XL1 with 35mm Prime Lenses (Worth it)

[Agenda Productions]

Hi,

I'm directing a short coming up in two weeks and tonight we tested the XL1s with an assortment of 35mm SLR Photography lenses mounted on the front with an ELS adapter. This is a problem. As you probably know the image falling onto the chip is too big and you lose a considerable amount of focal length. I was trying to use a 24mm lens and getting a CU from 2 & 1/2 metres away, after designing my shot list and a 24mm in my head looking like a 24mm i realised i was stuffed...

So, i'm electing to bite the bullet and cough up (600aus if i can get it cheap for four days) fro a 35mm Prime Lens Kit. I thought i would come here and ask before i spend 1/3 of my budget and also i was a little confused so i was wondering about some questions.

• Using the P/L's on DV do you think i will need a 'experienced' focus puller, let alone one at all?
• Look wise, do you think it's worth spending such money on an Xl1 image?
• Is there anything that is different, like needing to pump more light in?, more latitude in the image? that sort of stuff.
• Has anyone shot like this and had troubles?


Thanks,

James.

 

[jashuff42]

I have been asking this question alot of people recently because I am thinking of going the same route with a short film I am working on right now. The answer has been an overwhelming yes, this is worth it. I couldn't give you an answer from my own personal experince but that seems to be what I am hearing. I also know that they used Prime lenses in much the same way on 28 Days Later.