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

[Guy Barwood]

Thank you Jack, your info was very helpful. From that part number it wasn't rocket science to guess the Canon part is HZ-FM15-G. M. ASY.

Local spare parts were able to source both these from Japan.

My cost for both the 13 and the 15 is about AU$500 including 10% tax & freight (thats about US$375 and I can get the tax back too).

Add the US$100 for the eBay part and I can control focus on both Fujinon and Canon lens now. Not free by any means but well under new price.

I also bought the JVC zoom controller on eBay as well, around half price and it works perfectly.

[Diogo Athouguia]

I'm looking for a zoom controler to use on my HD100. Did anyone tried the Pro-F (http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzprof.html) with the stock Fujinon lens of the HD100?

[Jack Walker]

Has anyone used the VZ-EFC, remote focus controller on the HD100 OR HD110 camera?

Here is the link:
http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzefc.html

[Chris Hurd]

Moved from JVC Pro HD to Remote Lens Controllers.

What's neat about these zoom controllers is that they don't care what camera you're using. All that matters is the lens, whether it's Canon or Fujinon. Some controllers are switchable between Canon and Fuji lenses, and there are crossover cables available which will allow a Canon controller to work with a Fuji lens and vice-versa. The only communicating that the controller has with the actual camera body itself, is the Rec / Pause trigger and the video return button.

[Jack Walker]

Somehow I originally pasted the wrong link above to the wrong controller.

I have corrected it. Nevertheless, Chris's comments still apply.

This focus controller is fairly new and I can't find anyone with it in stock or even at Varizoom who has direct knowledge of using it.

It will control the lens from up to 50' and it has four presets in addition to manual control.

http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzefc.html

[Chris Hurd]

Okay, now I get it -- the original link was a zoom controller, but you're right, the same thing applies here... it connects directly to the lens at its focus ring, so it doesn't matter which camera you're using with it. All that matters is the lens.

[Drew Curran]

This is excellent news, and relatively cheap

I wonder if it will work with the stock HD100 lens?

Thanks for this


Andrew

[Jack Walker]

Originally Posted by Drew Curran

This is excellent news, and relatively cheap

I wonder if it will work with the stock HD100 lens?

Thanks for this
Andrew

I called varizoom and the person I talked to said that it does work with the JVC HD100, which I believe would mean the stock lens.

The unit adapts to two different barrel sizes of Fujinon lenses.

However, I have yet to speak to anyone who has acutally used the Varizoom unit.

[Lee Hopper]

I have a similiar one for my dsr300, in fact I have two, good solid units.

[Chris Hurd]

It has an aluminum housing and is solid and hefty -- you can pretty much use it to hammer nails.

[Ralph McCloud]

I have the JVC hdv-200 cam with the standard 16x lens that comes with it. I am looking for both zoom and focus/iris controllers I can attach to my lens.

One issue I need to deal with is . . . the cam is attached to the end of a 21 foot jib. So I need something that has long enough cables.

You guys got any suggestions? I appreciate any input! Thanks!

[Jack Walker]

You could use one of the 8-pin Fujinon controllers made by Varizoom with this extension cable from Varizoom:
http://www.varizoom.com/products/acc...vzext8pin.html

Here are the controllers (the Fujinon 8-pin are near the bottom):
http://www.varizoom.com/controlsindex.html

All are available from B&H, a sponsor of dvinfo.net

[Ralph McCloud]

Originally Posted by Jack Walker

You could use one of the 8-pin Fujinon controllers made by Varizoom with this extension cable from Varizoom:
http://www.varizoom.com/products/acc...vzext8pin.html

Here are the controllers (the Fujinon 8-pin are near the bottom):
http://www.varizoom.com/controlsindex.html

All are available from B&H, a sponsor of dvinfo.net

The zoom control would work, but the problem is the cable length for the focus controller. I don't think they make a cable over 20 feet for focus?? At least I can't find one!

[Tom Wills]

Because the focus controllers like the one you found are mechanical devices, there is a limit. But, Varizoom has an electronic model which works pretty far. I've never used it, but maybe it's right for your purpose. http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzefc.html

[Jack Walker]

Originally Posted by Tom Wills

Because the focus controllers like the one you found are mechanical devices, there is a limit. But, Varizoom has an electronic model which works pretty far. I've never used it, but maybe it's right for your purpose. http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzefc.html

I own this one, and it would work fine. It's made for a jib. You can set 4 focus positions and go from one to the next and then back just by pushing a button. You can also adjust focus by twisting the knob, but the control is not real fine. The easiest is to use the presets. This unit will go a lot more than 20 feet.

(Note: on my Fujinon wide angle lens, I had to add a washer under the head of the screw that attaches the unit to the lens. The screw is a bit too long for my lens, but it works fine with the extra washer.)