DIY JVC LCD FlipHack for DOF Adapters, JAG35

[blastlaughs]

will the magnet damage the camera in any way

[musichistorynut]

@blastlaughs I don't think so - not if you only use it when you need to. (i.e. don't keep it on there permanently). You should only do this when you are ready to shoot and once you are done, remove it. The magnet COULD mess with your internal hard drive if you leave it attached.

No guarantees that this will work for you, nor am I saying that it won't damage your camera. All I am saying is that it safely worked for ME with MY camera. Thanks for posting.

[valleygoon404]

does the 35mm lens come with the adapter or can i use any old camera lens

[musichistorynut]

@valleygoon404 you have to get your own 35mm lenses. (The most common is the Canon FD mount.) They are inexpensive and are easy to find.

[baysick]

i got a problem i opened my camcorder and i moved a magnet now my screen wont flip. do you no where it goes? someone help

[HOLLYWOODBOY818]

How powerful do the magnets have to be? I tried the refrigerate magnets and it doesn't work.

[musichistorynut]

@HOLLYWOODBOY818 They have to be pretty strong. Much stronger than the refrigerator magnet - AND again - this might not even work for you. It only works on certain cams. It doesn't work on my Panasonic miniDV or Canon zr900.

[PopsMcKracken]

One thing, did you use a standard mount for the tripod? The screw seems a little short to pass through the metal.

[musichistorynut]

@PopsMcKracken Ok for that - I took the tripod plate (the one you mount your camera to and drilled two small holes on both sides of the small 1.4 threaded stud you normally mount the camera on and put thin bolts through those holes so they stick up through the plate - I then drilled two corresponding holes into the flat aluminum so I could mount it to the plate - which then I put in the tripod. Hope that made sense. It may not work on all tripod plates.

[PopsMcKracken]

Yer the man..I just picked up everything I need for it from the hardware store. I have a Canon HV20 so the magnet won't work. Thanks for the idea!!!

[musichistorynut]

@djsaeedskh I almost missed this! (YouTube automatically flagged your post as spam because you used the word "p i s s e d" Just letting you know. BTW I'm glad this worked for you. What kind of magnet did you use?

[PopsMcKracken]

This is great! where did you get the materials for this?

[musichistorynut]

@PopsMcKracken

Materials? As in the magnet? It happened to be the back of a name-tag I used to have for work. I used a velcro dot (you can get them at any fabric store, or probably wal-mart too) to fasten the magnet to the back of the LCD screen. The hand-held thing - that is two pieces of flat aluminum with some PVC for the handles. And the mirror I got in the automotive department of Wal-mart. I used a small alum. tube as a spacer where I attached the cam.

[lightmydank]

hi can u recommend a decent steadicam for hv30 shrigg rig and twoneil?

[musichistorynut]

@lightmydank I'd recommend some of the ones made for lighter cams, but once you start adding DOF adapters and rails and such, the weight can really get up there. My 1.3 lb. JVC, GZHD6 is lightweight, but when added to Cinecity rails, Letus Mini, Lens, Mic and Follow focus, now tip the scales at a little over 8 lbs! You need to weigh your rig with everything together. And then shop accordingly. eBay has a LOT of steadicam-type products available. Flycam comes to mind.

[shamsham1983]

nice discovery!

[musichistorynut]

@shamsham1983 Thanks! I had heard about some other camera doing this, I forget which, but that made me want to try it. And it worked!  I have since upgraded to a Letus Mini which has the flip module built in, so no need to do any flipping anymore.

[NICKIncorporated]

Works great with my JVC GZ-HD7 and Jag35 ST, absolutely brilliant!  Thanks a million in advance!

[musichistorynut]

@NICKIncorporated Glad this worked for somebody! :)

I figured it would work for the GZ-HD series. . @NICKIncorporated Glad this worked for somebody! :)

I figured it would work for the GZ-HD series. As I have said countless times before, I have no idea of which cams this will work with or not. I just know it worked for mine. (and yours now). :) Just curious, what kind of magnet did you use? Can you post a pic or link that shows your setup?

Thanks!

[jessetalako6]

will it ever wreck your camera

[musichistorynut]

@jessetalako6 No - not if you are smart about it. Don't leave it on when you are not using the cam. Only put it on when the LCD is flipped out, etc. And I never use it for lengthy periods of time.

Hope that helps

[B3D5X]

Wish the Vixias could accommodate magnetic flip!

