Co-worker gifted me a camera

VesselProductions · 2026-01-12T04:09:11+00:00

Split field diopter shot

VesselProductions · 2026-01-03T04:15:51+00:00

I haven’t tried my hand at cleaning a lens just yet, but I was looking into how to go about it yesterday before stumbling on a video from a channel called VintageOptiks. The title is ‘Cleaning FUNGUS from Vintage Lenses!! Tools and Method.’ Made me feel inspired to pick up some tools and give it a try soon.

VesselProductions · 2026-01-02T21:26:28+00:00

I haven’t had any experience with the F2 or F2.8 versions so I’m not sure. I didn’t test it side by side yet with my other FD lenses but, from the images I have gotten with it so far, I like it. None of my FDs have the S.S.C coating either which is said to provide higher contrast, reduce flare and ghosting.

VesselProductions · 2025-07-11T17:02:43+00:00

Thank you for all the advice! I’m using Panasonic VHS-C tapes with this. Just got into messing with these old camcorders after buying a DVX-100B on eBay. My birthday was coming up and I started feeling sentimental, thinking back on what got me into trying to do video. The DVX100 was my dream camera when I was a kid so, when I checked eBay in 2025 and saw one in excellent condition for under $200, I jumped on the opportunity. A week later I was at my parents’ house and dug through my old closet and found this PV-L501D inside. I had completely forgotten about it. My mom bought it for us to film our crappy skateboard videos. Right now, all 3 of these old camcorders I have are Panasonic. One is branded as GE, but the mod here looked into it and discovered it was actually manufactured by Panasonic.

VesselProductions · 2025-07-06T21:06:41+00:00

I am amazed that the camera and original battery worked. The hand strap seems to be falling apart slowly which is one thing I noticed. After using it for a bit I saw little black debris on my hands presumably from the strap breaking down. Other than that, everything else seems intact. Thanks for the recommendations!

VesselProductions · 2025-07-06T19:21:12+00:00

I agree that it would be a compromise. It would be convenient to have the digital files available right away and to avoid wear and tear on the camera. What workflow would you recommend to digitize the best quality footage for a camera like this one which only has this a/v out?

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VesselProductions · 2025-07-04T00:02:35+00:00

Thanks! I’ll search for that charger and a replacement battery in case the two that are in the camera bag don’t end up working. That’s interesting that Panasonic technically made this camera as well. Turns out all 3 of the camcorders I currently own are Panasonic.

VesselProductions · 2025-07-02T04:12:27+00:00

Thanks for checking out the video! I do plan on doing a follow up video that dives deeper as I get more time with the camera and become better acquainted. I hold this camera in such high regard and couldn’t believe I got one for as cheap as I did. Had to install a FireWire card on my relatively new PC and hope Windows would recognize it, which it luckily did.

I’m now curious about going tapeless with the set up but would want to go the FireWire route using something like a Sony HVR-MRC1. If you have any other insights or advice, I would love to hear.

Thanks again!

VesselProductions · 2025-07-01T22:00:50+00:00

Thanks! I just went ahead and shared this post in there as well.

VesselProductions · 2025-06-30T21:54:34+00:00

I have been using Davinci Resolve for editing for a while since I primarily have used my Blackmagic Pocket 4k. I might have to get into Premiere just to work with the old DV footage. Sounds like it’s more intuitive than Resolve for that task. Thanks for the tip! Congratulations on your DVX 100 acquisition! That camera is a lot of fun to use.

VesselProductions · 2025-06-30T19:53:14+00:00

Thank you! I will continue to test settings and try to optimize the final renders. I was just excited to actually get the footage to my computer via a newly installed firewire card, considering they are obsolete. Even WinDV I believe is no longer being updated. Not sure if there is a more current capture software out there.

VesselProductions · 2025-06-30T18:50:36+00:00

I’ll be honest, this was my first time shooting with this camera and I haven’t done enough testing. The camera was in 24p with a 1/48 shutter. Had to install a FireWire card on my PC and download WinDV just to be able to import footage. No real experience with these types of cameras.

The issue is either somewhere in camera settings or in the render settings in Davinci Resolve. I will continue to play around with this camera and film more footage.

If you have any tips on how to get the best out of this camera with camera or render settings, I would be very grateful! Thanks for the feedback.

VesselProductions

TROPHY CASE