Remote control for the DVX200

I bought the Libec ZFC-5HD this week and I love it, except that plugging in the focus cable into the Focus/Iris slot sets the DVX to Auto Iris mode. I thought I was going crazy in trying to turn every single possible auto-exposure control setting off in the camera, but I could only disable Auto-Iris by unplugging the focus cable. Not sure if this is a staple of using a remote with no iris control on a camera or a glitch.
 
I don't know anything about that Libec controller, but the remote that I've used (FOXI) has a switch for auto or manual iris on it; the controller supports both. Perhaps the Libec controller is always sending an "auto" signal, since it doesn't have any provision for remote iris control? The focus/iris jack receives signals for both; if the controller isn't designed to send the iris info properly then it may just be incompatible with the Panasonics. Doesn't make a lot of sense though, since all the Panasonics since the DVX100B in 2005 have used the same focus/iris protocol.
 
Ah - on further checking, I found this on Libec's site:

As for some of the Panasonic cameras released after August 2009, connecting the 3.5mm plug to focus/iris terminal makes
the function fixed to auto iris mode, and disables the manual mode.
Click to expand...


So yeah, the Libec seems like it's not really a good choice for a Panasonic.
 
+1 for the VariZoom per Greg's recommendation--I've been using this consistently with my Panny's from the DVC30, HMC40 up to my current DVX200. Expensive, but has been a long term reliable unit. Provides good control over focus, iris and zoom.
 
I want to use the remote-control ports. The obviously known problem is the open cover. It is a handicap for all movements around the camera. Does anybody has an solution or a workaround for this faulty design ?

  • remove the cover (nondestructive)
  • drill holes in it
  • use an special plug
  • anything else
 
I'm using the Varizoom controller with DVX200 and just tying the plastic door to the sdi or HDMI plug with silicon hairband keeps it under control and out of the way of the air vents. So far so good! Removing the flaps involves removing the whole side cover.
 
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