Letus 35mm adapter – Features – Part 2

Written by: Frank Knipschild | October 15, 2009

After my introduction to the Letus Extreme in my previous post I would now like to take you a little deeper into its features.

DOF Definition

Depth of field (DOF) is the distance in front of and beyond a subject that appears to be in focus. Obtaining different depths of field can create dramatic, film-like effects that will take your productions to the next level.
Rather than trying to describe the varying depths of field between different camera types, let’s explain it with a simplified chart. The image below shows the difference between a 35mm film camera, a 1/3″ sensor professional camera, and a typical 1/4″ sensor consumer grade camera. A sample of each is displayed with their approximate “in focus” ranges and how the different focal planes may appear.

DOF Sample Chart

As you can see, the extremely shallow depth of field (depth of focus) on the 35mm camera makes the subject of interest very evident. As we move down to the professional camera, more elements come into focus making it harder to know what the main subject is supposed to be. In this case, it could be either our coconut girl or the tree behind her. Both are in clear focus in this deeper DOF.

Finally, we have the consumer level camera. These cameras have a massive DOF making it next to impossible to know what to focus our attention on. Everything except the first few branches of the front tree are in focus here. Video shot with this deep of depth of field screams “home video”. If you want your films to have a cinematic look, you must shallow up your DOF. This is exactly what the Letus35 lens adapters were made to do.

Now, with the help of a Letus35, you can achieve the same shallow depth of field effects as a high-end 35mm film camera with your existing DV/HDV camera. Whether you have a small consumer grade camera or a higher end professional HD camera, a Letus35 can dramatically change the look of you footage by producing the same DOF effects as a cinema level camera.

I shot some new material with our Letus which I will be very happy to share with you in my next post, so hope to see you then.

Bye for now !

Topics: Audio Visual Communication | View Comments