HPX300 and P+S Technik Mini35 Compact
It just didn’t work for me anymore. I tried balancing the EX1 rig with more and more Zacuto stuff. In the end it was all so heavy my back couldn’t take it anymore!
Looking back on my EX1 / Letus Extreme purchase, well it’s difficult. The EX1 produces a very good image and can very easily be mistaken / intercut with high end sony HD cams. But it’s just not a good handheld shooter. And let’s face it neither is the EX3. Price was the biggest reason I tried the Letus Extreme and I must admit that the image is very nice. But the build quality is just horrible. Not to mention the lack of product support.
The Zacuto stuff has never failed me, even in the roughest conditions.
I had been eyeing the HPX300 since it’s release but switching recording media and workflow held me back. The 1/3″ chip was also a big factor. But the main reason I was looking to get the camera was balance. I can’t begin to explain how important it is to have a good balance. And wouldn’t a good 35mm adapter rule out the chip size issues?
I have thought about getting a Letus Extreme with relay lens but my experiences with the product quality and company held me back. P+S Technik has a reputation that’s impeccable and the Mini35c is around the same price point as the Letus Extreme with relay. After visiting the IBC and talking to Aki from P+S Technik about the Mini35 Compact on the HPX300 I made up my mind.
Here is my first footage.
Take a look at the gallery for some more shots.
Update: here is a still of a resolution chart, shot with a zeiss 50mm at f1.4 720p.
Update: here is some uncompressed test footage for your viewing pleasure.
5 Comments, Comment or Ping
Henry Epstein
Hi Balster,
Looks terrific! I was wondering how would this setup will compare to the Letus Ultimate + Letus 1/3″ Relay… Unfortunately the later not available so far. But the questions are, as per your own experience, is the P+S Mini35C as sensitive as expected for the Letus Setup (only 1/2 stop light loss)? The Letus 1/3″ Relay Lens is 35mm Full Frame Size, optimized for 35mm Still Lenses as the Zeiss ZF’s… Is the P+S Adapter also?
I see you have a Zacuto Zephyr300 attached to your HPX300 but without the rods… How’s the P+S Mini35C attached?
Which Sachtler is that? The 15SB?
Congrats! Looks wonderful… and hope to see your work soon.
Henry.
Sep 27th, 2009
balster
- I don’t have a Letus Extreme with relay so nor have I seen this hooked up to a HPX300 so I can’t say.
- In terms of light loss here is a quote from the P+S Technik website:
- Very light sensitive, loose only 1/2″ stop
- Light weight and compact
- Power supply via camera, no extra battery needed
- Uses the P+S Technik Interchangeable Mount System (IMS)
- Camera needs no modification, just mount the MINI35 Comapct and a 35mm lens to your 1/3″ video camera
- Adjustable ground glass speed
- Low noise level
All I can say is that it’s all true.
- The Mini35 Compact is built for full frame 35mm still and film lenses.
- The Mini35 Compact is built for the Chrosziel 401-89B LWS so I have to wait for it to come in. Then I can do some real testing.
- The tripod is a Sachtler 18PII
Sep 28th, 2009
Joe Vargas
Hi Balster:
Great info.
Would you share what all of the components are that make up the lens system that is in your picture?
What lens?
What attachments forward of the lens?
What Matt Box?
Thanks.
Oct 11th, 2009
Bryan Roy
Hi Balster. Do you still feel you have the same control over depth of field, or does the 2/3 have the advantage over the 1/3, even with the same 35mil lenses? You haven’t yet said witch picture you prefer, the Sony or the Panasonic.
May 13th, 2010
admin
Hi Bryan,
The 1/3 vs 1/2 discussion is pointless, yes you lose some depth of field with a 1/3 sensor but by compensating about one stop you regain this depth of field. The PS Technik will give you a 35mm depth of field no matter the chip you are using. It projects the 35mm image on the camera chip. And in terms of preferred picture; I simply love the Panasonic! I have been working with Sony for over 10 years but am very happy that I made the switch. The 300 is a bit noisy but the colors are simply gorgeous compared to the cold Sony settings.
May 13th, 2010
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