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nahua

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Everything posted by nahua

  1. nahua
    @richg101 I'd love to try a DSO Trump w oval aperture. I wish you have a set that could pair with the SLR Magic - 40mm, 58mm, 85mm, 135mm. That would be the ultimate set and would do wonders for the images. I'm seriously thinking of dumping my russian lenses (except the Helios) and just get Contax Zeiss lenses.
  2. nahua
    I have to say I'm very much in agreement here. I've gone back to my original RAW footage I shot a year ago and what a difference it makes. From Davinci 9 to 10 is a huge difference. RAW footage does take so much space, but it's hard to get rid of the master files. With technology moving so fast there's always new software on the horizon. I wonder if it's just like the processed film. Once you have it cut and finalized, you could never really destroy the masters can you? I feel RAW footage is the same. As for all the compressed footage, I wonder how long we can stay on 8bit before we seriously move to 10bit. I too wish Panasonic moved to 10bit internally, but then again why don't they just forget about SD cards and move straight to SSD drives? We'll have to see when all of the 4K cameras come out before we make too many judgements.
  3. nahua
    You can find the images here: http://www.43rumors.com/gh4-with-the-monstrous-interface-unit/
  4. nahua
    Complete footage of just the SLR Magic Anamorphot from Chinese New Years 2014:
  5. nahua
    Yeah saw this too. Nicely shot but strange message to say the least.
  6. nahua
    My setup filming on rails with the SLR Magic Anamorphot + Canon 5DmkIII + SmallHD monitor
  7. nahua
    I think it takes some time to get used to the "Near/Normal" dial in conjunction with focusing the prime lens. I'm used to this though with anamorphic projection lenses and the dual focusing required. However, most anamorphic projection lenses have distance markers which makes it easier to focus. The SLR Magic Anamorphot works differently depending on the taking prime lens, and so the "Near/Normal" dial works differently as well. With a little practice, I can actually focus both lenses with one hand and get acceptable results. I do think it's easier to focus at F2.8 because the DOF is so shallow. Hard to do on moving subjects, but it can be done. I really like the look of the flares too. Very classic, and it just looks more natural than the LA7200. I always felt the LA7200 was maybe too boxy (because of the square elements I guess) and the lines too distinct. Plus there tends to be a lot of double flaring, usually from both elements which can be distracting. And you're right, the lens doesn't flare excessively, just enough emphasis, but still retaining a very cinematic look. I very much like it! BTW I just sold my LA7200. Sad to see it go but it's lived its usefulness.
  8. nahua
    @Tony Wilson That's fine I understand. I'm trying to show both lenses since I have them, and I've been using the Panasonic for over a year. Both work very well, but the new design by SLR Magic is welcome because it addresses a lot of the problems with the LA7200: - Screw threads on the front element for Diopters and Filters - Screw threads on the back for multiple adapters (48mm, 52mm, 58mm) - 3 elements, with the rear two adjustable for Near or Normal distances - Easy to disassemble for maintenance - Sharp picture from edge to edge - Solid all metal build I think for these reasons alone it's worth the money. The only negative I can see is the limiting 40mm (FF) wide end. Other than that, I can see only positives for the SLR Magic Anamorphot.
  9. nahua
    I don't doubt the 2x look from a bolex or iscorama is superior. I would love to have that look too. It's hard to find those at any decent price. And what is the widest taking lens? I really like the SLR Magic Anamorphot. It's easy to use, diopters and filters screw right in. I've never used a Century Optics, but the LA7200 is just not practical. With no real way to secure any diopters or filters, it's just too difficult to get decent results. The less I have to fuss about the setup, the more I can concentrate on getting good shots. In any case, I think a combination of lenses will yield the best results. I think if I want a closeup shot, I'll use a 2x with a telephoto. Wide to medium shots, the SLR Magic hands down works the best.
  10. nahua
    I was able to shoot at F2.8 ISO 400 for the night shots. It's really hard to pull focus at F2.0 although it's doable. The focus for the Nikon and Canon 50mm F1.8 lenses are much easier than the Russian lenses. The Helios is also F2.8, best sharpness is beyond F4. The Jupiter 9 is more like F5.6 really, but I shot it at F4 to keep the ISO at 800. I really wanted a nice DOF to these shots, even though it's hard to pull focus. None of the shots used any diopters, maybe in another video. It does take some getting used to using the near/normal dial. I like the flares too. I really prefer the blue flares, and with a shallow DOF it makes the footage look more "classic" or "vintage" and not so clinically sharp. Again that depends on the lens too. My video with the Panasonic kit lens looks like crap. I think that'll be the last time I use it.
  11. nahua
    This is the night footage. Also included is a comparison with the SLR Magic Anamorphot vs Panasonic LA7200. The "smearing" on the LA7200 can be seen here, and is more prominent on Full Frame rather than Micro 4/3rds. Details: SLR Magic Anamorphot Panasonic LA7200 Canon 5D mkIII w Magic Lantern RAW Hack Nikon 50mm 1.8 (majority of shots) Helios 58mm Jupiter 9 85mm Jupiter 11 135mm
  12. nahua
    Yeah there was lots of really great food. And the smell too! Mmmmm!!! I don't know how the century optic was, but this design is so much better than the LA7200. Just the lack of a true wide is the problem. I plan on getting a Canon 40mm pancake to try it out. 40mm is good, but I wish there was a 28mm or 35mm wide option. Can't wait to see what you shoot BR!
