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On Set For Split With The Gh2 and Zeiss Primes

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I shot with Zeiss Primes on my GH2 for the first time today on set for my feature film Split. Below are some screen grabs from lightly graded stills. Many more to come along with a teaser in the next couple of weeks. All of the shots were using Zeiss Primes, except the last one in black and white which was my Leica 25mm 1.4.

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About Author

Noam Kroll is an award-winning Los Angeles based filmmaker, and the founder of the boutique production house, Creative Rebellion. His work can be seen at international film festivals, on network television, and in various publications across the globe. Follow Noam on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more content like this!

11 Comments

  • Jonathan Hickman
    at

    Thanks for the details. Have you used compact fluorescents that are 5400k?

    I have three soft boxes that I’ve started using, and after shooting 40 interviews or so with them for my latest documentary, I had no problem with correcting for any color problems.

    My next purchase will likely be the Rokinon. What ND filters have you been using?

    Reply
    • Noam
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      I have used fluorescents many times in the past but don’t own any myself. Sounds like you have a great setup! I use a 77mm variable ND filter that fits my largest lens threading and I use it with step down rings for my smaller lenses.

      Reply
  • Jonathan Hickman
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    I use the Leica 25mm 1.4 all the time on one of GH1s, and the other one I like to use is the Zuiko 45mm. They seem to match well. Have you tried the Zuiko 75mm and the Zuiko 12mm? I wonder if the Zuiko 12mm would be as good or better than the SLR magic. I like that they speak electronically with my camera.

    I noticed you mentioned the Rokinon 85mm somewhere of your site. How did it compare with the Zeiss? And I wonder how the Zuiko 45mm would compare?

    Also, that top close up is really well lit. How did you do it?

    Finally, are you shooting everything to SD card and not external recorder?

    Your trailer was flat out terrific, by the way. Can’t wait to see the film.

    Reply
    • Noam
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      Thanks for visiting Jonathan and I appreciate your kind words. The Rokinon’s image quality is very impressive for the price. The optics and build of the zeiss are superior to the rokinon as you would expect based on the price, but the difference isn’t huge. The build quality is the most noticeable difference for me, which may or may not be a factor for you depending on if you aim to keep your lenses for a long time, or turn them over.

      I’ve never used the Zuiko lenses, but would love to check them out. Thanks for putting them on my radar.

      As for the close up, there were a lot of fluorescents in that room that I naturally had to kill (I left about 40% of them on). I then placed the actor in between the lights so the natural room lighting acted as a fill and I used a single 250w lamp in a softbox to light it.

      I only shot on the SD cards as the HDMI out is only 8bit as well, so I saw no benefit to using it as the image quality on the SD cards with the hack was superb!

      Reply
  • Flaaandeeers
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    Never mind, disregard previous msg, lost my chance.
    Only Planar 50 1.4 available now 🙁

    I do like your work anyway 🙂
    And I’m expecting footage from your film soon.

    Reply
    • Noam
      at

      Hi Flaaandeeers – Sorry for the late reply. Wish I could have helped! Those lenses are great, but I would also say I find that no matter which combination of lenses I use on my Gh2/Gh3, I rarely have any issues matching shots. For example a typical scene I shot for my feature would utilize a couple of zeiss lenses, an SLR Magic and maybe a Canon or Nikon. There were some minor differences of course, but I find the camera does a good job of internally making everything still feel uniform. With a light color grade, it is easy to match!

      As for my film, I will be releasing a teaser trailer this week – so please check back soon!

      Reply
  • Flaaandeeers
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    Hi Noam!
    I’m considering Distagon 18 f4, Planar 50 f1.4 and Planar 100 f2 to use in a set with my Leica DG 25 f1.4

    Do you think that they would match well?

    I can get those three Zeiss for aprox 1000 bucks.
    Seems to be a pretty good deal, but I need to hurry 🙂
    I really like you work and would appreciate your help.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  • Geoy
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    Beautiful, I’ve bookmarked your blog!
    Just can’t wait to get my hands on the GH2,
    and I love those Zeiss colours!.
    Geoy.

    Reply
    • Noam
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      Yes, the Zeiss lenses are great! Best of luck with your new camera.

      Reply
  • Bob K
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    Amazing shots with that lens. Looking forward to the trailer!

    Reply
  • Xiong
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    Awesome, cant wait for the trailer. That lens looks ridiculous on the GH2 haha extremely front heavy.

    Reply

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