Remote controll for focus

[Gunleik Groven]

Disclaimer:
I know the lenses are manual, but still...

Writing on another post, I just came to realize how used I've become to operate the HVX with a remote, as I tend to put it on a jib most of the time.

Are there any motorized remotes - at least for the red lenses - in the works?

I understand that this would have to be some motorized device (followfocus) that would have to be connected to the lense as an attachment on a rod, but it would be nice to have such a device and a remote that could controll it and the aperture from some distance.

Maybe I just haven't done my homework and there's a widely known solution to this?

Gunleik

[Paris Remillard]

Yeah. Redrock Micro, who make mini 35 adapters are supposed to be coming out with a remote follow focus for around $500. I don't know what all that will include, but it beats the hell out of the Prestons (well in price at least) which are many thousands. They also have a cheap matte box coming. Again, I don't know the quality or what is included in that price, but it sounds promising none the less.

[Anders Holck]

Historically the downside with cheap devices is backlash, lack of precision and lack of torque.

Backlash means that the servo when coming from the endpoints of the lens, it won't hit the same mark when turning clockwise as counter-clockwise, even though the knob on the controller is at the same place.
This will drive you absolutely mad.

Best bang for the buck, currently, is the Bartech/M-one combo at $3950, a very precice and powerfull unit. But only one channel (Focus OR Iris) and has manual servo calibration.

The Redrock solutions could be a great entry level device, although $500 sounds a bit suspicious when their mechanical follow focus is the same price...

Our own CVB is also working on a unit based on WIFI technology that looks promising although I think it will be priced at or above the Bartech price.

[Gunleik Groven]

Well, I would rather not have one than having one with non-repeating behaviour.

Gunleik

[Paris Remillard]

Yeah. If you don't want to spend the money on the Bartech or Preston, then it's a wait and see on the cheaper option. All speculation at this point.

[Curran Giddens]

I am waiting to see what CVB comes up with at View Factor for a remote follow focus. I think may have focus, iris, and zoom--all repeatable.

[Gunleik Groven]

CVB?

Gunleik

[Curran Giddens]

Curt von Badinski

Another member of this forum.

[Gunleik Groven]

I know, actually.

Just wanted him to chime in...

G

[CVB]

Ok, I'll bite... you guys are going to have to wait for NAB for more info :)
I guarantee that you guys will not be disappointed. We are going to have a cozy 10'x10' booth so feel free to swing by and see what we have cooking. We're also going to have our moco pan-tilt head (Mirus) on display showing off the Record and repeat functionality. The website will be online on that Monday.

[tj williams]

Anders makes a good point the Bartech works quite well. below that we quickly get into unworkable solutions. A coupla cheaper that mostly work are: Older Seitz units used and Jim Stantons piece for $1785

http://search.hp.netscape.com/hp/boomframe.jsp?query=Jimmy+Jib&page=1&offset=0&result_url=redir%3Fsrc%3Dwebsearch%26requestId%3Df 34b7ef67375d582%26clickedItemRank%3D1%26userQuery% 3DJimmy%2BJib%26clickedItemURN%3Dhttp%253A%252F%25 2Fwww.jimmyjib.com%252F%26invocationType%3D-%26fromPage%3DHPSuggestion%26amp%3BampTest%3D1&remove_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmyjib.com%2F

maybe this year at NAB????

[Gunleik Groven]

Ok, I'll bite.. but you guys are going to have to wait for NAB for more info :)
I guarantee that you guys will not be disappointed. We are going to have a cozy 10'x10' booth so feel free to swing by and see what we have cooking. We're also going to have our moco pan-tilt head (Mirus) on display showing off the Record and repeat functionality. A splendid time is guaranteed for all

I could be interested in both, but will stay home and see my new kid come. No NAB for me.

Please contact me off list when your things are public.

Gunleik

[CVB]

Will do... You can also check out our website on the first day of NAB.. we will have tons of info available. BTW... I really appreciate everyones interest in this stuff, it makes it easier for me to work 20 hrs/day when I know that we're making something that someone can use.

[Curran Giddens]

I am also interested in both but have to stay here and work during NAB (gotta pay for all this stuff).

[Ralph Oshiro]

Ok, I'll bite... you guys are going to have to wait for NAB for more info :)
I guarantee that you guys will not be disappointed. We are going to have a cozy 10'x10' booth so feel free to swing by and see what we have cooking. We're also going to have our moco pan-tilt head (Mirus) on display showing off the Record and repeat functionality. The website will be online on that Monday.Cool, man! Any price range hints on follow-focus and/or remote-focus rig? Are you making both? Includes gears, motors, etc? Is it for Nikkors, specifically? Is it for RED, specifically? What's your booth no. and which hall will you be in?

[CVB]

Booth Number C8107, Central Hall. More details at NAB...

[Brook Willard]

Booth Number C8107, Central Hall. More details at NAB...

Any chance of you bringing a prototype by the RED booth? I wonder if the guys would let you hook it up to a camera during the show...

So, Arri LDS anybody? ;)

[CVB]

I'll see what I can do, Its gonna be really hectic over there.

[Brook Willard]

I bet it'll calm down near the end of the week. At least a little.

[Anders Holck]

Just stumbled upon this old thred:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=78156

Contains a few teasers on what Curt is working on, although a lot of time has passed since then....

[Ralph Oshiro]

Thanks, Anders! Hey, CVB! That's some awesome looking MOCO product you have there! Are you planning to make a full-blown FIZ unit also? Have you been able to connect with anyone at RED, or been able to work out any sort of "qualified third-party developer" relationship with them at all?

[Paolo Tinari]

[QUOTE=gunleik;19436]...will stay home and see my new kid come.

Happy for you gun!
p.

[Andrew M.]

Will do... You can also check out our website on the first day of NAB.. we will have tons of info available. BTW... I really appreciate everyones interest in this stuff, it makes it easier for me to work 20 hrs/day when I know that we're making something that someone can use.

Curt, will you provide any motor mounting brackets directly on the lenses or motor mounting is not what you are concern about in your project?

[Harry Clark]

I'll confirm too that the Bartech is really nice, especially at its price point.
Auto-cal and camera control would be great (Preston, Arri, c-Motion) but now you're talking $18,000, not $4,000.
I'll be curious, in particular with regards to c-Motion who has added Dalsa support, how third parties will add updates to be Red-compatible. It would be cool to have camera menu access as well as focus/iris/zoom control in a small wireless device. I wouldn't hold my breath for Arri to support it, though... :)
Cheers,
Harry

[Paul Hazlett]

Ok, I'll bite... you guys are going to have to wait for NAB for more info :)
I guarantee that you guys will not be disappointed. We are going to have a cozy 10'x10' booth so feel free to swing by and see what we have cooking. We're also going to have our moco pan-tilt head (Mirus) on display showing off the Record and repeat functionality. The website will be online on that Monday.

I will be at NAB and if I pass by with a SEG after being at the RED both.
just pull me in I would be interested in taking a look at all the toys.

[roryhinds]

Hi Curt

I was wondering if you guys will have your Remote Follow Focus units ready to ship by NAB?

Can't wait to see what you guys have behind the curtain :-)

Regards
Rory