Zoom / Focus controllers for JVC GY-HD series Pro HD camcorders

K. Forman · July 18th, 2006, 05:49 AM

I thought they were going to offer that as an add on accessory for folks who wanted the zoom on the handle. I assume it would be for folks who hand hold the cam, as opposed to shoulder mounting it? Does anybody actually have any luck using this cam like that? How do you hold it and zoom/focus?

Drew Curran · July 18th, 2006, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman

I thought they were going to offer that as an add on accessory for folks who wanted the zoom on the handle. I assume it would be for folks who hand hold the cam, as opposed to shoulder mounting it? Does anybody actually have any luck using this cam like that? How do you hold it and zoom/focus?

Keith
I handhold my HD100 a lot - my right hand on the handle controlling recording and focus assist, with my left hand controlling focusing and the lens zoom controller (the latter being a little awkward). I'm purchasing the Zoe III zoom controler to mount on the handle to make zooming easier.

I press the battery pack into my stomach or between my left arm and ribs (a bit like a bag pipe!) for extra stability. I couldn't hold it for long out in front of my body as my arms would get sore.

Sometimes I crouch down on one knee and place the camera on my thigh.

I've designed and built a device that allows me to hold the camera like what can be best descibed as a chain-saw!! Its made from a shower curtain pole... it helps stabilization quite a bit IMHO. Its still in the early trial stage. It will require both zoom and focus controllers - like the multirig would - for perfect handling. I've designed it so that I can tripod mount the camera with it still attached. In its current form it ain't pretty!

Andrew

K. Forman · July 18th, 2006, 08:26 AM

When I was using the GL1, I got to holding it out in front of me more and more. I got a little smoother picture when I cradled it like that. This beastie though... if the zoom were mounted further back like a hand held cam, it wouldn't be so bad. Oh well... thank God for tripods!

David Ziegelheim · July 18th, 2006, 02:04 PM

Well that makes three of us who have the 503 head! Mine is on 542ART legs. I was concerned that an HD100/HVX200 would require an upgrade to a Vinten, Sachler, or 519. It is rare that I shoot with the bigger camera without either the tripod or Glidecam 2000 with forearm brace. I do handhold a Sony PC105 every now and then. It draws a lot less (unwanted) attention. But the sound only works with a remote dynanmic mic.

BTW, it seems to me, unless I really like transferring from tape, that a Firestore and DVRack will be my primary recording mechansim. With Cineform and PP. However, I think that requires Prospect HD for the HVX and only Aspect HD for the HD100.

Yes, I know, another forum. :)

From what I saw you could mix the Varizoom rocker for zoom and grip for focus on the same arm. But what about iris?

Guy Barwood · October 27th, 2006, 07:36 AM

If you bought a Rear focus controller for the Fujinon such as the JVC one (HZ-FM13U)

eg
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

and then you bought a Canon lens later on could the HZ-FM13U be used with the Canon lens at all?

I know there is the JVC rear focus for Canon lens too (JVC HZ-FM15U) but can you buy a different cable end to convert between the two?

Thanks in advance

Guy

Carl Hicks · October 27th, 2006, 09:25 AM

Guy, the only difference between the Fujinon control and the Canon control (the versions that JVC sells) is the gear block that attaches to the lens. So, check with JVC parts in your area to see if you can buy just a Canon gear block. If you can't, then check with Canon.

Regards,

Jack Walker · October 27th, 2006, 09:59 AM

I purchased a JVC rear focus controler used, and it did not come with the gear block that attaches to the lens.

I called the main JVC parts number and was given a number in New Jersey to call. I no longer have it, but there is a man there who looks up parts and he gave me the number of the part to order and I ordered it online.

Be sure you get the number for the gear block that attaches to the lens. I was given the number for the handle gear block by mistake the first time. (I was able to return it, call the man again, and get the right number).

The handle piece is something over $100 while the correct part that attaches to the lens is something over $200 from JVC.

As a side note, there are different part numbers for the handles for the different controlers for the different lenses -- however, in actuality, the part is the same except for the name plate on the handle which denotes which lens the entire unit is for (meaning the lens attachment block). As Carl said, the handle and the cable are the same for all the units.

Stephan Ahonen · October 27th, 2006, 10:11 PM

Aren't the ends of the focus cable different for Fuji and Canon focus cables? I seem to remember the focus cables for the Canon lenses I've used having a square-shaped end while Fuji cables use a flat bit.

