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Reader Mailbag: TwoNeil DIY35mmPRO 35mm Adapter Question
Welcome to the DOJO!
Yes, I know, it’s been way too long since my last post on here. And, yes, I know I haven’t finished my Top 10 Essential Equipment for Filmmakers list. Things have gotten a bit hectic here over the past couple of months and I have been neglecting my responsibilities as the Film Sensei. I am hoping to make up for things and get back to posting and shooting videos for this site here in the next week or two.
An interesting thing has happened here since I put up my initial post on the TwoNeil DIY35mmPRO 35mm Adapter (the TwoNeil to most people): I have been getting a ton of traffic and half a ton of questions about the thing. It looks like there are a lot of you out there with a Canon HV20 or its newer counterpart, the Canon HV30, who are on a budget and looking for a low cost alternative to high priced 35mm adapter rigs.
Now, before I get to today’s reader email, I do want to point out a couple of things. First off, these DIY static adapters (and even vibrating/rotating ones) are no replacement for the higher end units like the Brevis or Letus (or Redrock or one of about 10 other ones out on the market now). Anyone expecting to get the same results from a $200 homemade unit that they would from a $1500 manufactured one is going to be sorely disappointed. They are two completely different things and can’t really be compared. However, for what it is, the TwoNeil 35mm adapter can produce some very spectacular results if you know what you are doing.
Second, the TwoNeil 35mm Adapter is based on a design which is readily available online (and even TwoNeil points that out) for free. If you have the technical ability and the patience, you can save a few bucks by building one yourself. That being said, if you’re like me, building one can be a scary thing to consider. I would rather spend a few extra bucks and have an expert put one together for me. Not only does that guarantee the unit will be put together properly, but it also gives you someone to ask questions about its operation and design. For me the slight extra cost of purchasing an assembled TwoNeil adapter versus building one myself was completely worth it. As I mention below, the unit I received (and the help I received) from TwoNeil was easily worth the money I spent. Even with the long lead time (TwoNeil is a one-man shop) and the often slow email response time, I have absolutely no complaints about the TwoNeil 35mm Adapter and feel that it can give an experience user results far beyond the price I paid for it.
Anyone who asks me about the TwoNeil DIY35mmPRO 35mm Adapter gets the same response, “Every lowbudget filmmaker should absolutely have one of these babies in their arsenal of guerilla filmmaking tools…at its low price there is no excuse not to.”
That’s it for my preamble, let’s get on to today’s reader email. This time we hear from Ilya, who found the site through YouTube. She (I think?) has just purchased a TwoNeil, but has some questions and reservations about it. Take it away, Ilya.
Hi,
First off I got to say that I have watched several of your videos and they have been an inspiration to me. I already ordered a bunch of things that you have described.
I am a little concerned though about the 35mm adapter. I ordered one from the guy you have mentioned, TWONEIL@(emailremoved). I already paid him two days ago through paypal. $199 plus shipping.
If you could tell me please…Is he trust worthy for sure and how does he usually get in touch with his buyers. Is it normal for him not to write right away. it’s been two days.
Do you think the basic adaptor that he is selling is good enough or should I order if I can the better one or does it really not matter what would you recommend?
I really appreciate your time. Thank you so much. -Ilya
Ilya:
Thanks for the note and the kind words. From experience as a buyer myself (and as a regular lurker on the HV20.com forums), TwoNeil has been very trustworthy. He has been a member of the HV20.com forums forever and has probably sent out hundreds of his TwoNeil 35mm adapters. That being said, as I mentioned in my initial review of the adapter, he can be a bit slow in responding by email at times. Just have patience and he will get back to you. If you need further reassurance about the guy, post on the forums and ask about him. You’ll get 100% positive responses — that’s what happened to me when I asked around about him.
It’s tough to answer your question about “good enough.” The adapter works very well for what it is — a static 35mm adapter. There are some inherent potential issues with static adapters in general (keeping them dust and scratch free takes a lot of care). However, I’ve had excellent results with mine and I know a lot of other guys swear by the thing. There is a difference between a static adapter like this and a higher end manufactured one like the Brevis and, if you’ve got the money, I’d say go for the higher end.
For my money, the TwoNeil is the best low end adapter around (it’s one you can make yourself as well, if you have the time and patience — the instructions for it are all ove rthe internet). I’d pick it up (and did!) over anything short of the highend units like the Brevis. I would avoid the low end vibrating or rotating adapters like the plague. They have too many problems…if you’re looking for a vibrating adapter, just take the time and make your own if at all possible because the ones I’ve encountered online are generally pretty poor in quality.
The only downside for the TwoNeil is that the unit really is made for the HV20/HV30 and I’m not sure what it would take to adapt it for a bigger camera if you eventually move up to something else. That might be something to ask TwoNeil.
I don’t know if that helps you or answers your questions. Thanks again for your note and take care.
Well, that’s it for today’s reader mailbag. If you’ve got a question about low budget, indie or guerrilla filmmaking, feel free to post a comment or send over an email. I respond to any emails I receive and there is a good chance I might just post your question here on FilmSensei.com.
Thanks for stopping by and keep on shooting!
-Mat Nastos, the Film Sensei
http://www.FilmSensei.com
