Inexpensive LANC controller at DVinfo.net

Mike Rehmus · April 21st, 2004, 06:39 PM

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=278376&is=REG

Not fancy but at $40 it may be enough. It only runs the zoom at 2 speeds.

K. Forman · April 21st, 2004, 06:49 PM

On ebay, I have seen tripods with a lanc controller built in, priced about $40-$50. The seller is 47th street photo.

Law Tyler · April 22nd, 2004, 10:13 AM

You know, actually I need only two speeds. So an ideal controller will have 2 sets of separate zoom buttons, one set creeping slow, the other as fast as they can be.

The slow ones are for zooming on-the-fly, while of course the fast ones are for zooming just to "get there" and the zooming clip itself not to be used.

Don't these "designers" understand that? Hate it when engineers don't use their own products.

Love my ZR-1000, but the switching is too troublesome on-the-fly, should have 2 sets of zoom buttons. But it is the closest to my need.

I think there is another one with some kind of "motorcycle grip", but that is too much for my use.

Yes, yes, we still can use the buttons on the camera, but I need both sets to be conveniently on the tripod handle.

Oh, well.

Matt Stahley · April 22nd, 2004, 08:36 PM

Thanks Mike. This may be just what I need for my PC-110.

Kim Kinser · April 22nd, 2004, 09:58 PM

http://www.signvideo.com makes some too

Mike Rehmus · April 23rd, 2004, 08:38 PM

Matt,

I use a varizoom (because that's what I have) with my PC110. Makes all the difference in the world compared to the hair-trigger zoom on the camera.

Matt Stahley · April 23rd, 2004, 09:14 PM

Mike I know exactly what you mean.Even worse when on a tripod I think.No real ergonomic way of accessing the zoom. I always used the remote but this can be risky at times. For $40 I think its worth it.

Wayne Orr · April 24th, 2004, 02:52 PM

Imagine a car manufacturer saves money by creating an accelerator that has only two speeds. No ramping effect when you step on the gas. You are instantly going thirty miles an hour, or sixty miles an hour. And when you release pressure on the accelerator, you instantly power down to zero. Sound ridiculous? Well, that's the same effect you get with the $40 zoom control. No, I don't know what the two speeds are set at, but it really doesn't matter. The point is, you cannot ramp up and down with this control device, which makes it pretty useless for "hot" zooms, only for changing focal lengths when you know you won't be using the footage. Of course, it looks like it does come with a clip to attach it to your belt. Now that's real handy.

While we are on the subject, another dumb idea for zoom controllers is the model that has two buttons, one to zoom in and one to zoom out. You want a controller to be in a nuetral position, so you are prepared to zoom in or out at a moments notice. You can't do that if you are searching for the right button. Trust me on this: there are no professional zoom controls that require you to press a button to zoom. None. Nada. Zilch. Zero. And what kind of sensitivity are you going to get from a push-button?

As far as Law's comments go, the better manufacturers know what they are doing, but you are going to have to spend more money to get the real quality controllers. Close to $300.00. The ZR1000 is a good deal for the price, but it ain't the Holy Grail.

April 21st, 2004, 06:39 PM	#1
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Inexpensive LANC controller http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=278376&is=REG Not fancy but at $40 it may be enough. It only runs the zoom at 2 speeds. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

April 21st, 2004, 06:49 PM	#2
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	On ebay, I have seen tripods with a lanc controller built in, priced about $40-$50. The seller is 47th street photo. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

April 23rd, 2004, 08:38 PM	#6
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Matt, I use a varizoom (because that's what I have) with my PC110. Makes all the difference in the world compared to the hair-trigger zoom on the camera. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

April 24th, 2004, 02:52 PM	#8
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	Imagine a car manufacturer saves money by creating an accelerator that has only two speeds. No ramping effect when you step on the gas. You are instantly going thirty miles an hour, or sixty miles an hour. And when you release pressure on the accelerator, you instantly power down to zero. Sound ridiculous? Well, that's the same effect you get with the $40 zoom control. No, I don't know what the two speeds are set at, but it really doesn't matter. The point is, you cannot ramp up and down with this control device, which makes it pretty useless for "hot" zooms, only for changing focal lengths when you know you won't be using the footage. Of course, it looks like it does come with a clip to attach it to your belt. Now that's real handy. While we are on the subject, another dumb idea for zoom controllers is the model that has two buttons, one to zoom in and one to zoom out. You want a controller to be in a nuetral position, so you are prepared to zoom in or out at a moments notice. You can't do that if you are searching for the right button. Trust me on this: there are no professional zoom controls that require you to press a button to zoom. None. Nada. Zilch. Zero. And what kind of sensitivity are you going to get from a push-button? As far as Law's comments go, the better manufacturers know what they are doing, but you are going to have to spend more money to get the real quality controllers. Close to $300.00. The ZR1000 is a good deal for the price, but it ain't the Holy Grail. __________________ Wayne If it was easy, they'd get a relative to do it.

April 22nd, 2004, 10:13 AM	#3
Law Tyler Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 204	You know, actually I need only two speeds. So an ideal controller will have 2 sets of separate zoom buttons, one set creeping slow, the other as fast as they can be. The slow ones are for zooming on-the-fly, while of course the fast ones are for zooming just to "get there" and the zooming clip itself not to be used. Don't these "designers" understand that? Hate it when engineers don't use their own products. Love my ZR-1000, but the switching is too troublesome on-the-fly, should have 2 sets of zoom buttons. But it is the closest to my need. I think there is another one with some kind of "motorcycle grip", but that is too much for my use. Yes, yes, we still can use the buttons on the camera, but I need both sets to be conveniently on the tripod handle. Oh, well.

April 22nd, 2004, 08:36 PM	#4
Matt Stahley Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Waynesboro, PA Posts: 648	Thanks Mike. This may be just what I need for my PC-110.

April 22nd, 2004, 09:58 PM	#5
Kim Kinser Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Voorhees, NJ Posts: 82	http://www.signvideo.com makes some too

April 23rd, 2004, 09:14 PM	#7
Matt Stahley Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Waynesboro, PA Posts: 648	Mike I know exactly what you mean.Even worse when on a tripod I think.No real ergonomic way of accessing the zoom. I always used the remote but this can be risky at times. For $40 I think its worth it.