  13. nahua
    It's Chinese New Years! Got my SLR Magic Anamorphot just in time to get all the celebrations: Food, festivals, and Lion Dances! I walked around getting footage with my Canon 5D mkIII using Magic Lantern's RAW Hack. The SLR Magic Anamorphot is very sharp and it is easy to use. There is slight vignette on the footage because my Vari-ND fader is 72mm, the front of the SLR Magic Anamorphot is 77mm. I'll have to get a new one at 77mm to solve this. Most shots were at F2.8 on a cloudy day, F4 for the Jupiter 9. Details: SLR Magic Anamorphot Canon 5D mkIII w Magic Lantern RAW Hack Canon EF 50mm 1.8 (majority of shots) Helios 58mm (near end) Jupiter 9 85mm (near end) Lightcraft Vari-ND Fader
  14. nahua
    The LA7200 always works well with Micro 4/3rds GH2 or GH3. It's when it's on Full Frame like the Canon 5DmkIII that you see the ugly smearing. I'll take some footage later today. But if you see my previous NYC test, you'll see how bad it can get: I think the SLR Magic really shines for closeups. The Andy Lee video I didn't even use a diopter. However it takes a little getting used to the Near/Normal focus. It's almost like a dual-focus setup, so I'm used to that. The only thing is there isn't a distance scale to the dial, and it works differently depending on the taking prime lens.
  15. nahua
    In my second test I used different prime lenses. The main problem, whether it's full frame or micro 4/3rds, is that focusing at F2 at night is really hard on a tiny GH3 LCD screen. I wanted to be discreet yesterday, so no external monitor. Of course it really helps to have one, but anyway this is my very first attempt with the SLR Magic Anamorphot. I believe the prime lens is the main factor. I couldn't open the Helios or Jupiter all the way open, otherwise the image was just too soft. And the Jupiter was worse even at F2.8. If I used F4 or F5.6, I think the image would have been much sharper with less coma. Just like any new lens I'll have to adjust to it and test it some more. Still I do like the image and I think the flares are very well controlled, in fact the LA7200 flares always seemed "blocky", the SLR Magic Anamorphot has a real organic feel. I really like the SLR Magic and I'll be doing more tests soon.
  16. nahua
    Got my SLR Magic Anamorphot set yesterday and ran out the door to get some video. I really like the new SLR Magic Anamorphot. Great solid metal build and heft. Easy to adapt, with threads on the front for diopters. I shot this comparison with the Panasonic LA7200. I wish I had a proper wide like the Panasonic 20mm, but I'll get one soon enough. The widest for the SLR Magic Anamorphot is 20mm MFT, but the Panasonic is 14mm. That is the only real advantage of the LA7200, the wide shots. Otherwise the SLR Magic is just worlds better in terms of usability, size, and the ability to use diopters and ND filters.
  17. nahua
    As soon as I get my SLR lens the LA7200 will be on fleabay. Simple as that! Might be able to pay it off too. B)
  18. nahua
    This one is actually good. Shot anamorphic too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZrOJAysX4k
  19. nahua
    Can you make sense of this commercial? Looks like it was shot anamorphic too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR74JPsvbz0
  20. nahua
    There's no comparison. I own the LA7200 and it smears so badly at the left and right edges. The SLR is sharp all the way across the frame. That alone is reason to get one. Also you can just screw on diopters is just awesome. I've dropped so many diopters from my LA7200 with all the crazy taping/rigging I can't tell you...
  21. nahua
    I also have my other test using the Sankor 2x and comparing Magic Lantern RAW 1920x1080 versus 1920x1280 modes: Again, this is cropped to 2.40:1 so that wider lenses can be used. I recommend 1920x1280 3:2 mode because you crop less and more of the sensor is used.
  22. nahua
    If you want to see what the Panasonic LA7200 and Sankor 16D look like on the Canon 5DmkIII check out my video when I was in NYC: Sankor 16D 2x starts at 3:22. Understand that I stick to the 2.35:1 aspect ratio and crop the picture. That way I can use even the Helios 58mm F2 even though it's at the edge of vignette. From the video you can see what lenses work for you. But I recommend cropping, even if recording with 1920x1280 3:2 mode with Magic Lantern RAW.
  23. nahua
    @richg101 It is an MTS file and it is 29.97.  I just used the 1080P option with manual focus.  Hard to understand the different modes, I think it might be "FH".  I believe it is the best bit-rate mode.   I like the Zeiss too.  Very nice and it looks like the new Otus 55mm F1.4.  But the prices on these Zeiss lenses are just incredible!  Good thing the E-mount is like Micro 4/3rds - mount any legacy lens.
  24. nahua
    I also attended Photoplus Expo.  There were no SD cards allowed, but I sneaked it into an A7R and recorded AVCHD video.  You can view and download the AVCHD files from Vimeo:   A7R w Canon 24-70mm F2.8L Metabones EF to E-Mount Adapter https://vimeo.com/78036080   A7R w Zeiss 55mm F1.8 E-Mount https://vimeo.com/78036081
  25. nahua
    I've been to Wall Street, Statue of Liberty, Dumbo, Grand Central Station, Rockafeller Center, Times Square, Central Park.  I plan to visit Chinatown, Chelsea, Meatpacking, Freedom Tower, and many more.  I just don't have the time to transcode everything but I will when I get back home.
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