Custom PL Mount HDSLR FAQ
How the heck do you do it?
We start by masking and sealing the imaging sensor cavity from the rest of the chamber so that nothing can harm the sensor. We then remove the mirror, lens mount and some other bits and pieces. The entire area is than flocked with an anti-reflective material and the pentaprism is masked so that no light can flare the imaging sensor. Finally we install a PL compatible lens mount and shim it so that the flange focal depth is accurate. If you are using calibrated lenses- your focus marks will all line up.
It sounds simple when it’s reduced to a paragraph like this- but to do this correctly (without harming any of the camera’s subsystems) involves more than a week of precision labor and testing.
So what cameras can you do this to?
As of right now the Canon 7D, 5D Mk 2 and 1D Mk 4. However, we are only taking orders for the 7D. Orders for the 5D-PL go live in May 2010. Other cameras from Nikon and Leica are also in the works.
Will a custom mod void my factory warranty?
Just like taking a new car to West Coast Customs, to be “pimped”, yep, the factory warranty will be rejected should you ever bring it in for repair. However, Hot Rod Cameras is working with an extended warranty provider and a world class multi-brand factory authorized DSLR repair facility in the USA who will perform the same factory warranty work (through an extended warranty) on any Hot Rod modified Canon 7D-PL camera. Generally the factory warranty on these cameras is 1-year, through Hot Rod Cameras you can purchase a 2-year extended warranty.
I already own an HDSLR can you perform the custom mod and sell me an extended warranty on the camera?
The answer is yes and maybe. We can modify the camera if after we do a thorough examination that the camera is not faulty and has not been damaged. If it is not in original/flawless working condition, we will return the camera at the owners’ expense.
We can sell an extended warranty on a camera you already own, assuming it passes our inspection and you are modifying the camera within 90-days of original date of purchase from an authorized reseller.
What does the extended warranty cost?
Full details on cost and coverage of the warranty program are coming very, very soon.
What if I’m okay voiding the warranty and I don’t want to purchase an extended warranty?
That’s okay with us. Hot Rod Cameras will perform the custom mod, or sell you a brand new custom modified camera with our accessories. You also get the original box and everything that comes inside.
If the custom camera ever does require repair work you can still send the modified camera to our preferred repair facility and they will do repair work at the usual rates for non-modified cameras.
Where do I send my camera to get modified?
After placing an order on-line you will receive an email within 24-hours with instructions on where to send us your camera, and the expected wait time. Currently we estimate that from the date of receipt the entire time we will have you camera is about 2-weeks.
What if I want my old lens mount back on the camera after the mod?
Once we’ve changed the camera there’s no going back to the original state without a complete rebuild from scratch (expensive). However, Hot Rod Cameras can remove the PL mount and install it on a newer version of a Canon HDSLR should they decide to release an update to the current HDSLR camera offerings (i.e. 8D, 5D Mk III ..etc).
Are your custom modified HDSLR cameras compatible with existing Hot Rod Cameras accessories?
For some cameras, namely the Canon 7D and 5D Mk 2, the answer is yes! The 1D Mk 4 uses a different body style and will require a different support system. Look for a 1D Mk 4 solution near the end of March.
If you are a current Hot Rod Cameras customer and own either a Hot Rod PL Deluxe, Basic or CSH kit, you can purchase the least expensive custom mod we offer, without any accessories, as you can use all the pieces you already own. If you have one of the very first Hot Rod CS support systems with a short camera screw channel you will need a small modification to the Hot Rod CS. Hot Rod Cameras will update or exchange the very early short channel Hot Rod CS free of charge with the purchase of a “Hot Rod Clients Only – 7D-PL.”
All new customers will need to purchase a Deluxe Mod kit to support heavy lenses safely.
What comes with the Deluxe Kit?
The Deluxe Kit includes a PL modified camera, and a CSH kit made up of the Hot Rod CS (Central Support) and Hot Rod HH (Hand Held Grip). If you are purchasing a new custom camera from us, the kit will also include everything in the original box.
The kits use Arri standard 15mm rods, but are not included. Most customers already own 15mm rods, but if you don’t have any or would like the best made rods in the industry, Hot Rod Cameras sells precision ground 15mm stainless steel rods for the fairest price. All iris rods are made and precision ground entirely in the Los Angeles, California.
Can I change the internal battery of the HDSLR camera when it is mounted to the Central Support?
Yes, absolutely! The Hot Rod Central Support was designed with professionals in mind. Quick changing the battery is a necessity. No need to dismount?
Exactly which lenses fit on the 7D-PL?
