Remotely control FOCUS and IRIS of EF Lenses on DSMC2

[Emmanuel Rondeau]

Hi all!

This is my first post on the FORUM, but I have been reading countless of your discussions and thoughts which helped me so much in my decision to switch to RED (SCARLET-W). :cheers2:

I am starting this post because I am looking for a way to control FOCUS and IRIS of EF Lenses mounted on my SCARLET-W. Basically, I would need the same control as a RED Side Handle, but something that can be installed on the handles of a gimbal or shoulder rig.

I actually ordered a RTMOTION Smart Knob because it does exactly this BUT it doesn't do the job, because the knob is huge and not mountable/usable with a thumb on a gimbal or handle of a shoulder rig.

I found that some of you are using interesting follow focus systems such as:
- TILTA NUCLEUS-M system
- 24SHOTS Silencer AIR Wireless Follow Focus

The problem with those systems is that you cannot electronically change the IRIS, so basically you have to use MANUAL APERTURE lenses, such as CINE lenses (very heavy, not gimbal friendly) and some photo lenses (rare and usually a bit weird).

Is anyone aware of a system that could work for me? I mean if FoolControl can do it from an iPhone, why couldn't we have any sort of small attachable knob that could do the same?

Many thanks!
Emmanuel.

 

[Matt Fleming]

Why not the RTmotion thumb wheel?

 

[Jacek Zakowicz]

Here you go:
RED approved official third party accessory
http://optitek.org/products/optitron-for-red-scarlet-epic-weapon-cameras/
and wireless:
http://optitek.org/products/optitron2-wireless-kit/

 

[Emmanuel Rondeau]

Why not the RTmotion thumb wheel?

Many thanks Matt. Very difficult to find info on this product though, like for instance I find no official page on the RTMotion website. It seems like it is able to control RECORD + one axis, like FOCUS or IRIS, but I am not sure how you would be able to control the two with this, using two of those seems difficult since we do not have 2 CONTROL sockets on the Camera.

 

[Emmanuel Rondeau]

Here you go:
RED approved official third party accessory
http://optitek.org/products/optitron-for-red-scarlet-epic-weapon-cameras/
and wireless:
http://optitek.org/products/optitron2-wireless-kit/

Thanks Jacek.

I had found this but I do not see how it can control IRIS (seems limited to focus) + the actual OptiTron2 is the same at the RTMotion SmartKnob in term of shape, no way to use it with a thumb in a single operator scenario.

UPDATE: Sorry it seems like the EFF OptiTron2 controls IRIS + FOCUS, just like the RTMotion Smartknob, but still the very same problem of the classic follow focus ergonomic and size, not great for single operator GIMBAL or Shoulder rig.

 

[Bérenger Brillante]

For Rtmotion thumbwheels, you have to order left and right unit, and the Y cable if you don't have the lattitude mdr, with two aux

 

[Emmanuel Rondeau]

For Rtmotion thumbwheels, you have to order left and right unit, and the Y cable. And the lattitude mdr, te one with two aux

Hi Béranger and thanks for the reply.

Ok, I get it. So for a workable solution from Rtmotion one solution would be:
- Rtmotion Latitude-M 2 OR Latitude-MB
- Then 2 Rtmotion thumbwheels

Or I can skip the Latitude and get a Y control cable going right into the CONTROL of the RED?

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

What would really rock is a line of EF lenses with internal motors designed for motion shooters. Rather than a fast motor that can zip to the AF plane quickly, use a slower motor with more damping to facilitate precision.

IMO, the future is a hybrid of AF with manual "override". I imagine a knob/thumbwheel/joystick for focus that reads capacitance from your finger/thumb when you are touching it. Pull your digit off the control and it's full AF, put your finger/thumb on and it stays put, use your finger/thumb to adjust focus manually as desired. Control "handle" should be wireless, even for solo operators, to allow virtually any configuration to suit ergonomics. It should also be easy to remove from the rig and hand to a focus puller. To accommodate the greater range needed when the unit is more than a couple feet from the camera there could be a stronger transceiver with larger battery that the control "handle" docks to for AC use - this way the "handle" can be smaller and lighter for on camera usage where wireless range required is very small.

Just a thought.

Cheers - #19

 

[Jacek Zakowicz]

What would really rock is a line of EF lenses with internal motors designed for motion shooters. Rather than a fast motor that can zip to the AF plane quickly, use a slower motor with more damping to facilitate precision.

IMO, the future is a hybrid of AF with manual "override". I imagine a knob/thumbwheel/joystick for focus that reads capacitance from your finger/thumb when you are touching it. Pull your digit off the control and it's full AF, put your finger/thumb on and it stays put, use your finger/thumb to adjust focus manually as desired. Control "handle" should be wireless, even for solo operators, to allow virtually any configuration to suit ergonomics. It should also be easy to remove from the rig and hand to a focus puller. To accommodate the greater range needed when the unit is more than a couple feet from the camera there could be a stronger transceiver with larger battery that the control "handle" docks to for AC use - this way the "handle" can be smaller and lighter for on camera usage where wireless range required is very small.

