Lens Library and Checking out GH3 Dual System Kits

Before you shoot your interview, you will need to check out some equipment from the studio. We have three Panasonic GH3 kits. Two of them are more or less identical while the third has some variation on accessories.

We have two kits that use the Tascam DR-70 audio recorder, and they are set up like this:

Here is a breakdown of what you should have in your bag:

1. Kata Bag – we have two small and one large Kata bag. It doesn’t matter which one you choose. There should be a lens cleaning cloth and four (4) “AA” batteries in the bag.
2. An SD Card Wallet: This should contain two 64GB cards for the GH3 and two 32GB cards for the Tascam recorder. If they are not in this quantity and size in the wallet, let Dr. Nystrom know. Be sure to format your cards when you pick up your equipment. The last thing you need is to be interviewing and have the camera say “CARD FULL!”
3. The Tascam DR-70 recorder with the Zacuto MiniDSLR Rig attached to it via the 1/4-20 screw. The Tascam will have the Vanguard tripod shoe attached to its bottom. It should also have a coiled 3.5mm audio out jack plugged into the “LINE OUT” port.
4. TWO Sony ECM-44B corded lavalier microphones.
5. Panasonic GH3 with body cap on it. Zacuto MiniDLSR baseplate should be firmly attached to the bottom in a position that allows the lever on the side to be turned. If it is not firmly attached, you will need to use the screwdriver to tighten it, but please avoid over-tightening this screw!
6. TWO fully charged batteries for the GH3 (the camera will not have an SD card or battery in it).
7. The lens of your choice (in this case, the Leica/Panasonic 25mm/1.4).
8. Neutral density filters for the lens you have chosen, if available, if needed.
9. Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones. Please… please do not wind the cord around them so tightly!

The differences with the zoom kit are as follows:

1. The audio recorder (4) is a Zoom H6. It will have a longer cord attached to the LINE OUT port in order to give you some different mounting options (we are going to put velcro on it and on a corresponding tripod.)
2. Also, the camera (6) is the DSLR baseplate has the Vanguard tripod shoe mounted to its bottom (instead of to the bottom of the Tascam).

Our Lens Library

The GH3 uses a Micro four-thirds lens mount. The good part about this is that it is very easy to mount almost any lens to the camera with the proper adapter. We have two lenses pictured here that are of a different mount but use adapters to fit onto the GH3. Adapted lenses, however, do not always have an “active mount.” This means that the camera cannot electronically control the lens aperture. Nor will autofocus work on the lens.

1. Leica/Panasonic 25mm/1.4 – This is fast, wide to medium focal length high-quality prime lens with an active M4/3 mount. Has a lens hood attached, and accepts the 46mm Tiffen neutral density filters pictured in the adjacent wallet.
2. Panasonic 12-35/2.8 – This is a quality zoom lens with an active M4/3 mount and fixed maximum 2.8 aperture throughout its focal range. It is also an image stabilized lens, which means it is the best choice the studio currently owns for shooting hand-held and B-roll. Has a lens hood attached and accepts the 62mm Tiffen neutral density filters pictured in the adjacent wallet.
3. Olympus 25mm/1.8 – This is a less expensive but still fast, wide to medium focal length high quality prime lens with an active M4/3 mount. Has a lens hood attached and also uses the 46mm neutral density filters.
4. Olympus 46mm/1.8 – A longer portrait focal length lens with an active M4/3 mount – makes a nice “A” camera interview shot with shallow depth of field. Has no lens hood. It also looks like a toy on the camera!
5. Pentax Super Takumar 55mm/1.8 M42 lens – A vintage prime lens of a portrait focal length. This is a fully manual lens with an aperture ring and cannot be controlled through the camera. But it makes a very beautiful image and is a nice “A” camera lens. Has a Polaroid neutral density filter to be used with it.
6. Pentax Super Takumar 135/2.5 M42 lens – A very long, quite fast prime manual lens with an aperture ring. Can make a great “A” camera lens, but know that you will have to be far from your subject. Can also be used to film live events.