mercer

If you read the original post, you would see that I wrote that they could introduce NEW LENSES in the FD mount as well. Of course they would. That's why I stated it should be the eos-m line because neither their cameras or lenses have been great sellers.

Why wouldn't I? I don't mind adapters, but I wouldn't mind using legacy lenses on a modern, digital camera in it's native mount. But I also think Canon is missing a huge opportunity to utilize a huge portion of the used lens market by offering a modern mirrorless camera with an FD mount. As of now, Panasonic and Sony is reaping the benefits of the excellent vintage Canon glass. Of course someone can use an adapter but the average consumer do not want to use adapters, they want native lenses for their camera systems. A lot of camera enthusiasts have huge collections of old FD glass and I would bet they would love to have a modern digital camera where they can use their good old lenses in a native mount.

As some may know, I have the original eos-m and for all intents and purposes I really like the camera. I also have some older FL lenses, the 35mm f3.5, the non scalloped version, is one of my favorite lenses, very underrated. Just recently I picked up a couple of the nFD lenses. The 50mm 1.4 just arrived today. I haven't had a chance to test it, but it looks like a very nice lens. I also bought a 35-70mm f4, whic I really like, sharp throughout it's range, even wide open and very contrasty. I even did an unscientific test between that zoom and a Nikkor non-ai 35mm 2.8 and it truly held it's own. So, I have been on the lookout for other FD lenses and I thought... Canon should use the FD mount for an upcoming eos-m version. I think it could be a game changer for their mirrorless line. And since they have hinted in the past that video was important to their eos-m line, this could be that camera. Introduce a few new FD lenses with all the modern bells and whistles. Then if it records at 2K prores codec, and a global shutter, with a price tag of 1500 or under, this could be the best low budget cinema camera. I know, I know it won't happen but just thinking aloud on a rainy Minday morning.

Have been waiting on a Canon FD 50mm 1.4 that I picked up off eBay last week. In the meantime I found a Canon FD 35-70mm f4 zoom in excellent condition. Just tested it out and it seems like a nice little zoom. I know the 35-105 is supposed to be the best FD zoom but I didn't want the extra weight or size and this zoom was getting great reviews... even wide open. Anybody have one? Also, how is the 28mm 2.8, or the f2? I have read some conflicting reviews about the f2... Is it worth the extra hundred bucks?

"Yeah, that's my bicep."

Good luck with your documentary. Yeah I was thinking the same thing. I like the shiny new toy aspect of 4K but to be honest, the Raw from the BMPCC has been on my mind since the first time I saw footage from it... So much so that I have been collecting c-mount lenses to use with it when I get one. I also recently saw some footage from a modded gopro to take interchangeable c-mount lenses. The footage I saw looked great and I think they were using cs-mount lenses. Honestly, I'd really just like all 4... The m3, g7, bmpcc and the modded gopro... That isn't too much to ask... Is it?

Thanks, that's what I figured. I do have to reiterate though. I am really a fan of your work. You are getting some good, quality imagery out of these cameras. Are there any future plans for a feature film or narrative work? Also, if you were on a tight budget, which camera would you recommend... BMPCC or the G7 (knowing what we know about it) ? Honestly, if the M3 was a little cheaper. I would consider upgrading to that because I would love to have focus peaking without ML. Either way I am going to shoot a project with the eos-m, but I would like to get a better camera soon so I can familiarize myself with it as I may have back to back projects on the horizon.

Matthias, quick off topic question. I came across your footage of the eos-m with ml raw. I thought it looked great. It has that iq of 70s television. Right now, the eos-m is my main camera. I am looking to upgrade to either a G7 or the pocket but I still am planning a project with the eos-m. I never really thought of shooting raw with it but once again, your footage looks great... Why aren't you making feature films? So, I just was curious your overall experience with the raw capabilities and eos-m? Is it true it records no sound whatsoever? If so, it would obviously be very difficult to synch sound? Or can you do time code with it?

Good idea, I never thought of that. Put it out into the universe...

Gotcha, I haven't heard that about the pocket and ir filters.

Excuse my ignorance, but how would an IR cut filter affect their performance on pocket?

​Whaaat... Could you elaborate about the fishing wire? This sounds amazing but I'm not sure I am following. Does the fishing wire help to create the streaks or do you use it to create the anamorphic framing? With that kind of ingenuity, you should invent a speedbooster for them. But yes, these lenses are fantastic. When I bought my t2i, I didn't know any better so I picked up the 50mm. When I realize they weren't adaptable I put it in the closet... it was so cheap. That lens and a Minolta 50mm MD I got new (also thinking I could use it on my t2i) were the reasons I decided to go mirrorless. Btw, how do you think the 110 lenses will resolve in 4K with the new G7? There shouldn't be an issue, right?

​I looked on eBay, a couple weeks ago and the used ones were going for around $700. But sure, if I could find one for 500... I'll definitely be on the look out. thanks. I was hoping Blackmagic may want to get rid of some of their inventory, due to the Micro coming out, but who knows, they may not want to drop the price in fear the price drop will eat into any possible micro sales.

