XL2 20x lens won't keep backfocus and clunks!

Richard Alvarez · November 27th, 2008, 09:01 AM

Ryan,

You can pick up a 16x for around $800 - $900 if you watch the boards. They come up here every now and then... Ebay will normally have one or two a month. Definitely worth the investment. They are the superior choice for 'filmmaking'.

Eric Shepherd · November 28th, 2008, 02:39 AM

Does the 16x do auto-focus and finger zoom control? (from remote or right-hand grip?). I know it's full manual, but does it have servos or possible external control, to use it like a studio camera or pro shoulder mount type?

Eric

Richard Alvarez · November 28th, 2008, 08:35 AM

Eric, the 16x is a MANUAL lens, so no - it doesn't do auto focus. Yes, it has a zoom servo, so it responds to your camera's zoom controlls on the handle or the grip. Since the zoom servo is controlled by the camera, any remote zoom controll would have to go through the camera's lanc control port on the body. The zoom servo can also be disengaged for manual zooming. It has a mounting screw hole on the left hand side of the lens, so you could mount a left hand remote focus block (Broadcast style) - the focus and zoom rings are knurled in standard threads so they accept follow focus gear. The iris is controlled by the camera, so you need to use the exposure rocker/switch.

ALternately, you can pick up the 14x, another excellent manual lens. It has an iris ring on the lens, but NO servo - completely manual...

Read up on the lenses available here

Guide to XL2 Lens Options by Chris Hurd

Eric Shepherd · November 29th, 2008, 12:56 PM

Thanks for the lens info. The 16x looks nice but I think I'd miss the OIS from the 20x. Though I wouldn't mind getting focus while zooming again (I've worked in a few public access stations and studios over the years and always enjoyed having both controls at once)

I think I need to find the Mack warranty that came with my camera (used) and send the thing back to Canon for a check-up. It was super clean when I got it, original owner claimed about 10 tapes had gone through it and it was nearly new. Except for the little matter of the scratches in the view finder on multiple lens.. Oh and the dried mud and grass I scraped out from between the lenses. Ugg. Otherwise the thing looked brand new.

Eric

November 27th, 2008, 09:01 AM	#31
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Ryan, You can pick up a 16x for around $800 - $900 if you watch the boards. They come up here every now and then... Ebay will normally have one or two a month. Definitely worth the investment. They are the superior choice for 'filmmaking'.

November 28th, 2008, 02:39 AM	#32
Eric Shepherd Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 404	Does the 16x do auto-focus and finger zoom control? (from remote or right-hand grip?). I know it's full manual, but does it have servos or possible external control, to use it like a studio camera or pro shoulder mount type? Eric

November 28th, 2008, 08:35 AM	#33
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Eric, the 16x is a MANUAL lens, so no - it doesn't do auto focus. Yes, it has a zoom servo, so it responds to your camera's zoom controlls on the handle or the grip. Since the zoom servo is controlled by the camera, any remote zoom controll would have to go through the camera's lanc control port on the body. The zoom servo can also be disengaged for manual zooming. It has a mounting screw hole on the left hand side of the lens, so you could mount a left hand remote focus block (Broadcast style) - the focus and zoom rings are knurled in standard threads so they accept follow focus gear. The iris is controlled by the camera, so you need to use the exposure rocker/switch. ALternately, you can pick up the 14x, another excellent manual lens. It has an iris ring on the lens, but NO servo - completely manual... Read up on the lenses available here Guide to XL2 Lens Options by Chris Hurd

November 29th, 2008, 12:56 PM	#34
Eric Shepherd Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 404	Thanks for the lens info. The 16x looks nice but I think I'd miss the OIS from the 20x. Though I wouldn't mind getting focus while zooming again (I've worked in a few public access stations and studios over the years and always enjoyed having both controls at once) I think I need to find the Mack warranty that came with my camera (used) and send the thing back to Canon for a check-up. It was super clean when I got it, original owner claimed about 10 tapes had gone through it and it was nearly new. Except for the little matter of the scratches in the view finder on multiple lens.. Oh and the dried mud and grass I scraped out from between the lenses. Ugg. Otherwise the thing looked brand new. Eric