2006Follow Focus forum
Methods for controlling camera lens iris remotely using mechanical or electronic devices
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A thumb roller device can be connected to a Canon lens via a 12-pin Hirose connector to provide iris control without modifying the lens itself.
- Custom iris control systems can be built by obtaining the 12-pin Hirose pinout and connecting it to a potentiometer.
- Professional broadcast setups sometimes use wired control systems where iris adjustments are made at a remote monitor station via XLR cables to a patch box.
- Wireless iris control can be achieved using dual-channel wireless systems or gimbal-mounted lens motor units.
- A J7 focus control unit can potentially be modified for iris control by swapping its connector.
- Commercial solutions exist for electronic zoom and iris control through handle-based interfaces designed for gimbal operation.
Depends on
- The original thumb roller device mentioned was custom-made and specific details about its construction were not provided.
- Wireless control options mentioned require additional equipment like lens motors and focus gears.
- The feasibility of modifying existing devices like the J7 focus control has not been confirmed as tested.
- Discussion focuses on Canon lenses and does not address compatibility with other camera systems.