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

I need to control the zoom remotely on my HD100. Can anyone tell me which controlers fit well for this camera? I saw one model from Varizoom and they say it is good for the Fujinon lens on the HD100. Any other makes?

JVC shows a zoom control and focus control on the accessory page for the HD100/110. However, I have not seen them nor read any comments about them. I would be interested in how these compare to other brands.

http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/a...&feature_id=05

A standard fujinon remote should work fine.

What kind of tripod are you using? The reason I ask is because some tripod makers have Fujinon controller pan arms that you can get. I know Libec and Slik has one and I think Miller and some of the others as well.

Hi George - We use the Fujinon SRD-92 (8 Pin) ... its very good...every so often you see a lot of these units on ebay.

Regards: Stu...
www.studioscotland.co.uk

Does the Fujinon CFH-3 Focus Control work with the HD100 lens?

If it is 8-pin it will work fine.

Oops... Tim... correct me if I'm wrong, but the 8-pin jack is for zoom only. A focus controller connects via a screw-in mounting block directly on the left side of the lens barrel adjacent to the focus ring, right?

As in this photo: http://www.dvinfo.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=290&c=20

HD100 -- anyone using remote zoom & focus controls?
 

Is so, which are JVC and which are Fujinon? Do you need a two handled tripod to use both?

What about remote iris and record functions? Finally, is there a remote 'focus assist' button?

Thanks,

David

Most tripods which are suitable for the HD100 will allow for two pan handles. The extra handle is usually readily available and can be ordered with your tripod (check our DV Info Net site sponsors). Typically with pro cameras such as the HD100, the focus controller is mounted on the left tripod pan handle and the zoom controller is mounted on the right tripod pan handle. There are a wide variety of focus and zoom controllers for the professional broadcast video lenses used on the JVC GY-HD100 series camcorders. Common brands of controllers include Fujinon, JVC, VariZoom, Bebob, Bogen, and Libec just to name just a few.

Here are some photos of an HD100 dressed out with focus and zoom controls on twin pan handles.

Moved from the HD100 forum to the Lens Controls forum. Hope this helps,

I wish you didn't move this post. I wasn't asking a generic question...I was asking a specific HD100 question. I know how the controllers work, however many of the heads for an HD100 sized camera won't be two handled. Additionally, the controllers for a HD100 lens are MUCH more expensive than say the electronic interface(s) on an HVX200 or Z1. Maybe 20% the cost of the camera or more.

Please move this post back.

P.S.
Is that studio setup going with an HD output to a remote broadcast system? Not quite what I am planning....:)

No I will NOT move it back as this is the proper location for your particular topic. Your question is more specific to lens controllers than it is to the HD100. Now that I have moved the thread, it is properly categorized. Please learn how this site works.

The right head for the HD100 *will* allow for an additional pan handles. If you pick a single-handled tripod head for the HD100, then you're not choosing the correct head for that camera. I don't know of any single-handled head that would be appropriate for an HD100.

This forum covers standard 8-pin zoom controllers, separate focus controllers and yes even the low-end electronic LANC controllers as well. Even if your question concerned the low-end LANC controllers, this would still be the correct forum for it. So rest assured that I have in fact put it where it belongs.

It's critical to realize that the HD100 is a professional camera that calls for professional level add-ons including lens controllers, tripod heads, battery systems and more. Realistically you should expect to pay about 50% of the cost of the camera for all of these items together. Perhaps more than that. Remember these are business tools that should pay for themselves quickly if your business plan is sound.

In the future, please post to the appropriate forum. We have separate boards here for monitors, tripod heads, editing software, etc. You have access to all of them; it's just a matter of thinking beyond the camera. Thanks in advance,

This is a 7.3# camera. Most of the heads in that range are single handled. Including the one I have. In the Bogen catalog, none of the heads for this weight are dual handled. One may have the second handle as an option.

Few if any of the people I wanted to ask will visit this forum. I know I don't. I'm not really interested in the what someone renting a $1500/day setup for a month is using. I more interested in what someone who chose buying an HD100 over say a HVX200 because of cost is doing.

I've also amended the original post to reflect some questions I left out about remote control functions. At least one, and probably two of which are NOT remote lens control functions but are related to remote control of the HD100.

For the people I was trying to reach I WAS in the right forum.

Also note, this lens does not take a JVC focus unit ("An HZ-FM13 cannot be used with a Th16×5.5BRMU or S14×7.3B12/U zoom lens.") and Bogen and Bebob doen't have focus units either. They do have single handle solutions for the HVX200 though.

The Bogen catalog I'm looking at right now shows that all of their Pro Video heads support two handles. Ignore the weight recommendation. If you're interested in Bogen then you need to be looking at their Pro Video heads, otherwise you're selling yourself short and making a serious mistake. Start at the Bogen 501 and work your way up from there.

I said that in my first reply... order the second handle when you order the head and sticks. So what if it's an option, the point is that it's available and you can add it to your order. An extra pan handle is cheap, usually about $50 or so.

They will now, because I did you a favor and left a re-direct in the HD100 forum to this thread. We want our members to get full use out of this site, and to not make the mistake of staying buried in any one particular camera area. That's why we have these separate boards for monitors, for tripods, etc. Plus, you benefit from the expertise of non-HD100 owners because, as I've said, these controllers are pretty much standardized and are not specific to just the HD100. Trust me. I manage one of the most popular digital video message boards in the world and I've been at this for awhile.

