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

Jurgen, I don't have access to the protocol involved, but I participated in testing the Manfrotto 521-ex controller and can assure you there is nothing there above start/stop/ zoom. and RET functionality.

BTW, the MN521-ex is already available for purchase (better late than never); I can recommend it as very functional (the full speed zoom in/out always available through separate buttons, makes it a better value compared to most competitors).

Piotr, thanks for you post.
we want to use the ex1 remotlely in the air so we need a controller wireless, that why i want the pin layout from the lens conector to make somthing ourself, rec and zoom is ok, the iris we do seperately .

thanks jurgen

I'm also interested in the pin out info for the EX1 - my need is to isolate the record / stop record connection so it can be hard wired to an interval timer for timelapse purposes. It will be necessary to buy a remote and hack the cables open which is a bit drastic, if I can't locate this information.

My timer arrangement fires the panning motor on the tripod head for a preset period, then shoots a frame on the EX1, the parameters are all variable making it possible to shoot a timelapse pan over a period of 5 hours or more.

Try emailing Bebob manufacturing - they've been very easy to work with.

Also, you might try Libec USA.

So the pin outs for the EX1 Fujinon lens are unreg.12v, un reg. ground, Video, video ground,
two serial data in and 2 serial data out - no idea of serial protocol.

So I'm gonna have to buy and break a Zoe controller to get at the "go" button.

Anyone serial data wise??

Paul

Hi

Just ordered a EX3 and have to wait a couple of weeks before delivery.

I've been looking at Libec Zoom controllers as mentioned in the title of this post.

The Libec site states that the Pro model can be used with Canon and or Fujinon lenses and in some instances might need a 12 pin adapter for Broadcast Fujinon Lenses.

The Pro is about $100 cheaper here in Australia, has anyone had experience with either of these two controllers and is there any advantages that I'm missing in one over the other?

Libec: Libec-Libec Sales of America (http://www.libecsales.com) -> Right Hand side menu bar -> go"Other Accessory"

Anyones experiences would be most welcome.

Cheers

Michael

The Pro was the original controller - designed for Canon or Fujinon lenses and my need a 12 pin adapter for Broadcase lenses - as you mentioned.

I had this controller and used it a lot with my JVC HD100 cams with Fujinon lenses - I was happy with it and it always performed fine for me.

Then I sold my JVC's and switched to the EX3 - the Pro controller won't work. It's not only that the cable pinout is different, but it also required a rework of the electronics within the controller body. That is why it's so much more.

I sold my Pro on eBay, bought the EX version, and I'm still happy with it.

The Bebob Zoe EX just arrived yesterday and it's a little gem!

Very smooth, great control. Well worthy every penny.

The Pro was the original controller - designed for Canon or Fujinon lenses and my need a 12 pin adapter for Broadcase lenses - as you mentioned.

I had this controller and used it a lot with my JVC HD100 cams with Fujinon lenses - I was happy with it and it always performed fine for me.

Then I sold my JVC's and switched to the EX3 - the Pro controller won't work. It's not only that the cable pinout is different, but it also required a rework of the electronics within the controller body. That is why it's so much more.

I sold my Pro on eBay, bought the EX version, and I'm still happy with it.

Am I correct in understanding from your post that a Libec PH-9 zoom for Fuji Pro lenses will not work on the EX? The pin layout and electronics are different?

I have an old spare Canon plug PH-9 and was going to look into a Canon PRO to Fuji PRO adapter plug if such a thing existed??? or getting a loan of a Fuji Pro PH-9 from a colleage for a shoot coming up. Doesnt sound like this is an option and I need to buy a bebob or a Manfrotto 521EX. Anyone used both and can recommend which is better or are they both similar?

I tried to order the EX adapter from Libec. Chuy, I think, in tech support apologized but indicated that the ZC9-Pro will not work with the adapter - the electronics within the controller would end up sending incorrect signals to the lens and it would constantly creep - or something like that.

The ZC9-EX Has updated and improved electronics to work better with all lenses and accommodate the EX cameras.

I am looking for a simple and reliable remote controler - is this a good one for the EX3 ?

Thanks,

Ofer Levy Nature Photographer (http://www.oferlevyphotography.com)

No Ofer - the EX cameras don't use LANC at all; search for Manfrotto, Bebob or Varizoom zoom controllers with "EX" in the name.

No Ofer - the EX cameras don't use LANC at all; search for Manfrotto, Bebob or Varizoom zoom controllers with "EX" in the name.

