Pretty sure that the remote lens control connector will allow only for zoom, rec/ pause and what used to be known as VTR Return (no tape involved so we can't call it VTR Return anymore).

Sounds like I need some time in the shop for this one.

I purchased one of the Libec controllers for my EX1 at the video forum show in London today. I tried both the Libec and the Bebob controllers and although I liked the way the Bebob controller zoom lever felt, I preferred the Libec due to it's ease of fitting and slightly sturdier feel. I wanted something that could be easily passed from my tripod to my multirig.

The Libec controls the zoom and rec functions, although there is a rec/ret switch on the side and when this is moved to 'ret' the rec button triggers the clip review function. I'm really pleased with it, it's easy to use and seems very accurate allowing the full range of speeds just like the rocker on the camera.

Paul.

How expensive is the Libec?

Paul, Can you get a genuine professional feathered stop and start with the Libec?

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by feathered, but in my opinion anything that can be done with the rocker on the camera can be done with the remote. pressing it lightly causes a zoom so slow it's hard to spot and it increases in a linear fashion as you press further. There is no stepping etc, it's very smooth.

I paid £199 which is the RRP

regards

Paul.

I guess I mean what you would expect from a professional fugi or canon controller on a 2/3" camera.

I've not used one so it would be hard to say.

Sorry

Very interesting. I have used a Varizoom and Bebob controller in the past and i found the Bebob more robust and better made. I shoot in really bad conditions - rain, dust & wind. From what you saw the Libec is tougher than the Bebob?

Do you have the part no for the libec i cant find any details online...

I am looking to buy a controller asap but i cannot get to london.

Hi Brendan, I'm not sure which would be tougher in those kind of conditions, but the Libec just seemed to be a little bit more rigid to touch, wheres the Zoe controller had a bit more flex in the plastics.

I'm sure they are both great controllers though, I just preferred the Libec.

Check this out... http://www.vimeo.com/655026

Paul, from the video it seems real touchy to get a very slow crawl speed. Is this so?

Duplicate post.

Not sure about touchy, you do need to be gentle with it if you want the slowest speed. Bare in mind that this was at the extremes of the zoom and given that the cable was stretched to the camera it wasn't as easy using it as normal.

I'm also right handed and did with with my left hand so was a little more clumsy than usual.

thanks!

the libec does look nice and simple. but like you said it hard to judge which wil survive water ingress etc. My first one was a varizoom which i thought was the in dustry leader and super robust but the sea air got to the that one pretty quick! - how does the libec attatch to the arm?

Here's some pics of the attachment. This to me was the major reason to choose this one. It can be taken off with a single thumbscrew and moved to my mutlirig from the side (without sliding down the extension arm).

One downside was that the converter they have supplied does not screw or lock to the end of the cable, it's just a push fit. For this reason I put some insulation tape on the connector to keep it together.

that is a nice attachment! i find the screws on the bebob dig into me as i am carrying the cam & tripod on my shoulder...

And here it is on the multirig in a couple of configurations.

Paul, many thanks for posting the video clip of the Libec controller.

I think what many of us want to know is how slow the EX zoom can go, especially with this controller. It is obviously smooth and stepless. Any chance you could make another video demonstrating an almost imperceptible push and/or pull?

If your time allows, I know we would all benefit. If not, thanks for the effort you have already made.

Dave McCallister

I just received my Bebob Zoe EX Zoom controller from http://16x9inc.com/products/bebob/be-zoe-ex.html.

I have other Zoe controllers that I have used with my Sony Z1U and Sony PDW-F350. The Zoe EX is very similar to them.

A very "ergonomic" rocker switch for controlling zoom. The speed of the zoom is proportionally controlled by the displacement of the rocker. The maximum speed available is adjustable with a dial on the side of the controller. The slowest maximum speed is approximately equal to speed 22 for the handle rocker switch zoom controller. With a steady thunb on the Zoe's rocker switch very slow zooms can be accomplished.

in addition to the max speed control dial there are three buttons on the Zoe: a "return" button that functions as a "play last clip" button; a record stop/start button; and a button that, when held down when the Zoe is plugged into the EX1 in Standby, will reverse the direction of the zoom controlled by the rocker switch.

As a satisfied user of prior Zoe controllers as mentioned above I am quite satisfied with the Zoe EX.

I have no involvement with the Zoe controller other than as a satisfied user.

Carroll Lam

Carroll , can I ask you the same question I tried to ask Paul.
Can you truly get a feathered start and stop like one is accustomed to on a professional 2/3" camera lens.

This has been impossible with any other 1/3" camera regardless of the controller or the speed of the zoom. There has always been a slightly but noticeably abrupt start and stop.

Sorry but this is not true. You have a valid complaint about 1/3rd-inch camcorders with LANC remote controls, but there have been 1/3rd-inch camcorders with standard 8-pin Fuji or Canon controllers (such as the entire JVC Pro HD camera line) and they certainly don't have this problem.

Sorry, i haven't worked with those carefully anyway. Only the Sony and Panasonic. Question remains the same though.

