Advice on using XHA1s focus ring smoothly? at DVinfo.net

James Fryer · April 14th, 2011, 02:39 PM

Hi all,

Getting to grips with manual features of the XHA1s and the focus ring is excellent.

Yet to work out how to tweak sensitivity (which I think might help), but does anyone have any advice on how to work the focus ring without knocking the camera at all?

Have tried fixing as solid as possible on tripod, but focusing from say 1m to infinity takes a few turns of the ring and inevitable I knock the camera a bit.

It's not possible to control focus via the remote, is it? Or does anyone have any pro tips?

Thanks in advance all :)

Colin McDonald · April 14th, 2011, 03:06 PM

You could use a LANC like the Manfrotto 521PROi (the link is correct but seems to have the wrong title): 190CX3 Manfrotto CF 3 Section Tripod w/Low Angle Adapter-No Q90 Center Column With a bit of Googling around it can be found rather cheaper.

I use it with the previous model, the XH-A1 and it works very well for focus and focal length control.

Allan Black · April 14th, 2011, 11:33 PM

+1. Yep agree with Col, after some practice they're great. Using the 523PROi on a Miller Compass 15 tripod I stand back and use the A1s LCD with a Hoodman hood modified to keep stray light out.

Outdoors on a bright sunny day turning the LCD contrast up helps too.

Cheers.

James Fryer · April 15th, 2011, 01:23 AM

Thanks both, looks like just the thing. And cheaper than the official CANON ZR-2000 alternative too. :)

Bryce Comer · April 16th, 2011, 01:28 PM

You can also use the CANON ZR-1000 as well. I have this lanc controller & it works really well. Can't remember the differences between the two Canon models, but i find the 1000 great.

April 14th, 2011, 02:39 PM	#1
James Fryer New Boot Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Posts: 24	Advice on using XHA1s focus ring smoothly? Hi all, Getting to grips with manual features of the XHA1s and the focus ring is excellent. Yet to work out how to tweak sensitivity (which I think might help), but does anyone have any advice on how to work the focus ring without knocking the camera at all? Have tried fixing as solid as possible on tripod, but focusing from say 1m to infinity takes a few turns of the ring and inevitable I knock the camera a bit. It's not possible to control focus via the remote, is it? Or does anyone have any pro tips? Thanks in advance all :)

April 14th, 2011, 03:06 PM	#2
Colin McDonald Trustee Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,546	Re: Advice on using XHA1s focus ring smoothly? You could use a LANC like the Manfrotto 521PROi (the link is correct but seems to have the wrong title): 190CX3 Manfrotto CF 3 Section Tripod w/Low Angle Adapter-No Q90 Center Column With a bit of Googling around it can be found rather cheaper. I use it with the previous model, the XH-A1 and it works very well for focus and focal length control. Attached Thumbnails

April 14th, 2011, 11:33 PM	#3
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,937	Re: Advice on using XHA1s focus ring smoothly? +1. Yep agree with Col, after some practice they're great. Using the 523PROi on a Miller Compass 15 tripod I stand back and use the A1s LCD with a Hoodman hood modified to keep stray light out. Outdoors on a bright sunny day turning the LCD contrast up helps too. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

April 15th, 2011, 01:23 AM	#4
James Fryer New Boot Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Posts: 24	Re: Advice on using XHA1s focus ring smoothly? Thanks both, looks like just the thing. And cheaper than the official CANON ZR-2000 alternative too. :)

April 16th, 2011, 01:28 PM	#5
Bryce Comer Trustee Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Rossland, British Columbia Posts: 1,024	Re: Advice on using XHA1s focus ring smoothly? You can also use the CANON ZR-1000 as well. I have this lanc controller & it works really well. Can't remember the differences between the two Canon models, but i find the 1000 great. __________________ There's never enough hours in the day!