Introducing the RED 3-axis Lens Control System

[Gunleik Groven]

My wishlist for 2014...

1. Some more SSDs (Not Brook-style, but still)
2. 2 primes (one wide, one in the 50-85 range. Sharp. Fast)
3. Motion Mount
4. 3-axis lens control system
5. MB 18
6. Travel around the workd and shoot nice stuff.

Brook... Jealous. That thing is sooo good.

nJoy it!

Cheers

G

 

[Brook Willard]

Did they finally un-screwup the marking discs? Compatible with Preston style rings?

That's an unfortunate way to phrase it, but yes... It is compatible with HU3 rings.

 

[Isaac Marchionna]

That's an unfortunate way to phrase it, but yes... It is compatible with HU3 rings.

Brook, I've had one of these on pre-order since April of last year. As such I've been a little sensitive given the delays and price increases.

Hopefully they're including more than just THREE rings given what they're charging for the kit and the cost of additional rings.

 

[Greg M]

They are shipping, and it is worth the wait.
At $14k, this is really a good deal...the motors are 1/2 the size of our Arri wireless, and the hand controller is a piece of art. Very well thought out design.
Im putting it thru its paces today. It comes in a nice laser cut case, and has everything you need except spare cables and extra marking discs.

 

[Brook Willard]

Brook, I've had one of these on pre-order since April of last year. As such I've been a little sensitive given the delays and price increases.

Hopefully they're including more than just THREE rings given what they're charging for the kit and the cost of additional rings.

I know what you're saying, I've been anxious to get my hands on it too. But for a system like this, I'd rather have a longer development time if that's what is necessary to yield a more solid product. Quality focus devices in general are tough to come by... heck, order a Preston today and you won't see it for a while because of how busy they are!

The rings are listed as $50 from RED, but that's for the old style. You can buy HU3 rings from Preston for $46, so RED is not off the mark. Frankly I'd say that RED is dead nuts on the mark, considering they're offering a $15,000 3-axis system. The last MDR-3/HU3 setup I built ran almost $30,000 all-in. The only things I need beyond what I've already got in the 3-axis kit from RED are a few backup cables and power/RS cables for other cameras.

Give 'em some credit every now and again, they've got a kick-ass system here.

 

[Isaac Marchionna]

Brook, I know what the value is, but I also know what ACs are more apt to use, and generally that's the Preston system if they're given a choice. I also know, because I priced it out, that a Preston kit usually includes 6-8 marking disks depending on who you order through...as standard. Also as has been discussed before...for the money a D-Tap cable NEEDS to be in there, it just needs to be, no if's/and's/but's about it.

It's a good value for sure on the WMD, I'm still waiting on the ET version because I don't want WMD, THC, PILOT EJECT and other such odd nomenclature laser engraved on it, plus it's less likely to turn the nose up of most ACs if it's not marked RED on every possible surface.

And I absolutely give RED some credit...they ACTUALLY got it released. As I said I'm still waiting for the ET kit, and if it doesn't hit this month I'll probably just go with a Preston 1 channel. I tried the 3-Axis kit back in summer at Abel, and liked it. Glad they addressed some of the big issues, mainly the marking discs, which ARE kind of a critical thing on run and gun jobs.

Again, no debate, this is a great value. The preston feels better in MY hands, and just like physical follow focuses the FEEL is the most important thing. I'd still like to get my hands on one when Abel gets the ET kits in stock. Feels like I've been waiting forever!

 

[Greg M]

Isaac,
I hear conflicting info in your post. It sounds like you wouldn't buy the Red version regardless...so why does it matter if they have 3 or 6 marking discs in the kit. At $14,500 its a bargain...add spare cables, extra marking discs and a couple d-tap cables and the system is well under $16k. BTW- isn't ET owned by Red now?

 

[Isaac Marchionna]

It's not conflicting. I'd rather have the Preston but as stated its out of most price leagues. I'm still in the queue for the ET version. And yes while they're owned by RED there's still a non branded version that will be coming out for those of us who would like to be able to rent this out for us on non RED cams.

I'm still cautiously optimistic about this kit.

 

[Daniel Stilling]

While I was waiting, I went with a used Preston MDR1 and hand unit1 for practically no money. Not as flashy as the HU3, but still accepted by ac's. I agree about the weird nomenclature on the RED system, not my cup of tea.
Already have to deal with the Bomb EVF at airports, hoping that the TSA doesn't remove the tape covering the engraving.

 

[Brent Carter]

Isaac,
I hear conflicting info in your post. It sounds like you wouldn't buy the Red version regardless...so why does it matter if they have 3 or 6 marking discs in the kit. At $14,500 its a bargain...add spare cables, extra marking discs and a couple d-tap cables and the system is well under $16k. BTW- isn't ET owned by Red now?

Before you hit "buy" on RED.com, if you are going to buy multiple marking rings, we will be releasing a 3-pack for $95 later this week. Just a heads up....

 

[Greg M]

Before you hit "buy" on RED.com, if you are going to buy multiple marking rings, we will be releasing a 3-pack for $95 later this week. Just a heads up....

Thanks Brent.

I have a set of spare cables and extra rings in my cart right now. Good timing.

 

[Paul J Steinberg]

One thing I haven't found mentioned in the manual is compatibility with a Microforce. The Preston motors will work with the Microforce (have to match analog/digital motors to the analog/digital hand controller) so if you're working on a zoom lens while on a dolly you can control your own zoom as the operator. This system doesn't have a separate zoom hand controller and it looks like you'll need a separate motor to work with a Microforce.

 

[Greg M]

The Preston motors will work with the Microforce

The Microforce is made by Preston.

If all you need is a wired zoom controller only, your better off sticking with the Microforce. If you are renting, the zoom controller is usually supplied with the zoom...and if you have a Microforce, you probably have a motor.

 

[Paul J Steinberg]

My point is that you'll want a system to do both configurations. Typically I'm working on a head/dolly more than a crane so if I'm working with one of my zooms a typical setup would be zoom control on the tripod arm, wireless focus in the AC's hand. When the camera is on a remote head then the full FIZ is used. This system looks like you'd need a separate zoom controller (Preston/Arri) if you were operating a zoom lens on a head. Preston/Arri FIZ systems are modular so you just have to own one system.

 

[Greg M]

Sorry misunderstood. Yes, you are correct, the Red 3 Axis System is all 1 piece. Until there is an option, the current zoom control is built in and not removable.
In that case you would just use two motors with the Red, and use the Microforce as usual...im not sure if the Digital MF is compatible with Red motors...I'll check.

But I suspect Red will have another controller option soon to operate the zoom separately. The manual mentions using multiple controllers and it can also be used wired. The kit includes a 12' and 50' cable.

 

[Paul J Steinberg]

Yes, they either need to have their own zoom controller or have motors that will work with Preston (Microforce) or Arri (ZMU-3A) controllers. My old analog Microforce used a PSG servo motor that just required a short pigtail adapter cable. Now that the motors are all digital it doesn't look that simple any more (I had to upgrade to a digital Microforce to match the motors of my new digital system.)