Any studio configuration ideas?

[BerkeleyBob]

I realize that the AF does not have servo lens capability nor have there been rumors of a servo in development. Still, on certain of my long format single camera jobs it would be beneficial to use it in a studio configuration. Is there any way to use a manual rear focus control handle to control the focus and another rear focus control handle to control the zoom of any zoom lens that will fit the AF? If not, is there a way to adapt a follow focus to the zoom control of any lens? Thanks.

 

[Barry_Green]

No lens that will fit the AF, has a servo zoom. There are no large-sensor servo zoom lenses in existence.

You can do what you want, but you'd have to use the same technology that cinema lenses use -- an external zoom motor, and a gear on the lens ring.

The other alternative would be to use a 2/3" ENG lens, but put on the focal doubler. With the doubler in place, most (maybe even all?) ENG lenses should be able to cover the AF100's sensor. You'd need to find a way to power the lens motor separately, but if you don't need very wide-angle shots this might be a practical alternative.

 

[Brian@202020]

Microforce zoom controller. It'll work with any twist type of zoom lens that has a lens gear on it. You just got to figure out a way to power it.

 

[heavyG]

This is something that 'Cinema' shooters (ARRI, Panavision, et-al) have been doing for years with readily available (though somewhat costly) tools. Powered by a battery brick that sits on the dolly or is slung under the tripod - moved around by an army of AC's, Grips, and PA's.

http://www.prestoncinema.com/products_FI+Z.html
http://www.arri.de/camera/professional_camera_accessories/wireless_remote_system.html

You can get really smooth zooms with cinema zoom lenses and your hand though -

 

[Ticheli]

You can get really smooth zooms with cinema zoom lenses and your hand though -

You and Shooter deserve great praise for being able to do this, but I don't believe it's possible for most operators unless you are talking about very small or fast changes in angle. It's just not possible for a human to do a long, almost imperceptible zoom by hand.

I'm a pretty fair operator and I know I can't come close to being able to do what the Microforce does, of course I'm also terrible with a geared head, so maybe a lot of practice would do the trick.

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo

 

[heavyG]

You and Shooter deserve great praise for being able to do this, but I don't believe it's possible for most operators unless you are talking about very small or fast changes in angle. It's just not possible for a human to do a long, almost imperceptible zoom by hand.

I'm a pretty fair operator and I know I can't come close to being able to do what the Microforce does, of course I'm also terrible with a geared head, so maybe a lot of practice would do the trick.

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo

I should also disclose that I pretty much abhor zooms during a shot in any sort of narrative work - though we do hand zooms often in our travel video and cooking shows. I've taped over the servo switch on our HVX's so the DP's, AC's, and ops can't use them - they were mad at first, a little practice and a great smooth zoom just started to flow out of them and they've become better ops

However it seems most of the guys asking about zoom control are event and wedding shooters - a tough gig at the best of times, and the AF100 wouldn't be in my top five choices for this type of shooting, even with a servo zoom.

 

[justFRED]

However it seems most of the guys asking about zoom control are event and wedding shooters - a tough gig at the best of times, and the AF100 wouldn't be in my top five choices for this type of shooting, even with a servo zoom.

I would very much like to know more about your assessment of the AF100 for event shooting.

We use DVX100B's and Sony Z1U's. The Panny's are better in low light, the Sony's have better zoom range.

We're considering adding an AF100 to the mix, mainly to get better quality video from the camera outputs. And the option of interchangeable lenses with a camera in this price range is fairly compelling. Even more compelling is making smart purchasing decisions.

Looking forward to your assessment and suggestions.

 

[heavyG]

I would very much like to know more about your assessment of the AF100 for event shooting.

We use DVX100B's and Sony Z1U's. The Panny's are better in low light, the Sony's have better zoom range.

We're considering adding an AF100 to the mix, mainly to get better quality video from the camera outputs. And the option of interchangeable lenses with a camera in this price range is fairly compelling. Even more compelling is making smart purchasing decisions.

Looking forward to your assessment and suggestions.

I don't shoot events or weddings - just not the path I found myself on. I am a great believer in the right tool for the right the job, and in fact many jobs need more than one tool (camera). If I was shooting weddings I would use the AF100 for all the pre-stuff (groom getting ready etc), but for the reception/dance I would want a camera with a smaller sensor, deeper focus and great low light that didn't need a lot of rigging.

 

[BerkeleyBob]

Thanks for your suggestions. Let me reiterate. I am not trying to servo the zoom, I am trying to control the zoom MANUALLY with a twist-type focus control grip mounted on tripod handles set up in the studio configuration. I would have one focus control grip on the left tripod handle to control focus, another focus control grip on the right handle to physically twist the zoom into position.

 

[Shooter]

You and Shooter deserve great praise for being able to do this, but I don't believe it's possible for most operators unless you are talking about very small or fast changes in angle. It's just not possible for a human to do a long, almost imperceptible zoom by hand.

I'm a pretty fair operator and I know I can't come close to being able to do what the Microforce does, of course I'm also terrible with a geared head, so maybe a lot of practice would do the trick.

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo

I can actually use wheels reasonably as well. Remote by wire or geared head.

Would add... I wouldnt suggest I can do a full range "almost imperceptible" hand zoom . That sounds like a very very very long duration zoom if it was hardly noticeable that it was zooming.!

Dont think I have ever been asked for one of those. (Lifes too short)

On the other hand servos like on the DVX and the HVX are pretty dire, hit and miss affairs I find. Never thougth much about those on the ENG cams either ( Digibeta etc).