Zeiss + EX1 + MP.1 + CINEFUSE ??

[Dennis Wood]

Here's a sneak peak at something new from Cinevate. This imaging element system has extraordinary shallow DOF, very low grain, and light efficiency approaching CF1Le Here's the combination:

1. EX1 at f5.6 to f8, with ND1 engaged at some points. Zoom at Z70.
2. Prototype imaging element system
3. Lenses: Zeiss ZF mount 28mm f2, 35mm f2, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.8, 100mm Macro f2.0
4. Cinevate Mattebox with 4x4 Polarizer in use.

This was shot in 1 hour which included Ballare Dolly setup. It's part of a Zeiss lens review that will be up in the Video University next week. No CC was done at all so what you see is the raw stuff from the EX1 shooting 1080 24p. Let us know what you think

http://www.cinevate.com/images/ex1cinesm.mov (Lowrez 39MB MOV)
http://www.cinevate.com/images/ex1cine.mov (720P 143MB MOV)

[DJ Lewis]

This looks great!

A few questions:
1. At 1:10 there seems to be deeper DOF, how far were you stopped down on the taking lens for this?
2. Is this the EX1 "sharpness fix" CF or will it be available to everyone?
3. Where and when do we get in line for these?
4. Do you ever sleep?

[Dennis Wood]

DJ, thanks for your comments...and a few answers:

1. At 1:10 we're using the 28mm lens at f2. This lens, like all wide angle lenses, reaches infinity focus at a much closer distance than the longer focal lengths. For this 28mm, infinity focus is reached just beyond 10ft..and we're intentionally backed off to about 7 ft. The first shot in the clip is also using the 28mm but at a closer range so you get shallower DOF. For the first minute of static shots we did not change the camera distance from the scene...we just swapped in the 28, 35, 50, 85 and 100mm lenses in that order.

2. This CF will be available to everyone...and yes, it serves what we're calling the FFC function (Focus Field Correction) to address issues found in camera's like the EX1. Note that the achromat used here is the standard flip achromat..no changes there.

3. No need to get in line. We like the EX1 and realize a lot of our users are waiting for this upgrade...so we've got plenty coming to make sure there's no shipping delays.

4. Yes, but not as much as most folks

[James Holiday]

at this stage, which element would you say has the least visible grain? Is this mystery element the forerunner?

[Gabe Mayhan]

Dennis, do you effect the frequency and crisping on the ex-1 in the picture profile page? Typically I like less detail and I wondered how this would effect the out of focus area of the image as well as the image as a whole.

[Dennis Wood]

Stock settings on the EX1....no profile tweaks. There's lots and lots of room for improvement...I know

[Neil Camero]

excellent work on the new elements. now its got me curious if CF1/2/3 get replaced with the new glass, what kind of light loss would be expected from the CF1Le2(?)? zero stops?! that would really stir things up.

[M Boerner]

Looks good, Dennis.
Is this a one piece replacement or is it a combination with some
kind of static lens?
Will it be available for small cameras too? My CF1 is scratched and I need to replace it. I would like to keep my (already large) collection of Cinefuses as small as possible.
I would like to see a test with the lenses at f4 or f5.6

[Dennis Wood]

Matze, this particular system will manifest itself to users as a one piece drop in. It's been tested at f4 with those lenses and works great. We'll cook something up for you in terms of footage.

[Gabriel Ash]

Is the new element only for large cameras or does it come also in a version for small cameras?

[Dennis Wood]

The system has a small and large camera version Btw, we're doing some work with the EX1 picture profiles similar to what Paolo has been doing with his JVC100 : http://paolociccone.com/blog/

Shooting with the stock camera setting leaves a lot to be desired in terms of contrast and colour accuracy.

[Gabe Mayhan]

Dennis when will this be avalible, got any idea on cost?

[Benjamin Eckstein]

If the EX-1 lens is unique to other camera designs, and this is the fix for the EX-1, how can this also work with other cams?

[Sean McCauley]

If the EX-1 lens is unique to other camera designs, and this is the fix for the EX-1, how can this also work with other cams?

It's a magical cinefuse, Ben. Don't ask questions. Believe.

[Sean McCauley]

In all seriousness...
Dennis, thanks for the footage and keeping us updated.
Regarding the Picture Profiles, are you experimenting/tweaking to find ideal settings for adapter use or is the cinevate think tank working out general "look" settings?

[Evan C. King]

I'm really hyped for this. How much less grain would you say there is(10%, 20%)?

[Dennis Wood]

It would be safe to say that the bokeh graininess is tighter to the tune of about 40%...so much nicer for folks considering film out and projection on a large screen

[Sean McCauley]

Now you're just teasing us, Dennis.

[DJ Lewis]

Now you're just teasing us, Dennis.

Yes, this par for the course 'round here at Cinevate. Dennis and the crew always deliver the goods, but man does he know how to make you drool while you wait.....

[Nathan Webster]

We're looking to purchase a Brevis for use on an upcoming feature scheduled for November. Any chance this will be available before then? If so I might hold off a little longer before purchasing, just so I can get this baby.