Remote zoom for my Merlin Steadicam

G

GuyS

Active member
I'm stumped! I would like to be able to control my zoom while my camera is sitting on my Merlin. I've tried a few things but have run up against a wall. I purchased a small zoom controller, made a bracket that would hold it under the gimbal handle and hooked it up to my camera. Unfortunately even the small pressure from the cable connected to the camera port will interfere with the smooth operation of the Merlin. A wireless device may be the solution but I have not been able to find anything on the web.
Is there an inventive mind that has made.... or can think of a solution?
 
Wireless devices do exist but I'm guessing they're out of your price range and they require a zoom ring on your camera which I'm not sure if you have or not. http://www.bartechengineering.com/ makes a reliable low cost system but like I said its pricey. Peter Hoarpe on this board is also working on an affordable wireless FF that should should work just fine as a zoom controller. He's got a thread somewhere on here about it. I believe Wayne at SG will be selling it for him sometime at the beginning of the year (I hope!) There are a few other great systems out there but cost a bit more than the bartech previously linked too.

The cable problem is an issue. You may have a bit better luck with it by shortening your drop time and going for a slightly more bottom heavy rig. It will require more force to tilt the camera and also have a bit more of a "pendulum effect" during acceleration but should also be more stable when moving at a constant speed (no acceleration). It should also be a bit less succeptible to the forces exerted by the cable. Also make sure the cable is well secured and doesnt move around too much. A wandering CG will make operating dicey.

Hope this helps a bit. What camera are you flying? Might also see if the camera remote control will do what you need. Its free and easy to try at least.
 
Thanks Jeff

Mostly I use a DVC 30 for it's low light properties (I shoot lots of indoor stuff, live events etc.), but also because the DVC30 balances so well to the Merlin.
I'll try a more bottom heavyness setting but I hate to lose the tilt ease that I am now enjoying, but then it's always a compromise isn't it? I've tried the remote but it forces me to remove my left hand from the gimbal. I find the left hand gives much more panning and tilt control.
 
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Yeah its definitely a bit of a compromise. If you know you are going to be at a certain amount of tilt through most of the shoot just balance to that much tilt. No sense in balancing to level if you are going to fly tilted. Does the DVC30 use the same wired controls as the dvx/hvx? Surprised there's not a wireless one out there thats cheap, but I'm almost positive one doesnt exist. Seems like a good place for a diy'er to step in... hmmmm...
 
Yes the DVC30 uses the same "Panasonic Remote Camera" input as the DVX 100. I think the HVX 200 may have extra functionality but a Panasonic zoom controller would work on all three camera's the same.
I would sure like to see some knowledgable DIYer come up with a radio signal type zoom controller. I am not sure why one would not have been developed already...?
 
Hey here's an idea. What if the Merlin had an easily controllable "lock" that would defeat it's gimbal. You would then have a normal camera. However as in a normal camera the zoom controller would not cause the untethered camera to rock around as you are zooming in and out. It would have to be quick and simple because I can see that you would want to return to flying modee quickly.
 
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