VariZoom makes a focus controller that fits this lens. And it's more accurate to say that Bogen and Bebob have dual-handle solutions for the HVX200 which can be mounted on a single handle if desired. But that's beside the point, because quite unlike the HVX200, the HD100 uses an interchangeable professional broadcast video lens, on which the zoom is remotely controlled via the standard 8-pin jack and focus is remotely controlled via the geared ring on the lens barrel. These are always *separate* controllers (until you get to wireless remote controllers for 35mm motion picture cameras; you can hold a Preston MicroForce remote zoom / iris / focus controller in one hand but it costs $20,000). Fortunately in professional broadcast video it's not outrageously expensive for a pair of controllers. For example a VariZoom focus and zoom combo for the HD100 costs less than $1000. Ideally you'll mount them on separate handles because they're easier to operate that way. Hope this helps,

Remote record start (often called a VTR trigger) is a standard feature included on any 8-pin zoom controller.

Remote iris is possible, the least expensive way is in the form of a second focus controller. In this case the control block attaches to the lens at the iris ring instead of the focus ring. The controller handle is commonly mounted further up the left pan handle and at an angle from the focus controller.

Unfortunately no.

Yes. Tim is on crack.

(er, I mean he misread)

Jeez... with all these remote controllers, you'll end up needing 6 hands to operate!

Dual pan handles, one for focus and one for zoom, will allow you to change the focal plane and focal length at the same time if that's what you want to do. Putting both controllers on a single pan handle pretty much kills that capability though.

Other than an event recording, when would you want to that?

Your question is not clear. When would I want to do what? Put both controllers on a single pan handle? Never. Put each controller on its own pan handle? Always, in any situation that calls for shooting on a tripod. The only exception I can think of is when shooting from a crane; in that case you'll want to mount both controllers to something like a VariZoom VZ-CS1 Control Station, although if you're stuck operating the crane *and* the camera by yourself, you can simply mount both controllers on the operating end of the crane.

If you meant, why would I want to change focus and zoom at the same time? The answer is very seldom would I ever want to do that, but the accepted industry standard practice is to mount the focus controller on the left pan handle and the zoom controller on the right pan handle, for ease of use if for nothing else. It makes perfect sense, so I guess that's why it's standard practice. Hope this helps,

The latter...other than a sports event or wedding, I couldn't figure out why you would change zoom and focus together.

I was thinking of an equivalent to the controls for the HVX200, like the Varizoom VZ - RockPZFI. I've thought of the HVX200 and HD100 as direct competitors. Is the HVX200 control really unacceptable?

On a side note, does the HD110, HD200, or HD250 provide external control of the focus assist?

You would change the zoom and focus simultaneously anytime you are following something that is coming at you or away from you and you're holding the frame tight to the subject. The focus is changed because the object is coming at you at (or away) and the zoom has to be changed because you need to zoom out as it is getting closer or zoom in as it is going away. This kind of shot is mainly done in sports but obviously variations of it can be done in almost any type of production. The point is, when you are operating a camera with rear lens controls on a tripod the norm is to have focus control on one pan bar and zoom control on the other pan bar.

It just seems the HVX200 has a simple $300 solution including remote iris, and the HD100 has a $800-1000 soluton without remote iris.

And that's because quite unlike the fixed lens on the HVX200, the HD100 instead uses an interchangeable professional broadcast video lens, on which the zoom is remotely controlled via the standard 8-pin jack and focus is remotely controlled via the geared ring on the lens barrel. But I've explained this before.

With the HD100, you're entering an entirely different arena in terms of the pricing for camera accessories. The HD100 requires pro battery solutions, interchangeable broadcast video lenses, and professional lens controllers (plus a heavy-duty tripod head with dual pan handles). It's an altogether different environment concerning the pricing for HD100 accessories.

Rest assured that the lens controllers, for example, are (at $1000 for the pair) priced no differently than they would be for any other camera that uses interchangeable Fujinon broadcast video lenses.

While there are some (rather expensive) optional lenses, is the standard lens really any better than the built in lens in a HVX200?

That's no longer related the original topic of lens controllers, so you should post it as a new question in our General HD / HDV Acquisition forum (since it relates to two different camcorders). However you need to be aware that the primary difference between the HVX200 and HD100 that overrides all other considerations including lenses, is that of workflow. Because now you're talking mainly about choosing the DVCPRO HD format on flash memory vs. the HDV format on tape. This carries a much greater impact on what you're doing than does any difference in the glass at this level.

Choose your format first... then choose your camera. The right format for you is the one whose workflow suits your personal preferences, acquisition needs and editing system capabilities. The right camera for you is the one which feels best in your hands. No other technical specification matters anywhere nearly as much as the two primary factors of workflow and ergonomics.

Chris

Who makes the zoom controller that mounts on the handle of the JVC? (shown here : http://www.dvinfo.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=300&c=20 )

Is it JVC and is it available? Where? I've never seen it mentioned before.

Thanks


Andrew

David
The Manfrotto/Bogen 503 head has the option to attach 2 handles. Only one is supplied.

I own one.


Andrew

Drew, that controller is a prototype from JVC... check out the text that goes with those photos. I haven't seen it since that show. I have the 503 head as well, and ordered the optional extra pan handle when I bought it, so mine came with two.

Aw well. It'll be the Zoe III then.

Thanks


Andrew

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

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!

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?

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

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,

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.

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.

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

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.