Build Your DSLR Lens Collection For CHEAP! : FRIDAY 101

Russell introduces his new show, "Friday 101", gives us his pick for the best AFFORDABLE HD Camera, and gives a few leads on how to find CHEAP lenses to build up your DSLR lens collection.

If you have a question, are seeking advice (FILMMAKING advice, Russ is NOT, in fact, a licensed therapist), or were just wondering about anything at all film or video related, send an email to:
Even quick, simple questions will do.

Have something to add to any of the topics we discussed on this episode? Send us a video response, or a Youtube link via email, and record yourself weighing in! If we like it, we'll add it to the links at the end of the episode!

If you have made a movie and want advice as to how it could be better, send a Youtube link, listed or unlisted, to:
and let Russell know you want your movie put on THE CHOPPING BLOCK!

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO LINKS:

Erik Beck Talks DSLR Lenses on "Q and Erik":

B&H Photo Compares Various Entry-Level DSLR Cameras:

Russell's Latest Short Film, "Facial Hair War":

[Russarino]

I had a lot of fun putting those things in, thought it could be a fun "easter egg" of sorts to put a bunch of quick, near-subliminal jokes in there. I recommend watching it through without stopping, seeing how many you notice, then on a repeat viewing trying to spot them all. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[heykillerfilms]

Haha, yeah, went with the shorter title! If you want, make a video response about the other camera and I'll add it to the viewer response playlist at the end. Thanks for watching!
- Russ

[Russarino]

Thanks Red Spectrum! If you haven't heard of the Holga ultimate lens kit, it's worth checking out for a good vintage look. Makes things look more old-film like when used for video. I'll probably cover it at some point on this show down the line.

[ronaldl]

My grandpa got a couple of m42 lenses, over 30 years old. Bought an adapter for my Canon 600D and it works perfectly! Only downside is that it doesn't have autofocus for still photos, but for videos, it's awesome!! I can ever control the fstop apertures manually, which is awesome! So basically I got a 70-210mm zoom lens and a 300mm fixed lens for free! :) Been shooting surfing with it and it works perfectly! :)

[heykillerfilms]

Absolutely. Networking and making connections is a very important thing with film school, and I'll be mentioning that for sure when we do an episode about whether or not to go to one. Personally, I didn't actually make ANY longterm connections at NYFA, but that's probably because I still did all my projects working with the Hey Killer group I still work with to this day.
- Russ

[Russarino]

Thanks! I like to think that (for the show's purposes), the lamp is haunted by an indie filmmaker's ghost, and it ominously adds to the show in that way. That's the sort of thing you come up with when pulling two all-nighters in a row to get something done on time, lol.

[FRANKTV]

Best lens buying advice on You Tube for filmmakers. Quick, detailed and to the point. Brilliant job!

[SwanzSkate]

When the text for the FX1 came up that was a picture of a VX2100, a mini DV camera made in 2004 lol

[heykillerfilms]

Look up "FD to EOS Lens Adapter" to find one. Make sure it's got glass in it so you can get infinity focus. That's one thing I forgot to mention, and it makes the adapter a little bit pricier, but still somewhere around 20 bucks. Also, there are a LOT of brands that make this lens or something very close to this one, so don't worry about it being Sears brand. Thanks for watching!
- Russ

[Russarino]

It needs an M42 to EOS adapter. If you order from top35mm's store that is in this video, the adapter comes with it, but if you order elsewhere, like on ebay, you have to get it separately. I did it separately just because it actually came out cheaper for me that way, plus if you get it off ebay, it probably won't take weeks to get to you.

[Russarino]

Of all the lenses I bought, my favorite is the Helios. It's picture is a bit softer side by side with the Nifty Fifty, and I think it has more of a film-ish look.

[heykillerfilms]

It's always good to have an 18-55 Canon lens with Image Stabilization, because if you're in a situation where you have to run and shoot, the Stabilizer will do a good job correcting the rolling shutter that comes along with a lot of movement. But if you're on a tripod or steadicam or anything like that, the Sears lens is good, especially for video since the f-stop will stay in one place and not stop down as you zoom like in the example in this video.
- Russ

[jimendoqf]

This looks like it is going to be the perfect series for me. Thanks for taking the time to put this together....

[JGDeRuvo]

Followed Russell's advice and got a 75-300 EF lens for my T3i for $65. It was listed as AS-IS, so I fully expected it to have the broken AF. Much to my pleasant surprise, the AF works and the lens is practically NEW! FTW! Thanks, Russ!

[BlankPaperFilms]

Welcome! I'm excited to see more episodes! Glad you're coving the 180 rule! It's pretty important, and disorienting when not followed correctly!

[MrGuilhermeFernandes]

I think this indymogul format is the best, it someway reminds me the backyard effects and how interesting they were!

[Russarino]

I haven't tried those yet, but if you can get them cheap, go for it! I might have to look into that one, thanks!

[Russarino]

That's fine of course. Hence the disclaimer at the beginning about how this is just my advice and we'd like having video responses to add at the end featuring differing opinions. Actually, even if you want to do a video response disagreeing with what was in the video, I would love to add that to the playlist button that pops up near the end of this video. Everyone's going to have different ways of doing things!

[Juwayyid]

I love this video and am looking forward to the series! It's extremely helpful and informative and answers so many questions Ive been wanting answers for. Nice work indymogul!

[jackbaz]

Perfect video about exactly what i want to know in a concise format- cant wait for more!!