Vintage Lenses for VIDEO // Transform Any SLR Lenses Into A Cine Lens
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Modding vintage lenses for cine is an affordable alternative to buying modern cine lenses. You have to remember that these old lenses now were at some point the best of the best in its class and sold for top dollar.
#vintagelens#vintageforvideo#cinemalenses
🎼 **Free 30 day Trial with Epidemic Sound: share.epidemics...
For more information check out:
www.simmodlens.com
🎥 MODDING LINKS: 🎥
ll Simmod Services: www.simmodlens.com
To send in lenses to Simmod: www.simmodlens.com/lensform
For DIY Parts:
Custom Caps and Front Rings: www.simmodlens...
EF Conversion Mounts: www.simmodlens...
Cine Filters: www.simmodlens...
De-Clicking Grease: www.simmodlens...
💡 Lighting 💡
• LitraTorch 2.0 With Color Filters: amzn.to/2HMMcIv
• LitraTorch 1.0 With Color Filters: amzn.to/2WBUfLC
• LitraPro: amzn.to/2ML2qAG
🎥 BEST VINTAGE LENS ADAPTERS 🎥
• FOTODIOX M42 - E (Sony): amzn.to/2GmyREM
• FOTODIOX PRO M42-EOS (Canon): amzn.to/2I1yUTI
• FOTODIOX PRO M42 - F (Nikon): amzn.to/2DRT7IT
• FOTODIOX PRO M42-Micro 4/3: amzn.to/2pCuk7H
💥 PRODUCTION GEAR I USE 💥
• SONY A7SII: amzn.to/2nHqhsd
• SONY ZEISS 16-35mm: amzn.to/2Aol12i
• Canon 16-35mm F4: amzn.to/2rL6OWo
• Canon 6DII: amzn.to/2ED2h0W
• Canon 24mm F/1.4: amzn.to/2T2e6Bf
• Rode Mic: amzn.to/2BhgM8P
• MiniPod: amzn.to/2BT77lX
• TRIPOD: amzn.to/2y8h8IX
• LOWEPRO 450: amzn.to/2AI5r0r
ORIGINAL MUSIC BY: DJFLIPFLOP
Instagram: @djflipflop
www.djflipflop.com
SOCIAL
••SUBSCRIBE HERE: bit.ly/2ApLHQc
📱 Follow me on Instagram: / mholtze
🦅 Follow me on Twitter: / markholtze
🎼 Music from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...)
Category
People & Blogs
***The purchase links in this description are affiliate links. The proceeds support this channel at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
**I made this video voluntarily and am not paid in any way by SIMMOD LENS.
So guys, mods or no mods? What do you guys think? The scene from the film Quadrophenia "We are the Mods" was ringing through my head when I took this thumbnail.
Totally Random: What's your favourite film? GO!
@@Drewsvideos Darko is such a good movie, the mood of it and use of music was brilliant.
I've actually always been both SONY and CANON funny enough. I bought the SONY (mirrorless) for vintage lenses specifically and some super low light events I was doing at the time. Before that I was using Canon.
I'm brand agnostic really, I just like we have so many options these days. :)
'the american friend' or 'billy jack' or 'jaws' - i can't decide.
You don’t have to pick one, the mlre the merrier. Jaws is so good, tension and suspense built around the idea of something. Making of Jaws behind the scenes is so informative. The shark was a nightmare to film, but they found a way to not show it and still have you edge of seat for most of the film.
Creative problem solving at its finest.
Good list mate! Thanks
John Carpenter's 'The Thing'
LA Confidential
Glad I watched this on Father’s Day, your daughter is delightful. I enjoy whenever my kids are on set or helping out as subjects when I shoot or test gear.
Happy belated Father’s Day mate. Ya I like it as well, loads of fun. She likes it as well, so once and awhile we’ll do a little thing :). Thanks for watching
There's something about those old lenses that is just so alluring, from the look and feel of the lenses to the eye and in the hand, to the way that they render images. You videos make "Takumar" sound like a Tantric sex ritual.
Totally agree mate. I'm glad that my LOVE and "obsession" (cause that's what it is) with them translates even just a little.
Happy Friday mate!
That kid is super adorable. Genuine happiness. Awesome content as well.
she’s the best lol, thanks Luis!
My friend uses almost exclusively vintage lenses with for his GH5 when doing DP work. Being with him few times on set has assured me that modding is the way to go. You can work so much quicker and smoother with mods.
Ya makes a huge difference. GH5 does a lot of commercial work now. Great camera.
Like your videos..can you pls Tel me what mount goes with Panagor 35-70mm to Sony a7s2 🙌 thanks
Not sure off hand mate. Might have to google that lens to get the mount. I’ve seen some people say EE mount others C/Y so not 100% sure.
@@MarkHoltze 🔥🔥
Wish I could be more specific! Never heard of that lens before. Sony is E mount or NEX
@@MarkHoltze thanks man 👌
I enjoy every one of your vids Mark, you attention to detail, edits colouring and info is top shelf.
Joe, you’re a fantastic part of this community. I thank you sincerely for being here. Looking forward to your next video mate!
duuuude this video is a game changer, I had no idea this could be done! My Nikkor Ai /Ais lenses that I don't have yet will love it!
You're going to love those Ai/ais lenses that you will eventually acquire! I have foreseen it! ;)
Loved it from start to finish, great info and shots. The star of the show was clearly the fantastic assistant.
Thanks Peter! Ya she's the best, good excuse for us to hang out and get some work done ;). Plus I had nobody outside to track my manual focusing and who better than a little one lol. They don't stand still for long.
Men, I have to say.. since I discovers your channel, I am addicted. You are the best in this field! Also great humour!
Thanks John! Sincerely happy you are getting something out of it. Appreciate you taking the time!
I really like that glowing light in the back ground
Ya, logo light is my fav!
Vintage look is just the best ✌️awesome share dear thank you
You know what I’m talking about ;) thanks for watching Layila, it was my pleasure.
Mark Holtze my pleasure:D
Hi Mark! You made me in love with vintage lenses. I have started collecting them and will let you know about my collection after having a good collection. But, it is you who motivated me......! Thank you so much brother.
So happy to hear that Sumit! I would love to hear about them! You might find some interesting ones I'd love to test out myself.