I have a set of Cosmicar c-mount lenses, the older f1.9 versions, that I bought to use with my Pentax Q7, for fun, and with the possibility of using them on the Pocket cam if I get one, supposedly they don't need modification. Anyway, do you guys think Blackmagic will drop the price of the pocket cam again? I should have bought it last summer but I hesitated... Bad move on my part. I originally was going to buy 3 and hopefully sell the other two and get one for free. 20/20 right.

Haha, most of them are on the cheap. You should be able to get all of their lenses for less than a hundred, definitely less than a hundred and fifty, if you're patient. There's an 18mm, an 18mm pan focus (which is unnecessary because the 18mm is practically always in focus anyway), a 20-40mm push/pull zoom, a 24mm, a 50mm and a 70mm. The regular adapters run about 20 dollars each but the lenses do not have apertures because it was built into the cameras. I used step up rings and fader nd filters to darken the image. Kevin informed us of the existence of an adapter with a built in aperture, from RJ camera, it costs 75 bucks, but I read from their site that the adapter won't work with 70mm. So with adapters you could easily get the entire set for 200, 250. If you read the reviews, and I will confirm... The best lenses of the lot are the 18mm and the 50mm. You can probably get both of them for less than 50. In fact, I think there's an 18mm on eBay now for $18 or best offer plus shipping... Which is a great price. I'd still pick up the 24mm, it's a decent little lens, little being the key word... This thing is tiny... They all are. Also, you will probably need some kind of lens focus lever, if you pull focus. I have one of those silicone bottle cap openers that were popular a few years back, but a zip tie would probably work as well. Sorry for the long winded answer. Just search Pentax 110 lenses. Or more specific Pentax 110 18mm, Pentax 110 24mm... Etc.

The K versions are very nice. A little pricier than the Ms but they are a little bigger, I think a 52mm filter size. Basically SMC versions of their Takumar lenses in an M bodies. I am thinking about getting the G7, I wonder how the 110 lenses would resolve in 4K. I think the 110s are plenty sharp enough wide open, but I have heard they get even more so when stopped down, with a little more contrast. Is that your experience with them?

It would be awesome if someone made a focal reducer for them. It won't happen but it would be cool.

To be honest, I just love Pentax lenses. I am really surprised more filmmakers don't use the M, A or my personal favorite the K version... Which was there model they put out in between the Taks and the M version. Supposedly they are optically identical to the Taks, without the radiation, and with a K mount. Beautiful, beefy lenses with great IQ.

Not off topic at all. Discussions are supposed to evolve. It looks wicked, would love to see some footage. I didn't know they made an adapter with an aperture. When I bought mine a couple years ago, people were doing diy apertures. Although, I am a mechanical type of person, I have no interest in making apertures or homemade adapting. Not my thing.

Of course every time I think, or say I am done, I go and buy another lens. The other night I picked up my first Canon FD... The 50mm 1.4 newest version. It came with a FD to eos-m adapter, so I think minus the adapter it cost about 50 bucks. I have some of the older FL lenses, the rubber ring 35mm 3.5 is one of my favorite lenses... It's right up there with the Konica 40mm.

Yeah, we sound awfully similar. I started with the t2i, so I was a couple years behind you, if you don't count the dozen or so cartridges of Super 8 film and the couple dozen mini dv tapes from a consumer Canon. I knew a little about cinematography from my hapless attempts to load 16mm film into an old bolex in the dark. All I knew was I hated everything about that kit lens that came with the t2i. The first and only time I used it, I wanted to kick it against a tree. Instead, I bought a Vivitar 28mm. I didn't love it, but it was miles better than the 18-55mm. From there I tried some cheapo m42s and some series e lenses and some Olympus and some Rikenon m42 lenses and then I found my first real lens that I loved... a Pentax-M 28mm 2.8. I couldn't have been happier until I found a mint 50mm 1.7 for 25 bucks... Long story short, it took me awhile to find decent lenses and know what decent lenses even were. For the most part, I have been able to sell every stinker without a loss and have been able to get a half dozen, or so, keeper sets. Btw, I also have a complete set of the Pentax 110 lenses. I love the 20-40 zoom, the 18mm and the 50mm. Have you put together an aperture for them? I just use step up rings and fader nd filters. What a cool image they make though. How are they on the pocket?

Nah, nobody has been off topic here. I am interested in knowing what other filmmakers have or use. I like selection. I like to be able to use my Nikkors when I am looking for a more warmer, almost clinical feel to a piece. If I want something a little more vintage, I'll throw on my Minolta MCs. If I'm rushed, but looking for a nice flat image I can play with in post, I'll use my set of Tokina AT-X manual zooms. Of course, this is all theory based on lens tests because I haven't shot too much narrative work yet.

Yeah I read that same article about 4K output. Hopefully BH is correct. I just want the smallest run and gun setup I can find. When you output to live HDMI, does the camera's LCD show what is going out? If it does, then the Ninja Star is more than enough for me.

Thanks Andy, that looks amazing. The grade looks great.

Another question about speedboosters... I have read a little about the blue spot when you shoot at a light source. Do you know if that is more prevalent with specific brands, or just a byproduct of using focal reducers?