Focus controller feedback wanted

[raptor44]

Hi there,

I really need to know if using Zoe I can set stops to the closest focus and the infinite one, as in normal lenses.
As in my other post (maybe with the wrong title) I need a solution to follow focus a closeup of a person coming toward the camera (on a tripod...of course)...fashion shows...
The camera operators that I usually hire for this job are used to normal lenses as in big DVCPRO50 or Digibeta ones.

So my question is: Which device to buy to let them feel comfortable focusing with the HVX?

Thank you very much in advance to all!!

rap

 

[kwoff]

I am also curious whether users here feel the Bebob Foxi/Zoe combination is sufficiently better than the Varizoom focus/iris/rocker zoom controller with the large focus knob that it is worth paying twice as much for the Foxi ($300 vs. $600)?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[nsoltz]

I bought the Varizoom with the large knob and consider it adequate... not great, but adequate. I really did not feel the Foxi was worth the difference but I will also say that my decision was driven much more by $$$. One little side effect here is that the dual connectors for the Varizoom can be positioned in such a way as to brace the flimsy firewire 4-pin connector to my FS-100. So, I've not had a problem with disconnecting the disgustingly inadequate 4-pin FW.

Ned Soltz

 

[kwoff]

Thanks for the feedback, Ned. $$$ are an important consideration for me for this purchase as well. With respect to your FW comment, I don't have an FS-100, but I have captured direct to my PowerBook. I purchased a right angled 6 to 4 pin FW cable for that purpose, and it feels a lot more secure when plugged into the camera. Would that be a possibility with your Firestore?

Kevin Wolff

 

[USLatin]

I am about to purchase one of these, but I am not sure if I need to purchase the big wheel separately? Doesn't it come with one? it looks like it on the picture? Is the "large wheel" bigger than the one on the controller pictures? I definitely want the biggest wheel they offer, just don't want to mess up and realize I now have a "replacement wheel"... thank you in advance for the peace of mind.

Also, I am thinkning ahead... I was going to choose the $50 cheaper throttle zoom equipped controller, Barry Green did mentioned a while back he was happy with controller, >>EDIT: Barry has the Rocker<< others coincide, now you guys too, and then thought to myself... if I am going to have a hand on one of the lens wheels, which one should I choose to control that way? I first thought I'd do the zoom on the lens, and then remembered how jumpy the manual zoom contolling can get. Some of you might have mastered this skill but so far with just a week and 1/2 of having my HVX I am finding that the focus ring is "better" as the zoom ring isn't as smooth and weightless... so I wonder... should I get the rocker zoom controller commonly found in live audience sitcom 4-5 camera productions where you have seconds to reframe to a different pre-schedule shot every minute or so... THEN... if I get a second controller for a second "tripod arm" I could get the individual foxi if I have the money or the throttle controller, which could also be used as a wired but un-mounted remote much moe easily than the one with the rocker wud be to hold... The Foxi could also be mounted on rails for the 1st Cam Assistant to control in the widely used positioning of the focus knob turning perpendicular to the lens orientation...
One other thing I don't know, but you guys could help me with is if the rocker makes is harder to reach of the focus wheel...

Of course I might go into an M2 before I get a second on-camera lens controller and then choose to save my money for the follow focus... so should I get the rocker zoom controller now or consider the throttle version for the $50 in the bank?