Does anyone have a simple idea for a (wired) start/stop remote for the F3?
It's for starting the cam internal recording when on a crane.

I have just purchased a Sony hirose.to open end cable from denz- deniz - I expected it to have 2 wires for off/on but it has 4 wires so I am waiting on them to inform me how to connect it to trigger run on the camera. I haven't seen any other manufacturer bring this plug to the market. Denz also have a Sony cable for their own handle system. The cable is only short so for crane use it will have to be lengthed. Best to get in touch with them. It is expensive....
Nick

Very neat solution found for remote rec/stop.
First get the dedicated PMW-F3 cable from Denz-Deniz:
Przisionsentwicklung Denz - Camera Accessories - Manufacturing (http://denz-deniz.com/index.php?page=7&productgroup=2&product=15)
So that's their item 301.0362 or 301.0364.
Then attach a simple switch, and I found this one to work perfectly (seems like they are made for each other!):
http://www.exposurelights.com/product/000030/remote-switch/
I attached the switch through a female Lemo plug so that I can always put an extention cord in between for real remote operation.
If you are wondering how to connect, this is the friendly e-mail I received from Denz-Deniz:

"Dear Willy,

Thank you for your email and your request.
Please find attached the diagram of the hirose/lemo spiral cable.
Regarding your question the switch works as a start/stop button if you are installing it between green and brown. Between white and brown it will record only during you are pushing.

It would be great if you are publishing to all other users. Thank you in advance for your efforts.

If there are any questions or if I can be of any further help, please let me know.

Best regards to Belgium"

(There was a wiring diagram included aswell, but I do not know how to post it here)

After testing the remote cable setup I quickly discovered a very unpleasant consequence: plugging in the remote cabel DEACTIVATES the gain and colorbalance control switches on the camera!
I understand this is OK when using the Sony remotes or CCUs, but when connecting a remote switch placed on my shoulder rig handles this becomes very unwanted. Any advise anybody?
I have asked Denz-Deniz for comment too.

I believe this is because the remote port for the camera is intended to be manipulated by a serial command mode not a simple on off switch. This could actually be useful for s-log recording though as it doesn't really offer gain or programmable white balance... or not?

Does the same with my start / stop cable.

If you look at the supplement menu for the F3 -came on the dvd -
it has a chapter on using the Remote and lists what it disables in camera. I haven't tested them all. Also states to plug in remote connector before you turn on camera. If camera is on when connected it does not recognise the remote.
Notice that PP reverts to PP10.
If you set camera to required settings in db, kelvin, shutter etc. before turning off and plugging in the remote it seems to keep those settings.

I need this to connect to a aladin lens remote on a steadirig. The receiver has a relay output for p
Momentary or latching pulse. So it would be great if this can be figured out. Thnx so far

Please find attached the diagram of the hirose/lemo spiral cable.
Regarding your question the switch works as a start/stop button if you are installing it between green and brown. Between white and brown it will record only during you are pushing.

It would be great if you are publishing to all other users. Thank you in advance for your efforts.

If there are any questions or if I can be of any further help, please let me know.

Best regards to Belgium"

(There was a wiring diagram included aswell, but I do not know how to post it here)

Hi Willy, isn't there a way to scan the diagram and post it for us?
Thanks, Ron

Hopefully this attachment works:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/images/attach/pdf.gif

Thanks!
Now I see there is a microcontroller unit built in (thats why it is rather expensive) Wich converts a momentary or latching switch to the controlcodes.
So somthing with these codes make other functions freeze. hmm\

I have asked Denz-Deniz for comment too.

Willy, did you hear something from the Denz people?

Denz promised to look into the problem, after inquiering for a second time this is de answer I got:

_Hi Willy,
_We did not forget you. My colleague Dylan is familiar with the trouble and we hope to get the solution this _afternoon.
_Please accept our apologies for the delay. As soon as I got news I am getting back to you.
_Thank you for your patience!
_
_All best from Munich,
_Christine Sailor

... have not heard anything yet

After waiting a year for a reasonably priced start/stop cable (micro controller) solution, I am now resolved to simply using the remote with a bit of velcro on the back. It would be nice to have the run/stop integrated into wireless follow focus handset but the remote works.

Apparently the Denz solution disables to use the paintbox controls.

you mean the infrared remote?

Hi Ron,

Yes the infrared remote that comes with the F3. One thing to be concerned about is, the remote is the same remote that comes with any Sony XDCAM EX cam, so if there is another camera on location beware.

the IR should do the trick for now but in the end I dont want the focuspuller to carry around al the separate remotes. And the range is too limited with IR. So if anyone has a solution I'll be all ears.
Thanks

At last received answer from Denz. The remote cable will be replaced and my F3 will remain fully controlable when it is connected. This is Denz's answer:

Hi Willy,

Kindly excuse the delay! I hope you are fine and everything is going well.
In the meantime we corrected the errors and one of our customers even tested it at the NAB show in Las Vegas.
So please send your cable that we can change it!

All best to Belgium

Christine Sailer
Customer Service / Sales

Präzisions-Entwicklung DENZ
Fertigungs GmbH
Otto-Hahn-Str. 12-14
D-85521 Ottobrunn / München

Great. Let us know if it works the way you want it.
thanks

I finally received the replacement start/stop cable from Denz.
First test failed... but I soon found out that I had to use different pin outlets from the Lemo connector.
Would have been nice if Denz had informed beforehand!
But everthing is working fine now, and the camera remains fully controlable.

OK good to hear!
thanks for posting the good news

Hi Willy, could you tell me the new pin outputs you used. I am waiting on my replacement cable from Denz.
Thanks, Nick

I finally received the replacement start/stop cable from Denz.
First test failed... but I soon found out that I had to use different pin outlets from the Lemo connector.
.

I just received the bare lead version but as soon as I connect the F3 connector I have the problems with colortemp etc freezing :-( same problem...
Can you say what color lead in cable is for the signal?

I received an old version of the start/stop cable. after contacting and returning the first cable (on my account) they sent me a new one. It works ok, but I'm a bit unpleased by the fact they were familiar with the problem and still sent me the wrong version. And that I made extra costs sending back the cable.
So if you are going to order one, be clear about you want the right version that doesn't freeze your F3.