Start / Stop Cable for the F3 anyone?

A

Andrew Stone

Veteran
I've been trying for a few months to get a run/stop or a start/stop cable that can be used on the F3 to remotely trigger recording on and recording off on the camera.This is typically used by AC's who are controlling the operation of a camera for a Steadicam Operator. Professional cameras pretty much have start/stop sockets on them that you can attach wireless control like a Preston or a Bartech to operate the the recording of the camera from afar.

So far I've been able to identify, with the help of others, the HIROSE plug that will attach to the remote jack on the back of the camera but no one has been able to successfully fashion a cable that will work out of this jack. Does anyone here (hailing Andy and Mitch from Abel Cine Tech) know of a working solution for a Start/Stop cable for the F3?

Here is the HIROSE jack for the remote on the back of the F3. Below is the pin schematic diagram.


connector.jpg


-Andrew
 
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It does not connect to the same kind of port. It is the jack/port designed for the Sony paint control boxes -- the RMB 150a and the RMB 750. The protocol is different from the lens control one. I've spoken with local Sony techs and they have no information on it.

I am hoping that Abel Cine Tech or maybe Band Pro or some rental outfits that supply cameras to film productions have wrestled with this problem as start/stop cable requests will come up with these outfits.
 
Very neat solution found for remote rec/stop.
First get the dedicated PMW-F3 cable from Denz-Deniz:
http://denz-deniz.com/index.php?page=7&productgroup=2&product=15
So that's their item 301.0362 or 301.0364.
Then attach a simple switch, and I found this one to work perfectly (seems like they are made for each other!):
http://www.exposurelights.com/product/000030/remote-switch/
I attached the switch through a female Lemo plug so that I can always put an extention cord in between for real remote operation.
If you are wondering how to connect: Denz-Deniz mailed me this wiring diagram, very friendly of them too!
Schaltbild Sony Hirose.jpg
 
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After testing the remote cable setup I quickly discovered a very unpleasant consequence: plugging in the remote cabel DEACTIVATES the gain and colorbalance control switches on the camera!
I understand this is OK when using the Sony remotes or CCUs, but when connecting a remote switch placed on my shoulder rig handles this becomes very unwanted. Any advise anybody?
I have asked Denz-Deniz for comment too.
 
Well if you are shooting sLOG it probably doesn't matter and many shows that would use this cable would be doing full colour correction in post. Reason I say this, is the economics of that cable mean that most of the clientele for this cable are going to be sending footage to a colourist.

The cable from Denz is over $600 USD. Even Steadicam Operators are loath to buy this cable because of the price. Typical run/stop cables are in the $125 to $150 range for Arri, Panavision cameras. Over $600 is a different story particularly for those who have to buy a run/stop cable for every camera used on production.

No one likes spending $150 on a cable. $600 is off the chart for almost everyone regardless of the simple electronic bit in the middle.
 
There are multiple ways to solve the problem, but none of them are completely tidy.

1. If you use the Denz remote port connection, you either lose the paint controls or need could add an inline toggle to "break" the connection whenever you want to toggle paint controls

2. You could fabricate an IR sensor placed over the IR port and wired to your switch. This is a project unto itself

3. You could open the camera handle or side port and tie into one of the existing record buttons. These ought to be simple momentary switches, and wiring into them should allow you to use a very simple momentary switch. Obviously this would void your warranty, but one an F3 you likely are out of warranty anyway.
 
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