SUMMARY: An accessory for the M2 lens adapter that correctly orients the image for your video camera and M2
TARGET APPS
Independent filmmakers/producers who need the look of film on a video budget
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$345 (M2 adapter), $445 (other lens adapters)
WHAT’S COOL
No more flipped monitors; what you see is what you get.
WHAT’S MISSING
Being able to adjust to minimal light loss; compatibility with a greater range of cameras (see update, below right)
SPECS
Universal achromat for SD and HD; oversized prism supports 1/3-inch or smaller CCD/CMOS cameras; full support for 35mm still or academy frame size; Add-on accessory to existing M2 adapters
X MARKS AND FLIPS THE SPOT ON THE M2 LENS ADAPTER IMAGE
Scott Gribble
November 1, 2008 Source: Studio Monthly
As a Redrock regular, I enjoy my M2 cinema lens adapter and use it every chance I get. But it always bugged me that the image was upside down. This made it hard to show video in the field, not to mention the issues in post and slating. Needless to say, it was time-consuming.
Flip for an Upright Image
In February of 2008 Redrock announced the microX, a product that would flip your image in front of the camera — hence, no more upside down monitors. Could this be? I reserved mine immediately. It took me about an hour to set up the microX and start shooting my test footage. Keep in mind that you’ll need to switch your achromat with the 55mm achromat that’s included in the kit. I had heard rumors about losing too much light, but the light loss wasn’t bad at all. I’m used to my system needing more light in general and over the last year I have learned to work around it accordingly.
"Wow" was my first impression. I have quite a few projects where a client might stop by a set, so it’s great not to have to explain to them about upside-down monitors on location anymore. I was also impressed by the improvement in edge – to – edge sharpness. After posting a few comments about my amazement on Redrock’s online forum, I soon found that this opinion is shared almost across the board.
Since installing my microX on my Panasonic AG-HVX200 I haven’t taken it off. I shoot everything with it, SD, HD, everything! The first project I shot with my microX even won an award (The Grand Jury Award for the Best Film in Tacoma’s Grand Cinema 72-Hour Film Competition. I would have never been able to do this without the microX — the competition turnaround (72 hours) was too tight. Doing it the old way, through prepping and rendering, would have taken too long in post. The microX made it simple.
If you’ve been wondering how you can get more out of your M2, then this is the product for you. In the months since I started using the microX, I’ve shot more with my M2 than the previous year without it. It adds an edge to video and is very cost – effective, at less than half the cost of the M2. Hats off to Brian Valente and the guys at Redrock Micro for looking out for me, the little guy on a budget.
I advise anyone who shoots with an M2 to get this product. It’s an affordable way to add clarity and ease to your shooting.
Exclusive Update
Redrock is introducing a new version of the microX this month for Sony XDCAM EX cameras that provides greatly improved light transmission (delivering nearly lossless light transmission) and support for ½-inch or small CCD/CMOS sensors such as the Sony PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3 cameras.
