Birger Mount

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ERIK'S E.MAIL SENT OUT TODAY:

At NAB Birger demonstrated functioning concept models of a new lens mount system for both the Sony NEX-FS100 and the Panasonic AF-100 cameras. These concept systems demonstrated electronic control of the focus and iris on Canon EF-mount lenses. This email is an update on those products specifically for the Broadcast market. Updates for the Industrial and Scientific; and Military, Security and Surveillance markets will be coming in the near future.

The AF-100 version of the product will come first, followed soon after by the Sony PMW-F3, Sony NEX-FS100 and the Arri Alexa. As we did the initial work for these cameras, it became clear that we needed to make some changes to our new generation of lens control platform, to economically develop and manufacture these additional variants.

It became clear from our conversations at NAB that an economical (and unobtrusive) wireless solution was important. We will be coming out with a hot-shoe mounted radio receiver (approximately 30mm cube) that will not require a separate power connection or battery, to remain powered from the lens mount, even during lens changes. Fortunately we realized the importance of this module prior to releasing the first adapters, as it would not have been possible without some small changes.

This talk of change generally raises questions of price and schedule. While we are adding significant flexibility to the system, I am happy to say there will be negative effect on price. We are finalizing some of the design and manufacturing issues to get ready for a volume release of the AF-100 EF-mount Adapter, and when we have the last details worked through, we will announce that we are ready to begin full scale production. At this point we will first show the final version of the product, announce the dealers, and be about two weeks away from volume shipments.

Those that have expressed (and wish to express) interest in selling our products should know that we feel it most important to attend to the product related issues first. We will be releasing more information on the dealer program, contracts and a closing date for orders for the initial production build in the next few weeks. We will not be accepting any deposits, orders or payments until the product is ready for production - and we have done a public demonstration. All orders at that point will require prepayment, so we can fairly allocate inventory worldwide. We are planning an initial build of 1000 units for the AF100/EF product.

We have an active beta program for the AF100 and the FS100 products, and have been floating hardware on some very large (and some not so large) productions. This has offerred us invaluable ergonomic information on the forth coming remotes, as well as access to footage and real world testing. In the coming weeks we expect to be able to talk about productions using both the AF100 and FS100 focus systems.

We are excited for the future of Birger in the Broadcast industry. We are even more excited to get this product released in the short term. There is no one that wants these new products out in the field more than I do.

Regards,
Erik.
 
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Birger said:
Unfortunate typo. The price may change, but it will definitely not go up.
Click to expand...

you guys have already shown some focus work previews , but i never seen a preview of IS, that could be great if you could post a short clip with and with out IS to compare, to see how good its going to be for video
 
for those of you that may have missed this, from Erik's e-mail, "There is no one that wants these new products out in the field more than I do."

(probably means when they're ready they'll ship . . . but what do I know?)
 
I'm afraid they've missed the boat for me. What I really needed was a much simpler mount to control the aperture. But I needed to get shooting, so I've ended up investing in a few Lumix lenses which I think will see me through. The Birger mount might be interesting eventually but I think I'm more likely to stick with the Panasonic glass until I can afford to move up to proper cine lenses. I cancelled my pre-order when it became clear that February was turning into May, and May looked like turning into who knows.

Cheers, Hywel
 
I'm encouraged by Erik's e.mail and willing to wait till it's ready. Come on guys - he's put us ahead of the F3, FS100 and the Alexa.

That counts for a lot in my book!
 
I would rather have a perfect product late than a flawed one early. I know how sometimes a small design change can greatly improve a product, but it takes time to work everything out and then get everything produced in numbers.

The economy is actually getting better here in the North East at least and it takes more time to get parts and machine shops etc. are taking longer to fill orders.

I am very exited about this adapter, but I will gladly wait to have it done right.
 
I'm happy to wait too. What I'm not happy about is being told over and over that it's going to ship at a certain time.

Hell, the Birger website still says shipping in late May. Is that correct? What is the story? Is it late May or July? Or is it "we still aren't sure". I'd just like to know. Is that too much to ask for?
 
Erik,
Please consider a better means of communicating. It appears that many have found the recent email you distributed, confusing. The reason for the delay is of no interest to me and I don't really care about new options at this point. Could you please answer the most important question. Is there a new release date and if so, what is it?
 
I just got off the phone with Rule, where I have a mount pre-ordered - they confirmed that Birger has pushed the release date back to early July. I'm REALLY getting frustrated with Birger's continued delays - once is understandable, three times is unprofessional and brands you as unreliable. In the future, if given the choice between Birger products or a competitor's products, I'll definitely lean to the competitor.
 
and they announced an NEX adapter at NAB... why is it so easy for there to be an MFT-4/3 adapter that passes electronics and nothing for Canon?
 
I'm gonna wait until july 10 with Rule and Birger. I met Erik at NAB and am willing to give him benefit of doubt.

I really wish Panny though had gauged mount development a little better in their launch. The cheapo adaptors are one thing, as well as PL choices, but I figured a canon and nikon mounts would be somewhat of a higher priority for camera at this price level.
 
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These guys are just a small company. We need to be patient.

I am liasing with Rule myself to try them out soon. I will get back asap as to how good they are.
 
Glad to see Philip back on these pages and thanks for your encouragement.

I see Birger as a company dedicated to getting us out of this Lumix/Zuiko conundrum, with their clicking, non-parafocal lenses and a non-linear iris designed for still cameras.

We Canon users will soon have an advanced option from Birger for EF glass that I hope will silence the complaints once and for all.
 
Indeed Scott!

As much as bitching is a way of getting things off our chests it's futile! I am sure Birger are doing everything they can to get it to market asap. They are not doing this on purpose!

I have a LOT of Canon glass and would love to use them not just on my AF but my F3 but i am not relying on something that hasn't come out yet. You can't do that. I certainly don't recommend people who own Canons to buy an AF saying don't worry the Birger mount is coming out soon. That sort of thing is too damn risky!
 
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