Pedro Guimaraes
04-28-2010, 09:58 PM
Hey guys,
Wanted to share a new beamsplitter for RED use that has finally become available for purchase and rental. Some of you might of heard about it, some of you might of seen it, few even maybe used it.
Now, I must preface. I'm not a 21st Century 3D employee. I'm a freelancer. They do hire me frequently as stereographer, operator, DIT...... so I'm biased in a sense that I have used the rig alot. I have also used the swiss rig, Element techinca quasar and ET mini rig, Sean Phillips rigs and other prototype rigs as well. So I do have a wide scope to draw my opinions from. I'm ready to use whatever you want to your on your production. Just wanted to share some info.
anyways,
It's the BX3. (the BX2 was a development protoype)
I have shot on it alot last year(during it's development) and this year already I have shot many projects on it. It has many great unique features that have proved there well worth it in difficult production conditions.
We used the rig with RED's on 3D feature called Julia X and and 3D IMAX feature (also shot on red) called Air Racers 3D. During Julia-X we were working with in under rain conditions the whole time, heat and moisture the whole show. During air racers shot on location in RENO, NV on a blazing hot desert tarmac lots of heat and dust on that show. It's been in many conditions and situations...
With EX3's we have used the rig in steadicam mode quite a bit. While not the lightest rig on a steadicam it has proven useful within it's operational parameters. With reds it balances and works well on the standard technocrane z-Head. The flexibility of choosing camera on top or bottom is very useful. The quick release mirror is awesome, the easy to clean mirror box, the quick alignment time is just great under a time crunched set. Most of all, the single most important feature that this rig has is the optical path before the lens.
Jason Goodman (designer, stereographer) spent a considerable amount of time researching and testing to get the results you see on your monitors. A combination of newly formulated beamsplitter mirror coating and what he calls the depolarizing filter. Results in simply the closest matched images I have ever seen out of a beamsplitter. He addressed 2 issues, equalization of color across both cameras(not perfect but close) and most important the common beamsplitter issue of polarization. Classically what happens on a beam splitter is that one eye gets polarized and the other doesn't (ex..one eye see thru the glass and the other see a reflection on it's surface). What he managed to do with his filter and mirror is near equal polarization. Also this affects things with specular highlights.....such as water surfaces, broken glass, glitter, dew on grass... Even in avatar we see polarization issues that cause retinal rivalry....Since we shot most of JuliaX on water or around water this was very important. I invite you to take a look at the 2 red monitors side by side if you ever see this rig in person. You will see the closely matched histograms and while watching footage shot on it alternate your eyes and check out the polarization between each eye on reflective surfaces, water, glass and you will see what I'm talking about.
Anyways....Here is the official press release with some official info on it....
--------------
"At the outset of the National Association of Broadcasters convention, 21st Century 3D announced the launch of the new BX3 optical beam splitter. The BX3 is a cutting edge tool designed for stereoscopic 3D motion picture production. After years of development and months of testing, BX3 represents 21st Century 3D's most advanced 3D production tool to date.
BX3 is a breakthrough in beam splitter design. Created by a professional stereographer for professional stereographers, BX3 has substantial advantages over competitive devices. The BX3 can accommodate a wide range of cameras including RED ONE, Sony EX3, Panasonic 3700, Canon XHG1S and many others.
BX3 offers unprecedented versatility when it comes to setup and operation. The rig itself weighs only 23 lbs without cameras or motors, making it far lighter than most other full sized beam splitter mirror rigs.
The mirror itself has been specially designed for optimum optical performance in stereoscopic cinematography applications. BX3's premium optics balance reflection and transmission of color, contrast, density and brightness. Additionally, a custom developed depolarizing filter ensures that polarized light (frequently seen on wet, metallic or glass surfaces) entering the lenses is seen by both cameras, virtually eliminating nasty retinal rivalry commonly seen in beam splitter footage.
When it comes to shooting options, BX3 offers unique choices. The mirrored camera can be oriented above the rig looking down into the mirror in its standard configuration, or down below the rig looking up in Flip Mode. Simply unmount the camera, release the two stainless steel clamps, and the mirror box can quickly be reoriented in the field. Operating in Flip Mode places the rig's center of gravity far lower and improves stability in a variety of situations including under slung cranes or steadicam operation. Flip Mode also allows the rig to get up close to the ceiling, increasing maximum height by as much as one foot or more depending on camera and lens configuration.
