remote focus

robertwerden

Well-known member
I noticed there is a remote focus plug on the hvx. Is this something that can be home made with basic electronics?
Does anyone have one and know whats inside?

I saw the one on 16x9 and I cant understand how there is $500 of electronics inside that thing.
 
why do you want to mess around with homebuilt stuff on an expensive camera. I got my focus controller for like 285 and totally worth it. Ya get what ya pay for.. but I'm sure there are plenty of DIY solutions if you are electronically inclined
 
Wow that is a simple design. I actually have all the part sitting in my shop.
I even have a milling machine to make a sweet case for it.
Time to get to work.
Does anyone know if 20kohm is what panasonic says to use? I sent Bob a PM, but I figured someone here may know.
 
I'm prety sure the spec is 20kO ... I can't find the spec PDFs right off hand though :(

And yes, this is a very simply (and safe!) accesory to make. Go for it.

- Mikko
 
I made one today, and it works great. Cost me $14
I only wanted remote focus, so I only connected the one pot to it, but it really is smoother that the factory focus. I bought a 10 turn 20 kohm pot from frys, and a 3.5 mm jack. I just need to build a small box to hold it.
Im surprised people buy the other ones. It is just $14 worth of electronics.

I even connected a big heavy knob to the pot to make it even more smooth.

Nice call, thanks for the tip.
 
I just noticed that when you connect the remote focus the camera no longer does auto focus even when in auto mode.
Pretty cool
 
Yes, the Varizoom controllers have a AUTO/MANUAL switch on the controller itself. You leave the camera in AUTO mode at all times, and you can then select between AUTO and MANUAL focus on the controller as needed.

If you as a simple switch to your focus controller to interrupt the circuit, you'll probably get the same functionality.
 
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