I always wanted a Macro Lens but never had the cash for, so I always worked with extension tubes. Thanks to you I bought a SMC Takumar f/4 Macro. Love it !
Makes me happy to hear. The money you save is nothing compared to the experience and results you'll get with it after a bit of practice mate. My modern Canon 100 MM macro is sitting on a shelf getting NO play these days. Been shooting exclusively vintage since Dec 2017
What a great and informative video. Mark is one of the best. He's the only guy I know that will take time on social media to have a chat with you, and like some of your photos. Good luck trying to get that interaction with someone else. Thanks Mark for sharing your knowledge and experience. Keep up the great work!👍🏼
Thanks mate, engagement is a big reason why I do this. You've given me some valuable information, you can get great info because people know everything lol.
Appreciate it, have a great weekend mate.
I have it a like mostly because I loved seeing you with your daughter at the beginning and end. She's super cute.
She’s gotten a lot taller since 😆 she’s still super cool though 😎
@@MarkHoltze I can imagine! I'll have to check out more of your recent videos too. I can see her growing up to be pretty cool though😎
1. Do you have recommendations for vintage lenses? How do I consider mount compatibility?
2. What if I'm using Sony e-mount? Are there mods to convert lenses to e-mount?
1) I've reviewed loads on my channel, I'd say start with something fairly inexpensive to see if you even like it. Pentacon, Helios or Takumar, they're all M42 mounts and work well with just about every camera.
2) E mount is the easiest camera mount to adapt to, you won't find any shortage of adapters, I use the Fotodiox adapters, M42 to NEX for the lenses mentioned above. They're great.
@@MarkHoltze Thx. I loved the video.
Yes! Finally someone says this! They really are just mini Cine lenses! I've sadly had some significant mirror hang problems with the Super Takumars on a full-frame DSLR, (For Photography at least) but for mirrorless video... Beautiful!
Ya, it's a shame about the DSLR issues. I never really use mine with vintage, I bought the Sony specifically FOR vintage since I don't have any native Sony glass (I have the 16-35 F/4 now but I never use it).
Dang mirror, I would really like to make a list of the lenses that mirror hang on my 6DII.
Maybe I'll do that.
Thanks mate,
Absolutely. I use my full frame for photography only, so it's probably best not to use all manual lenses anyway... Great video! You have one of the highest "Information/quality to time ratios" on RUclips.
Thanks mate sincerely. If people are going to watch I want the info to be valid and helpful. I love this stuff so happy to share what I know.
Fantastic work Mark! Especially loved the wrap-up at the end. Too cute. :)
Thanks Tim! Appreciate it mate, you made it ALL the way to the end? Wow! I'm like "by this point everyone is done watching" lol. She was looking forward to me finishing so we could make some "store signs" for my office and her room lol.
Nice work. I have two Leica vintage lenses that I am going to convert. This was really helpful. thank you.
Leica R’s?
Great video Mark. Loved the video and everything. Keep up the good work and lets get you 5 mil subs quickly.
Thanks mate. Hopefully not TOO quickly, I can't handle that kind of pressure ;) Have a great weekend mate.
@@MarkHoltze Its always a pleasure mate. Believe me you'll feel soo good when you hit it, and I can tell its not too far. You have a great weekend too.
@@shayan0245 Appreciate the confidence and thank you for being here.
@@MarkHoltze always a pleasure again.
hey i am from jamaica sorry i didnt see you , hope after this covid situation you come back i think i am your biggest fan , i love your cine lens the vintage ones i am trying to collect some glass and mod the but you know being in jamaica it takes a long time , i have a helios 44-2 its is my baby need the some more glass lol , keep up the good work
I'm drooling right now. You are a wicked man 🤣
I know it’s going to be painful to give these back. But they’re needed on productions.
Man, your videos are SO helpful and so well made it's unbelievable! Great content once again, Mark :D
Thanks Aroga. Trying to shine some light on how high these old lenses can go up the pro ladder. They're a great place to start and finishing your career :).
Oh don't tempt me Mark! Modding my existing lenses to be natively compatible with my Sony workflow is something I ponder about too much! Solid video mate - love the Pulp Fiction reference ;)
Yes native compatibility is hard to come back from lol. I love my adapters but to burn them all wouldn’t be a bad thing ;)
Great video! About to embark on my own journey of building a cine-modded set of Nikkor Ai-S lenses. Can't wait!
Oh, game changer mate! The Nikkors in this video are off to Hong Kong end of the month to shoot a Levi’s spot. Stoked for you! What focal lengths are you getting done?
Gonna start with a base set of 24mm f2, 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.2 and 85mm f1.4 which I hope to finish by the end of the summer, then expand the set when more money comes in!
Wow, yes those will kill it mate. Nice collection by the way! Kind of jealous ;)
Mark Holtze Haven’t acquired them yet, haha. Just became interested in this project a few weeks ago.
Understood! Well you won’t be disappointed when you get them. That 50 1.2 is butter.
So clever, great works as always.
Thanks Urbano. Can you guess the film reference off the top? ;)
Yes for sure, it’s a Ref to a classic mod scooter British film.
@@UrbanoModa Also Pulp Fiction (with the briefcase "soul" light) ;) lol. Have a great weekend mate.
Mark Holtze Pulp fiction has some great moments, especially the foot massage and $5 Dollar shake. One of those movies just like Raging Bull where the feel in each actors eyes and mood drags the audience in. When you said Mods and Quadrophinia made me think you liked that movie. God bless have a good weekend also.
Fiction was so good in it’s story telling the mixed timelines blew me away when I first saw it. Also showed me how effective dialog can be at building tension. A trade mark in Tarantino films now.
Quad is a great film, when I was in England years ago for work, I asked the producers to give me all the best British films, I watched all of them...totally inspired.
Very helpful - thanks. Have been considering vintage glass for my new P4K but def wanted to standardize all for focus ring position and filter size etc and was not looking forward to that exercise. This just made it very easy and a one-stop-shop! Much appreciated with a sub.
My pleasure! Just got my Takumar set done and shot my last video with them. Completely change the game. So nice not having to deal with step up rings.
Oh man the brief case had me hooked!!! Brilliant. Man 7 grand lenses... I'm automatically thinking of all the amazing places I could visit with that. Blue Jays rule...and great tips on how to mount the old lens on the cam! Man that pop is like opening a can of pringles or a bottle of new tennis balls. Alright Holly way to give er! Always love when the little ones help...man, I'm looking for the pause button with my daughter...she is growing up so fast.
