Redrock Micro: create the cinema experience

[Brian Valente]

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

January 30, 2009

Redrock Micro
press@redrockmicro.com


Redrock Micro Alters Indie Film Production Landscape with Blitz of New Products

Seven new products set the new standard in performance and price for independent filmmaking production gear

January 30, 2009 Dallas, TX – Redrock Micro, the leading provider of cinema accessories for digital filmmakers, today announced seven new products that promise to change the face of indie filmmaking production equipment. Among these is the highly anticipated update to the award-winning M2 cinema lens adapter.

The seven products announced today at Redrock’s website (www.redrockmicro.com) are the following:

M2 Encore – A complete internal redesign of the award-winning M2 cinema lens adapter that delivers radically improved performance and over 25 new features and enhancements.

microX Encore – a completely new “flip” accessory for the M2 Encore. The microX Encore delivers compatibility with all 1/3 and ½” chip prosumer size cameras including the popular Sony PWM-EX1 and PWM-EX3 video cameras, oversized optics, and greatly improved light transmission. Integrated coupler simplifies and speeds setup.

Collimating Lens Mount – a newly designed lens mount delivers easy and precise setup for accurate lens distance markings. In addition, the collimating lens mount enables manufacturer-specific lens mounts to be replaced on the M2 without opening the adapter.

Live Lens™ active lens mount for Canon EF lenses – a first for commercial 35mm adapters, the Redrock Live Lens electronic lens mount allows Canon EF lenses to be used with and controlled by the M2 Encore for features such as adjusting lens aperture. Live Lens is compatible with the M2 Encore’s collimating lens mount, and includes an accessory port for future product enhancements.

microFollowFocus v2 – an all new design sporting a quick release system, 3D marking disk for 180 degree viewing of the focus marks by camera assistant and camera operator, and additional weight savings.

microFollowFocus 19mm adapter – an add-on accessory for the microFollowFocus v2 that provides a quick release clamp adapter to fit the microFollowFocus to 19mm rods for cameras such as the Red ONE.

microSupport Cage Builder’s Kit – following overwhelming interest in Redrock’s video DSLR Bundles, Redrock has released the microSupport Cage Builder’s Kit that adds the popular support cage and top handles to an existing video camera or 35mm adapter setup. The Builder’s Kit delivers nearly infinite configurations, and when combined with other Redrock cinema accessories can adapt to virtually any support requirement.

The greatly anticipated release of the M2 Encore has been over two years in development. Highlights from among its 25+ new features and enhancements include:

- ½ stop of total light loss (including the microX Encore) for incredible light performance
- Completely reengineered optics for outstanding edge sharpness, distortion and vignetting elimination, while preserving the legendary Redrock “film look”
- Rotating screen coupled with a new high speed motor, variable speed control ,and 3 point screen mount delivers grain-free performance at 1/500 shutter speed and higher
- Collimating lens mount for easy and precise back focus adjustment
- Intelligent power management system including integrated rechargeable battery and support for external battery sources such as Sony V-mount and Anton Bauer.
- Dampened motor and rubber gaskets for silent operation

“Redrock hasn’t lost sight of the fact that indie filmmakers need affordable products and new capabilities,” said James Hurd, Chief Revolutionary for Redrock Micro. “We have worked tirelessly to deliver great new features, and drive our costs down without sacrificing quality. The M2 Encore and our other product announcements represent leading that is a fraction the price of comparable solutions. We are proud that Redrock products are made in America.”

Revolutionary Pricing
Redrock’s pricing strategy reverses the trend of competitive solutions attempt to drive up prices for comparable products. The M2 Encore adapter lists for $995, with complete packages including the M2 Encore, microX Encore, microSupport Baseplate, and microRods listing for $1995. Retaining the basic M2 design allows existing Redrock customers to enjoy several upgrade options, with prices starting at $545.

