Holy Zoo - Steev Dinkins DVX100 / HVX200 35mm Imager Rig

This is a work in progress, so I'm keeping it short for now. I purchased a custom built imaging system from Dan Diaconu. It arrived in about 2 months from when I ordered it, and it's working very well. This is a replacement and upgrade from my own home built imager, the U35A, documented here.

Here's the quick low down. The components are the 35mm MPIC imager for Nikon lenses, rails, mount, gears for lenses, and follow focus. I placed an additional empty filter ring in between the DVX100 and the MPIC to achieve proper focus. I set the lens to Macro focus 00 and the Zoom at a reliable pre-set zoom and it's ready to go. Flip the switch on the MPIC and fire away.

So how does the image look? It's as good as the U35A, which I am pleased to say, since it's image quality was on par with the G35, and the Micro35/M2, however it had issues with static grain. The MPIC simply kicks ass. To get any negative crap out of the way, if I was to pin point one short coming, it would be that some very bright lights in Bokeh can display some grain. At this point I really don't care. It has virtually no visible grain, and is significantly better at handling bright highlights in the image than my U35A. Parts of the image that are out of focus (Bokeh) are luxuriously soft, and there is no ghosting or lens distortion.

Without the follow focus unit, it's lightweight enough to go hand held and run and gun it, as you you'll see in footage below. It easily fits in the PortaBrace DV Organizer Case.

The MPIC system design, fit, and finish is top notch, and I don't see anything falling apart any time soon. Kudos to Dan for a nice pro alternative solution to the P+S Technik mini35. I'm very impressed.

Coming soon, MPIC system on the HVX200. ;)