LANC control for temporary autofocus? at DVinfo.net

Brian Standing · February 17th, 2004, 01:51 PM

Does anyone know if there's a LANC remote control device that will replicate the "temporary autofocus engage" button on the the lens barrel of the PD-150?

If not, how hard would it be to design something?

Ken Tanaka · February 17th, 2004, 02:41 PM

Take a look at the Varizoom VZ Rock. I reviewed it with Canon cameras but I believe that the "A" button might accomplish your goal with a Sony.

Brian Standing · February 17th, 2004, 05:22 PM

Thanks, Ken.

I've looked at the Varizoom unit before, and the "A" button is probably what I'm after. You say in your review:

"A: This control is meant to switch the camera between auto-focus and manual focus modes. This operated correctly on the GL2. However, since auto and manual focus modes on the XL1S are operated by mechanical switches on the lenses, this control is ignored by the XL1S."

This is what has me stumped. On the PD-150, the setting to switch between Full Autofocus and Manual Focus is a big, heavy slide switch, which I think falls into the "mechanical" category. So, I'm guessing the Varizoom button won't work on this function.

However, the Sony button to temporarily engage and release autofocus is a much smaller "electronic-feeling" push button. Will the "A" button on the Varizoom engage this button or not?

Does anyone have experience using this or similar units on the PD-150 specfically who can verify?

Mike Rehmus · February 17th, 2004, 07:13 PM

Brian, wouldn't it be easier to email Varizoom or call them? They are fairly responsive.

Brian Standing · February 18th, 2004, 08:00 AM

Good idea, Mike. I'll do that.

Brian Standing · February 18th, 2004, 01:20 PM

For anyone else who's interested, here's the answer from Varizoom:

Brian,
Unfortunately we do not a control that will control the auto focus
button on the PD150.
Colby Eaves

Bummer.

Ken Tanaka · February 18th, 2004, 02:46 PM

Thanks for the follow-up, Brian. Oh well.

Mike Rehmus · February 18th, 2004, 03:10 PM

Here is a link with some information and links to other LANC links.

http://www.insflug.org/slink/resourc...oll/jukka.php3

If you like to roll your own.

Wayne Orr · February 19th, 2004, 09:53 AM

Brian, the Zoe controller will do what you want, and it's my choice in controllers. Check it out here:
http://tinyurl.com/3bfs3

Wayne Orr, SOC

February 17th, 2004, 01:51 PM	#1
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	LANC control for temporary autofocus? Does anyone know if there's a LANC remote control device that will replicate the "temporary autofocus engage" button on the the lens barrel of the PD-150? If not, how hard would it be to design something?

February 17th, 2004, 02:41 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Take a look at the Varizoom VZ Rock. I reviewed it with Canon cameras but I believe that the "A" button might accomplish your goal with a Sony. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 17th, 2004, 05:22 PM	#3
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	Thanks, Ken. I've looked at the Varizoom unit before, and the "A" button is probably what I'm after. You say in your review: "A: This control is meant to switch the camera between auto-focus and manual focus modes. This operated correctly on the GL2. However, since auto and manual focus modes on the XL1S are operated by mechanical switches on the lenses, this control is ignored by the XL1S." This is what has me stumped. On the PD-150, the setting to switch between Full Autofocus and Manual Focus is a big, heavy slide switch, which I think falls into the "mechanical" category. So, I'm guessing the Varizoom button won't work on this function. However, the Sony button to temporarily engage and release autofocus is a much smaller "electronic-feeling" push button. Will the "A" button on the Varizoom engage this button or not? Does anyone have experience using this or similar units on the PD-150 specfically who can verify? __________________ http://www.prolefeedstudios.com/blog/ Documentary for the masses!

February 17th, 2004, 07:13 PM	#4
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Brian, wouldn't it be easier to email Varizoom or call them? They are fairly responsive. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

February 18th, 2004, 02:46 PM	#7
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Thanks for the follow-up, Brian. Oh well. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 18th, 2004, 08:00 AM	#5
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	Good idea, Mike. I'll do that.

February 18th, 2004, 01:20 PM	#6
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	For anyone else who's interested, here's the answer from Varizoom: Brian, Unfortunately we do not a control that will control the auto focus button on the PD150. Colby Eaves Bummer.

February 18th, 2004, 03:10 PM	#8
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Here is a link with some information and links to other LANC links. http://www.insflug.org/slink/resourc...oll/jukka.php3 If you like to roll your own. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

February 19th, 2004, 09:53 AM	#9
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	Brian, the Zoe controller will do what you want, and it's my choice in controllers. Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/3bfs3 Wayne Orr, SOC __________________ Wayne If it was easy, they'd get a relative to do it.