Availability
The Redrock Micro products are available for order immediately from the Redrock Website and from select Redrock resellers. New products are expected to start shipping February 15, 2009. The Redrock Live Lens is expected to ship later in the quarter. More details can be found at http://www.redrockmicro.com


About Redrock Micro
Redrock Microsystems delivers high quality cinema accessories for digital filmmakers at revolutionary prices. Redrock Micro’s products are designed to enhance DV, HD and video DSLR cameras including Panasonic, Sony, Canon, and JVC for true cinema-style shooting. At the heart of the Redrock family is the award-winning Redrock M2 Encore Cinema Lens adapter, which creates the shallow depth of field, angle of view, and focus techniques typically only found in 35mm motion pictures. Additional cinema accessories include the microFollowFocus, microMattebox, microSupport system, and microShoulderMount. Through a unique business approach of direct-to-customer and build-to-order, Redrock delivers the quality and features of premium solutions at a fraction of the price. This approach is ideal for independent filmmakers, owners/operators, film educators and students, and budget-conscious moviemakers. Redrock Micro has offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hollywood, California. Redrock Micro can be reached at info@redrockmicro.com and www.redrockmicro.com.
_________________
Brian Valente
Redrock Micro


Cameras: DVX100A, HVX200, HD100, Z1U, HV20, EX1, Canon 5DMKII, Nikon D90, D300s
Lenses: Nikon, Canon FD/FL, Zeiss
NLE: Sony Vegas, FCP

[Brian Valente]

M2 Encore


Compatibility with EX1, EX3


Choice of accent colors


Collimating lens mount


Live Lens


microX Encore flip accessory


microFollowFocus V2 with 19mm adapter

_________________
Brian Valente
Redrock Micro


Cameras: DVX100A, HVX200, HD100, Z1U, HV20, EX1, Canon 5DMKII, Nikon D90, D300s
Lenses: Nikon, Canon FD/FL, Zeiss
NLE: Sony Vegas, FCP

[Brian Valente]

Additional details on the M2 Encore

Pricing for a *complete bundle* including M2 Encore, microX Encore, microSupport Baseplate, 18" microRods, AC adapter, a few extras is $1995.

Upgrades for M2 owners to the M2 Encore - $545 - You get the guts and the collimating lens mount to convert your M2 to the M2 Encore

Upgrade for microX to microX Encore - $445 - optics are compatible with all cameras including EX series, light loss is approx 1/10th stop, enlarged optics, and simplified setup (coupler integrated into the microX Encore)


Other Encore features

Aircraft-grade machined aluminum construction

100% glue-free assembly

Universal camera support, including Sony EX series cameras

Completely reformulated optics to eliminate distortion and vignetting

1/2 stop light loss - best efficiency in industry, and superior color contrast when stopping down

Interchangeable lens mounts without opening the adapter, including PL mount

Interchangeable knob accent colors

New more powerful motor

Dust trap

Access port for cleaning adapter internals

Collimating lens mount - new adapters come pre-collimated from the factory)

Integrated rechargeable battery for 36+ hours of continuous level power

Works with external battery bricks

Intelligent power management and indicator for charging, on, and low battery

All new screen holder with optional mattes and frame sizes for academy 35mm, SLR 35mm, 4:3, 2.35"1 (cinemascope) and more

Fast shutter speeds up to 1/500 and beyond

Faster setup (with simplified attachment to microX Encore)

Legendary Redrock Bokeh from cinescreen II with cineLux

Intelligent power (Internal Power Regulation, Built-in battery charger, power management and fault protection, diagnostic status indicator)

Shock mounted motor to reduce vibrations and to protect the motor and gg

New locking push-pull power connector eliminates cord mishaps

Full rubber gaskets in all seals for silent operation

Works with existing Redrock microSupport system Baseplate and microRods

Upgradeable from the M2
_________________
Brian Valente
Redrock Micro


Cameras: DVX100A, HVX200, HD100, Z1U, HV20, EX1, Canon 5DMKII, Nikon D90, D300s
Lenses: Nikon, Canon FD/FL, Zeiss
NLE: Sony Vegas, FCP

[Brian Valente]

AND although we didn't publish it yet, there will be an upgrade from the current follow focus to the microFollowFocus V2
_________________
Brian Valente
Redrock Micro


Cameras: DVX100A, HVX200, HD100, Z1U, HV20, EX1, Canon 5DMKII, Nikon D90, D300s
Lenses: Nikon, Canon FD/FL, Zeiss
NLE: Sony Vegas, FCP

[Brian Valente]

Additional images showing some of the more than 25 new features and enhancements:

view through the adapter - enlarged optics and motor 'hump' has disappeared



New mounting mechanism to ensure completely flat screen. No adjustments necessary



onboard computer for intelligent power management, variable motor speed, and future enhancements.

_________________
Brian Valente
Redrock Micro


Cameras: DVX100A, HVX200, HD100, Z1U, HV20, EX1, Canon 5DMKII, Nikon D90, D300s
Lenses: Nikon, Canon FD/FL, Zeiss
NLE: Sony Vegas, FCP