John and Bruce,

Remote focus control is possible and I have already made a unit but have not yet brought it to market. The camera does not make it easy to provide but it will be available in the coming weeks possibly months. I don't like to introduce a product until I have it in production and stocked for sale.

The cost of focus control will be about double the cost of the zoom control. VariZoom now makes cranes too so that feature has become a little more important to us as well.

Tom

VariZoom

I've never needed a remote control for my cameras but have started looking into one for the EX1.

What I want to know is how do you control the focus? All of the ones linked to above seem to just be zoom controls. Wouldn't focus control be equally important?

Maybe they do and I'm just missing something...

That's useful to know. I think I have read somewhere that the remote control socket has no provision for focus control in the protocol. Presumably you are going to fit a motorised focussing unit?

I own Verizoom, Libec, Canon and Sony zoom controllers. When I got the EX-1, I ordered and I am using another Libec unit. Very, very smooth, compact and lets you crawl if you wish.

It seems to me that there has to be a way to control the focus with a controller, it's not like the lens is completely manual, there is an autofocus. Not that I'm the one to figure out how to build something like that but I would have to think it is possible.

- Ray

What I want to know is how do you control the focus? All of the ones linked to above seem to just be zoom controls. Wouldn't focus control be equally important?

I use a Libec controller and the nice thing about any zoom controller is that you can control zoom with your right hand on the tripod arm, and focus with your left hand on the lens. Trying to do both on camera at the same time is extremely tricky.

I can't think of many situations other than jib shots where you would even want to control focus on the tripod arm. The lens ring is so much better at doing that job, especially the non-servo EX1 lens.

Paul.

So there is the Libec, Varizoom, Manfrotto and Bebob Zoe-Ex..Ahhhh... so many choices..
So if you want recording and zoom - nice slowwwwww zoom (like the Cowen brothers use :-) )
What does one use ?
I live in Australia - so once I order an EX1 from BH - I don't really have a choice of returning or trying another one out..

Also, on the HV20 site there is a list of must-have accessories for the HV20. Would anyone care to have such a list for the EX1 ?
Thanks!

Anmol,

Why would you want to order from America.

I just bought my 2nd EX here in Melbourne for a very reasonable price with three 8 gig cards thrown in (one a redeemable from Sony).

There are three dealers in Melbourne and asked all for a quote.

Suggest you do the same in Sydney.

cheers Vaughan

Hi mate. I saw it listed for about 10K. BH has demo special for 6K USD - about 6.6 AUD with the exchange rate..
Even the new ones are 7K AUD from BH.
Just seemed excessive - having to pay the premiun..
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you have to pay in Oz ?

Anmol,

Why would you want to order from America.

I just bought my 2nd EX here in Melbourne for a very reasonable price with three 8 gig cards thrown in (one a redeemable from Sony).

There are three dealers in Melbourne and asked all for a quote.

Suggest you do the same in Sydney.

cheers Vaughan

Hi mate. I saw it listed for about 10K. BH has demo special for 6K USD - about 6.6 AUD with the exchange rate..
Even the new ones are 7K AUD from BH.
Just seemed excessive - having to pay the premiun..
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you have to pay in Oz ?

B&H wont send an EX1 overseas, so unless you can either get someone in the USA to buy it for you or you fly over and pick it up, you wont be able to get it from there. They have an agreement with Sony and refuse to send anywhere but the USA (and maybe Canada)...

I know they arent a sponsor of this site, but seeing as B&H wont send to Australia, maybe you should try Expandore, thats where I got mine. Saved about $3k AUD on the ridiculous Australian price.

I got mine in Sydney from an authorised Sony dealer for under AUD $9K inc GST but that was before the Australian dollar went through the roof so I'd imagine by now the price has come down even more. At the time I looked at grey imports but the money saved was minimal and simply not worth the risk and grief.
As this dealer has personally delivered my camera by hand to Sony for its 'fix' it does pay to buy locally in my opinion. I also got the second 8GB card no questions asked.
If anyone in Sydney would like their details PM me. If you do PM me, please, please make certain your email address in your profile is current.
If Chris doesn't mind I'm more than happy to post their contact details.