You clearly watched THE WHOLE VIDEO lol. Thanks mate. I do love blue jays. Man the little ones helping is the best. She's also a great skier, so I like her even more now ;)
Definitely, you should mod your Takumars. Then you could buy some more for your still shots. What a cunning plan... you may thank me later. Great video, Mark yet again. Thanks.
LoL buy more Takumars. Ron is modding a set of Takumars now so curious to see those. Been messing around with the 17mm fisheye, going to start posting pictures on my insta. What a fun lens that is.
Here's what we're modding right now 20mm f4.5 SMC
28mm f3.5 SMC
35mm f2.0 SMC
50mm f1.4 SMC
85mm f1.8 SMC
100mm f4.0 SMC
135mm f2.5 SMC Stay tuned!
I’m
Anxiously awaiting these results!
I always wondered how they focused so fast with manual lenses. I never knew they had jobs dedicated to that lol. Very informative video! Also, you should be an actor.
🎭
Wow Mark, I didnt even know you could do that. About these conversion kits. Can I do my Canon FD lenses? Nice video 🙏🏼
Thanks Bart, you can totally mod FD’s. FD Modded sets are super popular amongst the DP community because vintage canon glass is just adored.
Vintage for video is highly active community, it’s a great way to give old lenses new life. Despite how many things change, the core of cinematography is timeliness. It’s all about that added functionality.
As Mark has said, FD lenses are quickly becoming the most popular vintage lenses for modding at the moment--simply because of their availability and affordability on the market. However, like all vintage things, price will rise as popularity increases. We mod approximately 50-80 FD lenses per week! They're very adaptable to all mods.
The master himself.
Ron Sim SIMMOD LENS tnx
Thanks for the explanations. Now I just need to keep myself from buying vintage cine lenses I probably don't need. ;-) Keep up the great work!
lol, opsie! Here's what I would recommend if you're serious about considering it. Get a set of three that you want to mod (same brand if possible), or ONE lens you use a lot for video. The nice thing is you can just remove everything easily enough and you can only buy what you need. Like those front mounts that make all your lenses the same diameter is SO helpful for me. Better than step up rings and keep me from having to buy multiple sized ND's.
Have a great weekend James, thanks for watching mate.
Mark Holtze thanks! Probably should get a vintage (photography) lens first though.
Be a good idea. Make sure you like it!
Winner winner chicken dinner! Super stoked to win and can’t wait to use it!
Great video with this one! I’ve been wondering how using vintage lenses for video was done. I’ll be sharing this with some videographer friends!
Also, the laser engraving part was awesome to see upclose
Congrats Holly!! I haven’t had a chance to promote it yet I’m downtown giving talks all day to future editors! But stoked for you girl! Can’t wait to see how you use it!
Wow, this opens up a whole new word!
shhh, don't tell anyone, but they make better CINEMA lenses than photography lenses ;) shhhhhhh
Bro your editing is 🔥 you are miles ahead of other RUclipsrs
Thanks Ed! Appreciate the compliment. To be fair I am an editor. I cut film/doc/tv series so glad it resonates. :)
@@MarkHoltze Still your lighting, shooting style and color grading make your Videos 🔥 I know you've heard this before but you deserve more subs
@@eddewes8409 Thanks Ed, again very kind of you to say. :)
Super cool🙌 Do you use a monitor for the manual focus? I run into some problems finding the critical focus and following up with the 180°-270° focus rings while shooting with the oncamera monitor. To start with i bought a budget feelworld 7“ (also has build in false color, which is nice to expose perfectly). Hope it change the game, i get nervouse when its not on point. Any tipps? Suggesting a Video about manual focus tipps&tricks!
I SHOULD use a monitor more, but I find it just boggles down the setup...unless i'm on a paid shoot then i'll bring one. I find the eyepiece is good enough for me. Do you have focus magnification on a button that's easy access? I will burst in and out quickly sometimes to make sure I'm sharp. If i know the subject is moving a lot I will close up my aperture a bunch (assuming I'm on a zoom) to give me a bit more room.
A monitor will definitely help I think. What kind of stuff are you shooting? What camera are you using? (different techniques for different kinds of shooting/camera)
@@MarkHoltze I'm using the a7III, i have the magnifi. programed but must admit i dont youse it often, also do fashion, models and a lot of run and gun Event stuff were you want to capture that one face expression, close up, on a low appretur and only have seconds. Wanted to much last time with a FD 50mm 1.4 don't realy used it over F/4.0 and missed some shots and i hate myself for it (#nohardfeelings haha). Yea so just wanted to make sure their isn't some kind of secret i missed out on and everything else is just related to your super power. P.s. i use focus peeking too, but doesn't realy help much wide open.
@@Buschwerker1 Totally mate, I actually bought the Sony for vintage and to shoot a bunch of fashion events as well. I have learned that shooting at 1.4 is REALLY hard unless you have control. 2.8 is much more forgiving when the model is moving around.
One thing I find is the more you use a lens the more muscle memory can really help you out. When running and gunning I sometimes find it's super charming to have a bit of organic focus finding. It's very doc, feels "authentic".
Also the best part about these vintage is that fast aperture so I feel you there. Over 4? Not unless i'm dead on the floor lol.
@@MarkHoltze haha, great.
I'm all about vintage lenses : )
YES!!! Me too (can you guess?) ;)
Sooooo helpful, I traded a kidney for a Contax Zeiss 18mm & realised there was no front thread on the lens barrel. You & Simrod to the rescue! Thanks
✊
Another great one. I know what was in your case...... it was one of your small led lights. Lol. ;) I'm definitely going to try more filming g with my old lenses.
Yes you have done a bit of that in past I think I saw no? Thanks for watching my friend! Hope you’re having a nice weekend!
LOVE THIS!
I figure you would mate. This is the stuff our dreams are made of! I had to borrow the your brand title for the title of this video. Don’t really know what else to call it ;)
Your videos are cleeeaan!!
Thanks mate! :)
This is really epic im glad I found your page man your dropping quality content for free i hope you hit 10k subs soon i will be trying to get one of these after i get my sony a7
Thanks mate! The A7 is honestly THE perfect camera series for these lenses. Full frame mirrorless, 1:1 focal length rendition and no mirror to mess up infinity focus through viewfinder or sometimes the mirror will hit the back of a lens (some lenses have this issue on a DSLR). It's really just mount and shoot.
