EX-1 focal length ??

[Rafael Amador]

Hi David,
The Scheneider Optic (Century Optic) works without problem.
They had some issues but were fixed.
But are more expensive that what you expect to spend.
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Michael Slowe]

I recently re read the initial publicity sheets for the EX1 and it says that at wide angle the focal length corresponds to 31mm in 35mm terms. At the tele end it was something like 430mm.

Michael Slowe

[Joe Micalizzi]

Don’t forget to multiply by 1.6 to get the right focal length for the sensor on the Nikon D100. That being said your Nikon will definately have a wider angle with the lens you mention.

In spite of whatever you’ve heard…the Sony Wide Angle adapter works fine on the EX1. Just remember to go to the menu and switch “wide angle adapter ON”!

[Joe Micalizzi]

Remember to multiply your Nikon D100 lens by 1.6 for the true focal length.

The Sony Wide Angle adapter by the way works just fine, just make sure when you use… change the menu setting to Wide Angle Adapter “ON” !

[Rafael Amador]

[Joe Micalizzi] ” Just remember to go to the menu and switch “wide angle adapter ON”!”

Hi Joe,
What is the “wide angle adaptor” for?
T correct some kind of distortion, aberration or so?
Cheers,
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Joe Micalizzi]

Howdy Rafael,
Typical of most Instructions, Sony does not mention why something has to be
done. Just my best guess is since the
Wide Angle Adapter allows you to cut your min. focus distance in half, the
menu setting letting the camera know the
adapter is in use, allows the auto focus to adjust.
Anyone knowing better please let us know.

[Rafael Amador]

Hi Joe,
That makes perfect sense.
I bought a Century Optic for my EX-1, but I absolutely forgot about that setting.
Cheers,
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[David Fortin]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Did Century Optics do the fixing? Or was it Sony, through the firmware update?

I purchased my camera in February of 2008 and I never had my firmware upgraded. Will this Century wide angle still work?

Also, from what the Century site states, with the adapter on, the Sony EX-1 has the equivalent of an 19.7-81mm lens.

So, if I get a 12mm for my Nikon D100. Because of the 1.6 multiplier, that lens is only a 19.2, which will be about the same as using the Century Filter. (except by using the EX-1 I can actually pan the scene. If I shoot it with the Nikon I have to take multiple shots and stitch them together in PhotoShop.)

Does anyone have an opinion on which would yield better quality?

The Sony EX-1 with the Century Filter?
or
The shooting with the Nikon and using the stills in Final Cut?

{this project has no people in the scenes, just empty rooms)

Thanks

[Joe Micalizzi]

Sorry David, almost missed this last post from you. My experiance with Century Wide Angle adapters goes back almost 15 years ago with a $1,800 zoom through for my JVC X2b, then their $800 version for the Canon XL-1, now I went with Sony’s version for the EX-1 because of the $500 price, I confess!

I just saw the Century folks at the DV expo this last week and caught up. Apparently there was a problem with the initial release of the lens for the EX-1, a problem long time fixed. The Sony firmware upgrade or the menu setting had no effect on the problem.

I believe the Century lens is a bit wider than the Sony. Best thing would be a hands on demo if you can work it out. If you’re in Southern CA you can borrow my Sony:)

The bottom line is the bottom line…but for quality, get the best lens you can afford. The Century lens have been a favorite among ENG news shooters for a reason.

[David Fortin]

Joe,

Thanks for the post, advice and offer. On the opposite coast, so I can’t take you up on it.

But you answered my firmware question, which I was concerned about.

Thanks again.

David