Brief Review: Manfrotto 521PFI Focus/Iris Controller for Panasonic

I just want to clarify a bit: in the little "table" in the middle of the article, I said "Minimum at MF MACRo: Max range is MF MACRO to 13.5 feet", etc. I think it's clearer to say:


With the minimum set at MF MACRO, the maximum can be set anywhere from MF MACRO to 13.5 feet
With the minimum set at 1.97 feet, the maximum can be set anywhere from 3 feet to infinity
With the minimum set at 4.99 feet, the maximum can be set anywhere from 8.5 feet to infinity
With the minimum set at 8.53 feet, the maximum can be set anywhere from 14.7 feet to infinity
 
Last edited:
This looks great to me and not a bad price. If it does indeed mate with the HPX170 I'll get one. Thanks for the review.
 
Also, here's a size comparison vs. the varizoom VZ-ROCK-PZFI (which also has the zoom rocker):
1220132497.jpg
 
Man, this looks like a really cool product,

QUICK question, the chord that comes with it, is it a normal 3.5mm stereo jack and cable, or something special,

cause if you can run a cable down your 12 foot jib, to this, IT WOULD BE AWESOME! can it be done?

or it can be used as an easy way for a focus puller to walk next to the camera without having to get to close!

thanks,
Derrick
 
Last edited:
It's a 3,5mm jack, but a 4-contact version. Normal stereo plugs are divided into 3 parts (left signal, right signal, and ground). The 4-contact type is the one most commonly used for A/V in/out on consumer camcorders (left signal, right signal, video signal, ground). I haven't yet looked for an extender, but I'm sure it can be found. At worst, two long 3.5->3RCA cables can be patched together...

-Barry
 
ullanta said:
It's a 3,5mm jack, but a 4-contact version. Normal stereo plugs are divided into 3 parts (left signal, right signal, and ground). The 4-contact type is the one most commonly used for A/V in/out on consumer camcorders (left signal, right signal, video signal, ground). I haven't yet looked for an extender, but I'm sure it can be found. At worst, two long 3.5->3RCA cables can be patched together...

-Barry
Click to expand...

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=146805
 
Ullanta,

Do you know of a zoom control you prefer over the Varizoom? Or does that seem OK for you?

Ken
 
I personally prefer the Manfrotto 522p (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._Imaging_522P_522P_Camera_Remote_Control.html), but I'm almost always on a tripod. But for that, the 522p is most natural, has the best resistance, and can be used most flexibly (i.e., with different parts of the hand). I find the Varizoom "stealth" style switches a little too finicky; the Varizoom rocker is OK, but big and far from the handle, thus a little uncomfortable sometimes.

So: the 522p on tripod;
the Varizoom rocker or stealth on a shoulder mount, depending on where and how it's mounted.
 
Just upgraded camera from Hvx 200 to the HPX 172 EN, now my Varizoom VZ PFI has a hard time locking and keeping the mark
Does any one tried the Man 521PFI with the HPX 170 ?

 
What happens if you set your focal points and then switch to manual for a bit...when you switch back to the 522 do you retain the presets or do you have to start from scratch?
 
Question for anyone who has used the 521PFI: Would it be too large and unwieldy for attachment to the MultiRig Pro? Judging from the pictures I've seen, it looks like the focus wheel might be too large to adjust with my thumb while I'm holding the MultiRig Pro handle. I'm trying to decide whether to get the Varizoom Stealth or the 521PFI for use with my HPX170. I'd like a device that would be comfortable to use with both my tripod and my MultiRig Pro.
 
Last edited:
I'll try it ASAP. I liked the VariZoom Stealth for ZOOM control on the MultiRig, but the focus/iris were far too small and twitchy to be very useful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top