A question for filmmakers using the SL

[Greg Gray]

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I am in discussions with Leica regarding aspect ratio’s seen through the EVF of the SL. Black masking is applied when the Photo aspect ratio of the JPEG is selected. The current options are 3:2 / 7:5 / 4:3 / 1:1 / 3:1 /16:9. When one takes a photo (JPEG) and reviews it on the screen, it is cropped according to the applied aspect ratio.  .

 

I use the SL as a multitool. I often use it for stills when working on film projects, to scout locations and fine tune proposed angles. I even use it from time to time to shoot video to insert into the films I am working on. (The bulk of the Film work is done on Arri Alexa film cameras)

 

I have found that when working on a film project that I intend shooting on anamorphic lenses, or spherical lenses that I intend cropping to a cinema format, I like to do all my prep work leading up to the shoot with a 2.35:1 or 2.40:1 crop on my jpegs. This allows me to consider everything in that format. 

 

On the SL there are frame guides when in video for both 2.35:1 and 2.40:1 however when one is taking photos the closest crop through the EVF is either 16:9 or 3:1. 

 

I am trying to motivate a firmware update that allows us filmmakers to apply either a 2.35:1 or 2.40:1 mask in the EVF. It will also mean we can take reference shots on set for reviewing, which competitive cameras cannot do.

 

Leica have indicated they may consider this update if enough interest is shown.

 

If this is something that appeals to you, please drop me a mail affirming the above at greg@romancefilms.tv and i will forward the requests to the relevant department.

 

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