LANC Tripod Handle?

Allen Brodsky · February 15th, 2004, 02:13 PM

Law,
Unless I'm not understanding you, the ZR-1000 does what you want. The "Zoom Speed" ring at the top of the unit has 5 pre-sets for different zoom speeds, plus a "V" click-stop that lets you vary the speed based on how far the rocker switch is depressed when you want to vary the speed within a zoom.
There's a safety button in the middle of the ring that needs to be pressed to move from the V click-stop to the pre-sets.
Test the presets with your cam and decide which work best for the close, middle, and wide speeds you are looking for. You can easily move from speed to speed during a shoot simply by turning the zoom ring as you anticipate the need.
Hope this helps.

Law Tyler · February 15th, 2004, 07:01 PM

Hi Allan, oh yeah, it does work, but I hope for something better.

Two sets of buttons, or rockers, one for slow zoom-on-the-fly, and one superfast to get there ASAP in sports video, w/o having to move my hand (like up to the regular zoom rocker).

Wayne Orr · February 15th, 2004, 08:46 PM

Let me drop in a plug for my personal favorite, the Zoe from Bebob Engineering. You can check out the newest model with the "Max Speed" adjustment at http://saferseas.com/vsd/eye/zoe.html.

I like the Bogen, but you are stuck with using it on a pan handle. The Zoe can be placed on just about any rig you want to use, including steadicams, shoulder braces or jibs. And the two year factory warranty is sweet.

Wayne Orr, SOC

Brian Standing · February 16th, 2004, 03:10 PM

I have one of the older Sony tripod handles that does the basics:
- zoom (no variable);
- Start / Stop
- On / Off/ Photo / Vcr

(Basically it replicates the controls you have with your right hand on the camera -- not including Memory Stick functions). Well worth the $45 I spent on it a few years back.

The one thing I'm really looking for is a remote that would replicate the temporary auto-focus button on the lens barrel of the PD-150/VX-2000. I use this all the time to lock in focus when on manual focus. Seeing as I already have the Sony remote, I'd settle for just a single remote button that did nothing else but engage the autofocus.

Anyone know if any of these controllers will do this? If not, any LANC-savvy programmers interested in creating a prototype?

February 16th, 2004, 03:10 PM	#19
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	Manual / auto-focus on these babies? I have one of the older Sony tripod handles that does the basics: - zoom (no variable); - Start / Stop - On / Off/ Photo / Vcr (Basically it replicates the controls you have with your right hand on the camera -- not including Memory Stick functions). Well worth the $45 I spent on it a few years back. The one thing I'm really looking for is a remote that would replicate the temporary auto-focus button on the lens barrel of the PD-150/VX-2000. I use this all the time to lock in focus when on manual focus. Seeing as I already have the Sony remote, I'd settle for just a single remote button that did nothing else but engage the autofocus. Anyone know if any of these controllers will do this? If not, any LANC-savvy programmers interested in creating a prototype?

February 15th, 2004, 02:13 PM	#16
Allen Brodsky Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Eatontown, NJ Posts: 118	Law, Unless I'm not understanding you, the ZR-1000 does what you want. The "Zoom Speed" ring at the top of the unit has 5 pre-sets for different zoom speeds, plus a "V" click-stop that lets you vary the speed based on how far the rocker switch is depressed when you want to vary the speed within a zoom. There's a safety button in the middle of the ring that needs to be pressed to move from the V click-stop to the pre-sets. Test the presets with your cam and decide which work best for the close, middle, and wide speeds you are looking for. You can easily move from speed to speed during a shoot simply by turning the zoom ring as you anticipate the need. Hope this helps.

February 15th, 2004, 07:01 PM	#17
Law Tyler Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 204	Hi Allan, oh yeah, it does work, but I hope for something better. Two sets of buttons, or rockers, one for slow zoom-on-the-fly, and one superfast to get there ASAP in sports video, w/o having to move my hand (like up to the regular zoom rocker).

February 15th, 2004, 08:46 PM	#18
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	Let me drop in a plug for my personal favorite, the Zoe from Bebob Engineering. You can check out the newest model with the "Max Speed" adjustment at http://saferseas.com/vsd/eye/zoe.html. I like the Bogen, but you are stuck with using it on a pan handle. The Zoe can be placed on just about any rig you want to use, including steadicams, shoulder braces or jibs. And the two year factory warranty is sweet. Wayne Orr, SOC