Thanks for that Pioter!

I have just got the Manfrotto 521EX, and it is very good.
Smooth starts and stops.
Also you can reverse which way the zoom control goes,
left in or out, the Bebob cannot do that.
I can recomend the Manfrotto.

Doe the EX3 have a Lanc input port? I can't find this in the specs. or the PDF manual.

No it doesn't.

Doe the EX3 have a Lanc input port? I can't find this in the specs. or the PDF manual.

No the interface protocol is very different. If it was LANC we would most likely be using the Manfrotto 523PRO control arm which is way nicer than the slimmed down 521EX. Hopefully Manfrotto is working on an equivalent to the 523PRO for the EX series.

EDIT:

The 521EX does relatively controlled zooming. There is a little thumbwheel that allows you to dial up the zoom speed which is in some ways nicer than the 523PRO but it lacks the all important quick "auto focus" button.

Afaik, it's quite possible that Manfrotto "handle" version will be available for the EX cameras some day, but the Push Auto Focus will definitely not - as the EX zoom remote controller protocol doesn't provide this functionality.

libec told me today that the cable extension will be on sell within 2 weeks for £56.00
plus tax

regards Brian

Is it possible to control focus with remote?

Well after reading this whole thread im still not sure which remote i want.

Its a toss up between the Bebob Zoe Ex and the VariZoom VZ Rock EX.

Now i currently have a Varizoom Rock for my HVX and love it.

Im currently learning more towards the Varizoom as im use to the pressure sensitive rocker and its also cheaper (exchange rate is currently awful)

Am i making a big mistake going with the Varizoom? is the speed control dial on the Bebob worth the extra money?

It sounded like the original Varizooms on the market had some issues but then were later fixed..

Anyone knows if it is possible, even theorically, to control focus like controlling the zoom with remote lens control?

not for EX1, EX3 only

Tuomas I have been researching this since I need this options to go from EX1 to EX3. And yes you can control focus with optional Fujinon and Canon lens but you have to buy their controllers that attach to their lens. You cannot remotely control focus with the stock EX3 lens. But then again why not buy the EX1 if you are not going to use better glass on the EX3?

Tuomas I found this for the stock lens to control focus by remote.
VariZoom Lens Controls - Zoom &amp Focus Controls, Camera Stabilizers & Supports, Batteries, Monitor Kits (http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzfcu.html)

I don't quite understand this.

EX1 does electronically control focus in auto-focus mode.

So what could possibly prevent from doing so remotely as well?

Just the fact that no one has built the control for the EX1. Sony must have their reasons.

Anybody know if these focus controllers would be a good solution to using the EX 1 on a jib?

I think the zoom control would work but not sure about the cable version.

VariZoom Lens Controls - Zoom &amp Focus Controls, Camera Stabilizers & Supports, Batteries, Monitor Kits (http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzfcu.html)

The Zoe zoom control would work provided I can get a long enough cable to the camera.

16x9 | Distributor of Film & Digital Products (http://16x9inc.com/products/bebob/be-zoe-ex.html)

Also this wireless solution from varizoom....does this even work on the EX1?

VariZoom Lens Controls, monitors, Camera Stabilizers & Supports, Batteries, Monitor Kits Phone: 512-219-7722 (http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzwff.html)

thanks for the feedback in advance

Steve

I've read several comments about some of the remote zoom controllers having a variable speed control.

Is this redundant to the varible speed control on the camera? do you get anything extra out of the speed control on the external zoom controller?

Thanks

Yes it is redundant. The extra is just the benefits of remote control and maybe a little better control over speed because of ergonomics. The slowest speed will still be the same and the fastest speeds will vary little if at all.

I have been using a Jimmy jib with an EX-3 for 7 months now. Using a Fuji 2/3" HD wide angle lens with ACM-21 adapter.
Have just switched to the new Fuji XS8x4 EX-3 lens and it work beautifully. All I did, was put on the Cavision focus gear ring from other EX-3, over the focus ring on wide lens which is the same diameter as stock lens! Then used the Film servo motor (Extra in Jimmy Jib kit for Film lens) matched up gear set, mounted motor to VF gadgets rail system. (which also makes the EX-3 lens height the same as full size camera, so no riser needed with Prompter). Used my Libec zoom cable adapter connected to Fuji cable from Jib controller and it all worked like a champ.
Very pleased with this new lens, and the price is just right. You'll be a bit taken back opening box though, this thing is a fat beast. Better get a wrist brace for hand held.
Still a very happy customer. Highly recommended.

