Steadicam Merlin questions - focus, exposure?

[OGshooter]

Hi! I'm interested in getting a Merlin, but have a couple questions about focusing and exposure. I know that you can't manually adjust focus while the Merlin is in use, so how do you control it besides setting the DVX in 60i and autofocus? If you have it in progressive mode do you just keep the lens at a wide focal length and the wide DOF keeps everything sharp enough? Or do you just have to watch the LCD and back up/forward to keep subject in focus?

I should say that if I get one, one of my first chances to use it would be for a friend's wedding, so non-rehearsable shots. I know I could put the cam in 60i, autofocus and autoexposure for the Merlin shots, but I'd love to shoot progressive if possible, and I know autofocus doesn't work well in progressive.

And if I can just keep the shot wide and shoot in progressive to keep things in focus, do people typically just turn on autoexposure when using the Merlin?

If anyone has any ideas, particularly related to wedding/event usage of the Merlin I'd appreciate hearing them.

Thanks,

OG

 

[mikkowilson]

Generally auto mode is plenty with the Merlin, enough that if you are shooting a little wider, and not making *huge* changes in subject distance quickly, even slow auto-focus can easily be "fast enough" to be "close enough" to keep your subjects sharp.

Another option is to build a compact focus and/or iris controller to mount on Merlin's handle - just use the thinnest most flexible wire you can and you'll be fine.
Check out the DIY area of the forum for details on the electronics of the controllers (one potentiomiter!)

- Mikko