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Author
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Topic: Retro 8 vs The Focuskye
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David Carek
Junior
Posts: 2
From: Sheffield Lake, OH, USA
Registered: May 2015
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posted May 27, 2015 10:47 PM
Sorry I'm late to the discussion on this. In response to Brad's comment about the excessive cropping on the Retro-8 Pro, there are ways around this but it is not nearly as easy as scanning using the RetroScan-HD software (which I'd recommend for most users). While not supported by MovieStuff, it is possible to scan your film using the camera vendors Flycap2 software. The install file FlyCapture2_x64.msi comes with the RetroScan-HD software, or you can get it from the Point Grey website. It takes a bit of learning, but there are even some additional capabilities that you can get out of the Retro-8 Pro including saving raw 12-bit Bayer output (although in that mode I can only scan at 10fps). This is actually how I've been doing most of my scans lately. I've recompiled my own version of the flycap software to make the interface better suited for use with the Retro-8 Pro. I also wrote a custom program so I can convert the saved Bayer image scans to tiffs, apply gamma correction, crop the usable film frame based on the sprocket hole locations, and then write out tiff images. I then use the tiff images for further avisynth processing. When I get some time I'll post my code for this. Here's an example of the full camera sensor image I captured from the Retro-8.
The size is scaled down to fit the forum limits (the original was 1296x964).
I posted a few other observations on the Retro-8 Pro here http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/Forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=917484
I only use this for personal home movies and have been very happy with it. While I figured out a my own way around the cropping, I'd still recommend this unit even if using the RetroScan HD software. Although, I see Roger just came out with a newer unit (RetroScan Universal). It looks pretty nice and has a bunch of features I would have liked ... but it's a bit pricier too. It says it has adjustable cropping, which looks like is done optically.
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Alan Taplow
Junior
Posts: 29
From: Plainfield VT, USA
Registered: Feb 2015
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posted September 05, 2015 05:54 PM
There has some been mention of the Focuskye CDX equipment, and aside from speculation about what it does and doesn’t do in comparison with other systems, there appears to be little hands-on information here or on the internet except for the maker’s advertisements and e-bay listings. I hope to be able to clarify, and perhaps answer questions others may have.
Much against some of the comments, and advice forum members, I went ahead and purchased the CDX-2 model, which is a Sankyo Dualux 2000H projector, rebuilt with several modifications, including a dim-able LED light source. The projector lens aims directly at a proprietary elbow containing several lenses and either mirrors or prisms (I don’t dare even try to take it apart). This is attached directly to the Canon HFS100 HD camera. All is calibrated by Chin Kim, and permanently mounted on a heavy 1-1/8" particle board covered with a mat-finished Formica veneer.
OK, why did I do this? Well my past efforts projecting on paper, using a Coastar Mirror, as well as an Ambico Box, and a couple of different digital cameras have been remarkable marginal to unsuccessful. I did about 800 feet of my ancient family movies, and created a DVD which was barely acceptable, and that only because it was subject matter of interest to me, my ex, and my son. It was certainly nothing I could offer to a paying customer. My personal situation as a 24/7 care-giver for my wife who had a stroke a couple of years ago, pretty much gives me only daylight hours where I can do things. I tried building a light resistant cardboard box around the Ambico and projector, which worked but made it very difficulty to get inside to do projector adjustments or focus. Bottom line — I can’t afford the $4500 & change for the frame by frame stuff; I don’t have the set-up, experience or energy for trying to make what I was doing really work commercially.
The CDX can be operated in broad daylight since it nearly a sealed system — it’s pre-calibrated so I am not driving myself crazy messing with projector position, mirror position and camera position on top of a living-room bridge table which is the only working space available. The CDX comes all on one board, is pre-adjusted for all but final lateral image positioning, the camera comes with all presets made, has a 1/24 built in speed option which synchs perfectly with the Sankyo. I got it Thursday, played around and became familiar with it on Friday and ran 2-400' reels for a customer today — good quality which I’m happy to provide with no reservations.
Some personal stuff: You may wish to check out my web page:
http://preserve-your-memories.info
I'm only advertising on a community forum to a local rural market. My prices are very competitive compared to the commercial marketplace since I’m only doing this stuff to help me pass my free time at something I enjoy and to pay for my equipment. I’ll need to do about 20,000 feet to pay for the Focuskye equipment, and fortunately I’m starting with a 5,500 foot order which is what got me getting back into film in the first place. All my offerings are because someone said "Alan, can you handle _____" Then I got the equipment to do it, like the microfiche reader I have on order because a neighbor has some microfiche he wants digitized. Does it ever end :-)
Sorry for being so long-winded, and should I be the only one on the forum with this particular set-up, I’m happy to answer any questions about it. Best to copy my email on any questions posted: ataplow@gmail.com
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Alan Taplow
ataplow@gmail.com
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