Tutorials

There is a wonderful world of manual lenses out there. This guide is dedicated to using Nikkor lenses on Canon, and other camera mounts.

Here is what we will be covering:

  1. [1:45] Different Types of Nikkor Lenses (NON-AI, AI, and AIS)
  2. [5:25] How to Adapter the Nikon Mount to Canon and Others
  3. [9:49] Why Use Manual Nikkors?
  4. [12:50] Where to Buy Nikkor Lenses
  5. [14:20] How to Customize These Lenses for Video

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

Thought I would share a couple tips on buying vs. renting, and selling gear as well as a little economics class.

Quicktime File.

  1. Opportunity Cost – Understand that everything has an alternative cost.
  2. Buying – Figure out what you use for every shoot.
  3. Renting – Rent for those special gigs that require kit you don’t usually need.
  4. Selling – Get rid of the gear you haven’t used in the last 6 months.

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

So check it out, remember the top handle rig I talked about? Well using the same parts you can mount any follow focus with a 1/4 inch mounting point to your Magic Arm! Check out the video to see how I did this with my D|Focus.

Quicktime File.

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

I was just asked on Vimeo how I export and compress my projects. Thought I’d share my process with all of you. What do you use?

Like I mentioned in the video I go from FCP > Mpeg Streamclip. You can get a copy of Mpeg Streamclip here.

Also check out my settings below the video.


Quicktime File.

Read the full article →

{ 1 comment }

Just the other day on twitter Sam Fack shared some pictures of a track he built for his Cinemover. I’ve been looking for something like this myself and was quite impressed with it. It looks like something that could easily be used with a couple light stands or tripods. Great job Sam!

 

Check out his tutorial below and a some footage he shot using it.

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

Check it out, DVD Spindles are actually 15mm in diameter! So you can use them as rods. I’ve tested them will some Redrock gear and they work great.

NOTE: These “rods” are plastic. So don’t put too much faith into them. So if you put your 5D and a huge lens, monitor and battery pack on them and it breaks, don’t come running back here to flame me. Be smart.

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

An episode on news? Thats right I am thinking of doing a episode dedicated to news and other topics for each week. Let me know what you think! And have a great weekend!

 

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

Over the past 2 years I’ve come up with a couple tips for making using photography lenses for video easier. I would love to hear what you do to prep your lenses for video production.

Show Notes

49mm52mm55mm58mm62mm67mm72mm77mm

Read the full article →

{ 1 comment }

DSLRs have a tendency to twist while on a tripod or rig. In this episode, I show you how to make an affordable anti-twist plate for your DSLR.

Show Notes:

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

As more camera manufacturers develop larger sensor cameras, camera mounts, and lens systems I believe its wise to consider what mount type you invest in. I explain my plan in this episode.

Show Notes:

Read the full article →

{ 0 comments }

With HDSLRs, and now large sensor video cameras, those of us who shoot video have blessed with the ability to shoot insanely shallow depth of field (DOF). For the last 12 months we have been bombarded with videos shot at F1.8 and faster, and while shallow DOF can look gorgeous I believe a lot of people have not fully harnessed the power, and use, of depth using their lenses aperture.

So rather than complain about it, here are some points I have been learning about DOF in my journey as an ever-aspiring filmmaker. Read the full article →

{ 26 comments }

Cinevate recently put out 3 videos showcasing different configurations for their new Cyclops viewfinder. While I have yet to use one, I have no doubt the optics on this unit will be of incredible quality. I am very excited about Cinevate’s new solutions for HDSLR shooters and how they are providing tools to help us achieve more with these great cameras.

Read the full article →

{ 1 comment }