The results are really up to you. :) Thanks for hanging out.
Mark Holtze I’m finally upgrading to a full frame i’ve never had one but i have shot with one im hoping the upgrade from a cropped sensor is well worth it & man those lens sounds awesome thanks mark
@@SunnySoCal That's awesome! Let me know how you find it? Remind me what camera you got again?
Mark Holtze i had a sony a6000 than i got a canon t6i a bit of a downgrade so i can reacquaint myself with photography (canon interface is more simplified) to sony’s but that was a bad trade off so ultimately i sold it now im just switching back to mirror less & upgrading to a full frame i do photography but i wanna get into videography i heard the a7 is actually quite decent video output wise so im getting an 35mm sigma art lens with the a7 & hopefully i can make magic lol but the sim lens shown in this video are really interesting
SUper excited for you mate! Let me know how you like it!
Do you have a vid on HOW to convert and WHERE to buy the cine ring for focus and part and how to convert aperture ring to de-clicked.
Not at the moment, the link to Simmod is in the description. That’s where you can order the parts directly.
More about the process I guess might be in this video: m.ruclips.net/video/oRjg7iHCtcs/видео.html
But I would just go visit www.simmodlens.com
Here's another legit place to buy a ring, you just need to ACCURATELY measure the diameter in millimeters: www.ebay.com/itm/FLEX-Seamless-Follow-Focus-Gear-for-DSLR-Lens-45-93mm/291897239879
your videos are so amazing and different from the rest , thank you so much for your content !
Thanks Bruno. I try to keep things organic in style. I have some fall backs I rely on for these but I leave a lot open for interpretation. Plus this is for the love of the craft and information, so I’m happy to make it. Gets me out shooting in the forest with my daughter vs hanging around inside on a nice winter day ;)
@@MarkHoltze At the end of the day, the most important thing is having fun and enjoying what you are doing and I can clearly see that on your videos !
Also, the fact that you use mostly vintage lens, is a huge thing for me because I also shoot with old lens 90% of my time and seeing someone creating amazing content with older glass is really refreshing.
Nowadays we see people only pushing the newest gear to try to make the most money off it and you go behind that trend, which is really refreshing. Nothing wrong with new stuff, but I see a lot of genuinely on your videos, keep it up your amazing content !
cheers from brazil :)
Excellent video... informative, entertaining and well produced. I’d just appreciate a listing of your recommended vintage lenses. Perhaps you could have included links as well... Thanks.
It’s tough one, I like to show what I like, why I’m doing my Lens reviews. Show what I like about them and why I do. Recommending a Lens is tough to do without knowing what the is individual is into.
I personally find SMC Takumars to be the best value. Good prices, built like tanks and amazing optics.
So many things to consider. Type of photography, frame size of camera, dslr or mirrorless, portrait, landscape or product shots.
What do you shoot? I can help give you a better idea.
Sorry to but in, but what's good for a narrative/commercial filmmaker with a Panasonic GH5?
@@jagbirsingh5791 Really depends on what you want to shoot. GH5 is a great camera, but you have to consider the crop frame when lens selection. These are full frame lenses so you'll have to multiply the focal length of the full frame by 2.
Canon FD, Contax Carl Zeiss, Minolta, SMC Takumar's, Nikon Nikkor's are all good options. Price points vary there, Zeiss and Nikkor's being the most expensive.
2 comments. First: she's adorable. Second: interesting about the FD to EF remount swap. That swap retains Infinity focus? Might be interesting to do that to the 1.2 lens you showcased in the other video (for when you get your own copy).
Only thing it impacts is when the mirror is in the way. These are modded for cine cameras mainly which act like a mirrorless. When I shoot my dslr in video mode I have zero problems with a regular FD to EF adapter with focus.
Actually a lot of cinematographer modify old slr lenses like this for pro use, more using them in that field than the photography field where overall sharpness is more valued.
I found a new love 💕. I want to try out using vintage lenses. I have a Sony APS-C a6500. Are there prime lenses in the focal range of +/- 16mm to 35mm with you could recommend?
Wider is harder to find and because of that they're expensive so anything wider than 24 you pay a premium for. The Canon FD 24mm F/2.8 is probably the best 24mm for the money. SMC Takumar has a 24mm 3.5 but it's a bit more. The SMC Takumar 35mm F2 is a nice option as well for the 35mm focal mark.
I would recommend the Canon FD 24mm F2.8 as a starting point if you want. Canon FD mount to Sony NEX (E mount) and you're good.
Takumar's are fantastic lenses as well, those are M42 mounts so to adapt M42 to NEX adapter.
Enjoy mate!
I have Cinemodded Helios from Ironglass, I love it, 16 iris blades, FF, and more satisfying flares!
As good as these lenses are for photo, they’re even better for video ;). Helios are amazing lenses, such cool characteristics.
Love the production value! Great content and information too. Subbed.
Hi Will, thanks mate! I'm pretty passionate about this stuff so I try to put a lot of work into it to help showcase how GOOD these old lenses are.
Plus it's just fun right? Thanks for stopping by, and I'm sure I'll see you around :)
Another cool video. Waiting for a dedicated review of the Contax 85mm.
Oh ya! That is going to be a trip! I'm going to compare it to the Tak 85 as well. I need some dedicated time with it, so look for it in the spring for sure! It's magic...I'll say that.
I'm more of a photo guy than a cinema guy but vintage lens are tasty for ANYthing ANYtime. And because of this video you made I might start cinematics soon. Really appreciate your work man backed by a cute dad and daughter relationship (you two remind me of Tony and Morgan).
Agreed. For anything and anytime lol! These lenses just shine in the cinematic world for sure. Glad you enjoyed it mate. It was a nice way for my daughter and I to hang out and get a little work done. :) thanks for the kind words.
much love from me and my family ❤️
That thumbnail is fire. 🔥 You should also make a tutorial on how to photograph lenses. :D
Thanks mate, that's a good idea. I'll give you a little backstory on that thumb. I stress about them, I'm not even sure they're "good" so your comment on it gives me a bit more confidence lol. I think I took that at 2am last night as part of my "marketing" aspect of these videos. For me it's the hardest part, shooting and editing...easy, that's my jam, marketing? Totally different.