Carl Hicks · October 29th, 2006, 09:33 PM

That would be correct in the case of the Fujinon and Canon controls that come from Fujinon and Canon. On JVC focus controls however, the cable end is the same for both Canon and Fuji. The JVC focus control cable uses the "flat bit" type.

Regards, Carl

Guy Barwood · November 7th, 2006, 09:59 PM

Hi Carl,

JVC Service Australia (Space Engineering) is having difficulty finding the correct part for me.

I just bought a HZ-FM13U without any lens attachment from eBay for $102.50

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160046737560.

Now I need to source the Canon lens attachment (ie from the 15U) but I wouldn't mind getting a Fujinon attacment (for the 13U) as well so I can use it on either lens type.

The service agent has sent me a pdf with the 13U totally broken apart (ie every little gear and screw) but it doesn't give us a complete unit part number.

Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Carl Hicks · November 7th, 2006, 11:14 PM

Hi Guy,

Sorry, there's not much I can do from this side of the globe, as JVC Australia has it's own parts and service companies, separate from the US companies. I suggest you contact your local JVC rep and put him or her on the task. Also, try contacting your local Canon and Fujinon reps.

Regards,

Guy Barwood · November 7th, 2006, 11:19 PM

Hi Carl,

I hope you don't think I was asking you to get me the parts as I know it doesn't work that way. What I was hoping for was the part numbers. Perhaps you know someone who knows someone in JVC who would know this info. Then I can go back to my local JVC service/parts centre and give them a part number they can source.

Cheers

Guy

Carl Hicks · November 8th, 2006, 07:09 AM

Guy, I'll try to get that info.

Regards,

Laszlo Horvath · November 8th, 2006, 09:49 AM

Guy, I bought mine from Armato's in New York.
Dennis at Armato's know the part #

Laszlo

Jack Walker · November 8th, 2006, 01:49 PM

I bought this part for the 13x lens which uses the HZFM13U focus controller:

NAME OF PART:
Focus Gear Module (the complete part ready to attach to cable)

PART NUMBER:
HZ-FM13-G. M. ASY

COST FROM JVC PARTS U.S.:
$ 260.39 (US$)

-------------------------------------------------------------
I got the part number from a man in New Jersey. I called the parts number, and I was given the direct phone number to this man who looked up the part and gave me the number. I then ordered the part online from JVC: www.jvcservice.com.

Here is the webpage and part numbers for the HZFM13U:
http://www.jvcservice.com/Service/JM...MdlNbr=HZFM13U
Both the Gear Module Ass. and the instruction booklet are listed.

Here is the webpage and part numbers for the HZFM15U:
http://www.jvcservice.com/Service/JM...MdlNbr=HZFM15U
Unfortunately, only the instruction booklet is listed, not the gear module assembly.

July 18th, 2006, 05:49 AM	#31
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	I thought they were going to offer that as an add on accessory for folks who wanted the zoom on the handle. I assume it would be for folks who hand hold the cam, as opposed to shoulder mounting it? Does anybody actually have any luck using this cam like that? How do you hold it and zoom/focus? __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

July 18th, 2006, 08:26 AM	#33
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	When I was using the GL1, I got to holding it out in front of me more and more. I got a little smoother picture when I cradled it like that. This beastie though... if the zoom were mounted further back like a hand held cam, it wouldn't be so bad. Oh well... thank God for tripods! __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

October 27th, 2006, 07:36 AM	#35
Guy Barwood Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 423	Rear Focus Control JVC ProHD If you bought a Rear focus controller for the Fujinon such as the JVC one (HZ-FM13U) eg http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search and then you bought a Canon lens later on could the HZ-FM13U be used with the Canon lens at all? I know there is the JVC rear focus for Canon lens too (JVC HZ-FM15U) but can you buy a different cable end to convert between the two? Thanks in advance Guy

October 27th, 2006, 09:25 AM	#36
Carl Hicks JVC America Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 516	Guy, the only difference between the Fujinon control and the Canon control (the versions that JVC sells) is the gear block that attaches to the lens. So, check with JVC parts in your area to see if you can buy just a Canon gear block. If you can't, then check with Canon. Regards, __________________ Carl Hicks JVC Professional Products Company

October 29th, 2006, 09:33 PM	#39
Carl Hicks JVC America Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 516	That would be correct in the case of the Fujinon and Canon controls that come from Fujinon and Canon. On JVC focus controls however, the cable end is the same for both Canon and Fuji. The JVC focus control cable uses the "flat bit" type. Regards, Carl __________________ Carl Hicks JVC Professional Products Company

