Max Field

Wish you luck, was selling my EFs last week and got burned like crazy on eBay.

Been scratching my head on this for a while now.

Whenever I download a (poorly) compressed video file and view it, it's always a bit grey by default. All the hard whites and hard blacks more resemble light greys and dark greys. What is the reason for this? Surely the most basic of computer programs can render absolute blacks and whites, right?

Although I understand why some saturation would be lost.

Thanks for all input.

Welcome to the Billionaire Boys Club.

Yeah I was about to say, I don't mind working with a CCD for the first time professionally, but I saw videos like this and am willing to accept it's not pulling the DR of my RED

Now it feels a tad too late. Due to the second turn's slowed down velocity, it will be more difficult to find the perfect time.

One recommendation is having the models turn quicker so you can easily achieve seamless cuts.

Silver Sharpie if you're trying to finish a high school film project.

I've always preferred the look of RED over Canon for cinematic purposes.

The Simpsons like, perfectly captured freelance editing.

To be honest, I think the second cut is on the action, she has begun turning and it cuts just as she does. Given, a more ideal or obvious point within the action might be better.

 

Yeah I was about to say, the second cut is happening too early. Think of it as the model doing the cutting, not you.

Transition packs are mad tacky. They might've been cool in the 80's or something. They scream "I just got windows movie maker". If I have to do picture transitions for a wedding video or something I manually find creative ways to get one pic dancing to the next.

If you're confused on what I mean by that I could post a sample video later.

Dissolving/fading is the only one that isn't ugly to me.

DOF adapters like Pro35 actually converted PL to B4 while maintaining the FOV, but they've got they own issues - they add diffusion, lower contrast and so on.

I remember hearing about those in a "life before DSLR" documentary. Going so retro to the point of using DOF adapters is like romanticizing the 1950's and intentionally getting Polio.

The reason why the first cut feels fluid is that it feels as if the girl is triggering the cut with her motion (turning). The second cut doesn't occur during any swing of motion. Cut at a point where she turns again and your fluidity is back.

I've always disliked the idea of discs altogether. The ugly truth is; whether they are obsolete or not, if the client demands it you must deliver.

2 additional questions;

Are there any B4 recommendations with minimum focus distance under a foot?

I feel like the Canon J9x5,2 would be capable of that as it's wide, but just trying to make certain.

Do any PL lens to B4 body converters exist? Having trouble finding them. I thought Robin's would be that however it was the reversal.

Thank you, to all.

 

 

Phil I have an Abakus ... PL to B4 lens adapter I used about twice,gathering dust.. its the one that works on centre crop mode.. only 2/3 stop eaten up.. if your interested.. ?

What're you ditching that for? I might be looking.

Which of those get the widest aperture? I always like to go wide just in case. Or is the nature of B4 always the same F stop?

Good choice! Do you already have a 2/3" lens?

No, would I just get either a C-mount or B4 lens?

I'm pulling the trigger on this. There's a 30-day return policy so even if I hate it, no cash lost.

Thanks.

I've never bothered with those for DSLR, cause the cameras are always so light/tiny.

One thing I'd do a lot is getting a big glossy magazine page, putting the DSLR screwed into a metal release plate on top and tug it along by the sides on a flat surface like carpet or counter top. Worked great on carpet and costed nothing for a dynamic angle.

Haha I love how filthy half of these look. That last link you posted there is amazing if that head really was the pinnacle industry standard back in the day. Very tempted with it.

Would that final link be able to SD-SDI out to an Atomos? I'm wishful because is says "digital" on the side.

Thanks much

You'd be surprised how much the tape adds to the "look" of the format. Tape hits/noise and general distortion that goes along with it, is part of the format. When you capture directly off the cameras component output to a digital device, you are loosing much of that look. The only reason to shoot with old equipment is to make it look bad, not to make it look the best it can.

Would would be the major difference in going straight to tape vs digitally recording output signal and then running final product onto tape? Does coloration vary depending on when the capture hits tape?

One quick thing I could, not entirely suggest, but suggest to keep in mind, is the lighting consistency. The light in the back changing hues is an interesting idea, however between the 2 shots, the first comes off as a tad dark/ominous whereas the second has they key light brightening way more of the subject.

I guess what I'm saying is "pick one". I prefer the lighting of the blue shot, gives the vibe of "paranormal" much better. The green had better framing, but the brightness is too bland for something of a darker subject matter.

Must've been good cause the listing already ended.

I've seen those, but was hesitant because of Michael Rodin's "That DXC series camera on eBay was a cheap one for cable, corporate, etc, not used much on major networks" statement.

Would outputting through the SD-SDI of a digital betacam not give me the look I'm searching for at all? Am I splitting hairs? I've never touched one of these things in my life and am completely in the dark lol.

I've located 2 more Betacams which seem to be at reasonable prices. Could anyone give a "legit check" on if these models were respected in their respective eras, or if they'd be the wrong look I'm searching for?

The first is a BetaCam SP

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-BetaCam-SP-Camera-Model-BVV-5-w-Case-Bundle-/272116868226?hash=item3f5b6de482:g:lnsAAOSwXshWqAle

The second (Phil's point had me searching elsewhere) is a digital Betacam

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-DVW-709WS-Digital-Betacam-Camera-w-SD-SDI-out-w-Fuji-A17x7-8BDERM-M28-VF-/191560336795?hash=item2c99e2c59b:g:lPMAAOSwcwhVMCrJ

Really want to thank everyone posting here again. Information for this era of technology is nearly non-existent. Suppose it was coming out before the blogosphere blew up.