Yours is a good idea for sure, I'll do a behind the scenes and my thought process behind it possibly. Vs THIS is how you do it because...so many ways.
Sorry for the essay response, appreciate your time mate. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the great example with the Outlaw King!
My pleasure! Any long steady cam shot you see it in, but thought that was one of the nicest examples :)
@@MarkHoltze I was doing some shooting today and I could quickly realize having the proper lens could of made today's shoot a lot better. Found myself going from indoors to outdoors quite often and this kept ringing in my head lol
Thank you for this awesome video. Question though. I understand that many different lenses can be modified, but are they ONLY modifiable TO the EF mount? I have the Lumix S5, which has leica L mount for example. I don't think this is possible for me. (I am speaking of the mount itself, not the focus gear or declicking the aperture ring, those are of course not effected by the mount)
Simmod only does EF and now getting into RF. I’m using these on my S1H with a EF to L adapter so I can use my legacy canon lenses. Not sure the demand is wildly available yet for L directly.
@@MarkHoltze Thank you Mark, you are so great for responding, especially this quickly. Just Subscribed! I'm getting into Cinematography, and I was under the impression that direct mount (like the one you are using modified or not) will deliver better image quality as opposed to using an adapter. Since you are doing both, could you confirm this? If there is a difference, is it negligible? I was looking at FD lenses with an FD to L mount adapter. (Since there is no apparent way to cine mod FD lenses to L mount).
Many thanks.
No image quality loss on adapters without a lens element. Some of them have that like adapting FD to EF. L is such a great mount and easy to adapt to but the manufacturers are slow at producing adapter for them. FD to L, see if you can Google that and get any options. I don’t love FD’s so haven’t really adapted them to my L mount, I do have an FD to Rf mount I use on the Komodo, but not what you need.
Minolta Rokkors are a great option, lots of MD to L mounts available as well and they’re way nicer than FD’s if I’m being honest.x
Mark honestly do you really need a matte box or would a cheap pop up style lens hood work if you had one for each lens?
That's essentially what's on this, but a matte box can be very useful depending on your lighting. You don't need one for sure, but they're used quite a lot for a number of reasons. Controlling flare, filter stacking etc.
@@MarkHoltze Thanks for responding man. I got a Takumar 50mm and I am modding it myself. It is enjoyable to build your own stuff and you helped me get into it. Also I might get to do a documentary series to be aired on PBS I know you maybe working on one so would you ever do a series on how to film a documentary? Long message but thanks for actually responding to me man.
@@vantaretro no problem man, I might, definitely something I'd like to do. I've done a few bits on behind the scenes editing and they never did that well. When I teach I like to give loads of context because it's pretty complicated at least at this level. Trying to package it into something that finds the intended audience and can help people actually APPLY these terms to grow is challenge.
Definitely something I'm considering though mate.
You could review one of these autofocus adapters that sit between your takumar and the camera body. It autofocusses with a servo that moves the lens to and from the body. Works rather well for photography, just not for video at all. Its called the Techart Pro, but there's copy brands.
I would but I don’t have phase shift auto on my Sony. It only works with that auto focus as to my understanding so it would be an accurate review of results. I actually looked into it as an option. Maybe at some point. Good suggestion mate thanks!
Clear and concise, thanks
Thanks Luke!
Great video, thanks!!!
My pleasure Agustin! Thanks for stopping by!
Do you have a review of your nikon and zeiss set?
They were all loaners, although I’ve got my own Contax Zeiss set now I did a video on. I shoot everything with them generally after that video so they’re in action pretty much all the time
@@MarkHoltze ohh ok! I just wanted to see the differences between the zeiss and the nikkors. I have never seen a quality review for the vintage nikkors (like the ones you make). I guess its because nikon never made proper cine glass. It was awesome to see them modded tho! Thanks!
Dude! Your vids look amazing!
Thanks Thomas! Trying to do justice by these old lenses. Let me know if you figure out your R2 issue. Try this:
Go to custom settings which is the sprocket icon and tab 3 there is one that says Release w/o Lens, you need to enable this.
@@MarkHoltze Hi Mark. Love your vids. Have watch severell by know! Regarding my issue. The release without lens is enabled. just to be clear. The function you are describing, is the automatic "jump in to focus zoom" as soon as you start manually focusing, right? Just like is does on a more modern lens? Is so, just wondering how the camera can do this is the lens is all manual. :-)
@@thomaswindfeld728 Oh right. I have the "focus zoom" set to one of my custom buttons. I have to trigger in, I pull my focus, I trigger out. I know with my Sony 16-35 F4 and I'm manual it will auto focus zoom when I start to manually focus (I HATE that personally). Check your camera functions, look for "focus zoom" and apply it to one of your custom buttons if you can. For me it's C2 right at my index finger next to shutter. It's probably my MOST used button ;).
Hope that helps, thanks so much for watching mate, I'm happy you are enjoying this stuff.
The AR2 is a nice camera, wish I had the MP it does on my Sony A7SII ;). I use it primarily for video so that's why I got the S version, still waiting for the A7SIII ;)
Let me know if I've STILL got it wrong and let me just apologize in advance!
@@MarkHoltze apologize? No need :-). I also have it set to a custom button but when clicking it it tells me that the lens is not attached or not compatible or something. So "real" manual lenses, I cant get to work with this feature. However I LOVE the auto jump in to focus zoom. For me, thats the gold right there :-D
@@thomaswindfeld728 Dang! I want to solve it now. GOING TO BE AN R2 (D2) ;) k. Let me know if you figure it out at some point, so weird.
I commented earlier before even watching more than 30 seconds. Now that I've watched the whole video... damn, mate, you're so good at this! How did you do that sequence with the cap engraving? That is just brilliant, and I'm sure clients would pay many KKKs for something like that in a commercial video. Also really dig the use of the back light with the grid, especially the way it worked with the reflection in the lens.
Lastly, congrats on being a great dad. Your daughter and the love you share is a beautiful treasure.
Thanks mate sincerely. Video making is my jam though, I've been doing it for the better part of my life and it's my career focus as well so that helps ;). The laser part was simply having access TO the laser and a macro lens. Getting that angle just right so that the frame looks cool and hitting record...then finding a cool sound, throwing some SFX design on it and editing the crap out of it lol.