I bought off the same dealer as Bob - highly recommended and again about $9K AUD. Worth the investment for the excellent customer service. My first camera had serious vignetting, the second likewise - the dealer blasted Sony and I got a third camera that was perfect plus the extra 8Gig card plus a free high capacity battery - plus peace of mind knowing that if there are any other issues in the next 2 years that it won't be a problem to get them fixed. I have bought overseas in the past with my Z1, but with the EX1, I am glad that I bought local.

Just to let you guys know that the Manfrotto solution (both handle-integrated, and separate clamp-on controllers) will be available in 2-3 weeks time. The software has been tested and works nice with the EX1.

Also, the Manfrotto controllers will be offering a bit more than just variable zoom, start/stop, and RET. Worth waiting and considering:)

Has there been any addtional info about this product? Was it shown at NAB?
Tnx, Craig

OK, so as I indicated before, the Manfrotto 521-ex offers - in addition to the usual Rec/Standby, and Ret (for last clip review) buttons - also two "snap zoom" buttons. What they do is activate the highest possible zoom (both directions), regardless on the current maximum speed set for the rocker when pressed fully.

And, when you set the latter to the minimum (with a nice thumb wheel on the unit's side), carefully operating the rocker can result in really nice, slow, creeping zooms (well above a minute from Wide to Tele, and vice versa).

OK, so as I indicated before, the Manfrotto 521-ex offers - in addition to the usual Rec/Standby, and Ret (for last clip review) buttons - also two "snap zoom" buttons. What they do is activate the highest possible zoom (both directions), regardless on the current maximum speed set for the rocker when pressed fully.

And, when you set the latter to the minimum (with a nice thumb wheel on the unit's side), carefully operating the rocker can result in really nice, slow, creeping zooms (well above a minute from Wide to Tele, and vice versa).

Where did you get your 521-EX ???

I cannot find it anywhere...

Thanks, Scott K.

Mine is a testing, pre-production unit - but the final product will be available soon.

Remote focus control is possible and I have already made a unit but have not yet brought it to market.


I bought a Varizoom Stealth for my Z1s specifically for toggling focus to mimic the Push Auto focus function. I hope you're adding that button to the EX1 controller as I just received the EX1.

Mine is a testing, pre-production unit - but the final product will be available soon.

oh, I thought it was already shipping. I need a remote this week. Would love to get that one. Do you know when it will be out? And the price?

What would be a good one in place of this one?

Scott K.

I bought a Varizoom Stealth for my Z1s specifically for toggling focus to mimic the Push Auto focus function. I hope you're adding that button to the EX1 controller as I just received the EX1.

Unfortunately, the Push Auto Focus function is not implemented in the EX1's lens controller interface; no zoom remotes on the market offer anything focus-related for this camera.

Unfortunately, the Push Auto Focus function is not implemented in the EX1's lens controller interface; no zoom remotes on the market offer anything focus-related for this camera.

This makes me sad. The Sony exec at the NAB interview was talking about the great support the EX3 would have for remote control in distant installations in sports arenas. If lens zooming is included, I bet full control , including focusing, will also be possible.

This makes me sad. The Sony exec at the NAB interview was talking about the great support the EX3 would have for remote control in distant installations in sports arenas. If lens zooming is included, I bet full control , including focusing, will also be possible.

EX3 is a completely another story in this regard - rather than a "zoom control", it has the proper "remote control" interface, allowing for cotrolling virtually all camera setting with the same kind of devices as the 900 camera and alike.

Any update on the 521ex release date? And any idea as to price?

Dave McCallister

Dave,

I'll try to use my contacts and investigate - but only next week :)

Any updates on the Manfrotto solution?

