VariZoom DVX-FI - MAKING SURE

ENIGMACODE

ENIGMACODE

Active member
My understanding is that Varizoom is the most reliable and best match for the DVX100B for Remote controlling Iris, Zoom & FOCUS thru the unique Lanc Cables Via the Dual Port configuration on that camera.

http://www.spec-comm.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=458

I've also read here on this forum, various folks have actually built their own Lanc controllers. Congrats to them!

Getting back to Varizoom, it seems that company constantly changes out models and replaces them. My concern is getting the right control for my application, as I'm using a 12' Jib. I found a really GOOD price from reliable dealers who have old new stock; one in particular, the VariZoom DVX-FI.

Can someone please tell me, does this model have the DUAL PLUGS/Cables for the Dual Ports on the DVX100B? I'm pretty sure it does. Obviously I need to pull in TIGHT, then precise focus, all this while using the Jib with external monitor & VariZoom DVX-FI.

BTW - The DVX100B's own Remote Control, (although works well), will NOT control Focus or Iris. It will start & Stop the camera & Zoom. Hoping I can still use it for the stop-start feature along with the VariZoom DVX-FI.

All I need to know is if the VariZoom DVX-FI will do the trick? I think it will work well and will save me some money too. Just confirming here.

Thank you
Mike Fraticelli

Trailer;
http://vimeo.com/7340608
 
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I've heard the Manfrotto focus controlers are better. I have the PZ-F1, and the focus only works half the time and it is very abrupt.
 
Thank you Andy - you seem to know what you're talking about. But I haven't found a suitable Manfrotto - Only the Manfrotto 522P which appears expensive and has too many features - can't see where it will control Focus & Iris? That's ALL I need for now, providing I can still use it together with the camera's own remote in order to Pull In For Sharp Focus.


Andy, I've researched this a little further - of course there is tons of info here - but nothing conclusive for an ALL-IN-ONE Lanc for the DVX100B.
I NEED FOCUS & IRIS.

What's so wrong with this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...-PZFI+Rocker+Controller&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
 
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Haven't tested with the remote... The PZ-F1 has 2 cords... A 1/8" for focus and iris and a smaller diameter for rec control and zoom. I used it on my old DVX and now use it on my HPX170
 
On all these controllers, you use a 1/8 plug - cable, and often when there are problems, it is the cable. The 1/8 cable system is a weak spot in all these devices.

To the OP, Varizoom makes good products, so no reason not to go with them. Anything labeled for Panasonic will work; DVX, HVX, HMC and HPX170 controllers are all the same, so compatibility isn't a problem. They all use a 2 cables system. Just avoid "lanc" controllers since they are meant for Sony and Canon. Libec and Manfrotto both make good products also. The init you mentioned is an all in one unit, mostly they are sold seperately and you use two devices.

The remote control for your DVX won't work unless you are pointing it at the front of the cam, so that might be a little tough on a crane.

For focus and iris, I would like to suggest the Manfrotto 521PFI. Although it is a bit expensive, it has electronic stops for focus settings and will allow you to do rack focus which is a really nice feature. Also, the knobs are oversized and allow a bit more control than the others I've used.

Grant

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531214-REG/Manfrotto_521PFI_521PFI_Focus_Remote_Control.html
 
Thank you Grant, we're finally getting somewhere! You mentioned: "The unit you mentioned is an all in one unit, mostly they are sold separately and you use two devices"

Were you refering to this unit on Ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130262861251

When you say 'two units', do you mean I'd actually need two of these? My understanding is that the unit listed on Ebay will perform all 3 functions: 'Focus, Iris, Zoom'. However, it appears that particular model may be 'Old New Stock' I don't see it on the Varizoom site anymore.

I like the Manfrotto 521PFI, but I'm confused: some of the reviews on B &H said it's lacking in Functions? It appears it may only have ONE cable to perform three functions? And for a 12' Jib, I would need an extension greater than 10' - yes?

The PZF1 will perform 4 functions, but the drawback of having two cables:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...H_PZFI_VZStealthPZFI_Throttle_Controller.html

Thanx
Mike
 
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The controler will have 2 cords if it performs the functions required. Zoom and rec control are one cord and focus and iris are another. It is one cord from the control unit and then separated into a Y right at the end. Varizoom sells extension cable for these.

The one on Ebay appears to do the three things menioned, although I don't see a zoom control.

As for my problems, I am not sure if I may have bent the cable too much or if my unit is defective. The focus control on mine tends to not work a lot of the time... Iris and rec control are fine. For my zoom rocker, it likes to creep out after zooming in.
 
+1 to Andy.

To repeat, the start-stop and zoom functions are on one cable, and focus-iris on the other. You will see this if you look at the plugs on your cam. So often you purchase two different units for the four functions, but VZ does have the all in one unit. The unit the OP referenced on Amazon didn't seem to have a stop-start which is a real non-starter for crane use, or really any use.

I like the Manfrotto 521PFI in particular because if you narrow the focus range, you get an increase sensitivity as the dial now covers a smaller focus range. Also, you can swap the dial directions, and switch to auto focus and auto iris if you want to use those features. This is pretty handy for crane use. I can't account for the reviews on BH, but I suspect some folks are expecting these electronic servo controller to be a substitute for a mechanical follow focus, which they are not.

For a cheapo stop-start and zoom, I use this Libec and it's on sale.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361366-REG/Libec_ZC_3DV.html

Earlier the OP made mention of the Manfrotto 522p. This unit isn't suitable for crane use without some kludgy mounting scheme. I purchased one used at a good price, for tripod use. And after using it a few times realized this was the real cadillac of zoom control. It is very ergonomic, (READ THAT AS IMPORTANT) very very smooth, and adds speed functions. Worth every penny! You can interchange the clamps to fit different tripods.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/290856-REG/Manfrotto_522P_522P_Camera_Remote_Control.html

Grant
 
Thanx for all your help guys.

As you mentioned, the Libec on sale does is limited to Record/Zoom.

The 521PFI does not have Record.

I just ordered the Varizoom PZF1 from B&H

I will try it as soon as I get it.

Thanx again
Mike Fraticelli

Trailer;
http://vimeo.com/7340608
 
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