I'm a pretty lucky papa I have to say. She makes it easy and she's so much fun. Since I do all this stuff in my spare of spare time (I barely have any) I want to make sure that I can include her in as much of it as I can. Obviously only if she's cool with it, I give her final say so she feels she has a bit of control over it. Also what a great subject to use for manual focus, kids never sit still, so tracking her really tests the limits lol.
Thanks again for watching and the super kind words.
Sincerely.
Your daughter is so adorably charming!
She’s melts my heart. So much so that I had to take the part we shot at the end and start the whole thing with it lol.
I gotta say, your content is gold! I am looking for a vintage long focal (200mm) for my sony a7iii for video. Do you have an idea? thx
Thanks! Appreciate the kind words. Check out the SMC Takumar 200mm F4, you can get it for under $100 I believe.
@@MarkHoltze thx, appriciate the quick reply. def gonna check it out! (replying while watching your other videos).^^ have a good one.
@@florentthomas5300 My pleasure mate, let me know if you have any other questions.
Love everything about this video! Looking to upgrade my videography gear in the most cost-effective way. I think you've helped me find it. Thanks! New subscriber!
It was a game changer for me as well. Finding out they’re used on professional big budget stuff was also quite surprising.
Thanks for stopping by mate, let me know if you have any questions adapting.
@@MarkHoltze Thanks for replying! I currently shoot on a Canon DSLR. A colleague gifted me her old AE-1 and a set of lenses for Christmas. I've got a 50mm 1.2, a 28mm 2.8...even an old JC Penney 75-300. All manual focus, so I was hoping I could use them for video.
Fantastic. Funny thing with canon DSLR’s is they don’t shoot canon FD very well. You will need an adapter like Fotodiox pro FD to EOS with a glass element to get infinity focus. It’s got to do with the mirror but might be good if you only shoot in video mode.
I have some friends who shoot a lot of canon FD on EF dslr’s, i mostly shoot them on my Sony mirrorless or C100 cinema.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. I have a canon DSLR Fotodiox pro review if you want to see how it works.
@@MarkHoltze Thanks for the info! Well, I was hoping. I'll try it out. If I can't use them, I'm sure I could buy a couple of the lenses you featured in your video and just mod them. Thanks again!
Definitely, they should work for video, it’s more photo they give people issues. Best of luck mate
Is there a hardmount conversion to sony E mount?
Not from these guys. Supply and demand as I did ask. Not enough demand for E mounts.
Hi Mark, can you tell me what size focus rings I need to fit an helios 44-2 and a canon fd 24mm???
Good afternoon Mark. I love your work! You have the best camera vlog on the net! I need advice. How do I price a vintage lens cinema package of a 17mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm? I would like to purchase a radioactive Takamura lens. I am crossed to purchase a Sony A7s II or Blackmagic Pocket 4K camera. However, I am crossed because I need a camera to shoot both cinema and stills. I appreciate all of your support!!!
Hi Chuck. Are you wanting to get these lenses modded? I think SIMMOD is actually doing a set of Takumar's now. You should reach out and ask if interested.
Are you looking at the NEW BlackMagic Pocket 4k? The only thing I don't love about that one is the sensor size (you need a focal reducer) and the fact it doesn't have sensor stabilization which the A7SII has. The A7SII is kind of oldish now and the SIII should be dropping this year at some point, might lower the price of the Sony.
For me it's Sony all the way, wish it had 10 bit external, but you can't win them all.
The SII isn't that great for stills, I mean it's 12mp so not sure exactly what you're shooting.
The Sony A7III is a decent option as well.
I've been lucky enough to have purchased most of my Takumar's at vintage lens shows in person. I have purchased a few on eBay that have been fine, I think it might be the best place depending on your location.
Hope that helps mate, happy to clarify anything if you want.
Which did you like more the Nikkor or the Carl Zeiss?
Carl Zeiss were in better shape, smoother focus and generally just easier to work with. I wouldn't kick the Nikkor's to the curb though, but the Zeiss made a lasting impression on me i'm collecting my own set now.
@@MarkHoltze Gotcha. I started with Nikon and now shoot Sony. So I am familiar with and have some Nikkor glass I shot film on my FE2. Was just curious if I should start over or go all out. Thanks for the reply!
@@AdventuresofDrJosiah I would keep going with Nikkor since you're already part of the way there :) Up to you though. Those contax zeiss lenses have something magical about how they feel,but that's purely subjective.
Nothing at all wrong with Nikkor :)
Awesome video. Where do you get it send out?
Thanks! Simmod does the mods. :)
@@MarkHoltze thank you
nice video man!
Thanks Alexander! Was a fun one to make. Vintage adapted for video is my fav use of the lenses. Figured it was time. :)
I have a Canon 5D Mark II. What lens can I use to make my videos more cinematic and crystal clear?
Great detail. Do you have any videos discussing the g7x mark 2 on the best settings or could you possibly do one
Thanks mate, I don't at the moment simply because I don't have one. Happy to do one if I ever get my hands on one.
Try this: www.livingez.us/2016/09/14/canon-g7x-setup/
Or look up "best video settings for G7X Mark II. Probably loads of videos on it.
You looking for video or photo settings?
@@MarkHoltze thanks that's great I'll check it out. I also follow you on Instagram. To keep up with your up dates
@@MarkHoltze I've taken a look at that link thank you really helpful it's got a step by step guide. What's your opinion on the canon 200d
Hey mate, it's not a bad camera,. Are you in the market for a new camera? If I were picking up anything new now for me it would be mirrorless for sure. The Rebel has always proven to be a pretty decent camera though.
Great video!
Thanks Jonathan!
Love the homage to the Short Circuit opening credits. I'm trying to get into videography and slowly collecting my gear. Manual focus is the way to go and I absolutely love the old Nikkor lenses. I'm using an entry-level Nikon dSLR but finding it annoying to manual focus without aides. I want to mod my camera to get a split prism focus screen so I can see my focal point and depth of field before switching to live view mode. Sadly more modern methods like focus peaking are not available on inexpensive cameras.
Do you have any thoughts on how to manual focus on a budget?
Short Circuit, one of my favourite movies growing up! That intro is still bad ass ;).
Focus peaking is cool, but it can be misleading. It's better for ball parking stuff and using focus zoom to fine tune it.