Got the Libec ZC-9EX last week for a job, and I'd highly recommend it. The speed control is at least comparable to the ex1 zoom rocker, and the cable is very solid (I've seen bebobs get snagged and pull out of the remote). The ability to add an extension cable was the reason I bought it in the first place, but it is a very nice item otherwise.

-Sean

Any updates on the Manfrotto solution?

I only am in touch with the engineering people, not marketing - but as far as they can tell, the MN521ex should be available by the end of the month.

Cool, looking forward to it.

Also, is there a reason none of the major manufacturers make a remote with focus control? Am I missing something?

Also, is there a reason none of the major manufacturers make a remote with focus control? Am I missing something?

No you're not missing anything, the EX1 is; it has no interface for remote focus.

George/

Do you think Sony will add focus control through a firmware update? Or is it possible through a 3rd party processor?

From the Manfrotto engineers I know the 8-pin proprietary socket on the EX1 doesn't provide any other connection that those for the functions, implemented on the controllers mentioned in this thread.

Any news on the release date of the Manfrotto control and where to buy one?

Still waiting to see if the Manfrotto 521EX is coming out. I will have to buy in the next couple of weeks for a trip to the Arctic on June 30th.

Failing this I think I might just go with the Libec - can anyone using it tell me if it has a speed adjustment wheel like the Bebob?

Does the Varizoom have a speed adjustment wheel also?

Another interesting thing was that Tom from Varizoom said that he HAD made a focus controller for the EX1 - but it was twice the cost. This is interesting as other manufacturers all claim that it can't be done. Any news on this?

The Libec has no speed control adjustment. It has the same level of control as the standard zoom rocker switch, but no speed adjustment. The bebob adjustment is a function of the LANC interface I believe.

-Sean

Piotr, any updates?

I just did a shoot with the EX1 for the first time yesterday and found out a remote zoom control is absolutely necessary when shooting on a tripod. I previously shot on PD170's and I'm used to panning the tripod arm with my right hand and reaching through the camera handle with my left hand to use the zoom rocker.

Since the EX1's zoom rocker is off-center to the right on an independent handle, it's impossible to reach through the camera's handle with my left hand to make zoom adjustments.=/

i am in the same boat.

the bebob zoe-ex with the variable zoom speed is hard to find.
probably the only solution for the meantime is to use the Sony
remote with perhaps the mirror attached in the front as someone here suggested.

paul



Piotr, any updates?

I just did a shoot with the EX1 for the first time yesterday and found out a remote zoom control is absolutely necessary when shooting on a tripod. I previously shot on PD170's and I'm used to panning the tripod arm with my right hand and reaching through the camera handle with my left hand to use the zoom rocker.

Since the EX1's zoom rocker is off-center to the right on an independent handle, it's impossible to reach through the camera's handle with my left hand to make zoom adjustments.=/

Picked up one of these little babies when they first came out. After a minor factory improvement, it works flawlessly. Love it.

I'm also loving the fact that the EX1 lets you "dial down" the zoom speed for the top handle rocker to something nearly imperceptible...creeping in or out at a setting of 2 or 3 (a setting of 1 doesn't always make the zoom motor reliably start moving on my EX1). (Clarifying, this has nothing to do with the PG-EX controller...)

I haven't seen this slow zoom capability since the old days of the Cinema Products J6 or the Panavision zoom controller, where you could dial down a zoom to over 3 minutes, end to end. Awesome.

bob,

you saying this one has a variable zoom speed function?
http://www.amazon.com/VariZoom-VZ-PRO-EX-Professional-Control-PMW-EX1/dp/B0014IIAZO/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1212510390&sr=1-34

thanks

paul

I think he's saying that you can set the zoom speed on the EX1 itself when using the on-handle zoom button.

is it possible to have a very slow starting speed with the Libec model? I had bad experience with the FX1 controller. The start could never be smooth no matter how light a touch i tried.

I am interested in the same question. Can you get a "professional" smooth start and start as one would get with any 2/3" lens with any of these these controllers. Still haven't gotten a straight answer.

