FS7: Using a HEDEN Zoom Motor on the FS7

[Joshua Milligan]

Has anyone ever tried the HEDEN VLC-1L Standalone Rod-Mount Kit for Sony FS5, FS7, and FS7 II? It looks like a great solution for adding power zoom controls to cinema lenses. I have an 18-110 which has a built-in servo, but it's a very slow zoom and is laggy. For some of the projects I do, like fishing shows, I was thinking about mounting the HEDEN motor to my FS7II via a 15mm rod so that my 18-110 can have a servo zoom that's more like a B4 lens. With the HEDEN, you can still use the FS7's handgrip which is exactly what I'm looking for. Has anyone ever tried this or do any of you have any other ideas on how to add better zoom controls to the 18-110 and the FS7 handgrip?

Thanks in advance!

 

[LennyLevy]

That looks like a good idea. I've used older cinema style Heden and J4 motors mounted on 15mm rails with a micro force controller on the tripod arm. It works fine but there is no ramping on the zoom speed. Very smooth though as long as you screw your lens into a clamp on the rails so it doesn't bump at the end of its travel. Follofocusgears.com made up a gear for the 18-110 for me that is just an easy press fit so now that he has the pattern he can make one up I think for $45.
The unit you're looking at seems like it might be better because its a smaller footprint and works with the grip handle. I can't use mine handheld but that would be fine and probably can ramp.

I just got an FX9 which has a much smoother servo - smooth enough for most shots so I'm ready to sell mine from the FS7.

 

[Joshua Milligan]

Hey Lenny, so you think the Heden motor won’t ramp? I was trying to find info on that, but haven’t. Also, you said the FX9 has a smoother servo. Does it work with the 18-110 better? And if so, how?

 

[LennyLevy]

It doesn't with the micro force , but that's probably a micro force controller issue. If its using the grip handle that should work, but how well... give it a try and send it back if you don't like it.