I know most folks here do not really shoot films but I did want to pass this information along because many of you inspired me by your dedication to the m4/3 format and being able to share your wisdom and feedback on many versions of the Contax G to m4/3 mount.
I wanted to create a separate thread since this is showcasing one of the Contax G mounts using the indiSYSTEM SNAP! Gear. What this basically allows is the ability to have full manual control over your Contax G glass in a way that you can not have when manually focusing with just the adapter focal ring on the Metabones mount.
For me its been a dream of mine to use this glass in this way and so for those who do shoot in movie mode and want to have the ability for precise focus with your Contax G glass this may be for you.
Here's what you'll need:
* Metabones Contax G to m4/3 adapter
* 75mm SNAP! Gear
* SNAP! Collar (I used a 66.5mm diameter- should be smaller)
* Follow focus
* Camera Rig (Mine is indiSYSTEMpro MP with indiFOCUS 20 follow focus)
Here are a few steps to getting your SNAP! Gears on the Metabones Adapter:
1) Secure your Contax G lens on the Metabones mount. (make sure you properly follow the instructions to lock the mount you do not want this lens to roll off.)
2) Take your SNAP! collar and place it around the middle of the Metabones focal ring. I used a 66.5mm diameter version but it does sometimes snap out of place. I believe it would be better if the collar were a smaller diameter that way it would flex and snap around the ring more tightly. The SNAP! Collar is flexible and my 66.5mm will open up to the larger 69mm diameter of the Metabones focal ring. I'm talking with Tim Ovel from indiSYSTEM to test out smaller diameter SNAP! collars and will let you know a more ideal collar size.
3) Take your 75mm SNAP! Gear and snap it around the collar.
Spin the gear slowly and mold a path for the gear so that it does not touch the body of the camera. Use your fingers to edge up the SNAP! collar. The SNAP! Gear will be at a slight angle but that is fine. You will still be able to pull focus.
4) Once in gear is in place, spin the gear back and forth quickly and firmly to make sure it's in place and secure and that the SNAP! Collar does not pop out of place.
5) Place your camera with Contax G lens and SNAP! gear on your rig and make sure the follow focus comes close to the gear but not too close. You'll see what I mean, if you put the gear to close to the follow focus you will not be able to pull focus as smoothly. If you get it just right the focus will be feel light and smooth with no binding.
Feel free to PM if you have any questions. Just thought I'd share my findings. I know for many this does not apply for your working needs but for the few who may find the info. useful I thought I'd just share. Over all if you want complete control and smooth focus with Contax G lenses then this combo works quite well.
Here's some test footage:
http://vimeo.com/14042426
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