Here’s the list of what has been tested and known to fit:
- Zoom Lenses
- Angeniuex Optimo Zoom 15-40mm
- Angeniuex Optimo Zoom 28-76mm
- Angeniuex Optimo Zoom 24-290mm
- Cooke S4/i 15-40mm
- Duclos Tokina 11-16mm
- Prime Lenses
- Arri/Zeiss Compact Primes
- Arri/Zeiss Master Primes
- Arri/Zeiss Ultra Primes
- Cooke S4/i
- Zeiss Super Speeds Mk 2&3
- Zeiss Standard Speeds
- Lomo Anamorphics
- Red Pro Primes (25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm)
Here’s the list of lenses expected to fit but have not yet been tested (testing should be complete before 3/1/2010)
- Cooke Panchro
- Leica Mystery Primes
- Red Zooms
What has been tested and does NOT fit:
- Angenieux Optimo Rouge 30-80mm
- Red 18mm prime
What we think will PROBABLY not fit:
- Angenieux Optimo Rouge 16-42mm
HOT ROD PL FAQ
Q: What is the Hot Rod PL?
A: The Hot Rod PL adapter system is the first and only commercially available product that allows PL mount cinema lenses to mount directly to a micro 4/3 (micro four thirds) camera.
Q: Do you need to modify the camera body to use the Hot Rod PL
A: No. The Hot Rod PL adapter mounts to your camera like a lens. Click-in and click-out. No warranty voiding changes are made to the camera.
Q: Does Hot Rod PL use internal optical elements?
A: NO. The Hot Rod PL is NOT a relay lens system! It uses no power. There is no spinning or vibrating imaging plane. The system requires no back focus adjustment, or any optical focus adjustment of any kind. The Hot Rod PL does not introduce edge softening, vignetting or any porthole effect. The Hot Rod PL systems do have an adjustable flange depth using shims, which should only be adjusted/calibrated by a qualified lens/camera technician.
Q: Does the Hot Rod PL require any tools to make adjustments?
A: Nope, the Hot Rod PL is a 100% tool-less design.
Q: Can I change the internal battery of the camera while on the Hot Rod PL?
A: Yes, absolutely! The Hot Rod PL was designed with professionals in mind. Quick changing the battery is a necessity.
Q: Why should I put PL mount lenses on a micro 4/3 camera?
A: Many PL mount lenses are regarded as the best available optics for photography/Cinematography- the Hot Rod PL Package allows you to take advantage of those fantastic optics. Also, because the micro 4/3 sensor area is slightly smaller than Super 35mm film negative area, using a 35mm PL mount lens on a micro 4/3 sensor assures that you are shooting through the ‘sweetest’ part of the imaging lens. You also get accurate focus distance marks on your lens (something you never get with still lenses) which allows Assitants to pull focus properly.
Q: Can I use my stock micro 4/3 lens with the Hot Rod PL system?
A: Yes. Simply remove the lens adapter and you can still use all the support/mounting/handheld features of the Hot Rod PL system.
Q: Will the Hot Rod PL change the field of view from my stock lens?
A: Nope. As this is not a relay system, the FOV is identical to that of the stock lens.
Q: Can I use standard 4/3 mount lenses with the Hot Rod PL system?
A: Yes, just like the stock micro 4/3 lens, standard 4/3 lenses will work with the Panasonic DMW-MA1 adapter.
Q: What materials are used in the manufacturing of the Hot Rod PL?
A: We use the finest materials available in the market. The Hot Rod PL is made out of aviation-grade steel and aluminum. You want to have an incredibly solid and secure base when mounting valuable lenses.
Q: I’ve never hear of Hot Rod Cameras before, what’s the deal?
A: Hot Rod Cameras was founded in 2009 and is brand new. But that doesn’t mean the people working here are newbies. The people doing the design and manufacturing have been building equipment for the motion picture industry for the past 25-years, at companies like Dalsa and Panavision.
Q: Which PL mount lenses fit on the Hot Rod PL?
A: Hot Rod Cameras has tested many PL mount lenses on the system (see gallery), but we certainly haven’t tested them all! If you’ve got a lens designed for a 35mm film camera it should fit, if it was designed for another format, please check with us (and please provide the depth of the rear lens element) and we’ll let you know if the lens will work with the Hot Rod PL. As always if you have any questions- don’t hesitate to ask.
Q: What do I need to know about using the Hot Rod PL as a 35mm cine lens director’s finder?
A: You only really need to know the format you are shooting. When ordering a Hot Rod PL system we include a micro 4/3 “cheat sheet” to give you the focal length equivalency for popular formats, including 35mm film, Red One, etc. You can also use popular iPhone software like pCam and Matchlens.
Q: What’s the flange focal depth of the Hot Rod PL?
A: The Hot Rod PL uses the standard flange focal depth of 52mm.
Q: PL lenses can be big and heavy, is it really safe to mount them on your adapter?
A: Yes. Just follow our simple instructions and you’ll be fine.
Q: Do you have anything else in the works?
A: You betcha! If it’s not on the site we can’t talk about it yet. But rest assured it’s very, very cool.