July 18th, 2006, 02:04 PM	#34
David Ziegelheim Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warren, NJ Posts: 398	Well that makes three of us who have the 503 head! Mine is on 542ART legs. I was concerned that an HD100/HVX200 would require an upgrade to a Vinten, Sachler, or 519. It is rare that I shoot with the bigger camera without either the tripod or Glidecam 2000 with forearm brace. I do handhold a Sony PC105 every now and then. It draws a lot less (unwanted) attention. But the sound only works with a remote dynanmic mic. BTW, it seems to me, unless I really like transferring from tape, that a Firestore and DVRack will be my primary recording mechansim. With Cineform and PP. However, I think that requires Prospect HD for the HVX and only Aspect HD for the HD100. Yes, I know, another forum. :) From what I saw you could mix the Varizoom rocker for zoom and grip for focus on the same arm. But what about iris?

October 27th, 2006, 09:59 AM	#37
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	I purchased a JVC rear focus controler used, and it did not come with the gear block that attaches to the lens. I called the main JVC parts number and was given a number in New Jersey to call. I no longer have it, but there is a man there who looks up parts and he gave me the number of the part to order and I ordered it online. Be sure you get the number for the gear block that attaches to the lens. I was given the number for the handle gear block by mistake the first time. (I was able to return it, call the man again, and get the right number). The handle piece is something over $100 while the correct part that attaches to the lens is something over $200 from JVC. As a side note, there are different part numbers for the handles for the different controlers for the different lenses -- however, in actuality, the part is the same except for the name plate on the handle which denotes which lens the entire unit is for (meaning the lens attachment block). As Carl said, the handle and the cable are the same for all the units.

October 27th, 2006, 10:11 PM	#38
Stephan Ahonen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 512	Aren't the ends of the focus cable different for Fuji and Canon focus cables? I seem to remember the focus cables for the Canon lenses I've used having a square-shaped end while Fuji cables use a flat bit.

November 7th, 2006, 09:59 PM	#40
Guy Barwood Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 423	Hi Carl, JVC Service Australia (Space Engineering) is having difficulty finding the correct part for me. I just bought a HZ-FM13U without any lens attachment from eBay for $102.50 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160046737560. Now I need to source the Canon lens attachment (ie from the 15U) but I wouldn't mind getting a Fujinon attacment (for the 13U) as well so I can use it on either lens type. The service agent has sent me a pdf with the 13U totally broken apart (ie every little gear and screw) but it doesn't give us a complete unit part number. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

November 7th, 2006, 11:14 PM	#41
Carl Hicks JVC America Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 516	Hi Guy, Sorry, there's not much I can do from this side of the globe, as JVC Australia has it's own parts and service companies, separate from the US companies. I suggest you contact your local JVC rep and put him or her on the task. Also, try contacting your local Canon and Fujinon reps. Regards, __________________ Carl Hicks JVC Professional Products Company

November 7th, 2006, 11:19 PM	#42
Guy Barwood Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 423	Hi Carl, I hope you don't think I was asking you to get me the parts as I know it doesn't work that way. What I was hoping for was the part numbers. Perhaps you know someone who knows someone in JVC who would know this info. Then I can go back to my local JVC service/parts centre and give them a part number they can source. Cheers Guy

November 8th, 2006, 07:09 AM	#43
Carl Hicks JVC America Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 516	Guy, I'll try to get that info. Regards, __________________ Carl Hicks JVC Professional Products Company

November 8th, 2006, 09:49 AM	#44
Laszlo Horvath Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LaSalle Ontario Canada Posts: 289 Images: 5	Guy, I bought mine from Armato's in New York. Dennis at Armato's know the part # Laszlo

November 8th, 2006, 01:49 PM	#45
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	I bought this part for the 13x lens which uses the HZFM13U focus controller: NAME OF PART: Focus Gear Module (the complete part ready to attach to cable) PART NUMBER: HZ-FM13-G. M. ASY COST FROM JVC PARTS U.S.: $ 260.39 (US$) ------------------------------------------------------------- I got the part number from a man in New Jersey. I called the parts number, and I was given the direct phone number to this man who looked up the part and gave me the number. I then ordered the part online from JVC: www.jvcservice.com. Here is the webpage and part numbers for the HZFM13U: http://www.jvcservice.com/Service/JM...MdlNbr=HZFM13U Both the Gear Module Ass. and the instruction booklet are listed. Here is the webpage and part numbers for the HZFM15U: http://www.jvcservice.com/Service/JM...MdlNbr=HZFM15U Unfortunately, only the instruction booklet is listed, not the gear module assembly.