Workprinter HD Converted. Camera Questions

[Riker0007]

Ok, So I bought this a few months ago and finally got around to transferring my family's 8mm film. I did the conversion from filmmaker8.com website so I do not have to use the mirror lens deal and tri pod as that setup was a pain. Problem is now my hd sony camcorder doesn't have the zoom needed. It's currently their top consumer unit the hdr-cx700v. Even with the Raynox 250 lens it still can't get close enough. I went to costco and bought a sony cx160 that has a zoom that can do it but I know the senor on it is not as good as the cx700v. What would be the best setup. I could use the cx700 direct and expand the image in post or just use the cx160.
So should I:
1. Use the cx700 and make due with tripod setup.
2. Use the cx160 with raynox direct capture.
3. Get some other lens (will two raynox 250s work together)
4. Get a different camera (suggestions) Reason for costco was easy return if did not work/look good.
5. Something else.
Thanks
Don

[granfer]

Best answer is no. 3. Stick with the camera you have if it is the quality you require. I had the same problem but didn't have a choice (financial!) as to whether to by a new camera. So I experimented with add on lenses Until I found one that would fit the bill for both magnification and ability to get close enough.
I can't offer a definitive solution for your particular set up... but this thread might help you, at least the parts that discuss the optical considerations...

http://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/u ... 936#000000

[granfer]

I am adding this to my previous post (for those who have read the thread in the link I gave) in order to suggest an additional approach that could help to overcome the problem of getting the camera plus additional lens closer to the gate. The imitation here is down to the diameter of the additional lens being greater than it is possible to accommodate in line with the gate.
The suggested alternative is to use a front silvered mirror (only a small one is required, perhaps from a scrap 35.mm reflex camera) placed in the optical path as close to the front of the gate pressure plate as possible. This would turn the optical path by a right angle TOWARD the normal operator position, where there would be plenty of room for camera and lens.
If the camera was then mounted upside down, the captured result, whether in "live" or "computer", would be correctly oriented.
This approach is more "awkward" in implementation as it restricts access to the gate for threading etc, but could have considerable advantages to someone with suitable "add-on" lenses available.

[Riker0007]

Thanks for the replies. I am unsure what to do and would like to get rolling on this stuff. I know that my new Sony camcorder is way better than the one I am using to capture off the workprinter. However, I think doing the mirror deal could be done, however like you said, I think trying to change out the film all the time and getting to the control knob, would be rather difficult. As far as the link to the thread regarding all the optical stuff. Man way out of my league. If there is a 16mm lens (or other lens) that someone can recommend to use with my camera's specs that would be awesome:
The Barrel size of the lens that came with the workprinter is 25mm.
Sony HDR-CX700v
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : Movie Mode: 26.3mm - 263mm (16:9), 32.2mm-322mm (4:3); Photo Mode: 26.3mm - 263mm (16:9), 32.2mm-322mm (4:3)
Aperture : F1.8-3.4
Aperture Blade : 6 blades
Digital Zoom : 120x
Extended Zoom : 14x
Filter Diameter : 37mm
Focal Distance : f = 3.8mm - 38mm; f = 5/ 32inch - 1 1/2inch
Lens Stabilization : Optical SteadyShotâ„¢ Image stabilization w/ Active mode (Wide to Tele)
Lens Type : G Lensâ„¢
Minimum Focus Distance : Approx. 1cm (Wide), Approx. 80cm (Tele), Approx. 32cm (Tele Macro)
Optical Zoom : 10x
Steady Shot Mode:Active : 27.4mm - 383mm (16:9)

Also I have the raynox 250 macro lens.
Thanks for everyone's help.
D.

[granfer]

A very comprehensive listing of specs.... and includes all the important ones.
Leave it with me for a few days and I'll see what I can work out for you.
Are you transferring 8 mm or Super 8 mm ?

[catalano]

Hello All,

I just stumbled upon this thread as I too have recently done the work printer conversion. My setup, which is basically the same camera as the author, doesn't get close enough with R8 film. I was curious to see if you ever came up with a solution.
FWIW, my lens specs are f= 4.1 - 61.5mm, F/1.8-3.2, 15x optical zoom
35mmm equivalent: 39.5 - 592.5mm

Thanks,
Chris