DSLR's are a bit tricky because their optical viewfinders are designed to be used with AF so like you said, those split prism methods of old are gone, or in digital form like Fujifilm cameras.
Does the screen flip out at all? I wonder if there is an optical magnifier that you could attach to your back screen. Also a cheap monitor might be a good bet. I think you can get one for around $250 maybe less, having a dedicated view monitor (some of them come with focus peaking) is helpful, even if just to enlarge the image so you can use your eyeball a bit better.
Manual focus is a bit tricky when shooting run and gun (ENG) style. If you're shooting a film/scene where you block your action you can just measurements to ball park your focusing.
It really is a bit tricky, I think ultimately just practice practice practice. The more you get familiar with the lens the more the muscle memory will develop. Knowing how much to move to achieve a certain level of focus. Also shooting super wide open will make landing that focus tricky, so if the shot is locked off and your subject is locked off it's much easier. There's a reason focus pullers do what they do. Sometimes watching these old films you can seethe focus puller missed the focus on the eyes. I've noticing that more and more lately.
Hope that helps mate, a bit long I realize
@@MarkHoltze Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have a low-end D3300 which does not have a flip out screen. My camera does have a sectional zoom feature in Live View which does help tremendously when I can see the screen. I think the problem I had last time I went out was that I was shooting at a lake facing the sunrise so I had trouble seeing my screen and mis-judged the focus and exposure. An external HDMI monitor is something I've considered for max flexibility. I honestly did not know they were available with focus assist features.That's very promising to know so I'll research those soon. I'm aware more expensive cameras like the D850 have focus peaking and the "split prism" look on the newer Fuji cameras are great! However both cost well over $2,000 so way out of my price range to just obtain one feature. The camera body I want to upgrade to will likely be $600 to $1,000 used so I'm trying to push my cheap $300 camera to its absolute limit and know that I built up my skills in the process before upgrading. ;)
@@zfoxfire Super smart! Ya bright conditions make using those back screens terrible. They're already barely bright enough as it is.
I like what you're doing, using the gear and pushing to the max. What i'm doing with these old SLR lenses.
Good luck in your ventures!
@@MarkHoltze It just so happens I can't afford the expensive stuff but I'm discovering the cheap stuff is still good if you know how to use it properly. Experience is more valuable in the long run. Thanks again for the tip on the screens. The Feelworld F6 seems to suit my needs. I just have to see if my Nikon outputs all the extra supporting information. Seems like the output varies from camera to camera.
@@zfoxfire This is the truth, most people especially on this platform chase the latest and greatest. I work in the film/tv industry so i'm using this stuff commercially to some degree. I firmly believe you shouldn't have to spend $3000 on a fast prime lens, getting a cheap vintage one will allow you to experiment and at the same time learning how to manual focus, how the f-stop on the lens impacts the image etc will teach you loads as well.
Build the craft first, the gear can come later.
Where did you get your follow focus gears?
Simmod lens. Functionality is insane. Full cine mod. De-clicked, gears and hoods. He does custom mounts for EF and PL as well.
Yo this is crazy I'm interested in moding
Completely changes the game mate, modded lenses are the best lenses ;)
@@MarkHoltze how do you do this
Simmodlens.com
They did it for me ;)
Excellent video. There is also another company called IronGlassAdapters. Not sure if anyone know them. They sell customised modded lens set for cinema use. Mainly soviet lenses though.
Yes, lots of companies do this, its VERY popular in the cinema world. Student films to full on productions.
I went to film school with Ron Sim (he's also an award winning DP). He does this stuff out of love and to keep him busy between shoots.
I still remember my first day of film school 20 years ago this year, he knew exactly what he wanted to do (camera/dp). His level of experience is high, plus he's been using these vintage lenses as a cinema hack for poor student days since 2000 so my respect for that vision.
Thanks for watching and your recommends mate! Appreciate it!
@@MarkHoltze Ahh, that explains it. I went and checked out Sim Mod and they indeed really cool and professional. Thanks for your insights.
Thank for the great video. In the disciption you mention the Fotodiox m42-Eos. I bought the Pro but the mirror of my 5d hits the rear of the lens. Did you face that problem too? Keep up the excellent work please 😁
Which lens is it? Some lenses do that for some reason on a DSLR. Like the Leica R 24mm sim modded has the same issue, but on the 50 and 35 no issues. With DSLR's SOME lenses do this, I wish I had a comprehensive list I could publish. I do most of my vintage shooting on a mirrorless or a "cine" camera where I don't to worry about it. I was testing these out a lot on my DSLR though and noticed out of all the lenses, just the 24 gave me issues.
Yours isn't uncommon though, it's a thing in the DSLR world.
@@MarkHoltze Thanks Mark for your reply. (My YT-app doesnt show a reply, soorry I didnt notice it before.) - It was the Voigtlander Color Ultron 50mm f/1.8 on the adapter . I did NOT try the superTaks, but the 35mm looked like it could be a problem too. I guess I'll keep them seperate them for the FS7 :-) KEEP UP YOU EXCELLENT WORK!!!!
Hi Eric, no problem, ya the APP can be a bit of a pain that way sometimes. Just shoe me a reply, it's not THAT hard is it? lol
Most cine cameras don't have that mirror issue, so so many DP's don't run into the DSLR issue of having enough room for the shutter mirror to clear. I can see why with the DSLR that many of these lenses kind of went into hibernation. Things are definitely different today especially with mirrorless. Biggest issue with mirrorless is keeping that sensor clean. At least on my Sony, I like how the Canon R has a protective gate that comes down when the lens is off, but that COULD always malfunction and just be a problem.
Anyway thanks for the discussion mate, best of luck and hit me up with any other questions you may have.
Hi Mark, this video is from a while ago, but I will ask anyway, which did you prefer between the vintage Nikkor and the Zeiss? The Zeiss has quite a lot of aberrations, but its sharpness is generally better than the Nikkor. I quite appreciate this video, and the interaction with your daughter is priceless. Nicely done!
Bigger fan of the Contax overall. Nikkors are great; but don’t have the same feel. Focus reversed as well, but still great lenses and still found for much less than the Contax
Are there any contax - nikon f mount conversion kits you would recomend?
Not off hand mate. I’m sure there are, Ive just never needed it myself so haven’t done the research.
📹Intetesting vid, Mark. I don't do videos, but the lens adaptaion techniques ring true. How about adapting vintage enlarger lenses? Ever cover this topic before?
