LANC zoom controller for FX6 and FX9 PLEASE HELP

[Cristian Mihai]

Hello there. Like everything in life, choosing a LANC controller just got complicated after doing some research. I need 2 controllers for my FX6 and FX9 while they stay on tripods for concerts, shows etc. There are people recommending the push button kind of LANC for precise control of zoom speed instead of the rocker version. I would highly apreciate some inputs from older users of Sony LANC controllers. It's a complete novelty to me and dont wanna make a purchase based on impulse. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

 

[Peter C.]

I’ve used Varizoom controllers and never heard of one where zoom is controlled with buttons instead of a rocker. Rockers are more intuitive. Besides when filming theater performances you’ll be in the dark and relying on your sense of touch to operate the remote. The remotes I use are for camcorders so they control zoom, iris, focus. Are you using follow focus motors to control the zoom or is it a lens with a servo motor?

 

[Cristian Mihai]

I’ve used Varizoom controllers and never heard of one where zoom is controlled with buttons instead of a rocker. Rockers are more intuitive. Besides when filming theater performances you’ll be in the dark and relying on your sense of touch to operate the remote. The remotes I use are for camcorders so they control zoom, iris, focus. Are you using follow focus motors to control the zoom or is it a lens with a servo motor?

Thanks. FX9 has a Sony 18-110mm in crop mode and FX6 has a Sony 28-135mm. Both have servo internal.

 

[cyvideo]

Hello there. Like everything in life, choosing a LANC controller just got complicated after doing some research. I need 2 controllers for my FX6 and FX9 while they stay on tripods for concerts, shows etc. There are people recommending the push button kind of LANC for precise control of zoom speed instead of the rocker version. I would highly appreciate some inputs from older users of Sony LANC controllers. It's a complete novelty to me and dont wanna make a purchase based on impulse. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

There was some talk about this some time back. The handgrip on the FX6 has a 4 pole 3.5 mm LANC terminal which is different to the original 3 pole LANC connector. But the back of the camera has the traditional general-purpose 2.5 mm LANC terminal. Which theoretically should operate with the standard LANC protocol. Though I believe, I haven't tried it myself so this is just hearsay but have heard that the FX9 controller for example would not work with the FX6 though both cameras run a 2.5 mm LANC port. It throws up an error message. Whether this has been corrected in firmware over the last upgrades I don't know?

Libec has the ZFC-L which is a 2.5 mm LANC control that according to their compatibility sheet works with both the FX6 and FX9 with the proviso "Tested by the standard kit lens". What they mean by kit lens is anyone's guess. I don't own this particular model but have two other controllers from Libec. They are well made and the variable rocker is truly variable. On how "variable" the rocker speeds feel is very much down to the lens you are going to control with the controller. For example, I find the 28-135 and the 18-110 really only have three operational speeds built into the lens, low, med, and fast... if you could call fast "fast". The LANC protocol itself has seven defined speed steps so it will never be 100% stepless variable. So often you will find distinct steps in speed change if you mash down on the rocker. Oddly the sony servo lenses that control the best I've found are the original Sony PZ 18-105 mm f/4 OSS G lens and the now original FS700 servo lens which was the SELP 18-200 mm F3.5-6.3 OSS. Though both of those are APSC lenses. I think they probably worked the best because they were, especially the 18-200 glacially slow on the zoom speeds. Pretty smooth though.

The best Lancs I've used with the 28-135 and the 18-110 have been the now-discontinued Bebob Zoe DVXL models. Only the zoom and stop/start functions work but that's all I've ever needed with those lenses. The reason they seemed to work the best is they have a pretty wide range of dial speed settings on the adjuster wheel. Like a long focus throw, giving you a wider range of pressure before the zoom reaction takes place.

https://rb.gy/aa4hhp

For non-servo zoom lenses, I'm using the PDMovie Live Air 2 for zoom control. It has enough "grunt" to rotate some fairly heavy zoom rings. BUT you must use some solid lens support to stop lateral and vertical movement on the lens when zooming when using these. Very smooth zoom control with these. The controller fits on most tripod pan bars without problems.

Chris Young

https://www.libecsales.com/products/remote_controls/ZFC-L.html

LANC Zoom Controllers for Sony and Canon Camcorders. Some good points made in this video regarding the speeds and controllability of push button and rocker LANC controllers might point you in the right direction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8gUbaNHG7s

PDMovie Live Air 2 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4ObVwhU7fE