Since we get so many questions from filmmakers interested in shooting anamorphic on specific cameras, we present the Anamorphic Conversation series- a curation of conversations regarding specific cameras or setups. Names are redacted for privacy.
Hi, I was just wondering what the best setup would be for my gh4 as im very interested in shooting anamorphic.
Ideally i’d love a single focus setup while being able to stop down to around f2.0, maybe even lower.
I currently own both a canon 50mm 1.4 and hellios 44 -2 58mm 2.0, so i’m looking to purchase the adapter and any clamps that need to go with it.
If you could provide any help and direction i’d greatly appreciate it.
Many thanks
Thanks for reaching out. I would be happy to help you out.
First of all, both your camera and the prime lenses you listed are excellent pairings for shooting anamorphic. The GH4 in 4:3 mode really pairs nicely and renders a Cinemascope ratio in post. If you’re interested in exploring other inexpensive lens parings, feel free to read my lens guide.
The lenses below will be your best choices to invest in:
The Isco Micro single focus build will be more modern and clinical. Isco was one of the best optics manufacturers in the world years ago. It’s a great, flexible setup- you can even remove the single focus attachment if you prefer an extremely small setup or if you’d like to pull off macro focusing you can do that as well. The only difference between red and gold versions is that the red version is slightly better optical quality.
If you’re interested in a more vintage, bloomy look with some anamorphic barrel distortion, I’d definitely recommend the custom single focus build. It’s not as sharp as the Isco but it has a bit more “character” and anamorphic look to the optics. It has fewer coatings than the Isco Micro so flaring is easier.
Both lenses will work just fine at f/2 and below. The Isco Micro is particularly sharp. The Isco setup comes ready to shoot with a perfect-fit screwless clamp. The custom does not come packaged with a clamp but you can purchase one here. Both setups feature non-rotating 58mm front filter threads for attaching filters.
If you have any more questions please let me know!
hello,
i have a couple of questions with regards to one of your isco lenses.
Specifically this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Isco-
i am looking at ANAMORPHIC set up for my gh4 and was wondering about if this workflow would work after reading your tutorials.
You said that you recommend Helios 58MM lenses for prime. I found A Helios 58mm f2 Lens for M42 mount on ebay and was wondering if it would work with this adapter: (https://www.amazon.co.uk/
It seems like it would fit but I would just like to check with an expert before purchasing
Thanks!
Hi, that lens adapter will work perfectly for mounting the Helios. Just make sure that when you buy the Helios that you specifically order the M42 mount, as there were variations in M39 and other mounts.
Thanks. Just a follow up question. Will the helios and lens mount work with the anamorphic lens, that I linked in the previous question.
Yes absolutely. You will only need a step up ring to get it to attach to our clamp. This would be either 49-58 (Helios 44-m2) or 52-58 (Helios 44-m4)
does the lens in this listing come with that clamp? http://www.ebay.com/
Yes it does come with our seamless 58mm clamp
More anamorphic stuff
If you’re looking to test out exactly what lenses will work for your DSLRs, head on over to our anamorphic lens calculator to test. Select your sensor size, your aspect ratio, and you will be informed and ready to shoot! Our anamorphic lens comparison chart allows you to determine the size and weight of the anamorphic lenses in our store.
If you are interested adding anamorphic flares to your toolbox, please visit our anamorphic lens store for demos and examples. We have spent several years collecting, modifying, and testing anamorphic lenses to weed through the junk, make needed modifications, and assemble ready-to-shoot packages.
If you are interested in learning more on working with anamorphic lenses and DSLR, please check out our anamorphic tutorial blog for more anamorphic tips and tutorials!
Find My Lens
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Isco Micro Anamorphic Lens Kit
$499.00 – $1,549.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Schneider XL 2X DSLR Anamorphic Lens Single Focus Kit
$1,349.00 – $1,449.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Single Focus Anamorphic Lens Conversion Kit
$599.00 – $899.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page