Nice Sountrack Pro arrangement.

[musichistorynut]

@B3D5X Yeah, I have heard that several cams can do the magnet trick, but most of the Canons I have seen do not do it.

Thanks for the comment about the arrangement. (I actualy used Logic Pro, but that is OK - they use the same apple loops to work with. )

[Beat2Chill]

Hey, I'm planning to buy the JAG35E. But I have a question about the weight of the whole construction (adapter+lens). Is it heavy? Because it looks quite heavy. I'm not planning to buy a rod system soon so I'm worried if my camera can bear the weight.

[musichistorynut]

The adapter is not that heavy and does not need rails to support it. But it is a good idea if you can swing it. The FD lens mounts (the JAG35E only comes in FD) are plastic, so it's probably a good idea to support it. but as long as you are gentle with things when using it, you'll be fine I haven't had any problems. I have had mine for a year. (and still don't have supports). I am getting a Shrigg Rig soon - but I have to upgrade to PRO version for that. It will be a good investment.

[marcozimbron]

very cool thanks, would the magnet damage any components? tnks

[musichistorynut]

Hey Macozimbron, Please read some of the other replies to the same question. In short, I personally have had no problems using it, I only use it when the lcd is open, never store the cam with the magnet on, and keep it away from the main body of the cam. The GZHD6 already has a small yellow magnet right by the LCD that tells it when it is flipped. So, no, adding another on the LCD itself has not damaged anything.

[KnifemakingUnplugged]

Awesome set up. Very clever way of creating what looks like an extremely versitile rig.

[musichistorynut]

THANKS. the rig is nice, but I'd like it to be balanced and more smooth (like a steadycam), but.... it is still better than JUST handheld. I've got some more ideas... but we'll see what happens.

[samp700]

can you tell me what rings you used for Jag 35 pro? I can figure out!!!!

[musichistorynut]

did you ever get this figured out, Samp700? The JAG35pro has lots of options for ring sizes.

[samp700]

what adapter ring do i need to work with my cam? i have the same cam as you and just got in the mail today jag35pro 37-58 lens can you help? me out?

[samp700]

So the jag35 works well on that JVC HDD?

[FoomerFilms]

wouldnt the magnet pose a threat to "wiping" your hard drive?

[musichistorynut]

No - because it is not THAT strong of magnet, and it only goes on after you have flipped open the LCD - I always remove it when the LCD is closed. In other words, it never is close enough to the hard drive to affect it. It is only something I do when I cannot have my hand-held rig handy (with the mirror). It's great when you have to do shots you don't have time to set up for.

[wondnaereh]

Will this trick work on a Canon HV20?

[musichistorynut]

Hey Wondnaereh,

I have no idea if this works on the HV20. I doubt it though. This would not work on my Canon zr900. It probably will not work on MOST camcorders. I only know that it does work with this particular JVC Series of Everio.

You'll just have to try it  - and TELL ME so I can be sure when others ask.

Thanks for watching.

[wondnaereh]

Well actually I have already sent my HV20 in for the "Flip Hack" but if I run across a magnet I'll try it out. Doesn't the magnet that close to the magnetic take pose a problem though?

[musichistorynut]

Not for me. I don't use it for prolonged periods of time, and I never store it with the magnet attached. I only attach it with the LCD flipped out (never when it is against the camera itself). If I plan on using my cam for a long period of time, I use my mirror. It's just when I need to do a really quick hand-held shot that I use the magnet. With this light-use, I haven't had any problems with the magnet affecting my LCD screen.

[mikevaughanmusic]

Hiya mate :-) just have one question for you: does it damage the screen at all? Thanx :-)

[musichistorynut]

No it does not damage the screen - at least, not that I have noticed and have been using it regularly for the past 4 months. There is a sensor with a magnet ALREADY on the unit that tells when the LCD is flipped But... if it is a REALLY strong magnet, it might damage things yes. I am not responsible for anything bad happening with your cam if you use this. All I know is it works for ME with my magnet. I am just showing the principle of how to do it. I never store it with the magnet on.

[bigsky780]

Thanks for that!! Nice.

[musichistorynut]

You're welcome. Thanks for responding.,

[Crazy216Carl]

does this jag 35 only work for the hd cameras or any camcorder

[musichistorynut]

ANY camcorder that has 43 mm lens threads. It mounts just fine to my standard definition Panasonic PV-DV53D. You have to zoom in to get rid of the vignetting. But the image quality is just as nice. Just in standard def,.

