Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80

Comments about Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80:

This is a product which was originally designed for cameras displaying 4:3, allowing them to convert to 16:9. Now it is widely used by keen modern photographers on DSLR and HDV cameras to create 2:35:1. This is why I bought the product. There is definitely a growing demand for this anamorphic adaptor because there's not many of them around anymore and they don't last long on the online bidding stores.

I took a big risk by purchasing the adaptor, hoping it would work on my Canon XHA1 camera with a 72mm thread and it actually works! At the moment I am trying to extend its capacity by adding it to a Letus Extreme adaptor. The only two issues are the slight barrel effect (which can be reduced by avoiding shooting objects with vertical lines, as this accentuates the barrel effect.) The other issue is the inane, recessed threads (so turn very carefully and try not to swear.)

I would recommend this product to those who want to push the boundaries of their pursuit towards cine quality.

Eventually however I'm sure there will be a more purpose made anamorphic lens created for modern cameras in future.

Comments about Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80:

Ok but you need to do cropping at various zooms. Many videos looks like out of focus.

Comments about Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80:

Can't do without this for 16:9 but two shortcomings.

1. Can't focus to infinity (especially when zooming to distant objects) without using manual focus and you have to use the setting of 90 to 91 instead of full 100 or images blurs...basically use the LCD viewfinder to see what setting is sharpest. This issue gets worse in low light conditions.

2. The lens is somewhat delicate due to plastic parts in assembly...screws holding lens together broke and had to purchase a new lens...should have been either larger screws or metal plate.

Comments about Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80:

For anyone looking to shoot true 2:40:1 anamorphic scope with there HDV cameras, this does the job.

I have shot scope work on the Canon XL2, HVX200, and FX1 with this lens and it is 100% awesome every time!

THIS IS A MUST FOR INDIE FILMMAKERS!

Comments about Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80:

I first started using this adapter on a production with zero time to learn it's quirks. The only two being the strange way it screws on and off and the barreling effect. But after that, it was and remains to be the best for capturing the highest quality 16:9 on a DVX. Many people complain about the focusing issues, but if you take the time to properly set up your shots, the resulting image will be worth the time. One thing to consider, while this adapter does what it says, more image will be captured than what you will see if you are monitoring on the built in LCD or in the viewfinder. External monitoring in recommended for optimum results and framing

Comments about Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80:

I've been using this adaptor for well over a year. I lovethe 16x9 look and this is the only way to get fullresolution 16x9 out of a 4x3 CCD. At full wide angle, thereis significant barrel distortion, but I've not noticed anyproblems focusing when zoomed in. The adapter screws onlike a filter and allows fine adjustment by loosening a setscrew. It is a bit strange and takes some getting used to. The instructions say you must use manual focus with thisgadget, but I've used auto focus many times and it has notfailed to focus correctly.

Problems Encountered: Barrel distortion at widest zoom setting, and cannot use myscrew in filters with it.

Comments about Panasonic AG-LA7200 Anamorphic Lens Adapter for AG-DVX100 and AG-DVC80:

It's definitely the best way to get 16:9 out of yourDVX-100. Squeeze lowers your resolution. However, thereare a few caveats with it. Number 1, you can probably only useabout half of the zoom range. The image starts gettingirretreivably out of focus after a certain point. Secondly,it is counter intuitive to attach and detach. Once you getthe hang of it you can do it relatively quickly. But thereare times when it just doesn't want to go on or off. Atthose times you tighten the screw as hard as you can. Youalways get the feeling that you are stripping the threadseven though that's never happened to me.