Not happy with Varizoom controller for HPX170, is there a better option?

R

redman

Active member
Lately I've had a need for a handle mounted control for my HPX170 so I've been renting the VariZoom controller that has zoom, focus, iris, and record. I want to buy something instead of continuing to rent but am not too happy with this particular VariZoom. Mainly because the focus knob is EXTREMELY touchy, especially around the 60' to infinity mark. I mean you barely touch the knob and it jumps from 60' to infinity just like that. A lot of what I'm shooting that requires a handle mounted control is a live concert where I'm zoomed all the way in most of the time and I'm struggling with maintaining focus because of this extremely touchy focus. No complaints about the iris or zoom control, they're just fine. Also, the VariZoom I rent is not exactly the same as pictured below, on the one I rent the focus and iris knobs are the same size as eachother. Maybe this I'm assuming newer model pictured is improved? If that bigger knob is for focus I would assume the bigger the knob the longer the throw, but I'm thinking it would take a pretty damn big knob to improve this situation.
Is there a better option for the HPX170 than this particular VariZoom?

MFR# VZ-SROCK-ZFI
696601.jpg
 
The Manfrotto 521PFI
275 degree range on the focus knob
You can even choose your close and far range for the entire turn of the focus knob.
 
Alphacam said:
The Manfrotto 521PFI
275 degree range on the focus knob
You can even choose your close and far range for the entire turn of the focus knob.
Click to expand...

+1 for the manfrotto. As mentioned, the rack feature is pretty nifty.

Also, did you check to see how your MF assist is set up in the SW menu. This changes the responsiveness of the focus dial and will greatly effect the operation of remote controllers. If MF assist is set to on, remote focus controllers will tend to go wild as you describe. Make sure the MF assist is off and try it again.

Grant
 
I've got the combo controller with the rocker, and I am not incredibly happy with it.. Seemed to work fine the first year or so I owned it, but now the focus doesn't work 100% of the time, and the zoom occasionally creeps out after zooming in. The focus only seems to be practical when adjusting a shot; not for use when recording.
 
Try cleaning the plug connection at the cam, use air cans or similar. Make sure the cable is fully engaged, as the plug has some resistance. This is a common issue on all the PannyCams with remote.

Grant
 
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