Lock focus and zoom when turned off for 35mm adapter?

Glenn Thomas

Glenn Thomas

Member
Hi, I'm looking at buying the HMC152 (local model here). Currently I'm still working with a Canon HV20 and SG Pro 35mm adapter. With the HV20 I have the focus and zoom locked in place with gaffa tape. I set them to work with the adapter well over a year ago and haven't touched them since. So the SG Pro is a permanent fixture on the camera. Whenever I want to shoot I just switch it on and start shooting. No having to adjust anything.

So I'm wondering if this is possible with the HMC152? Can the focus and zoom be locked so that I could just set it up once for the SG Pro and never have to touch it again? Like I have done with the HV20?
 
Definitely! the focus ring on the front can be switched to perform as an iris ring instead by flipping the ring "focus/iris" switch, preventing the focus from accidentally being bumped, exactly what it was designed for. The zoom rocker, however, you will have to avoid.

also, for those using a 35mm adapter, there is a button to "flip" the lcd over so you don't have to rely on mounting the cam upside down or a flip module.
 
Cheers, thanks for the reply. So with the zoom, would it retain the same zoom position if the camera was turned off and back on again? I'm sure I could find a way to lock it into place or find something to cover it so it can't be touched.

The Flip LCD function and SD card storage are what got me interested in this camera. Plus it's a 3CCD camera free of rolling shutter artifacts. Possibly the last of a dying breed it appears judging by the newer Panasonic models.
 
the zoom on the 150 is controlled by a ring that is mechanically linked to the lens, and won't reset to 0 every time you turn the camera on. Leave the zoom on "servo" if you don't want to accidentally bump the zoom ring, or tape it if you need extra protection.
 
I've been using the HMC150 with a Letus and it's been a magnificent combination spanning function through to the performance of the mpeg-4 codec.

I don't know why you'd need to tape your zoom -- but that switch that turns off the focus ring (making it an iris ring) is a dream -- BETTER than tape on a focus ring. Also, the magnified focus assist has consistently delivered razor sharp focus -- without the need for an HD monitor. As a side note, although I've never needed it with the Letus, the HMC does offer the option to flip the image in the camera monitor.
 
If you really wanted to make sure focus doesn't change, you can make a focus plug into the remote port by connecting a trimpot and adjusting it to the focus you want it set at.

For zoom, you'd probably want to set it to Manual, not servo. That way, pressing the zoom rocker switch won't change your zoom.

Another cool thing you can do, that you can't with the HV20: The HMC150 has absolute focus and zoom values from 0 to 99 that display on the LCD. Once you have your 35mm adapter set up the way you want, either memorize or write down the settings. Before shooting, make sure the settings are the same and you will have the exact same focus and zoom setting. This way, you can take off the 35mm adapter and shoot with the stock lens without worrying about having to recalibrate your camera when you reattach your 35mm adapter.
 
I find it is a lot easier to switch the zoom to servo. The zoom ring is a a lot more sensative and easier to throw off than accidently hitting the zoom rocker in my experience anyway.
 
Hi Peter, some great tips there. Many thanks, I'll definitely keep those in mind.

The absolute zoom and focus values would be a great help too.

Tony, yes, I think I would probably end up going with the zoom rocker option and covering it with a tiny molded plastic cover so it can't be touched at all.

Anyway, it might be a while before I can pick one up. Need to complete a couple of more jobs first. I just wanted to be sure it would all run smoothly.
 
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