So, yes, it will work on any camcorder, as long as it has thread sizes that match what is offered on the JAG site. I don't know THAT much about them, but they make good stuff. And AFFORDABLE.

[sk8ersick666]

dude this video seriously saved my life. thank you so much!! I basically have the same set up as you (but i have an hd7) and i began to panic when i couldnt figure out how to get around the upside down image.

question? when u use the adapter, do you get rid of the vignetting by zooming in with the camera? or do you use a macro lens? i experimented by holding the jag35 static in front of a macrolens and it looks great but they are not size compatible with each other.. any ideas?

[musichistorynut]

Unfortunately, in order to set what is called the "back focus" which is focusing the HD7 on the vibrating ground glass macro lens, you have to zoom. On my HD6, I have to go about 2.5 zoom. That is the least I can zoom that gets out the vignetting, and yet still lets me focus sharply.

[StephenBanham]

Surely if you just drilled two holes on either side of the camera in the bottom plank of the rig and hung small weights from each it would work as a a rig and also do the job as a steadicam. Just an idea I had thought of making after seeing this...

[musichistorynut]

hmm. I have thought about putting some counter-weights in the bottom/rear of the rig, since it is now top and front heavy.  I will try your idea and see if it steadies things. THANKS.

[birddude20]

I made the poor mans steadycam for about 35 bucks and I love it. The main thing that keeps it steady is the weight, which isn't on a handheld rig.

[musichistorynut]

Any chance you can post a vid showing yours? I'd love to see it.

[birddude20]

Sure, just give me some time to get my computer's filter cleaned, because it keeps overheating when i try to upload to YouTube, and i'll upload it pronto.

[StephenBanham]

I'm tossing up between making a hand-held rig and a steadicam. Do you have a steadicam? Does the rig give good results equivelant to a steadicam?

Sorry for all the questions :p

[musichistorynut]

It does NOT perform as well as a steady cam, but.... it is far better than just plain hand-held. I would get a steadicam if I could afford it. but.. this does fine for what I do. (right now).

[birddude20]

i dont imagine it would hurt the JVC too much though, in response to the other comments. If you turn the LCD screen facing straight up and look at the hinge that allows it to turn all of those ways, there is a small yellow magnet there, and i am guessing a magnet receiver is inside the screen, so it is BUILT to do this, so that the screen knows when it is facing towards the subject being filmed. If you used a smaller magnet it would probably be completely safe.

-Thanks again!

[musichistorynut]

Thank you for commenting about that. I never realized that till you mentioned it. Neat.

[birddude20]

I am sorry for asking so much, i just have one last question about the US6 specifically. I am building a DOF adapter, but i need to know how to turn autofocus off. Thanks!

-David

[musichistorynut]

Hey David,

On the LCD, you have to use the little joystick. It is a multi-function control. It is used as a button that you push IN, but also allows you to press up, down, left and right. That gives you a lot of menus and shooting options. You simply need to just push downward on the joystick and that turns ON manual focus. Click down again and it turns it back off (and on to autofocus).

[musichistorynut]

Continued - You have to use manual focus to set what is called your back focus (in conjunction with your zoom) Once you have the right focus, you push the button IN and that locks your focus.

The manual that comes with the GZHD6 will show you this too.

[birddude20]

Awesome! Thank you!

[birddude20]

Excuse me but i have the same exact JVC camera and would like to know what the size is to use an adapter with so i can add on a lense? Please respond! Ive been looking everywhere!

[musichistorynut]

You have a 43mm lens threading on your JVC. As you know, you have to have an adapter to put standard 35mm lenses on your cam. Most DOF adapter makers offer products in 43mm sizes, but if not, you can buy step up/down rings as needed.JAG35 comes in various thread sizes. You need to know what kind of lens you are using and then get the adapter that uses that lens. Go to JAG35 website (google it) and you will find all sorts of answers. Let me know if that helped.

[birddude20]

What is the difference between the DOF, JAG35 and stepup/down rings? Will they all potentially work?

[musichistorynut]

OK - please look up Depth-of-field (DOF) adapters on wikipedia . com. That explains why you may or may not want to use them. The JAG35 is a depth-of-field adapter. It's the thing that allows you to even use standard camera lenses on your camcorder.

