Fotodiox Releases Pro B4 Magic Adapter For The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

We all know how frustrating it can be to want to use these great video cameras with stills lenses in a run and gun world. With this new Pro B4 Magic Lens the world of ENG zoom lenses just opened up for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. The adapter has a lens inside that corrects the image so it will not vignette. 2/3 chip cameras are pretty close the MFT or the BMPCC sensor. Basically the B4 magic internal lens is a 2x teleconverter. If your ENG lens has a doubler then maybe you wont need the converter with the lens just a B4 to MFT adapter.

The lens when used with the B4 Magic Lens Adapter has to be set to f5.6. Any wider will cause the image to soften. The degree of softening depends on the lens that is used. This is a bit of a problem. 5.6 is fine for outdoors but indoors for run and gun will be an issue. I think getting a good ENG lens is very important. At NAB Fotodiox showed a similar version for MFT and the GH4.

Here is a sample of the adapter in action by Gan Eden Video

Newsshooter at NAB 2014: Fotodiox B4 lens adapter solution for Micro 4/3 and NEX cameras from Dan Chung on Vimeo.

Missing here for me is this adapter wont work on any other MFT mount camera, so that means the Panasonic GH4 isn’t going to get to use this. I have a ENG lens waiting and would love to try to rig it up. I sure hope Fotodiox makes a GH4 version. If you want one too send them a note on Youtube!

In order to use the powered zoom Fotodiox has the PwrLynx-B4Magic-Kit. With a cable attached to the zoom lens the battery supplies the power. Zoom on my friends! It’s a pretty nice little setup but how clean and sharp the image will be depends a lot on the quality of the 2/3 ENG lens you have. I would get a fairly modern one to make sure you can get the most from your camera. Maybe even rent a few first.

I’m holding hope to see a GH4 version soon. Fotodiox had one at NAB and I suppose the user base of the BMPCC spoke up pretty loud and got it first.

B4 Magic Lens Adapter sells for $399.95 for a limited time it’s $249.95

Pro PoweLynx Kit – B4 Magic Adapter sells for $499.95 for a limited time it’s $349.95

Here is more info from Fotodiox.

The B4 Magic Lens Adapter – an all brass adapter with built-in optics to correct your B4 lens’ image to align with the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera’s sensor. There is no vignetting, even when the lens is zoomed out all the way. The B4 Magic Lens Adapter features a built in tripod foot with an integrated Arca-Swiss quick-release compatible base.

B4 Magic Lens Adapter Cap – this custom all-metal cap fits on the front of the B4 Magic Lens Adapter. B4 body caps are exceedingly rare, so we created one to keep the optics of the B4 Magic Lens Adapter safe when you remove your B4 lens.

The Fotodiox s9000 Power Pack – this all-metal power pack can power your lens’ zoom motor for literally days of shooting. The Power Pack also has a built-in USB power output that is useful for charging phones, tablets, and even cameras. The PowerPack includes the recharger unit and a production-ready dual zipper case.

Fotodiox 6-pin or 12-pin coily adapter cable – B4 lenses typically have a power connection that is difficult to adapt to a different power supply. With the included cable, you’ll be able to run power to your lens from the included power pack. (Cable is for powering motorized zoom. Other specific lens features like iris control are not supported)

Features:

Offers the creative flexibility of a powered zoom lens for a fraction of the price of similar options
Includes everything that you need to power-up and mount your B4 lens to the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera – all in one easy to use kit
A powered zoom adds countless creative possibilities to your videos, and gives you powerful options for framing.
Take advantage of the typical 15x and 20x zoom lengths for more flexibil with camera placement
24-Month Manufacturer Warranty

Description	The PowerLynx Kit for Black Magic Pocket Cinema from Fotodiox Pro
Kit Includes	Fotodiox Pro B4 Magic Adapter – B4 Lens to Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera w/ Corrective Glass Fotodiox Pro Turbopack 9000 – DC 12v 25Wh Power Pack for B4 2/3″ Lens Fotodiox Pro B4 2/3″ Hirose Power Cable – 6-Pin or 12-Pin to DC 12v B4 Magic Cap – B4 (2/3″) Protective Metal Body Cap Stylish, heavy duty, reinforced nylon shell carrying case with individual compartments for all components
Manufacture	Fotodiox Inc.
Warranty	24 Months

Lens Technical Requirements: B4 mount designed for 2/3″ sensor – look for better grade lens that resolves to HD resolutions. Impossible to list them all here. Even in the SD era, there are lenses that resolve to HD quality. A little research will uncover numerous lens bargains on the secondary market. You can easily find B4 lenses on eBay, B&H, Craigslist and practically anywhere that sells used video production gear, with prices commonly starting as low as $100.

The B4 Magic Lens Adapter is designed to work with lenses set to f5.6 and greater, (most B4 lenses are optimized for best focus at f5.6 and greater). Please be aware that shooting below f/5.6 may result in soft focus depending on your lens.

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