Focus/Iris controller

B

Bob Hill

DVXuser Sponsor
Hi all,

I have been meaning to post up these pics and information for quite some time but kept forgetting it so here it is. The picture is of one of my controllers that I use on either my camera stabilizer or shoulder mount and I also included again the wiring diagram for the controller.

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Hiya Kholi,

Lets see I think the whole thing was around $15. I found the surplus slide pots for $1.50 a piece which really helped. I really like how it works as well. When paired with a good monitor HD focusing and Iris control is dead easy.

Bob
 
That's insanely crazy. LoL. Does the Record and Pause button control the camera as well?

Wow man... that's some serious DIY.
 
What size are the jacks on the camera? Focus / Iris seems to be a standard 1/8th stereo jack (but I don't like the way the plus feels as it snaps in) and the other is a bit smaller.

Bob
 
There is an 1/8" stereo and a mini stereo jack. I highly recommend using some sort of strain relief if you are using a wired remote. You do not want to put undo strain on your jacks.

Bob
 
Actually, I am going to make a set resistance plug for the focus to lock in back focus for my RR Micro35. Won't be any wires at all...
 
Such a good idea that I am going to have to make up one. I'm thinking a ten turn trim pot mounted right to the plug would be the ticket then. Very useful.
 
It would seem that a very inexpensive follow focus could also be built this way. Imagine a 20K pot in a large-ish box (maybe 6" x 6") with a big pointer-equipped knob and a white dry-markable surface. A 10' cord (or any length, really) could make it very easy for a focus puller to work it at a convenient distance. I bet it could be bulit for real cheap. Might try it myself actually...

One question: what wattage value should the pot be?
 
Barry_Green said:
Check out the Bebob Foxi, it's a remote follow focus which is basically exactly what you're talking about.
Click to expand...

Right, but for $465. If a 20K pot is all that controls it, I could probably build a follow focus box for under $20 from parts at Radio Shack.

Could someone plase inform me what exact wattage value the 20K pot needs to be? Then I'll go ahead and take a shot at building the sucker...
 
Finally! I knew someone would come up with a plan to avoid those absurdly overpriced remote units. $300! $400! Ridiculous.
 
Watt load on the pot is terribly low. I ended up using 1W pots because that is what I could find easily but I'll have to meter the thing to see what the actual load is if no one knows off the top of their heads.
 
Bob Hill said:
Watt load on the pot is terribly low. I ended up using 1W pots because that is what I could find easily but I'll have to meter the thing to see what the actual load is if no one knows off the top of their heads.
Click to expand...

Thanks Bob. Sounds like a 20K consumer line level audio pot should do it. I'm gonna give this project a shot and will report back when I do.
 
Ted,

Make sure you get a linear pot not an audio taper. An audio tapered pot changes resistance logarithmically which wouldn't work very well at all.
 
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