Next I took the M2 indoors and started shooting. Now with DV and HDV I have become rather lazy with my lighting. Since both those formats handle low light really well, working with natural light to fill and a little extra lighting, I tend not to spend too much time lighting in those formats. Now with the M2 attached, as I said before (and will probably say again), it’s a 35mm package recording onto tape. You will want to spend more time lighting the scene to make sure you have plenty of light to set the scene. (The predecessor to the M2, as well as the current competing 35mm adapter, actually loses two F-stops worth of light, so the fact that you can now light virtually straight for film with the M2 is a big improvement!)
Value
Despite the additional work and preparation this product requires, you can’t get a better bang for your buck. Red Rock Micro is committed to making their products affordable to the microfilmmaker. If you are committed to making your next project look like film, but don’t have the money for it, then this product is a must-have for you. Not only will you have the elusive film look, but also you will have a full range of options that, until now, were not available for the microfilmmaker. The only downside as I mentioned earlier is the hidden cost of lenses and additional lighting, which is not that difficult to overcome. If you are setting out to create a dramatic feature the investment in an M2 will pay for itself in one film.
Final Comments
As you set out on your next dramatic production take a closer look at the M2 lens adapter. Evaluate your needs carefully. If you want the look of film on a video budget and are willing to learn to light for film, then the M2 is a no-brainer. Just make sure you set out with the proper perspective and understanding of what the M2 can add to you production. If you do that, then you will be extremely happy with the results.
Editor's Note: For further images obtained from the M2 Cinema Lens Adapter, go to our review of the Panasonic HVX200.
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Ease
of Use |
7.0 |
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Depth
of Options |
8.0 |
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Performance |
8.0 |
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Value |
9.0 |
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Overall
Score |
8.0
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