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Upgrading the EX-3 Fujinon Lens
I’ve finished a number of multi camera projects using 1 Ex-3 and 1 PDW-F330 XDCAM. In post I can see a slight softening of the image in the Ex-3 compared to the 330. My suspicion is that the lose of image quality in due to the differences in lenses. I’m thinking about upgrading the EX-3 to a Cannon KT-20 that is compatible with the EX-3. Has anyone out here upgraded their EX-3 lens and was it worth it?
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13 Replies
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Isn’t the KT series a 1/3″ lens? The EX3 has a 1/2″ chip. The F330 also has a 1/2″ chip. You should see if the same lens works on both cameras.
If it’s a lens issue, having the same on both cameras should go a long way towards addressing that.
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I talked with the owner of the 330 and he said his lens was a Fuji 17… No more specifics at this time but were doing a shoot again this weekend where the 330 and EX-3 are involved. We will not have any high res monitors involved to analyze a side by side comparison but with can make files for analysis later. I am wanting to set up 2 EX-3’s side by side with the Fujicon and Cannon KT-20 and a high def monitor and compare later today or Thursday. Interestingly, wouldn’t a 1/3 ” lens on a 1/2″ chip lower the range of focus on DoF?
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Also, a 1/3″ lens on a 1/2″ chip wont really work.
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You’re right. Called the rep while I had the gear out and he said “My bad what you need is a KT19 x6.7 KAS. More later on this excursion. But still has anyone upgrade their Fujicon? and with what?
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There are a few folks who have used 2/3 inch glass(need adapter) with great results.
Just do a search for it on here and other sites. -
William, wondering if you might have any testing updates for us? Definitely curious as to the experience of using alternate lenses with this camera. Thanks.
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I was able to use the Cannon KT19 x6.7 KAS lens with the EX-3 this past weekend in a operational not test situation. Know and agreed to by the client. First, it appears that adjusting the flange focal length is really just like the Fujicon, so much so in a couple of lens swaps I’m not sure i needed to run the adjustment. (Ah but trust me I always will…) Just seemed right on the money after simply changing the lens. In the field we had a lot of follow-the-action and Where’s-Waldo-spontaneous actions that would make an editor shiver… Doing the best one can in that situation, i noticed after many reframings of a shot that the servo zoom was WAY better than the Fujicon. Now, my reason for testing has been a type of image softness that I would like to improve on. I have laid down to bytes the same shot both with the Fujicon and the Cannon lenses. I also from this past shoot will have a segment shot only from slightly different angles of the same action with a PDW335/ Fuji 17 lens and the EX-3 /Cannon. The initial results with switching lenses is hopeful. The later test with the PDW 335 is not available for analysis quite yet.
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I’ve just gone through this whole line of thinking too and ended up upgrading to the Fujinon 17×5.5BERM for several reasons. First, and most important, the image is better. In my testing you could clearly see the difference (although I think the stock lens is still pretty good). The major difference for me was the zoom which, on the stock, was positioned poorly for my use,was extremely jerky when using it at a slow rate (horrible design flaw I think) also the manual iris button is not on the stock and I really missed it. The Fuji is great and real broadcast lens (with the cost to prove it) but my thinking is the lens is the most important component and can be used on other cameras in the future. Matched up with this camera you’ve got a real powerhouse for a great price.
After getting the lens and being so impressed with the picture, the new set up caused another significant problem. The balance of the camera was awful. You really couldn’t hold it without your wrist suffering extreme pain after a while. Eventually I got rid of the stock viewfinder attachment and made my own from a hoodman viewer which enabled me to get the camera on my shoulder and the lens closer to me. It’s MUCH more comfortable and works perfectly. Now I have a great camera with a great lens that I can really use hand held. (Now a wide angle lens would be nice and Hard disk for recording 4:4:4 might be next)
Bob
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Question? In what way is the image better? Can you tell me the specifics of what you shot to see a difference? I’m having a hard time coming up with a quantifiable test to see differences in lenses.
TIA -
I agree on the poor design of the EX lens”zoom”. I would love to see a picture of your rig with the new lens and viewfinder. Can you please send me a picture. Would love to do the same. waysouth@mtnloaded.co.za
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