Guess I waited too many years before I actually needed an RA-V1, but I am now in need of
using the Canon HF-M41 camcorder on a tripod with remote control of zoom, start, and stop.

I have had a Canon ZR-1000 LANC Zoom Controller for many years that I used with the LANC input on my Sony VX2000 and Sony Hi8 cameras. The Canon HF-M41 does not have a LANC input. That zoom controller interfaces with the RA-V1 adapter that fits the Canon HF-M41 mini advanced hotshoe and provides a LANC input. The problem is that it cannot be found anywhere. It was discontinued and none seem to be available used either.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/remote-control-adapter-ra-v1

Does anyone here know where I can buy a used one?

Does anyone here know of a substitute for using the camera on a tripod effectively for zoom, start, and stop?

Or does anyone here know of a DIY plan to create an interface for the mini-advanced hotshoe with pinouts I can use to make my own LANC socket?

Thanks,

John

Finding one on the used market/auction sites will be hit or miss and require a bit of luck.

I see some vendors in AU may have one in stock - for a price.

Can you make do with the WL-D89 wireless remote control. It offers stop/stop and zoom control. The camcorder has sensors front and back, and the remote probably could be mounted to a tripod handle with some Velcro.

I see what you mean Don about the prices. Wow!

I haven't tried using the wireless remote yet. I figured it would not be very responsive since I
have always used physical zoom controllers for my cameras. Worth a try if that is the only
practical option. I am pretty good with electronics device construction, but I would need a plan
or at least the pinouts for the hot shoe on the Canon.

I'll try the wireless remote. Thanks for the input.

John

The camcorder has sensors front and back....

There's just the one sensor for the WL-D89 wireless remote located on the bottom left of the opened LCD panel - same as on my HF-G30. But the panel can be flipped to allow control in front of the camcorder.

Good to know Bryan.

Thanks,

John

Yes, it's infrared (I think), but I'm sure Don's suggestion would work if the controller is mounted on the tripod handle in such a way that the sensor catches the beam - probably easiest if the handle is mounted on the left side.

I recall some years back seeing a DIY (PVC tube) cage/rig where the guy had used a length of optical cable to direct the controller beam onto an IR sensor located at the front of the camcorder.

Edit: I think it was this one:

http://www.primitivebuteffective.com/2007/05/hv20-non-lanc-controller.html

Crude but effective, apparently. He referenced a DVInfo forum thread from back in 2003 as the inspiration:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/remote-lens-controllers/16934-diy-non-lanc-controller.html

Sounds like a doable modification. I think I will test out the remote when I shoot this Thursday to see how responsive it is, then I may try that mod if it seems really slow. These are just rehearsal shoots which I then upload to You Tube for the actors and directors to review their work. A light weight easily portable setup seems to work best for me. Thus the small camera.

Thanks again Bryan for the links.

John

There are a couple of Australian online suppliers who appear to stock the RA-V1 adapter:

https://www.dccameras.com.au/canon-rav1-remote-control-adaptor.html

https://www.digidirect.com.au/accessories/remote_controls/canon_ra-v1_remote_control_adapter

I would assume those prices are Aus $. Even so that's 180-190 US$. Ridiculous.

I know, I had seen those. Pretty crazy. Even the Canon website (that I linked in the OP) had the original list price at $130. Canon used to include LANC on their cameras at one time and their ZR-1000 (and ZR-2000) worked so well that I bought the ZR-1000 to use on my Sony cameras. It still works great.

John

FWIW: Canon still includes LANC (a 2.5mm jack labeled "remote" on the camcorder) on many of their higher end camcorders but likely dropped it as a cost savings on many consumer camcorders.

The current (budget) consumer HD camcorder models (HF-R80/82/800) don't even have an IR remote sensor - instead (R-80/82 only) a WiFi feature ('Near Field Communication') that facilitates some remote control/monitor functionality via a (compatible) smartphone app. From what I've read though the monitor feedback is very laggy and it's hardly practical as a remote control for tripod operation.

There are a couple of Australian online suppliers who appear to stock the RA-V1 adapter


Just realized you mentioned that above Don:


I see some vendors in AU may have one in stock - for a price.


So much for the speed-reading course I've been taking ;>)