Hot-pluggable zoom controller for EX1 at DVinfo.net

David Arendt · May 22nd, 2010, 02:25 PM

Hi,

I am actually searching for a good zoom controller for the EX1. As I have to switch very often between tripod and handheld shots, it would be important for me to be able to connect and disconnect the zoom controller without having to switch the EX1 off and on. Can anyone having zoom controllers tell me which one you have and if this is working with yours ?

Thanks in advance,
Bye,
David Arendt

Duncan Craig · May 22nd, 2010, 02:49 PM

I have a Zoe controller and it hot plugs in and out no problem.
I can't see any reason why all the EX1 controllers wouldn't hot plug.
They are analogue devices and not at all like Lanc controllers.

(The only problem I get sometimes is when powering up the camera with the controller attached and the zoom control is being pressed slightly in one direction. It aligns or centres to this position so you can't zoom properly in one direction. I've not explained that very well have I?)

Hiram Yates · May 22nd, 2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncan Craig

(The only problem I get sometimes is when powering up the camera with the controller attached and the zoom control is being pressed slightly in one direction. It aligns or centres to this position so you can't zoom properly in one direction. I've not explained that very well have I?)

I'd say it's pretty clear... Wherever the controller is during power up is considered the middle point. It's just like the old Nintendo 64 controllers - if the analog stick was pressed any direction when turned on that would be considered center and the controls would go nutty!

Steve Kalle · May 22nd, 2010, 07:46 PM

This is the one I have and I absolutely love it. There are a few reasons I chose this model over the cheaper one (VZ-Rock-EX): 1) this is all metal whereas the cheaper model is plastic and users have reported the plastic breaking when clamped too tightly; 2) it has a dial controlling the speed, and you can adjust the speed during the zoom, which allows for perfect feathered zooms.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543232-REG/VariZoom_VZ_PRO_EX_VZ_Pro_EX_Comfort_Grip_Zoom_Controller.html
Another thought - the Varizoom VZ-Rock-EX is commonly used on the handle of shoulder mounts.

Duncan Craig · May 23rd, 2010, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hiram Yates

I'd say it's pretty clear... Wherever the controller is during power up is considered the middle point. It's just like the old Nintendo 64 controllers - if the analog stick was pressed any direction when turned on that would be considered center and the controls would go nutty!

'Calibration' was the word I was looking for yesterday!

David Arendt · May 23rd, 2010, 10:36 AM

Thanks. I have finally decided to order the Manfrotto 521EX from Bhphotovideo as I use a Manfrotto 503 head and it had relatively good comments. On the Varizoom ones, opinions seemed to be divided, some better ones, some worse ones. When I have tested it, I will report back.

Andrew Stone · May 23rd, 2010, 12:54 PM

David I just sent you an email from this forum. I have a Manfrotto 521EX that I am not using.

-Andrew

May 22nd, 2010, 02:25 PM	#1
David Arendt Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bereldange, Luxembourg Posts: 41	Hot-pluggable zoom controller for EX1 Hi, I am actually searching for a good zoom controller for the EX1. As I have to switch very often between tripod and handheld shots, it would be important for me to be able to connect and disconnect the zoom controller without having to switch the EX1 off and on. Can anyone having zoom controllers tell me which one you have and if this is working with yours ? Thanks in advance, Bye, David Arendt

May 22nd, 2010, 02:49 PM	#2
Duncan Craig Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Leeds, UK Posts: 660 Images: 10	I have a Zoe controller and it hot plugs in and out no problem. I can't see any reason why all the EX1 controllers wouldn't hot plug. They are analogue devices and not at all like Lanc controllers. (The only problem I get sometimes is when powering up the camera with the controller attached and the zoom control is being pressed slightly in one direction. It aligns or centres to this position so you can't zoom properly in one direction. I've not explained that very well have I?) __________________ FCPX/LS300/EX1/FS100/GoPro/Vinten/HotHead/Jib/Track/Dedos/Lightstorm/Coollights

May 22nd, 2010, 07:46 PM	#4
Steve Kalle Trustee Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,554	This is the one I have and I absolutely love it. There are a few reasons I chose this model over the cheaper one (VZ-Rock-EX): 1) this is all metal whereas the cheaper model is plastic and users have reported the plastic breaking when clamped too tightly; 2) it has a dial controlling the speed, and you can adjust the speed during the zoom, which allows for perfect feathered zooms. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543232-REG/VariZoom_VZ_PRO_EX_VZ_Pro_EX_Comfort_Grip_Zoom_Controller.html Another thought - the Varizoom VZ-Rock-EX is commonly used on the handle of shoulder mounts.

May 23rd, 2010, 10:36 AM	#6
David Arendt Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bereldange, Luxembourg Posts: 41	Thanks. I have finally decided to order the Manfrotto 521EX from Bhphotovideo as I use a Manfrotto 503 head and it had relatively good comments. On the Varizoom ones, opinions seemed to be divided, some better ones, some worse ones. When I have tested it, I will report back.

May 23rd, 2010, 12:54 PM	#7
Andrew Stone Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 975	David I just sent you an email from this forum. I have a Manfrotto 521EX that I am not using. -Andrew