Introducing the RED 3-axis Lens Control System

[Jeff McCoy]

Hear you loud and clear

Now we're talkin!

 

[Mark Pedersen]

Jarred. So just to make sure I'm clear since I'm in the Abel queue for one of these FIZs: is the wider ring now standard or was this an aftermarket mod?

And can the firmware be updated so that locking the iris can be FASTER than 10 seconds?

thanks

+1 on the question

 

[C.H.Haskell]

For those that prefer a bigger marking ring.....

.

RED and ET share a bed and this is the result...this looks like world class craftsmanship. I am working in LA february and I am going to pay RED hollywood a visit, hope to see you soon Jarred. Cheers.

 

[Will Keir]

Phil,

How does the WMD compare to other wireless solutions?

Bartech
Preston
MK3

I'm looking to replace our O'Connor FF1 Follow Focus with a wireless setup for a couple reasons. Weight, flexibility with shoulder camera movements, for use with jibs, cable cams and of course, steady cam rigs.

I'm thinking a little 1080p display, maybe even UHD/4K live monitoring eventually, attached via HDMI cable and the AC can stand back hit precise focus. All this has been done before, but it's a first for me. Any thoughts, pros / cons from those with experience would add great value, thanks in advance for taking the time.

There's literally one at the Store at Red Studios Hollywood everybody can play with. I know I have!

I want to take one out in the field! Shoot some scenes.

 

[Russ Campbell]

Is this system compatible with Arri and Sony cameras i.e. be able to offer run/stop recording functionality?

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

So what about RT Motion? Seems just as good if not better. I love how the RT Motion antenna is well protected. And the zoom rocker is industry standard(the little red one on the micro force zoom), plus there's a display, plus it's cheaper. It can trigger all types of cameras and is a FIZ. Thoughts?

 

[Isaac Marchionna]

Having played with this at Abel. It's far better than a BARTECH, but I don't think any AC is going to run out and not ask for a Preston 1 or 3 channel.


I love that the WMD offers meta-data, but the hand controller was well...sort of a kluge. I'm still gonna grab the ET version next month for sure. But generally speaking the price point helps overcome a lot of the issues with this as compared to a Preston (still the defacto king of WFFs).

 

[Phil Holland]

Phil,

How does the WMD compare to other wireless solutions?

Bartech
Preston
MK3

What Isaac said in regards/comparison to the Bartech. Depending on who you are and just how ergonomic you "need" in a hand controller I can see some who would prefer something else. Though, the THC is actually pretty intuitive in reality.

The WMD has a few features that make it ideal for VFX shoots, which I certainly love. Also, I dig the mounting options.

The Lens Control Motors are rad. Those I'm actually totally head over heals about. Strength, easy of use, and mounting flexibility. Those things are sexy.

The big thing is responsiveness for me and the THC/WMD/LCM all play nice together. You can also tweak a few things in the menu as well. The range was very good. I mean you can walk around outside of RSH with it and it works fine.

Overall it's a sleek and tidy package. Performance is there. As is the design.

 

[Isaac Marchionna]

It's a solid package since Element Technica designed it.

The 10 second IRIS lockout HAS to go, it just has to, as I can't tell a DoP or Operator that in the time it takes for me to comfortably have a sip of coffee that the IRIS lock is still being pressed.

This seems firmware fixable and I hope RED takes heed. As said before I still believe it should come bundled with a D-Tap connector, especially for the price.

I'm also still a little confused as to the point of Jarred's wood/focus ring post. If the hand controller comes with an adapter to take Preston-style focus rings, awesome. These are built to this size because it's easy to read focus marks. Also for the cost, I'm still a little baffled they only include three. Forcing you to spend another 150 dollars to get to the required minimum of 6 for a basic lens set.

Again if RED/ET can resolve the following it'd be fantastic:
-10sec Iris Lock should be nearly instant
-Focus ring discs should be wider
-Include 6

 

[Chad Bonanno]

I pulled the trigger on this. Make me proud RED!

 

[Will Keir]

What about size and weight of the lens motors? Are they all roughly the same?

What Isaac said in regards/comparison to the Bartech. Depending on who you are and just how ergonomic you "need" in a hand controller I can see some who would prefer something else. Though, the THC is actually pretty intuitive in reality.

The WMD has a few features that make it ideal for VFX shoots, which I certainly love. Also, I dig the mounting options.

The Lens Control Motors are rad. Those I'm actually totally head over heals about. Strength, easy of use, and mounting flexibility. Those things are sexy.

The big thing is responsiveness for me and the THC/WMD/LCM all play nice together. You can also tweak a few things in the menu as well. The range was very good. I mean you can walk around outside of RSH with it and it works fine.

Overall it's a sleek and tidy package. Performance is there. As is the design.

 

[Phil Holland]

What about size and weight of the lens motors? Are they all roughly the same?

Nope. Lens motors from other manufacturers vary in weight, strength, size, and mounting flexibility.

The Red Lens Control Motor is listed as 0.34 lbs (155 g). Which is lighter weight and heavier than some. However, it can mount like anyway you can think of.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

For those that prefer a bigger marking ring.....

.

Oh... And btw, if only the one I got with the Atom rig I purchased back in 2011 had this, it would have made an entirely different experience, and very happy to see how different this is and how much it has evolved.

 

[Isaac Marchionna]

I don't see any confirmation that setup comes standard (i.e larger ring adapter) or if it's just Jarred showing off his custom setup. If they can include a step up shim to allow for the preston style rings it'll be nice.

 

[Daniel Leung]

what is the Range? Would this be good enough for an octocopter rig?

 

[Rob Anderson]

Why doesn't this use REDVolts?

 

[Phil Holland]

I took a look at the Lens Control System (again) at Red Store Hollywood. If you're interested and in LA this is a great place to get some hands on with the device:
http://instagram.com/p/jIG6xNE0UW/

what is the Range? Would this be good enough for an octocopter rig?

I don't recall where, but I think approximately 200 feet was thrown around a while ago.

Why doesn't this use REDVolts?

RedVolts are about 3X (or more depending on what's in there) more powerful than the cheaper, smaller, lighter weight, and more accessible lithium ion batteries that the THC uses. Those would all seem worthwhile reasons. The THC itself doesn't really have a massive power draw, so there isn't too much reason for a bigger power source.

 

[Rob Anderson]

RedVolts are about 3X (or more depending on what's in there) more powerful than the cheaper, smaller, lighter weight, and more accessible lithium ion batteries that the THC uses. Those would all seem worthwhile reasons. The THC itself doesn't really have a massive power draw, so there isn't too much reason for a bigger power source.

All true, but if you've already got a few REDVolts in the bag, that's one less charger and battery combo you need to mind. I was a little surprised to see the 7.2's in the kit.

That said, I've had the full WMD kit on order within the first hour it was announced. REDVolt or not, I wasn't holding back.

 

[paulherrin]

in the tsa line...

'hey jim, did you get the bomb and the wmd in your checked bag?'

'yeah, but i've got the thc right here rolled up in some papers'

hehehe...

 

[Corrado Silveri]

Sorry guys for my ignorance... Just wondering if I can setup the system for a 3D mirror system: 1 Motor for the Left focus, 1 Motor for the Right Focus, 1 Motor for Interaxial?
Is this possible?