Practicality is also one of BX3's strong suits. Quick cleaning of all glass surfaces is easily achieved. The entire bottom plate of the mirror box is easily removed with just six thumbscrews. The front and back surface of the mirror can be quickly cleaned and resealed without costly delays. The mirror itself can also be replaced in the field. In the event of damage or breakage, simply disengage the innovative mirror pressure clamp. The optical mirror is held in place by two strong clamps with shock absorbing rubber. Release the clamps and the mirror slides right out. No screws to lose, no visits to a machine shop, no time wasted.
The removable mirror box also allows for easy transit. BX3 and all its parts fit securely into a standard Pelican case, meeting all FAA and international requirements for commercial air travel. This convenience simplifies logistics and allows you to travel with your BX3, reducing anxiety, shipping and overall production costs.
BX3 will be $44,995 and they offer financing.
BX3 can be seen at NAB 2010 in booth SL4514E or at one of 21st Century 3D offices in New York or Los Angeles. "
-----------
Here are some tech drawings that show the top mode and flip mode
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-tech_front-left.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-tech_under.jpg
Here are some pics,
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_4375.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-wRed_back.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-wRed_left.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3_equipped.jpg
and best of all some production pics
Julia X production pics.....
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_1351.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_1533.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_2759.jpg
Julia X car shots
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3128.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3182.jpg
Me, Glidecam Gold sony ex3's
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_2737.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_2740.jpg
Project I worked on as Stereographer, techno20 with Z-Head
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3835.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3766.jpg
Air Racers 3D (3D IMAX Feature shot on Red One)
On a griptrix camera car on location in Reno, NV
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_6672.jpg
Me shooting a P-38? Actually I'm pretty sure it's something else.....but I forget.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_6775.jpg
Me setting it up on another technocrane shot on a basic Z-Head for a 3D commercial for a beer company.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0165.jpg
Aligning motors/lenses prior to the start of the first shot of the day....
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0247.jpg
Formatting cards while Jason Goodman waits to adjust the rig for the shot.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0215.jpg
EX3's on Steadicam Ultra2c/G70 arm, during a Black eyed peas pre-concert interview. Operator Phillip Martinez (NYC)
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0622.jpg
Me operating on the concert floor...
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0727.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0736.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0754.jpg
Wanted to share a new beamsplitter for RED use that has finally become available for purchase and rental. Some of you might of heard about it, some of you might of seen it, few even maybe used it.
Now, I must preface. I'm not a 21st Century 3D employee. I'm a freelancer. They do hire me frequently as stereographer, operator, DIT...... so I'm biased in a sense that I have used the rig alot. I have also used the swiss rig, Element techinca quasar and ET mini rig, Sean Phillips rigs and other prototype rigs as well. So I do have a wide scope to draw my opinions from. I'm ready to use whatever you want to your on your production. Just wanted to share some info.
anyways,
It's the BX3. (the BX2 was a development protoype)
I have shot on it alot last year(during it's development) and this year already I have shot many projects on it. It has many great unique features that have proved there well worth it in difficult production conditions.
We used the rig with RED's on 3D feature called Julia X and and 3D IMAX feature (also shot on red) called Air Racers 3D. During Julia-X we were working with in under rain conditions the whole time, heat and moisture the whole show. During air racers shot on location in RENO, NV on a blazing hot desert tarmac lots of heat and dust on that show. It's been in many conditions and situations...
With EX3's we have used the rig in steadicam mode quite a bit. While not the lightest rig on a steadicam it has proven useful within it's operational parameters. With reds it balances and works well on the standard technocrane z-Head. The flexibility of choosing camera on top or bottom is very useful. The quick release mirror is awesome, the easy to clean mirror box, the quick alignment time is just great under a time crunched set. Most of all, the single most important feature that this rig has is the optical path before the lens.
Jason Goodman (designer, stereographer) spent a considerable amount of time researching and testing to get the results you see on your monitors. A combination of newly formulated beamsplitter mirror coating and what he calls the depolarizing filter. Results in simply the closest matched images I have ever seen out of a beamsplitter. He addressed 2 issues, equalization of color across both cameras(not perfect but close) and most important the common beamsplitter issue of polarization. Classically what happens on a beam splitter is that one eye gets polarized and the other doesn't (ex..one eye see thru the glass and the other see a reflection on it's surface). What he managed to do with his filter and mirror is near equal polarization. Also this affects things with specular highlights.....such as water surfaces, broken glass, glitter, dew on grass... Even in avatar we see polarization issues that cause retinal rivalry....Since we shot most of JuliaX on water or around water this was very important. I invite you to take a look at the 2 red monitors side by side if you ever see this rig in person. You will see the closely matched histograms and while watching footage shot on it alternate your eyes and check out the polarization between each eye on reflective surfaces, water, glass and you will see what I'm talking about.
