FS7: LANC/Remote Port - Any experiences with alternate controllers?

V

Viddovation

Veteran
Curious if anyone has tried using alternate controllers with the LANC port on the FS7 or otherwise has had experience with it's implementation of LANC.

For my part, I found that the FS7 LANC port will not properly trigger a Atomos Samurai (yes, I know with that kit you can use the SDI trigger, but I'm interested in exploring the LANC functionality).

It looks to me like the FS7 uses a customized implementation of LANC that is far from complete.

I'll confess: One of the greatest shortcomings of the FS7 in my opinion is the lack of more assignable buttons on the body - as there are many shooting scenarios where the handgrip is not practical. I'm looking into adding assign 4/5/6 back onto the body of the camera.

Thoughts?
 
I actually really like the buttons on the handle and it is one of the most useful Lanc controllers I know too.

I just swing the handle to the back when I am on the sticks, and use the handle as a panbar. It works great for me. I like a short panbar because you get smoother moves. I don't use the handle extended all the way, I guess I am just so used to ENG style shouldering, I like the handle right next to the lens. and at about half way extended it is actually perfect in the back as well.

I am working on a small adapter that rotates the handle about 10 degrees clockwise in the forward position, it makes it more comfortable for me that way and it actually makes the back position more comfortable as well.

This is just me, it may not be your solution.
 
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olof said:
I actually really like the buttons on the handle and it is one of the most useful Lanc controllers I know too.

I just swing the handle to the back when I am on the sticks, and use the handle as a panbar. It works great for me. I like a short panbar because you get smoother moves. I don't use the handle extended all the way, I guess I am just so used to ENG style shouldering, I like the handle right next to the lens. and at about half way extended it is actually perfect in the back as well.

I am working on a small adapter that rotates the handle about 10 degrees clockwise in the forward position, it makes it more comfortable for me that way and it actually makes the back position more comfortable as well.

This is just me, it may not be your solution.
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I've used the hand grip in that fashion, but it's not always an acceptable or deft solution for the conditions I shoot in. Among other things, I frequently shoot on the DC Slider, and such a configuration would quickly get in the way of the slider movement.
 
handgrip.jpg
I took mine apart becuase I disliked it, it is pretty easy to work out how it works, and criticall it still works with bits disconected (!!) , at some point Im going to try and fully reconstuct, or a least reconstruct some of the major functionality.
Thus far I have made a single assign button that I have assigned to focus, if I can work out how to replace or solder on the ribbon Ill go a lot further.

If you google lanc protocol you will learn the basic theory, and what the chip is doing.

My final mission is to build a lanc 'distributor' box, with a bunch of minjacks so I can put assign buttons basically anywhere I want on my rig/panhande/crane et al.

S
 
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Morgan - nice job!

I'm tackling the same problem a different way - I'm deep in the LANC bit protocol, and I've already read off all the codes the grip generates. I can make a small microchip emulate the handgrip. Part of my curiousity is working out whether the camera's been programmed to follow LANC protocol beyond what the Sony handle does.
 
Morgan,
You're crazy, but I am impressed.

Viddovation, Don't you just put the arm in a rear position when your on the slider. One thing I like about it is pits easy to reconfigure for tripod or slider work. I've been using a tilt extender which I often like as well.
 
Lenilenapi said:
Morgan,
You're crazy, but I am impressed.

Viddovation, Don't you just put the arm in a rear position when your on the slider. One thing I like about it is pits easy to reconfigure for tripod or slider work. I've been using a tilt extender which I often like as well.
Click to expand...

The DC Slider is a counterweighted slider capable of doing moves at an angle, even vertically. The counterweight has to be precise, so it's either keep the arm on full time, or off full time, else you end up having to waste time rebalancing. And the moves I like to do include ones where the slide is angled and the camera is level or tilted up, wherein the grip would get in the way. You'd understand if you saw my rig.

The grip is good, but not for all situations. The button placement is only ideal for handheld operation, and specific tripod configurations.
 
Does anyone know if standard lanc triggerd grips like the Tilta grip would work with the FS7? Does a standard lanc trigger work?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/992637-REG/ikan_tt_0507_wooden_handles_with_record.html

The reason I'm asking is because I have a job in a few weeks that will require me to have the FS7 stripped down minimally (almost like an epic w side handle) and I thought these triggered grips attached to the rosette would give me a nice mid point side handle and rec trigger.
 
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FrameFarmMedia said:
...thought these triggered grips attached to the rosette would give me a nice mid point side handle and rec trigger.
Click to expand...

In the midst of reconfiguring the FS7 so I can stuff more kit into carry-ons & have a thinner footprint when it's fully built. Got a Gratical Eye arriving today, & hoping to head over to Wooden Camera's Burbank store to check out their triggered Hand Grip (plus PL Adapter).

http://woodencamera.com/wooden-camera-handgrip-right.html

http://woodencamera.com/wooden-camera-handgrip-trigger-box.html

http://woodencamera.com/e-mount-to-pl-mount-pro-fs7.html

Last night I test mounted a KinoGrip directly to the body, & quite liked the setup for handholding the camera when it's off the shoulder, especially with a wood sphere attached to the opposite side of the rails. Had to use a 1" rosette spacer to make it fit the contours of the FS7, & hoping Wooden Camera's design doesn't need this. Could see myself removing the handgrip from the rails, & attaching it palm-up to the body as needed. Or possibly adding a additional sphere (with spacer) to the body, or baseplate. Couldn't find my KinoGrip's proprietary LANC cables so didn't test the trigger.

What intrigues me about Wooden Camera's triggered grip is it uses inexpensive, & standard 2.5mm LANC cables, whereas ErgoCine, & KinoGrip, use relatively expensive proprietary cables with embedded electronics. Also WC's trigger comes with LANC, & Arri cables, both of which are coiled.

You might also consider Shooting Machine's mods. Check out the "Brewski Twist" that Caleb posted awhile ago.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...ilable&p=1986616509&viewfull=1#post1986616509
 
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Olof , Did you make that adapter to rotate the grip handle a bit. I'd b interested. So far I just suck a bobby ping between the screws on the arm to get a little but of rotation but would like more.
 
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