The Redrock m2
Everyone agrees it's the story that makes a movie stand out. This is especially true for independent movies
where the story is not so easily hidden behind big budget Hollywood effects. But, when you are flipping
through channels, what is it that makes you stop and look long enough to find out about the story?
Usually it's way the story is being presented - lighting, camera movement and the overall look of the picture.
Generally, those visual clues are associated with a film production. That is not always the case. And with
the tools that have been finding their way into the market over the past few years, it is becoming easier
and easier to leave film behind and maintain that familiar look.
Focus Creates Attention
One of the more common of these visual clues is selective focus. That allows the director to guide the
eyes of the viewer to a specific object or person on screen. By focusing on a person and allowing the
background to go out of focus, the viewer's attention is naturally drawn to the part of the screen that is
in focus - the person. In the case of two people having a conversation, the one that is in focus gets the
attention.
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My use of 35mm adapters
So how have I used this piece of kit, what are my thoughts for people interested in 35mm adapters?
Having seen the depth of field people were able to achieve by using the m2 I thought yes! finally I can
steer away form the 'video look' thats so present with video cameras these days. Although I use a high
top end proffesional camera, by using the 35mm adapter i can achieve even more depth of field.
This enables me to create more impactful images, that creatively I can choose which elements I need
for optimum attention, it all sounds great yes?
Well not quite...
The `redrock m2 is expensive, over £1800 for the high defintion kit and thats before import taxes, ouch!
then you have the vast choice of lens, and which format, nikon? p ring? cinema mounts? and lets
not forget about your actual lens, 28mm, 50mm, 120mm, ect oh and did we mention prime lens?
There is a lot to learn when using a 35mm adapter, you really cant just buy this kit and expect good
results, just as you would not with a high end camera. you really do have to do some homework
and ask, ask, ask from people who have used the kit in a professional project,
For instance, when changing your lens say from a 28mm to 50mm if you use the focus puller it will
take approx 5 mins to set the redrock back up, time consuming and very fiddly.
You are the Zoom...
Yes by using a 35mm adapter you cannot use your zoom lens on the camera AT ALL, you ARE the zoom,
so if you need to get a better shot closer up, you have to move. It takes some getting used to as you have to approach
the film project as just that 'FILM' it makes you a better cinematographer as you really have to plan your shots.
Plus & Minus...
The plus sides are the 35mm adapter makes your footage look like film, beautiful even amazing in places, they teach
you to appreciate what real filmaking is about, and having a knowledge of lens and focal lenghts is a real buzz
when you get your head around it. Your productions look more professional and they enable a freedom of creativity
that sometimes is lacking in traditional filmaking.
The minus sides are cost, they are expensive and for many videographers will seem pointless, why spend money
and many more hours preparing a job when the intial camera will surfice?. Lack of light, by using the redrock you
lose 2-3 fstops, thats a lot of light to lose, so if you are planning on using it indoors you will need light, and lots of it!!
It is always handy to have a HD external monitor when using these products as well, becasue you are using a 35mm
lens with a displacer the image will apear upside in your viewfinder, and that can be very confusing.
On the whole, I love it, it has made me a more competent filmaker and given me skills I would of otherwise not
known about or used. I will be posting some more samples of footage that uses the redrock for you view how
these adapters change the look of the footage.
Under NO and I mean NO circumstances would I advise you use this on a paying job unless you have spent 6 months learning it,
The results can be terrible in inexperienced hands, as I found when first using it as most of the footage was unuseable
Its been a long post, so thanks to those who have taken an interest, don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Andy | media73.
media73 | Corporate Video | Property Video | Music Videos
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