Anyways....Here is the official press release with some official info on it....
--------------
"At the outset of the National Association of Broadcasters convention, 21st Century 3D announced the launch of the new BX3 optical beam splitter. The BX3 is a cutting edge tool designed for stereoscopic 3D motion picture production. After years of development and months of testing, BX3 represents 21st Century 3D's most advanced 3D production tool to date.
BX3 is a breakthrough in beam splitter design. Created by a professional stereographer for professional stereographers, BX3 has substantial advantages over competitive devices. The BX3 can accommodate a wide range of cameras including RED ONE, Sony EX3, Panasonic 3700, Canon XHG1S and many others.
BX3 offers unprecedented versatility when it comes to setup and operation. The rig itself weighs only 23 lbs without cameras or motors, making it far lighter than most other full sized beam splitter mirror rigs.
The mirror itself has been specially designed for optimum optical performance in stereoscopic cinematography applications. BX3's premium optics balance reflection and transmission of color, contrast, density and brightness. Additionally, a custom developed depolarizing filter ensures that polarized light (frequently seen on wet, metallic or glass surfaces) entering the lenses is seen by both cameras, virtually eliminating nasty retinal rivalry commonly seen in beam splitter footage.
When it comes to shooting options, BX3 offers unique choices. The mirrored camera can be oriented above the rig looking down into the mirror in its standard configuration, or down below the rig looking up in Flip Mode. Simply unmount the camera, release the two stainless steel clamps, and the mirror box can quickly be reoriented in the field. Operating in Flip Mode places the rig's center of gravity far lower and improves stability in a variety of situations including under slung cranes or steadicam operation. Flip Mode also allows the rig to get up close to the ceiling, increasing maximum height by as much as one foot or more depending on camera and lens configuration.
Practicality is also one of BX3's strong suits. Quick cleaning of all glass surfaces is easily achieved. The entire bottom plate of the mirror box is easily removed with just six thumbscrews. The front and back surface of the mirror can be quickly cleaned and resealed without costly delays. The mirror itself can also be replaced in the field. In the event of damage or breakage, simply disengage the innovative mirror pressure clamp. The optical mirror is held in place by two strong clamps with shock absorbing rubber. Release the clamps and the mirror slides right out. No screws to lose, no visits to a machine shop, no time wasted.
The removable mirror box also allows for easy transit. BX3 and all its parts fit securely into a standard Pelican case, meeting all FAA and international requirements for commercial air travel. This convenience simplifies logistics and allows you to travel with your BX3, reducing anxiety, shipping and overall production costs.
BX3 will be $44,995 and they offer financing.
BX3 can be seen at NAB 2010 in booth SL4514E or at one of 21st Century 3D offices in New York or Los Angeles. "
-----------
Here are some tech drawings that show the top mode and flip mode
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-tech_front-left.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-tech_under.jpg
Here are some pics,
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_4375.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-wRed_back.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3-wRed_left.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/BX3_equipped.jpg
and best of all some production pics
Julia X production pics.....
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_1351.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_1533.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_2759.jpg
Julia X car shots
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3128.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3182.jpg
Me, Glidecam Gold sony ex3's
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_2737.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_2740.jpg
Project I worked on as Stereographer, techno20 with Z-Head
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3835.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_3766.jpg
Air Racers 3D (3D IMAX Feature shot on Red One)
On a griptrix camera car on location in Reno, NV
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_6672.jpg
Me shooting a P-38? Actually I'm pretty sure it's something else.....but I forget.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/DSC_6775.jpg
Me setting it up on another technocrane shot on a basic Z-Head for a 3D commercial for a beer company.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0165.jpg
Aligning motors/lenses prior to the start of the first shot of the day....
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0247.jpg
Formatting cards while Jason Goodman waits to adjust the rig for the shot.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0215.jpg
EX3's on Steadicam Ultra2c/G70 arm, during a Black eyed peas pre-concert interview. Operator Phillip Martinez (NYC)
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0622.jpg
Me operating on the concert floor...
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0727.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0736.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/BX3/IMG_0754.jpg