Zoom controller with "Push Auto" focus button?

[Gints Klimanis]

Hi,

I'm looking for a zoom controller for my Z1 or FX1 with more of the focusing functions out on the controller. Specifically, I'm looking for that "Push Auto" button that is on the left side of the camcorder. My current operator uses that button quite often in Manual Focus mode in a handheld configuration and finds that pushes the camera a bit. Given the dynamic nature of the shooting (indoor martial arts), using that button works much better than manually adjusting the focus ring or setting the focus to a preset position. Given a recent upgrade to a DVMedia rib camera support, now, it's even more awkward to find the button.

1) The Varizooms are nice , but none has the Push Auto button :
http://varizoom.com/products/controls/vzprol.html

2) The Bebob Zoe-DVXL has the Push Auto function available, but it seems like a lot of work to tuck those different functions into a single button without messing up the other functions :

http://www.gdbint.com.au/Product.aspx?pID=473
"DVL-Modus : The focus functions are the same as on the previous version of Zoe: a double click switches between manual and auto-focus. A single click change the rocker to zoom and focus. A continuous click activates the push-auto function."

3) Slik / Daiwa AZ-2000 Action Zoom Camera Remote Controller
http://www.slikbroadcast.com/products_accessories.html

Those two focus buttons look promising, but what do they do ?

4) Canon ZR-1000 Zoom Remote Control, for Camcorders with Control-L (Lanc)

Does this work for non-Canon cameras ?

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BING BING BING
5) Bogen / Manfrotto 523PRO LANC Professional Remote Zoom Control for Sony and Canon MiniDV/HDV Camcorders for only $390

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...onal_Zoom.html

This has the Push Auto button, and lists the Z1U but not FX1. Both Z1 and FX1 have a Lanc port, so I'm wondering if the product info is simply outdated.
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/3300

http://hdvinfo.net/articles/sonyhdrfx1/compare.php

I'd like to mount this to my DVMediaRig, and I'm wondering how much of the 523Pro handle can be disassembled.

[Serena Steuart]

check http://www.studio1productions.com/zoom_controller.htm

[Gints Klimanis]

Originally Posted by Serena Steuart

check http://www.studio1productions.com/zoom_controller.htm

Very nice. Those large, raised buttons look so much easier to locate.

[Seth Bloombaum]

Originally Posted by Gints Klimanis

...(Manfrotto 523pro) This has the Push Auto button, and lists the Z1U but not FX1. Both Z1 and FX1 have a Lanc port, so I'm wondering if the product info is simply outdated....

My Varizoom Stealth controller that I bought for a PD150 quite a few years ago worked fine with a Z1, and all its controls also function with my V1. I expect you'd have full compatibility with the 523 on an FX1 - my experience suggests that Sony has kept the LAN-C commands the same across many different models.

The orignal Stealth does *not* have momentary push-auto focus, but it sure would be handy! Per Varizoom's web site, the Stealth LX has a button for auto-on, auto-off, which might serve your purpose. Also, the VZ Rock.

PS. I use my controller all the time! To me, it is an essential accessory for any tripod, shoulder brace or jib arm work.

[Allen Brodsky]

Originally Posted by Gints Klimanis

4) Canon ZR-1000 Zoom Remote Control, for Camcorders with Control-L (Lanc)

Does this work for non-Canon cameras ?

The ZR-1000 works fine with my PD-170, but it does not have push auto focus.

[Gints Klimanis]

Originally Posted by Seth Bloombaum

The orignal Stealth does *not* have momentary push-auto focus, but it sure would be handy! Per Varizoom's web site, the Stealth LX has a button for auto-on, auto-off, which might serve your purpose. Also, the VZ Rock.

PS. I use my controller all the time! To me, it is an essential accessory for any tripod, shoulder brace or jib arm work.

Agreed. I didn't realliy need the controller for handheld stuff until I added the brace.

Duh. I didn't think of switching AF on/off with the Varizoom products. Thanks for the sugestion. I'll have to confirm that this will substitute for a Push Auto function. Does this work for you?