[musichistorynut]

(continued) Why is it called a DOF? Because video cams have a very wide depth-of-field where most things whether far or near are in focus all the time and standard still cameras have narrow depth of field, where what you focus on is clear, but foreground is blurry and background is blurry. That is one of the most VISUAL elements that distinguishes movies shot with film cams and ones shot on video cams. Please google DOF or depth-of-field to learn more.

[vadismusic]

Do you know if the magnet trick also works on a Canon HG10 ? And isn't this "hack" harmfull to your camera ?

[musichistorynut]

Hey there,

The magnet trick does NOT work on all models - as I state in my description. And yes, I think if you were to leave the magnet on all the time, as in when not in use, it could be harmful. But for short useage - especially while the LCD is flipped open, You are far enough away from the tape drive (or hard disc) that it should be just fine.

[musichistorynut]

continuation of message:

I am not sure of what this will do to the LCD in the long run, but I have not had any problems yet. I'd consult an expert on camcorders before doing this for a long period of time. I really think the best method is the mirror. (or if you can afford it, the flip module) I use the handheld rig a lot more than just holding the cam in my hands. So, I use the mirror a lot more than with the magnet. But there are some r

[musichistorynut]

Continuation

There are some moments where you only have seconds to set up the cam to take a special shot, that is where the magnet comes in handy.

USE the magnets sparingly and you won't have to worry about the possible damages that can be done.

The best is to use a mirror, a flip module, or a separate LCD that can be mounted upside-down or even ones that have flip switches that flip both vertical and horizontal images.

None of those options can harm your camera.

[tychnlee1]

what kind and how much is that lense?

[musichistorynut]

What kind of what? Magnet? I am not sure of the make I used but it is small but powerful. What kind of Depth Of Field adapter? The JAG35E. The FD mounted Canon 50mm lens (for 35mm cameras) cost me $15 on eBay used. You just want to make sure the seller states there are no spots, scratches, or fungus on/in the lens, It took me a week to find one that was in my price range, but persistence paid off. You can also get lenses from the JAG site for $50.

Thanks for commenting!

[tychnlee1]

See, i have always wanted a camera that had an auto focus ring. Yet all the cameras that have them are quite pricey. So this caught my attention with that lense. What kind is it and where and how much did it cost? And will it work for any other cameras? Thanks

[musichistorynut]

The lens fits onto a depth-of-field adapter. This particular adapter costs $199. The lens that fits on it, cost $15.

WIll it work on your camera? I don't know. What type of camcorder do you use? Your cam will need to have lens threads to use these adapters and lenses. If you have threads, no matter what size they are, they make step up and step down rings to allow you to use the JAG. But there are a lot of options for that product as well., Google "JAG35" and you will find the site

[tychnlee1]

I see. I currently dont have a camera. =[ I have been on ebay, youtube, and google for the past month researching and looking for good prosumer cameras. I'm only 15 so I'm still into the better looking cameras then better quality. So that makes it difficult to find the perfect one for me. I'm Still a bit curious about this JAG35. I can't see a purpose in it. Does it increase quality? But I do see it has a focus ring and that seems very useful.

[musichistorynut]

Ah I see,

You need to look up Depth of Field adapters on Wikipedia. This explains why they are useful.

They allow you to have that special film look you see in more professional productions.

Also - in YouTube, there is a movie called "what is a 35 mm adapter?" look it up - YouTube won't let me link to them directly.

The focus ring on mine is not on the adapter but on the lens itself.

[ACityOfFriends]

Very cool. What kind of magnet are you using? I'm concerned about using one that is too strong and degaussing my tape. Please tell me where you got yours.

[musichistorynut]

I used an old magnet from a name tag from work. I wouldn't worry too much about your tape unless you store the cam with the magnet still on, The magnet I use has to be in an EXACT place, otherwise it won't flip it. So, you know the magnet is not THAT strong,

My advice is to try one out. If you are worried about tape, don't try it with a tape inside. I also don;t use this magnet flip much - I prefer my hand-held rig with the mirror. If I could afford it I would buy an actual flip module.

[ACityOfFriends]

Thanks for the info. This is so clever. I'm going to try it with a refrigerator magnet to see if it works on my Sony HC5. I'll let you know. BTW-I've watched your vids on vimeo and the PEX curved track is brilliant. You are a very crafty guy. Please keep it up so folks like me (not so crafty) can follow your lead. Thanks again.