I feel uneasy to write about the Manfrotto 521ex as I really can't answer questions about its availability, but my pre-production unit does really smooth stars and stops, and can go from Z00 to Z99 (or vice versa) in almost two minutes (more than a second per zoom display "unit", in the 00-99 scale). Also, the fastest possible zooms for fast re-framing are always readily available under 2 dedicated buttons - regardless of the current speed setting.

Piotr,

Thanks, If the manorotto is good I don't mind waiting.

Can you adjust the speed with the remote or do you need to go into the menus?
I'm not at all interested in whether it can do a 2 min zoom, but rather can you do smooth feathered stops and starts with it set on a reasonably normal speed?
As I've asked before - can it function like a professional remote for a Fuji or a Canon zoom lens.

Lenny levy

Lenny,

I'm afraid I don't quite get your question - are you talking about adjusting zoom speed with the remote (infrared) on the camera itself, or the Manfrotto zoom controller? The latter is of course impossible; the former only allows to access items displayed on the LCD (the functionality of the IR commander being the same as the Direct Menu joystick).

So yes, in any case - in order to change the camera's zoom speed settings (NOT those of a zoom controller), you need to dig into the menu, I'm afraid.

This looks like it would be easy to try:

http://www.dvinfo.net//conf/showthread.php?t=94890

Scroll down and look at the toslink cable attached to the tripod and aimed at infared pickup sensor on the HV20 camera and the other end of the toslink cable attached to the tripod arm aimed at the camera remote attached where a zoom controller would go.

John

what a creative use of the light cable!

but while that makes focusing remotely possible, the zooming mechanism via the sony remote for the EX1 is not that smooth. in fact, it can jump on you. so, you still need either a varizoom or the bebob zoe-ex for smooth zooming.

that toslink triggered remote will be there for focusing!

Any info on the soon to be released Manfrotto 521-ex? Seems like it might be a cool item, but can't seem to find it listed anywhere.

To all seeking silky smooth starts and stops and ultra smooth creeping zooms on the EX1: you may need to look elsewhere.

Having bought the Zoe remote I find that the limitation lies in the somewhat coarse servo mechanism in the lens. It's OK for many uses, but not for the subtle pushes and pulls you can get from a real 2/3" lens. It simply will not start and stop with the smooth ramping all of us really want. For me the Zoe actually works better in the middle of its range than at the slowest setting, where the tendency for the lens to jump seems enhanced.

At its slowest (handle zoom speed 1) many EX1's exhibit an unpleasant pulsing effect when pushing in, forcing users to use speed 2 and above. I had this bug bite me recently overseas. Fortunately pulling out was better, allowing a dramatic reveal of a landscape.

I think the answer lies in the EX3 with a serious lens attached that costs at least as much as the camera and probably more.

Of course, YMMV.

Dave McCallister

Revived the old thread.....Still no word on the Manfrotto???? I would like to order that one but have a shoot coming up next month that will require remote zoom and will have to go with one of the others if it does not show up...It has been months now...what is the hold up?? Are the early adapters of the EX1 going to be left behind by 3rd parties as they work on new EX3 accessories...I know most just be able to be used by both but thought I read somewhere the Lens control for the EX3 was more thought out and you can get more control... Maybe I am wrong on that.

Well no update from me but some info. I have found that the on lens rockers that controll the speed for the most part suck, even on most 2/3" lenses. I have a Fuji lens controller I found when I bought my DV500 years ago and it works really well. I have had to repair it a few times but overall it works really well. I can do really really slow creeps and as fast as the lens will go with the controller. It is huge but worth the effert when I need it. Mine is the 8pin fuji controller handle.

Cheers
Robert C. Fisher
Cinematography

http://www.dvinfo.net//conf/showthread.php?t=94890

Wow, that was a smart no-budget idea!
Looks like that this guy watched MacGyver very often.

anybody has the pin layout for the fujinonlens on the
EX1?