Since I have never used a "professional 2/3" camera lens" I cannot answer your question categorically. I can say that I can get _very_ slow zooms with light pressure on the rocker and the Zoe speed dial set to its lowest value. The degree of feathered start is really a question of how good one is in "feathering" pressure on the rocker.

Carroll Lam

Zoom for Sony EX
 

This is Tom from VariZoom. The zoom circuit on the new EX is similar to the Fujinon but not exactly the same. It is not incremental in steps like the Lanc controls but is similar in feel to what a professional camera with a Canon or Fujinon would be.

The zoom is very responsive and allows for an extremely slow crawl. VariZoom has three configurations for this control. The Rock EX, the Pro-Ex and the PG-Ex.

Tom

Tom...

I have a Varizoom Rock-X. Can this be adapted(with an adapter cable) to work with the Sony EX1.

Tom,

Thanks for stepping in as you seem to understand the question. I have an HVX and one of your controllers for it, ( i can't remember which one but it has the iris knob as well). At any rate I just avoid any zooming except in run and gun situations because there is just no way to get a decent start.
Would I be able to do that with one of your controls and the Ex?

(will you do a trade - in?)

Lenny Levy

VariZoom Rock-X
 

Hi Bill,

I think you have a VariZoom Rock DVX, no matter no pre-existing control is going to work on a Sony EX camera. We could possibly make a convertor cable to allow a Canon or Fujinon pro control to work but that is the only possibility of utilizing an existing control.

Tom

VariZoom HVX control
 

Hi Leonard,

No, it will not work. Trade in? Come on I have plenty of controls already. I am sure whoever buys or uses your HVX will need the HVX control. Used VariZoom's do well on Ebay and will get you about 75% of retail.

Thanks for the business.

Tom

Th

Thomas - I was kidding about the trade in , but I'm don't feel I've gotten a clear answer yet about whether I will be able to do a fully professional feathered zoom with the EX-1 and one of your controllers.

I'm buying if you can convince me!

Tom...

Thanx for your answer. However, it is a VZ-Rock F that I use on my HD110.

VariZoom Ex controls
 

Sorry Leonard,

You will be very pleased with the VariZoom. The VariZoom EX controls work perfectly and have an extremely smooth professional feathered slow crawl that can be ramped up quickly or ever so slowly. I'm not sure I can make it sound any better.

Best regards,

Tom

VariZoom Rock-F
 

Bill, I could make a convertor cable for the Rock-F but it will not work as well as the new VariZoom EX controls that are specifically designed for the camera. So I will likely stay away from making a convertor cable.

Thank you,

Tom

Varizoom
 

I'm going to give the new Varizoom VZ-PG-EX a try. Should be shipping in a couple of weeks. I used one of their handles on PD-150 and DVX100 and liked it.

Here's a link...

http://varizoom.com/products/controls/vzpgex.html

Tom...

Once again, thanx so much for taking the time to answer. Sounds like I need to just bite the bullet and get a VZ designed for the EX.

VariZoom Controls for Sony EX
 

Hi Bob & Bill,

The link to the Rock EX just went live. Both controls work very well. (image below)

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

Tom

Just to let you guys know that the Manfrotto solution (both handle-integrated, and separate clamp-on controllers) will be available in 2-3 weeks time. The software has been tested and works nice with the EX1.

Also, the Manfrotto controllers will be offering a bit more than just variable zoom, start/stop, and RET. Worth waiting and considering:)

Thanks Piotr ! I'll be looking out for that one.

All the controllers out so far look good.
For me - zoom and rec are just fine for the most part

I've used the Manfrotto full handle grip with my z1 and I like it.

Paul

VariZoom EX Controls are shipping
 

Bob,

Your control should have already shipped. Sony did a great job on this camera and you will be very please with high degree of control.

The Pistol grip you ordered is milled from solid aluminum is one of our most robust cases ever made. The Rock and Stealth EX will fit on camera shoulder supports a little easier, as they are smaller, so if you decide you want a second control we will give you a deep discount for the second control.

In fact we will give anyone at DVinfo a discount or free shipping in the USA.

We appreciate Chris Hurd and the great community he has built. Chris actually was the first person to contact me for the first controller review when VariZoom made the first ever professional Lanc control the Pro-L.

Thanks to Chris the Watchdog and VariZoom has come a long way since.



Tom

Bebob ZOE-EX
 

I purchased the Bebob controller through 16x9inc.com
http://www.16x9inc.com/products/bebob/be-zoe-ex.html
and it works perfectly. I only wish Sony would have a way of controlling the Push Focus through a remote, but according to Bebob engineers the interface does not support push focus.
Otherwise you can do really slo-o-o-ow zooms with Bebob and also really fast. I did not have time to experiment which setting (handle or camera zoom speed) applies to remote, but remote itself has a wheel where you can set the speed. So I set the camera to real slow zoom and when the Bebob is set to slowest it can take 20-30 seconds to zoom through the full range, when Bebob is set to fast - the full zoom range takes about 4-5 seconds. The build quality is excellent too. The cable is about twice as long as really needed, still better if a short one... Highly recommended.

Anyone have any updates on the rumored Manfrotto LANC for the EX1, would like to know all my options before I commit to one.

- Ray