Cool idea for AF-100

Jay A. Kelley

Jay A. Kelley

Well-known member
As we all know, the Sony F3 has a rocker switch on the camera.. This is for a planned ENG type lens for the camera, which will be amazing.

However,

While I was making a video on the ability to REMOVE the side handle on the AF-100, it occurred to me that someone (Even Panasonic) could make their OWN ENG type lens, and simply REPLACE the side handle with a new one that includes the standard lens controls and a rocker switch.

I would expect something like this to cost more than the camera. And for the record..I would buy it in a New York minute!

Come one lens people... BUILD THAT PUPPY!

Jay

PS.. If someone has already thought of this.. Give me a break.. Info passes around this forum at light speed... I TRIED to look..
 
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Jay A. Kelley said:
As we all know, the Sony F3 has a rocker switch on the camera.. This is for a planned ENG type lens for the camera, which will be amazing.

However,

While I was making a video on the ability to REMOVE the side handle on the AF-100, it occurred to me that someone (Even Panasonic) could make their OWN ENG type lens, and simply REPLACE the side handle with a new one that includes the standard lens controls and a rocker switch.

I would expect something like this to cost more than the camera. And for the record..I would buy it in a New York minute!

Come one lens people... BUILD THAT PUPPY!

Jay

PS.. If someone has already thought of this.. Give me a break.. Info passes around this forum at light speed... I TRIED to look..
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Would it interface through the S/S port or the focus/iris port on the back?
 
Truthfully.. I don't know.. I imagine the lens itself could communicate with the camera directly through the contacts already in the lens mount itself. But you are right.. It could!

I'm not an electronics guy

Jay
 
I believe I read Jan commenting on this, as its been thought of and suggested several times before. I believe she said there is no power bus available within the camera to power an ENG style lens. I believe power would have to be supplied externally.
 
bhdfield said:
I believe I read Jan commenting on this, as its been thought of and suggested several times before. I believe she said there is no power bus available within the camera to power an ENG style lens. I believe power would have to be supplied externally.
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Fine with me.. We're already powering our Nano-Flashes, on camera monitors, and a host of other things..

Jay
 
Shooter said:
Going to be a lot of power supplies hanging off an ENG camera!
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jump-start-2008-chrysler-sebring-800X800.jpg
 
Shooter said:
Going to be a lot of power supplies hanging off an ENG camera!
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I hear ya.. But if I were to stop trying to be funny (Very hard for me) In true ENG mode I would simply have a power line going from the lens to a D-Tap off my anton bauer which I have on there anyway.

Not bad, and if it means I have a micro 4/3rds ENG lens, I would be more than happy to live with it.

Jay
 
bhdfield said:
I believe I read Jan commenting on this, as its been thought of and suggested several times before. I believe she said there is no power bus available within the camera to power an ENG style lens. I believe power would have to be supplied externally.
Click to expand...

+1

but not impossible. The grip could have its own battery, or run off Dtap. I think the modularity is a great idea. If someone were smart, they wouldmake a cheese plate that fits the taps on the side of the AF100.

Then yo ucan have many more mounting options. nanoflash? Kipro? Ninja? then swap it out for the ENG rocker zoom handle......
 
TimurCivan said:
+1

but not impossible. The grip could have its own battery, or run off Dtap. I think the modularity is a great idea. If someone were smart, they wouldmake a cheese plate that fits the taps on the side of the AF100.

Then yo ucan have many more mounting options. nanoflash? Kipro? Ninja? then swap it out for the ENG rocker zoom handle......
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Damn right.. I love it!

Jay
 
It really is a fabulous idea. When I heard the F3 had a zoom rocker for upcoming lenses I was almost swayed away from the AF100. I've seen the pimped out rig that Abel did with 2/3" lenses and it's very cool, but a lens/grip specifically designed for this camera could be somewhat more compact.
 
Looks like they plan a DTap to Hirose connector. Or that's how it looks - could be Fujinon / Canon 8-Pin instead. Who knows what each pin on a Fujinon / Canon 8-Pin does?
 
I believe Olof and his elves are working on a S/S replacement grip milled from the North woods of New Hampshire.

Regarding Timur's request, Olof also has a Nano/Wireless bracket that attaches to the camera thru the existing side mount taps - works well for me.
 
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I like Abel's attempt, but I'm actually asking for a lens that's made for the Micro 4/3rds sensor. Something a little more custom, and a little less hack.

It's a nice try though. :)
 
This system has been refined since I made that video. We have simplified the mounting system for the lens and lowered the costs for the kit. We also have a lower cost and more appropriate battery mounting solution. The product is really streamlined now. Come see more at our booth at NAB ;-)

An important note with a lens system such as this. The zoom servo really belongs on the side of the lens. There's a very good reason that ENG camera systems are designed this way. The ergonomics of the human arm/shoulder/head balance that forms a comfortable and stable triangle is key to a handheld camera. Our rig is amazingly comfortable to operate off the shoulder for hours at a time. Personally I'd pull that Panasonic handgrip right off and use that mount point as the perfect location for a recorder such as a nanoFlash.
 
Mitch Gross said:
This system has been refined since I made that video. We have simplified the mounting system for the lens and lowered the costs for the kit. We also have a lower cost and more appropriate battery mounting solution. The product is really streamlined now. Come see more at our booth at NAB ;-)

An important note with a lens system such as this. The zoom servo really belongs on the side of the lens. There's a very good reason that ENG camera systems are designed this way. The ergonomics of the human arm/shoulder/head balance that forms a comfortable and stable triangle is key to a handheld camera. Our rig is amazingly comfortable to operate off the shoulder for hours at a time. Personally I'd pull that Panasonic handgrip right off and use that mount point as the perfect location for a recorder such as a nanoFlash.
Click to expand...

I am very much looking forward to seeing this.

Jay
 
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