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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work?

 
 


RustyB
Veteran


Mar 19, 2006, 6:38 PM

Post #1 of 12 (1766 views)
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Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? Can't Post
I find this to be an EXTREME problem for the way I shoot. Shot my second wedding this past weekend with the FX1. I like to get close-ups of a lot fo the wedding junk.

But at the far end of the zoom, the minimum focus distance seems to be like 3-4 feet! That means no close-ups of rings, bokays, cake decorations, sign-in book, etc, while the camera is on the tripod. Unless I'm just not doing something right?

Just wondering if anyone was using any kind of lens adapter that might work on the camera.



faith poison films
it's better than nothing

(This post was edited by RustyB on Mar 19, 2006, 6:39 PM)


DavidRennie
User

Mar 19, 2006, 10:00 PM

Post #2 of 12 (1756 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
I tend to shoot this stuff hand held, but even then I wish I could get closer. Raynox makes a macro lens but I am worried abou the quality of the glass....


RustyB
Veteran


Mar 19, 2006, 11:12 PM

Post #3 of 12 (1752 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
I saw this on B&H...looks like exactly what I'd need? Lotta money for a few closeup shots at $310, and it would really suck to not be able to use the factory lens shade/cover.
Century Precision Optics AD-7220 +2.0 Achromatic Diopter - 72mm (Screw Mount)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...sku=77528&is=REG





faith poison films
it's better than nothing


ourweddingvideo
User

Mar 20, 2006, 12:47 PM

Post #4 of 12 (1731 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
You can Macro your ass off with the FX1, just switch to maunual focus shoot wide and close, works great.


videobear
Veteran


Mar 20, 2006, 1:05 PM

Post #5 of 12 (1727 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
That's not unique to the FX-1. Most cameras have a minimum object distance of about three feet. Within that distance, use of the zoom quickly throws the image out of focus.

You can use a macro adapter to allow you to decrease the MOD. Tiffen makes a set of three that sells for around $50.




Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions


RustyB
Veteran


Mar 20, 2006, 9:40 PM

Post #6 of 12 (1696 views)
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Re: [videobear] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
That's not unique to the FX-1. Most cameras have a minimum object distance of about three feet. Within that distance, use of the zoom quickly throws the image out of focus.

You can use a macro adapter to allow you to decrease the MOD. Tiffen makes a set of three that sells for around $50.

Yeah, maybe it's just something I'll have to get used to. With the VX2000, I had a minimum focusing distance of about 15 inches at full zoom, so it was perfect for doing table-height closeups from a tripod...not possible with the FX1.Frown



faith poison films
it's better than nothing


TomParke
Novice

Mar 23, 2006, 2:55 PM

Post #7 of 12 (1666 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
Before you drop $310 for the adaptor, why not take a few digital stills? I use a Canon 20D with a macro lens, bring it into FCP at high res so I can edit it for slow zooms, movement, or to keep everything at 16x9 on the timeline. I have used this successfully to cut in with Z1 HDV footage. If you have the still camera, give it a try.


Tom Parke
ProScan DP


Scott S
Veteran

Mar 23, 2006, 4:11 PM

Post #8 of 12 (1660 views)
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Re: [TomParke] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
It's not the same as a dolly in move..

Cheers,
Scott


RustyB
Veteran


Mar 23, 2006, 4:41 PM

Post #9 of 12 (1653 views)
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Re: [TomParke] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
Great idea, but for me personally, when a video suddenly cuts to a still frame it really irks me. Likewise, the main reason, next to native 16:9, I bought the FX1 for weddings was to get good frames to use for the artwork on the case, DVD surface, DVD menu background, and when the customer's photog screwed up their pictures.

Thanks for all the help, y'all!



faith poison films
it's better than nothing


TomParke
Novice

Mar 23, 2006, 4:46 PM

Post #10 of 12 (1653 views)
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Re: [ourweddingvideo] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
True enough, it was just a suggestion as an interim step until you get the macro adaptor. If you do get this item, I'd sure like a user review from you, particularly how the focus works.

I have to report that I do have success with close-ups using manual focus which I use 90% of the time with the Z1 on a tripod. I have a Manfrotto arm that lets me go auto focus via a button whenever I need it; I believe this works the same on the FX1, or there is the auto focus button on the left side.

Tom Parke
ProScan DP


RustyB
Veteran


Mar 23, 2006, 7:04 PM

Post #11 of 12 (1636 views)
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Re: [TomParke] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
...I have to report that I do have success with close-ups using manual focus which I use 90% of the time ....

Manual focus doesn't decrease the minimum focusing distance any on the camera. If you're at full zoom trying to get a closeup of something, you still need to be about 3 feet away. No big deal if you're shooting a film, but if it's run-n-gun at a wedding, it's not very practical to lower the tripod for shots of small items on a table, or for closeups looking down at the wedding cake, for example.

One of those things I probably just learn to live with...like the majorly long delay after you hit the record button, before it actually starts. This has been driving me nuts!!!



faith poison films
it's better than nothing


adtr
Veteran


Mar 24, 2006, 10:24 AM

Post #12 of 12 (1620 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Can't do close-up shots while zoomed with FX1? Is there a macro adapter that would work? [In reply to] Can't Post
I use a cheapo diopter set off ebay. Cost about £20 for a 4-set. Not brilliant and very hard to work with with a DOF of a couple of millimetres. You can also use proper still macro lenses from canon and nikon. Use a step-up ring 72-77mm and you can use a lot of nikon filters.


Colvin Eccleston
manchesterweddingstudio.co.uk