Anamorphics

[Scott Dorsey]

So, and this is probably a question for Steve Guttag... I have considered
trying to shoot scope film using a projection anamorphic adaptor on the lens
(as used by all the cool kids with their video cameras).

I tried with a Sankor adaptor and found the light loss was substantial and
I was unable to get a sharp image... if anything I could not find a good
way to set both the adaptor focus and the prime lens focus at the same time
to get proper spherical focus.

I tried the same thing with a B&L adaptor which weighed more than the Konvas
camera I was using, and the results were a little better but not by much.

Now... I know Schneider makes some scope adaptors that don't have a second
focus control on them. What is up with that? Should I consider trying to
use one on-camera?
--scott

[Steven Guttag]

Post by Scott Dorsey
So, and this is probably a question for Steve Guttag... I have considered
trying to shoot scope film using a projection anamorphic adaptor on the lens
(as used by all the cool kids with their video cameras).
I tried with a Sankor adaptor and found the light loss was substantial and
I was unable to get a sharp image... if anything I could not find a good
way to set both the adaptor focus and the prime lens focus at the same time
to get proper spherical focus.
I tried the same thing with a B&L adaptor which weighed more than the Konvas
camera I was using, and the results were a little better but not by much.
Now... I know Schneider makes some scope adaptors that don't have a second
focus control on them. What is up with that? Should I consider trying to
use one on-camera?
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Scott,

I have ZERO experience "shooting" scope. One would presume that a proper focus mechanism for scope would adjust the focus of the scope attachment while adjusting the prime lens. In every scope movie it is very easy to tell it was shot anamorphic if by no other reason by how the out-of-focus elements are also elongated.

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Scott Dorsey
Now... I know Schneider makes some scope adaptors that don't have a second
focus control on them. What is up with that? Should I consider trying to

I have ZERO experience "shooting" scope. One would presume that a proper f=
ocus mechanism for scope would adjust the focus of the scope attachment whi=
le adjusting the prime lens. In every scope movie it is very easy to tell =
it was shot anamorphic if by no other reason by how the out-of-focus elemen=
ts are also elongated.

Right. The scope adaptors used for shooting, though, don't have any
secondary focus knob. I've looked through them and stuff close and far
both look to be in focus to the eye. Stretched out, but sharp.

Is that the case with those Schneiders? I have never actually seen one
of the Schneiders. The only scope projection lenses I have seen with only
single focus are the B&L single-piece 16mm cinemascope ones, which don't
seem to ever be in focus no matter what you do.
--scott