Rich Steel Posted April 27, 2004 Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 Hello Fellow Operators, I've just won 2 Arri Variable Prime Lens (VP2 & VP3) off ebay at what I think is a fantastically low price. They are brand new, never been used, no scratches, dust or fungus and were sold by a reputable arri agent. I've bought them for $10K (US) each and well I've spoken with Arri in LA and they sell them for around $30K (US) each. Does anyone know of any inherent problems with the Lenses other than they are bloody heavy pieces of glass. I believe there's no such thing as a free lunch but this feel like the deal of the century. Anyone and everyones thoughts please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members RobVanGelder Posted April 28, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 28, 2004 Hi Rich, congratulations! What are you going to do with them BTW?. Use them for Steadicam shoots?. I think the one that you would like the most is the VP-1, which is something like 16-29 and a very useful lens. the VP-2 is the middle range, the biggest as I remember. That´s something you do not really want on a Compact, 535B or BL3/4. I tried it on a Compact once and it bottomed out not only my arm but my knees too :( But I´m sure you are a strong man....... :lol: Rob van Gelder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Lawrence Karman Posted April 28, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 28, 2004 Definately not for Steadicam use: VERY heavy and they "breathe" a bit when racking focus. Otherwise sharp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Steel Posted April 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2004 When you say breathe a little....what do you class as a little? Are they similiar to Broadcast cine zooms because they breathe a hell of a lot....it's almost like a small zoom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Lawrence Karman Posted April 29, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 29, 2004 It's been a while since I've had my hands on one but as I recall it was somewhere between a bit and a lot. Sorry I can't be more precise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Frederic Chamberland Posted April 29, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 29, 2004 Hi, As a camera assistant, I use and abuse of the 3 VP's on every set I work with DP Pierre Gill, CSC. He loves them ... On a dolly! I have never seen anyone trying to go hand held with them or even think of steadicam with VP's... They surely "breath" a lot , far less than a 25-250 Angenieux, but much more than a what you could expect from a "variable" prime... Again, you would have to "whip" that follow focus very rapidly to notice it but it is definetly there. As for working with steadicam....You need a bridge for every VP, even the VP1 (shortest). So here goes a VERY HEAVY lense with bridge and both rods and 3 motors... In my opinion, it is as ridiculous as putting a 1000' mag on a steadicam: It can be technicaly done but at a price your knees won't agree. And I assume using filters will be a hassle. Look at the size of that front element... And don't forget to "unlock" the zooms on the lens before damaging it. This little locking knob is so fast to forget for a DP or anyone trying to zoom when locked. Great piece of equipment , just not steadicam friendly. Good deal too, enjoy! Frederic Chamberland steadicam@videotron.ca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Steel Posted April 29, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2004 Hi folks, Thanks for the varied and interesting replies. I realise this is a STEADICAM forum but I think some of you guys got the wrong end of the stick. My header did mention "OFF TOPIC" and I have no intention of using the VP's on the rig. My original post was really to find out if (A) the purchase price was realistic and (B) was there an inherent problem I was unaware of due to the low cost of the units, seeing as they're brand new. All the same, many thanks for the insight and can't wait to get my grubby little hands on em' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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