manual zoom lens motor attachment? at DVinfo.net

Robert Bobson · August 17th, 2011, 12:49 PM

I've been searching for this but haven't found anything:
aren't there external variable speed motors that can be mounted side by side with a lens in order to convert a manual zoom into a powered zoom? I don't know what they're called ~

any reference is appreciated!

Brian Drysdale · August 17th, 2011, 01:22 PM

There are a number of makes including Heden, Preston and Arri, but a zoom servo motor or zoom motor would cover what you're describing. These are now digital motors that are controlled by a separate control used by either the camera operator or the 1st camera assistant.

Preston Cinema Systems
HEDN Engineering
ARRI Group: Controlled Lens Motor CLM-3

Robert Bobson · August 17th, 2011, 04:36 PM

thanks for the info. are there also attachments that can help make the manual zoom smoother? I'm thinking like a geared crank that would take several revolutions to zoom the lens just a small bit?

Brian Drysdale · August 17th, 2011, 04:57 PM

You can get a fluid drive for zoom lenses. these are made by Chrosziel and work extremely well. Some of the old 1960s & 70s Angenieux zoom lenses had a zoom crank fitted, although I found these devices rather underwhelming to use on the couple of occasions I came across them.

August 17th, 2011, 12:49 PM	#1
Robert Bobson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 585	manual zoom lens motor attachment? I've been searching for this but haven't found anything: aren't there external variable speed motors that can be mounted side by side with a lens in order to convert a manual zoom into a powered zoom? I don't know what they're called ~ any reference is appreciated!

August 17th, 2011, 01:22 PM	#2
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	Re: manual zoom lens motor attachment? There are a number of makes including Heden, Preston and Arri, but a zoom servo motor or zoom motor would cover what you're describing. These are now digital motors that are controlled by a separate control used by either the camera operator or the 1st camera assistant. Preston Cinema Systems HEDN Engineering ARRI Group: Controlled Lens Motor CLM-3

August 17th, 2011, 04:36 PM	#3
Robert Bobson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 585	Re: manual zoom lens motor attachment? thanks for the info. are there also attachments that can help make the manual zoom smoother? I'm thinking like a geared crank that would take several revolutions to zoom the lens just a small bit?

August 17th, 2011, 04:57 PM	#4
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	Re: manual zoom lens motor attachment? You can get a fluid drive for zoom lenses. these are made by Chrosziel and work extremely well. Some of the old 1960s & 70s Angenieux zoom lenses had a zoom crank fitted, although I found these devices rather underwhelming to use on the couple of occasions I came across them.