhaps chosen them because they are far more unique to me than their "full package counterparts" out of which I have difficulty telling one from other (marketing people, listen up!!!) aaargh too much tech... and all I want to do is shoot stuff!!! If you have actually made it to the end of this post, I bestow a million blessings upon you and all of your ancestors.
  15. Oh. and follow up question: I know that a lot of low budget productions send their film elsewhere in Europe.. romania, Hungary etc. as the pricing is supposed to be cheaper. Any recommendations, links or thoughts or lists of filmlabs in europe will be greatly appreciated.
  16. About how much does it cost to develop a 400 ft roll of 16mm in Germany? And what about Telecine? I don't see prices on Arri, Medialab or cinepost website, and am trying to get an idea of costs here.
  17. I saw Jay's camera. Only thing is that im not in the US. So would be rather expensive to get here plus would have to run the risk of paying customs, :( So figured I'd just get one here (germany). What camera should I think about if I wanted to keep the option to do handheld? Any thoughts about the Beaulieu R16?
  18. Any other recommendations for the 1000-2000 range? I have seen an arri BL here and there, but the aaton's i have seen and also the eclair have been a lot more than 1500 (maybe just need to wait it out?) I don't suppose there are any relatively quiet cameras in this price range? (dont need no whistles and bells, but quiet would be nice...) 2. What would you say is a good price for this arri BL package? http://www.ebay.de/itm/ARRI-ARRIFLEX-16-BL-16mm-Camera-Package-/160945497384?pt=DE_Foto_Camcorder_Filmkameras&hash=item2579196528
  19. Hey folks, I got myself a Bealieu 6008s, but the lens it came with has unfortunately fungus inside (obviously the dude who sold this on ebay knew this, but argh....). Anyhow no big deal, yeah? I did however want to ask for a recommendation for a zoom lens for this camera... i would prefer a relatively fast lens that has a relatively close focus... as far as the zoom goes, doesn't need to be huge, and the wide end is more important that the tele end... I would love to hear a few tips, and if you have any idea about how much i should be paying for the lens, please let me know that too. Thanks!!!
  20. let's not forget La Dolce Vita.. anything by Bela Tarr... but I guess its kind of hard to say which movies to watch unless you know the look.. so what look are you going for? ultra-contrasty? film noir? grey and muddy? super-toned? here's some bela tarr stills for ya
  21. Hi all. I'm looking for a website that basically collates a list of short film competitions, especially those which offer funding based ona script. From anywhere in the world. A wensite in English or French or Spanish. Anyone have any links?
  22. Hi Everyone. I am looking for cinematography and lighting workshops (especially in film), anywhere in Europe. Does anyone know of schools that teach in either English, French, or Spanish? I'm looking for a really intensive hands-on sort of thing, with a good technical level. Not a full-time school. Anything from a week to a summer. Any ideas?
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