Hello PL-Mount Enthusiasts! We have some good news for you 
We just had a meeting with Illya Friedman from Hot Rod Cameras and he has agreed to design and manufacture the D16′s PL mount. This is really big news. If you don’t know Hot Rod Cameras it is the company that perfected PL mounts for DSLR cameras. They also make a lot of other custom PL related things.
I really like Illya, and the few times we have gotten together to talk I always find myself really connecting with him. He is an honest and straightforward guy who really knows what he is talking about, and that’s reflected in his company. Check out what their about page says…
We take our name in part from the original creators of the “Hot Rod”, skilled Depression-era mechanics, often working in their own garages, using common vehicles, junkyard parts and their own ingenuity to create streamline racers which out-performed most (if not all) of the much more expensive factory cars widely available at the time.
Like those early mechanics, Hot Rod Cameras is on a mission- to build and sell cameras, lenses and other professional grade accessories that when used properly, enable cameras to perform at levels far beyond the the original factory settings.
With Hot Rod Cameras you’ll derive the highest performance possible, and get maximum value from your camera.
Here are some examples of their work:
If you want to read more about Hot Rod and see some of their other products, you can find them online at: https://www.hotrodcameras.com/
Awesome these guys are fantastic!!! But their mounts are usually expensive!
Hi Chris,
These guys are fantastic! And the mount will be more expensive than if we did it, but it will be done the right way.
The way we figure it, people who want to use PL mounts are the serious type who want things done 100% right and can afford this kind of perfection. The lens sets for this Mount reflect that kind of performance, and price.
any rough idea of the price?
We don’t have any specifics yet on price, but it will be on the less expensive side of what he makes PL wise. I think it would be below $1000.
OK – so, quite an investment in regard to the camera’s price.
May be worth it for someone who already possesses a set of PL lenses, though.
Yes definitely more than the mounts we make, but if you’re spending $15K – $20K on S16 PL Glass maybe it’s not a big deal?
And again for most of our users we are going to recommend using the C-mount glass we make, but if you’re a professional the PL will be a really nice option.
What about the backers who selected this mount as the included 2nd mount with their purchase?
I am working on that :/
We will make a good deal for them somehow!
I also expected a PL Mount with the shipped camera and have recently bought a Compact Super 16 Zoom for the D16.
Just been on Hot Rod’s website and although their mounts are nice that 5D-PL Deluxe mount is more expensive than the D16 ???
Joe – What’s the difference in the EF Mount you’ve been working on and a PL ?
Hi Jade,
Thanks for all your support so far.
We thought we were going to be producing the PL mount back in March, but as it turns out this is much more complicated than it seems.
EF lenses are made with a larger range of back focus compared to many PL lenses. Basically, for professionals, the PL needs to be a very very exacting thing. Major companies like Sony have screwed this up when trying to make PL versions of their cameras. PL mounts unlike other mounts need the ability for the user to “shim” the mount and balance it. Illya has spent a lot of time (years really) getting this just right through the design process and the manufacturing process. It would take us a long time and a lot of work to get to the point he is at today.
I promise that we will work with him to work out a good deal for our kickstarter backers that want the PL mount, and that the PL mount you get will be awesome!
Looking forward to being able to purchase this. Lots of great glass around no one is using that would be perfect for the d16
Yes exactly!
What lenses should we be looking for then? PL Super 16mm? What lens would you suggest pcain?
Could you direct to some examples? Especially lenses that would yield a wide fov. Not sure if this has already been discussed on this blog, but I’m definitely interested in the camera but have no clue where to find glass.
Check out our forum for posts about lenses (right now our forum is down because of sever issues, but should be back very soon).
Check out Switar lenses like this one…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kern-Paillard-Switar-10mm-1-6-AR-Switzerland-C-Mount-Cine-Lens-Visifocus-/221185242500?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item337faaf584
And we will be making lenses that will be perfect for the D16 also!
Stop directing people to lenses I’m bidding on!
Wouldn’t this particular lens vignette in 4×3? What about s16?
Hahahaha,
Yes this lens would vignette if using the full sensor, but it would be fine in 16mm mode and I think it would be ok in S16 too, but that would have to be tested.
I’ll try to get a switar 10mm photo for you to see its circle.. at least on M4/3… Here’s a kinoptik 12.5 grand angle special out to take a shot of a camelia bloom.. it’s off axis as I had to glue a step up ring to the bezel edge of the mount threads as it’s some weird M34 mount that I can’t find a suitable adapter for.. in any case you can get it in C-mount usually on Ebay
http://picpaste.com/pics/P1010068-TF01qvFt.1360182091.JPG
Thanks Robert!
Thank you Joe. Much appreciated.