Just a thought.

Cheers - #19

These are all good points . I just don't see how any pro focus puller would want to use a thumb wheel. It inherently is lacking the control needed for "real" focus pulling. The higher resolution needs more precision while the smaller dial with thumb control has very little precision. Of course people use it for convenience , out of necessity (no focus puller on the job) or due to lack of funds but that does nothing for actual operation of the device...

 

[Blair Thornton]

Why not the RTmotion thumb wheel?

Agreed, Teradeck RT https://teradek.com/collections/teradek-rt with Thumbwheel or MK3.1 Wireless Lens Controller is the way to go.

https://teradek.com/collections/teradek-rt-wizard/products/thumbwheel-s-wired-controller

https://teradek.com/collections/ter...mk3-1-wireless-controller-s-4-axis-controller

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

I'm imagining that when you "dock" the "handle" onto a stronger wireless rig for remote pulls, the "host" would also have a larger wheel/knob that slips over the knurled (grooved) thumbwheel to provide a larger diameter, more grip, space for a marking disc, etc. In any case, the alternative is just to make two controllers - small one for on camera mounting and a more standard one for typical remote pulling. The point is to make the small on camera controller wireless to facilitate mounting without cables.

I'm also looking for a lens manufacturer to build a "hybrid" lens for motion shooters that uses purpose built internal motors. RTMotion/C-Motion/Preston/RED/etc FIZ setups have their place, but I contend there are lots of folks who need similar control but lack the budget/sophistication/focussing skills/etc. Rigging FIZ gack to the camera requires lots of cables/connectors/motor mounts/rods/power supply/etc. Pulling on the barrel can be sub optimal ergonomically and tricky at wide stops.

Perhaps I'm just in love with the potential to pull my own focus while keeping my hands in the ideal operating position. I know, weird.

Cheers - #19

 

[Jacek Zakowicz]

Perhaps I'm just in love with the potential to pull my own focus while keeping my hands in the ideal operating position. I know, weird.

Cheers - #19

Well it depends what you consider "ideal operating position". Maybe this?

 

[Marcus Friedlander]

IMO, the future is a hybrid of AF with manual "override". I imagine a knob/thumbwheel/joystick for focus that reads capacitance from your finger/thumb when you are touching it. Pull your digit off the control and it's full AF, put your finger/thumb on and it stays put, use your finger/thumb to adjust focus manually as desired. Control "handle" should be wireless, even for solo operators, to allow virtually any configuration to suit ergonomics. It should also be easy to remove from the rig and hand to a focus puller. To accommodate the greater range needed when the unit is more than a couple feet from the camera there could be a stronger transceiver with larger battery that the control "handle" docks to for AC use - this way the "handle" can be smaller and lighter for on camera usage where wireless range required is very small.

Just a thought.

Cheers - #19

This is the exact thing I've been wanting for years now!!! And the thumb print control thing is a stroke of pure genius!

 

[Jacek Zakowicz]

This is the exact thing I've been wanting for years now!!! And the thumb print control thing is a stroke of pure genius!

Yes it looks like a blueprint for a good product. Any takers?

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

This is the exact thing I've been wanting for years now!!! And the thumb print control thing is a stroke of pure genius!

Can I put that on my CV? :biggrinjester:

Cheers - #19

 

[Marcus Friedlander]

Can I put that on my CV? :biggrinjester:

Cheers - #19

Only if I can get Unit #0001 :laugh:

 

[Leon Bandrivchak]

...
Control "handle" should be wireless, even for solo operators, to allow virtually any configuration to suit ergonomics. It should also be easy to remove from the rig and hand to a focus puller. To accommodate the greater range needed when the unit is more than a couple feet from the camera there could be a stronger transceiver with larger battery that the control "handle" docks to for AC use - this way the "handle" can be smaller and lighter for on camera usage where wireless range required is very small.

Just a thought.

Cheers - #19

we already develop smth similar, an extension for this one
https://www.products.kinorg.com/gimbal-knob/

 

[Lucas Wilkinson]

Following.

Out of curiosity. Is it possible to get an RT motion thumbwheel that connects directly to the camera ctrl port and offers focusing of EF lenses with focus motors inside? Or do I need to have a lattitude connected to my ctrl port?

Also, can someone make a gimbal friendly, wireless thumbwheel that operates the same way as the Foolcontrol focus feature? Mayeb it uses fool-control protocol or something.... That would be incredible for single-op gimbal users.