Monthly Archives: May 2012

OCT-18: The low down…

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OK, been getting a lot of queries about how to use OCT-18 lenses. First off, I TOLD YOU they’re a pain in the ass!

But I know how ya feel. I was also like that when I first embarked on my rather short Lomo anamorphic journey. Unless you’re filthy rich of course, and you’d buy PL or Hawks!

In short, the problem is that OCT-18′s are really designed for Konvas cameras with dovetail support. It holds the entire unit together so they don’t fall apart. Now, when I was using and selling OCT-18′s I used something called a SPT-1 by Velbon. It’s this magical accessory that helped me sell Hypergonar anamorphic lenses. It was designed for tele-lenses but I managed to configure them to push my anamorphic agenda! I bought them from a distributor in Hong Kong but if you Google it you should find it. It cost me about US$50 each.
Below are pics to illustrate. Here I use a GH2 with a OCT-18 (old version) adapter from ciecio7 on eBay. Now, the SPT-1 allows the OCT-18 unit to sit on top. The front element does extend while focusing so the SPT-1 provides enough room for it. I don’t have more pics but you can also stick a pistol grip underneath the SPT-1 to do some rudimentary handheld work. Entirely feasible but really a pain in the ass.

Panasonic GH2 x Lomo 35HAC10-3 anamorphic

Panasonic GH2 x Lomo 35HAC10-3 anamorphic

 

Greetings from Ireland!

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Hello Internets,

Wow my last post was in February, how time flies.

I’d been busy with a lot of work these months and ashamedly my anamorphics had been in a long slumber. But now they’re with me in Ireland and am using them in conjunction with a nanoFlash x GH2 test. Living and working in Hong Kong for so long doesn’t give me much inspiration anymore so it’s hard to go out and shoot much less use anamorphic lenses. Unfortunately the past few creative works I’ve participated did not warrant the use of anamorphics.

I’m taking a short break in my native Ireland and it’s the first time I’ve brought the Lomo anamorphic lenses. I’ll be travelling around Dublin as well as famous scenic sights around the country and doing some nice landscape shots using the nanoFlash/GH2 combo at 220mbps I-Frame rates. It’d be the highest bit rate I’ve ever used with these lenses – I might also get a chance to play with my friend’s RED Scarlet.