Ok so the Manfrotto, the bebob and the libec all have one major screw up. All these so called "remote lens controllers" do not control the iris and focus. What gives???

Does anyone know if a proper lens controller exists yet to properly control zoom, iris, focus and remote start/stop for the EX1?

The zoom on the tele commander sucks.!

Also why does the telecommander go to sleep every time the camera is switched off? The problem I have is the camera is burried in a mount and in a remote place (like up a tree for example) and that's why I need remote controls! It's dammed inconvenient having to climb up the tree every time after switch on just to activate the remote control again!

Is anyone from the Sony design department paying attention?

Phil,

The VariZoom does have a zoom and focus controls. Manual and electronic focus.

It is not easy making controls for every camera and sometimes it is just not worth it.

http://www.varizoom.com/img/products/fcu_web_1.jpg

http://www.varizoom.com/img/products/efcu_med_1.jpg



Best regards,

Tom

Phil, I am sure you have read this entire thread so you understand the that all the controllers mentioned only control zoom and record/stop/last clip playback. If you want control over focus and Iris it is going to cost you a lot more and you will have to get a remote focus system, Varizoom just came out with one and another company Hocus is also working on one. These are the cheaper ones, which are in the price range of folks like myself some of the remote focus devices out there run big $$$$$. I have high hopes for the varizoom which you can see here http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/remote-lens-controllers/141707-varizoom-efc-u-electronic-focus-control.html

I would use this in addition to my varizoom Pro-EX Zoom Controller. sort of like the pic in the link.

Yes I agree Sony made a big mistake on the pin layout and what parameters it controls...

Can some please site the hands down best zoom controller for the money?

Big thanks :)

Well I am very happy with my zoe-ex by bebob.

zoe ex bebob | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=zoe+ex+bebob&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t)

I've tried the Bebob, and I have a Libec. But for hands down best performance, I have the Varizoom. Very solid construction, and very light for it's size. I have it permanently attached to my Sachtler handle.
VariZoom | VZ-PG-EX Pistol-Grip Zoom Controller | VZ-PG-EX | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543234-REG/VariZoom_VZ_PG_EX_VZ_PG_EX_Pistol_Grip_Zoom_Controller.html#features)

I've tried the Bebob, and I have a Libec. But for hands down best performance, I have the Varizoom. Very solid construction, and very light for it's size. I have it permanently attached to my Sachtler handle.
VariZoom | VZ-PG-EX Pistol-Grip Zoom Controller | VZ-PG-EX | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543234-REG/VariZoom_VZ_PG_EX_VZ_PG_EX_Pistol_Grip_Zoom_Controller.html#features)

Ditto. Varizoom rocks (pun intended)

The Varizoom VZ-ROCK-EX (newer version).
I also tried Libec at NAB and decided to get Varizoom.

I used the BEBOB for about 12 months. For some reason the zoom started to crawl automatically lately. I'm assuming the wire broke or something.

It did get the latest upgraded firmware from Sony - not sure if that is also a cause

I ordered the Manfrotto a few weeks back - that works fine

Paul

Bebop ZOE EX is the one for me
super compact, light and very smooth to use.
only thing I´m not sold on, is the mounting..... it tends to loosen after a while, almost lost the thing once last weekend while moving between positions.
Quick fix: a sliver of duc tape around the screw where the bottom bracket latches on and it can´t go anywhere.
another little bit of advice, to keep the pins safe:
a bit of wine cork with a hole drilled into the end, where the plug can be inserted for transport purposes

Big thanks folks :)

The Varizoom VZ-ROCK-EX (newer version).
I also tried Libec at NAB and decided to get Varizoom.

Tuy,

That model has a pressure sensitive zoom control only - no speed wheel. Can you describe your experience with that model in a little more detail?

Thanks,

John

I've tried the Bebob, and I have a Libec. But for hands down best performance, I have the Varizoom. Very solid construction, and very light for it's size. I have it permanently attached to my Sachtler handle.
VariZoom | VZ-PG-EX Pistol-Grip Zoom Controller | VZ-PG-EX | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543234-REG/VariZoom_VZ_PG_EX_VZ_PG_EX_Pistol_Grip_Zoom_Controller.html#features)


It looks like something that was knocked up in a garage. The Sony EX1 - EX3 is a superb design, why can't third party manufactures keep to the same look and feel.