Tapeworks is providing a Promo on the Libec ZC-9EX Zoom controller for the PMWEX3 for the month of November 2009 Only.
Promo Price: $165.00

Call Tapeworks Texas Inc Toll Free 866-827-3489

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - DVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

Why single out the EX3? The EX1 and EX1R use the same connector.
I'd suggest broadening the scope of your promotion.

Is this promo also available for Australian customers?

I have a Libec ZC-9EX for my EX1 and it works great. I use it extensively when my EX1 is on a jib and also when mounting the camera on my car with a gripper (fantastic vehicle tracking shots). Make sure you tape up the connectors between the two cables so they don't come loose. The ZC-9EX is made up of a long cable with the control unit (zoom and trigger), plus a short on that has the proper adapter for the camera.

Doug, as a matter of fact you are correct. The Libec ZC-9EX does also work on the PMWEX1 as well as the EX3.
As long as the connectivity remains the same on the EX1R, it will work on it as well.

Christian, unfortunately this promotion is for US/Canada customers only. Hopefully one of your local Libec resellers will offer you a promo!

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - DVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

Amazing.
Great product for EX-1.
I ordered this item from Scott on Nov.09/09.
Arrived Nov 13/09.
Nothing ever moves that fast in Canada!!!!!

I ordered the ZC-9EX Libec Zoom Controller promo from Scott too. Great vendor.

Bob and Tom, Thank you very much for your orders!

Just want to let everyone know that this promo is still on-going for the month of November ONLY!

Please contact Tapeworks Texas Inc toll free 866-827-3489 if you have any questions or would like to place an order.

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - DVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

I've looked at a couple of reviews of this and still have a couple of questions.

1. Can you really feather a smooth start and stop that is substantially better than what you can get with the Sony on-camera controls? I other words does it compare to a profesional quality zoom controller on 2/3" cameras. I don't even know if this possible with those servos.

2. I read of complaints that it didn't connect to tripod arm very well. Is this still the case?

I too would be very interested in the answers to Leonard's questions. And, if someone who has a ZC-9EX could post an example of the zoom start and stop that would be great.

Thanks,
Garrett

Check out this video Paul Joy made (I believe he posts here) showing the Libec zoom control in action. Very telling...

Libec ZC-9EX on Vimeo

$165 for an EX1/3 zoom control is a VERY good price.

I'm surprised you don't have one of these great items Andrew.
Works very well on a tripod.
No mounting issues , zoom rocker is very smooth.
Now i have to get some kind of focus controller.

I just spent a few minutes with Zoom Controller for my EX1, and it works very nice.

It's well built, professional quality. I have the Libec T72 tripod with H55 head, and the Zoom controller clamps very securely to the handle. It has rubber v-pads to grip the shaft. The zoom rocker is very smooth, I would say it's an improvement over the rocker switch on the camera. It seems to have a little more range of movement, is very smooth and precise at each end. Ergonomically, you can easily pan the head while simultaneously zooming in or out with just your thumb, fully one handed control. The record button is within easy reach of the thumb, and has a nice tactile if inaudible click. (I hope it's inaudible, didn't really put that to the test.)

My judgment is that there is no issue with the tripod arm (on my H55 Libec), it's a secure fit that doesn't rotate or slip. You can feather a smooth start and stop. Is it substantially better than the on-camera rocker? It seems at least as good, to me a little better, I'd say marginally, chiefly on the larger range of movement, but there were no gaps or dead zones at all. I think it's better, but I didn't really have many problems with the on-camera rocker either, but I do think this is fair amount easier to use, and frees up one hand.

This is worth the money at this price, a nice accessory.

Thanks everyone for the reviews and thanks to Scott. I've got one on order and it should be on its way to me.

There is a chance that it will arrive before this weekend and if it does I'll be able to test it on a shoot I have on Saturday (of course I'll do some test runs first but there is nothing like testing equipment under actual use). I'll post my experience with it.

Garrett

No need to test.
Works out of the box great.
Any Ex camera on a tripod needs on of these gadgets.
Mine arrived in 3 days to Canada, yours might arrive overnight.

I'm surprised you don't have one of these great items Andrew. Works very well on a tripod.No mounting issues , zoom rocker is very smooth.

Well I have the Manfrotto one Bob. I was desperate for one when I got my EX3 and the Manfrotto was the only one I could find at the time.

The Manfrotto has as little thumbwheel for dialing up how much zoom you want in the rocker which is kind of nice. It does get rid of a lot of the notchiness but Paul Joy's video has me ALMOST convinced that the Libec is better at delivering smoother and more controlled feathering.

How long is this sale on for?

Hi Kalunga,

Sorry guys for off topic q.

Kalunga, you mention a gripper for vehicle tracking shots below. Can you tell me more? Where did you get it and what do they cost? I'm keen to know more. Using EX3 w/ ST-7 shoulder mount and Nano Flash.

Cheers mate,

Joe

I have a Libec ZC-9EX for my EX1 and it works great. I use it extensively when my EX1 is on a jib and also when mounting the camera on my car with a gripper (fantastic vehicle tracking shots). Make sure you tape up the connectors between the two cables so they don't come loose. The ZC-9EX is made up of a long cable with the control unit (zoom and trigger), plus a short on that has the proper adapter for the camera.