I have three medium format lenses I could see about. I should look into it.
Hello, how is the focus breathing? does it exist or is minimal?
Some lenses are worse than others. Although focus breathing is easy enough to hide in the blocking of the camera. You see it loads with modern anamorphic lenses sometimes too, more distortion breathing but those are lenses at a few hundred thousand dollars for a set.
You Contax set is 35/50/85 1.4?
Yup, I have the 60 macro 2.8 A3J as well
Hey, can you hard mount Nikon F adapter?
I don't think so, you'd have to follow up with Simmod. I think they have a limited based on the most popular mounts used in cinema, F mount is pretty low on the commonly used for video unfortunately. PL and EF seem to be the most common.
Mark Holtze Cheers mate.
Nice and useful vid. It was specially interesting in general but the pull focus part particularly. And subbed,by the way👍
Thanks mate. Wish I had a focus gear to showcase how these mount but those are only rented when needed. :) all the best!
Very nice video, thank you.
My pleasure Rogerio, thanks for watching . You have yourself a nice weekend!
I am not finding an adapter to use any lenses on my Sony a mount body :( I mostly have older Minolta, but also a few Canon FD & Pentax.
Good stuff. Thank you for your video.
Thanks mate. Good alternative to build a cine set.
Can tell us which brand of lenses that have long throw focus?
It's tough, so many lenses, depends on the focal length etc.
Contax Zeiss lenses are almost the perfect modded cinema lenses. Look and feel make adapting them a great option. Very little focus breathing as well. Wider angle lenses tend to have less throw than portrait ones. A few exceptions of course.
Any experience with zeiss Distagon lenses for Canon ?
Modern or vintage? Been messing around with the 35 1.4 distagon (co tax Carl Zeiss) and its the most fantastic 35mm I’ve ever used...modern or vintage.
@@MarkHoltze zeiss distagon T ZE series was recommended to me , it's odd that the aperture is electronic . Is there a fully manual version I should know about ? Or am I confused ?
@@TradeMarkMedia23 The Distagon ZF (Nikon Mounts) do have a manual aperture ring. Most people purchase the ZF instead of the ZE for this reason. You can mod a ZF Nikon mount to EF mount using our SIMMOUNT EF Conversion ring and have all the functionalities of manual aperture control with the added benefit of mounting it on Canon EF compatible bodies. Hope that makes sense.
At 3min in, what is that mat below the lenses he's showing? thanks.
Just a “hobby mat”. Google it and you’ll see. They’re inexpensive and fantastic
Man you are so underrated
It’s all good mate. You found your way here and as long as there is value in it for you, it’s all the matters. I’m here regardless, having a blast with these.
Have a good weekend!
@@MarkHoltze Thanks mate, same to you !
I want to do this to my helios 44-2 58mm f2!
Check out what you can do with a Helios...www.vintagelensesforvideo.com/helios44cine/
Hi were do I get the tool to do what you did,what is the cost ? I would love to fit some Nikon lens to a C200 and to my canon body. Thank you
Amazon is good, most online market places. C200 = EOS mount so you would need a NIKON F mount to EF adapter.
Hey i can do this in a sony e mount?
Yes, E mounts have the most options for adapting. I basically use my A7sii with vintage only.
So are these vintage lens adapters a one size fits all sort of situation? I'm having a hard time finding info on if there are multiple adapters for multiple vintage mounts
I don’t know all the details, you would have to contact sim mod personally I think.
I think they can be shaped to different mounts, but I could be wrong. Like in this case both Nikkor and Contax Zeiss can be fitted win EF mounts.
I’m not sure the extent of lens mounts that work though.
I checked out their site info and I only appears they have kits for about 4 or 5 lens brands. You’d need to contact them directly to find out for your specific lenses. One thing that may be helpful is they have an assistant that pops up a few seconds after you enter their site. Suggest you ask her.
@@reginaldworthington7558 Yup, there are so many lenses and so many different ways to mods etc. So best to inquire. The Takumars he did for me was the first ones they've done and said they had no problems.
DP's usually use Contax Carl Zeiss, Nikkor's and FD's and that's where majority of his requests come in for.
What lenses are you looking to have done?
Mark Holtze thanks for getting those done! That means I can pick up a few and send them over knowing they can do that lens and perhaps a couple other stragglers I might throw in as well. Hoping I can just purchase the lenses on-line and have them sent straight there for the kit out, then get them to ship on to Bali for me. Fingers crossed.
Hey Mark! Are these lenses fullframe? Or do you use crop mode for video?
They are all full frame.35mm film is what these were built for which is essentially full frame.
@@MarkHoltze Thanks! Haven't found the information online and I am too young to even have came in contact with them :c Keep on the great content!
@@JonasBecker No problem mate. Ask your family, if they have any old SLR lenses. You can adapt those to your modern cameras and they're game changers. REALLY good quality lenses for next to nothing $$$ wise.
@@MarkHoltze I have bought 2 old PK mount lenses (Carenar EEK 28mm f2.8 and SMC Pentax 50mm f2) for my a6500 a few months ago and fall in love with their not so "perfect clean" look of modern lenses. The ghosting and soft skin rendering is beautiful for golden hour portraits! I am also playing around with some selfmade anamorphic filters for video atm, but they are not perfect yet.
That’s awesome! Anywhere I can see the results of these?
do these lenses focus breath? i know how to declick an aperture and the whole infinity focus.. but i'm trying to figure out how to stop a old lens from breathing
Deeper more intricate re-housing and rebuilding I suspect. They do breath yes, just recently tested my Takumars for appropriate breathing to see what the limitations are to block around them.
@@MarkHoltze i was hearing with extension tubes it eliminates the breathing, also! id like to go ahead and ask since im shooting with the sigma FP.. i know gentlemen 3D printed the EF mount for FD lenses.. im currently looking for any parts on ebay with an L-mount i can maybe rehouse to different lenses if its possible
Very cool! Would this work for Sony?
The EF adapter is simply for canon or PL mounts, but you can easily adapt these lenses naively with a Sony NEX adapter. I use vintage on my Sony all the time. Carl Zeiss (C/Y to NEX) unfortunately it’s not a perm mount like this, but it works. I asked about dedicated E mounts and just not enough demand to warrant the production at this point.
Most DP’s are using EF or PL mounts or so it seems.