2004Journals forum
Operating a Varicam with anamorphic-format acquisition and lens adapter limitations on a film production.
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Using an Angenieux converter lens adapter on a Varicam causes gimbal corrections to simultaneously produce tracking or lifting movements due to the lens sitting far from the camera body.
- Shooting in anamorphic letterbox format squeezed into 16:9 results in vertical resolution lower than standard definition when transferred to 35mm film, raising quality concerns.
- A long lens adapter with significant distance from the camera body extends the physical movement required before frame corrections become visible, complicating timing of camera movements.
- Equipment availability in Thailand is limited to items already present locally or available from nearby regions like Singapore or Hong Kong, affecting choice of gear.
- Preston focus motors with long fiberglass support bars can disengage their gears due to flex if not taped toward the lens for stabilization.
- An electronic level unit can be constructed from older camera components and repurposed on modern rigs.
- A gimbal post extension made from a simple aluminum rod with appropriate mounting holes provides height flexibility and allows angled gimbal positioning relative to the crane arm.
- Inverting a gimbal post handle assembly by rotating the stainless steel stud allows accessing an additional lower operating height without a separate post.
Depends on
- Discussion centers on one specific production with particular creative and logistical constraints.
- The filmmaker expresses uncertainty about image quality after film transfer but acknowledges production leadership considered results acceptable.
- No technical measurements or objective data comparing equipment combinations are provided.
- Access to specialized equipment like PS Technik anamorphic adapters was unavailable in the shooting location.
- The setup difficulty may not reflect typical productions with different format requirements or equipment availability.