I meant Robert – sorry!
heres a switar 10mm RX version
It has some aberrations due to it being RX, but it’s sharp when stopped down. Unfortunately I shoudl’ve taken stopped down shows with these lenses as it would resolve the circle better.. but you get the idea. This is M4/3 so you can maybe extrapolate the dimensions if you so desire
http://picpaste.com/P1010081-sb5cZAVb.jpg
Thanks a lot, Robert – that helps!
welcome welcome..
i’ll try to take some stopped down photos so that you can see a sharper image circle..
i’ve also got a k/3 camera so I’ll try to take some photos with the meteor lens also.. I’m interested as to how it will look, as those cameras are really cheap, and it has a decent zoom range.. The digital age has been a watershed for all old lenses.. they can be completely trashed with scratches, fungus and coating separation and can still produce a beautiful image, and a unique renditions
True.
I am under the impression that it’s quite difficult to have my little Switar produce an image that does not look vintage – is it just me?
I love vintage stuff but I’m also in need of a more modern look sometimes (corporate jobs, etc.)…
You’ll just have do tests with it !
Quite clearly, it makes little sense to use like USD15000 lenses and than have them defocus at a corner due to a failing mount. So, I believe the decision is right, even though I assume that the price will be closer to USD1400.
All others may well use a c-mount or mft to PL-adapter like:
http://www.visualproducts.com/storeProductDetail01.asp?productID=479&Cat=11 (USD500)
or
http://www.vocas.com/accessories/micro-four-third-to-pl-adapter-excl-15mm-support (429)
or
http://shop.texasmediasystems.com/Kipon-PL-m43-PL-Lens-to-Micro-43-Camera-Body-Adapter_p_4428.html (395)
Thanks for the options! I’d be a little worried about the C-mount threads with a heavy PL lens
Rods
(not rodents)
How about m43-mount? Is that going to be a free option? There are good quality alternatives in m43->PL adapters. Micro 43 is the best “universal” mount at the moment, given that you support the heavier lenses accordingly. My m43-PL adapter has adjustable flange distance (no shims needed). It is very well made and robust. I ordered it from the polish company foto-akcesoria (aka Ciecio7 on Ebay).
I am working on a passive MFT lens mount now, and yes it will be one of the options kickstarter backers can select. And yes there are some MFT to PL adapters out there, but if you are using PL lenses for the quality, I would say it’s probably going to be worth the price to get the PL mount. I’m not selling them or making any money on the sale of the PL mount so I’m not saying that as a profit thing. It’s really all about the quality these guys build!
Hi Joe,
I saw your profile on Model Mayhem. Do you work with many models?
I work with UK models and and shot a few on videos. I plan on using the BMCC or the D16 in the future. Many models recognise the important of good videos for their portfolios.
Hi Simon,
I don’t really do shoots anymore. It was always just something to do for fun and I just haven’t had the time recently.
I think it is a good idea to start building motion into any work you do though, it does seem like the world is going that way
Would these be the ideal companions of a PL D16?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181073593397?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Yes you would need the PL mount for the D16 that we are talking about in this post, but these are very nice companions for the D16!
(not 100% sure if they cover S16, so might not get 2K S16 mode, but they surely cover the regular 16 – 1080p mode)
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Dear Joe and Elle,
First of all regarding the PL mount. Again, I/we really dig your entire approach and I totally agree – it is necessary that the PL mount is done the right way. Hot Rod definitely will deliver. No doubts about that. Thank you very much for talking us, the one who want who want/need a PL mount so seriously. Hot Rot is a remarkable manufacturer and imo will supplements the D16 in a tremendous manner.
On the other hand I have to say that I will not pay 800 dollars on top for a mount that was promised beforehand. But I am happy and lay my trust in you when you say you will make a good deal for all the backers who wanted the PL mount right from the beginning. Maybe it would be a good idea the figure out how many of the 100 backers really are in need or want a PL mount.
Quick get together with one of your backers
Wacky Ballerina/Noemi Preiswerk – my better half – is in LA right now doing research for a feature documentary. We together backed your kickstarter project. We know you are very busy working hard for us/the project, but it would be a great if a short get together over a coffee could be arranged. As you might know we’re from Europe and we don’t get the opportunity to come to the states as often as we’d like lately. So it would be great if at least she could meet you guys in person.
She is in L.A. until the 14th of Feburary, I know its on a very short notice, but she is available during the day as well as on the evening the coming two days. You can get in thouch with her via the following number: (+1) (0) 310 406 9949
All the best,
Yves Roy
Just got your email, we’ll definitely be in touch. And we’re trying as hard as we can to figure out the best deal for everyone who’s interested in a PL mount!
Is it OK to use 35mm PL mount lenses with D16?
Yes but there will be a 2.7 crop, but this is a good way to get S35mm depth of field if that is what you are after!
I’m going to stick with the C-mount lenses. I’m going to buy myself some cinescope lenses for this one.