FI+Z

60 threads in the archive

Based on 60 threads · 22 cited

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FI+Z means focus, iris and zoom, and you can run all three wirelessly: Bartech sends iris on the same channel as focus 1, Preston FIZ 2 can use a digital Bartech controller for iris 2, and the Arri 416 Plus has an integrated FI+Z system for zoom 3. Pick the system your focus puller wants to use 8, and know that Preston is the safe, widely accepted full FIZ choice 8. On a Steadicam® rig, control unit weight is the real limit, so you will want lighter units like the Arri SMC-1 15.

The questions 7

Can I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?5 threads · latest 2017

In short

Iris, yes: Bartech sends it on the same wireless channel as focus 1, and Preston FIZ 2 can use a digital Bartech controller for it 2. Zoom works wirelessly on the Arri 416 Plus with its integrated FI+Z system 3, but Bartech's zoom positions were still only reserved in 2012 1.

How the pros do it

On an Arriflex 416 Plus, use the integrated FI+Z wireless system, which has a 2.4 GHz antenna and works with Arri's WRS hand-unit 3.
On Bartech, run focus and iris on the same wireless channel, so several camera setups can share one frequency band 1.
On a Bartech digital receiver, set positions 0-7 for focus and A, B and C for iris 1.
On Preston, don't mix generations, because single channel controllers only work within the same generation (G3, G4 or G4 blue dot) 2.
On an original Preston FIZ, plan on a hardwired cabled remote for iris, because no wireless method was found for FIZ 1 2.
If you can't zoom by hand on a Steadicam® shot, give the DP a wireless remote zoom control, and the focus puller compensates for headroom and composition 4.

Ask a follow-up

What's an affordable wireless follow focus I can expand later?5 threads · latest 2016

In short

Look at the Bartech Digital BFD, which is reliable and can grow to two channels with separate transmitter and receiver units 5. If the budget is tighter, the single-channel Hocus Focus is cheaper, but it is not a full FIZ system 6.

How the pros do it

Start with the Bartech Digital BFD, because it gives reliable performance and expands to two channels with separate transmitter and receiver units 5.
Confirm the second channel is actually available before you buy, because in the 2014 thread the two-channel receiver had not been released 5.
Skip the single-channel C-Motion if you want to grow, because it is budget-friendly but cannot be expanded 5.
On a tight budget, the Hocus Focus is a single-channel wireless unit that costs less than professional broadcast systems 6. You can run several motors from it with two receivers on the same channel or a splitter cable, but you won't get full FIZ control 6.
Budget for Bartech systems with motors at roughly $2600-5000 6. Check that the focus unit and your video transmitter work together before deployment 7.

Caution

Power focus motors from the sled, not the camera, to avoid straining Li-Ion batteries when you work with a Steadicam® 7.

Ask a follow-up

Should I buy Preston, Bartech, or Cmotion for FIZ?5 threads · latest 2016

In short

Buy what your focus puller wants to use 8. Preston is the safe, widely accepted full FIZ system 8, Bartech is a cheaper single-channel focus device 9, and Cmotion has newer features but mixed wireless reports 8.

How the pros do it

Ask the focus puller who will use it, because purchasing decisions should follow their preferences and comfort 8.
If you need focus, iris and zoom, Preston FI+Z covers all three with servo channels 9. The Bartech BFD only does focus 9.
Preston is broadly accepted and easy to mix with other operators' gear on set 8. It is also easier to rent out or resell later, but the reported lead time in 2012 was four months 8.
Bartech has a field record of over 600 units in more than 30 countries 9. One Bartech with an M-One motor ran at 12 degrees when an Arri FIZ unit would not power up 10.
Rentals matter too, since Preston rental rates in England were about double Bartech's single-channel rates 9. Rented Preston systems have also had battery and cable failures affecting iris control 9.
Cmotion Cvolution offers LCD displays with depth of field information and RFID lens database readers 8. Preston's 16-bit resolution can help with anamorphic at night or precise repeatable moves 9, though the 12-bit versus 16-bit difference is theoretical and may not be visible in every shooting condition 9.

Opinions differ here

Operators split on Cmotion's wireless 8. One side reports wireless robustness issues in some cases and sees Preston connectivity as more reliable 8, while Cvolution users report zero issues and compatibility with multiple camera and accessory systems 8.

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Which hand units and motors work with which receivers?5 threads · latest 2013

In short

Pairing is system-specific: Heden motors need a P or PT suffix to work with focus controllers 11, and the Preston MDR-2 takes the HU-3 once it has a G-4 board 12.

How the pros do it

Check the Heden suffix first: a P motor has a potentiometer and connects to focus controllers like the BFD 11.
A PT motor has both tachometer and potentiometer and also works with focus controllers, but it needs a different connector 11. The M26P uses 5 pins and the PT variants use 7 pins 11.
Don't put a T-suffix Heden motor on a focus controller 11. Focus control needs position information from a potentiometer, while zoom controllers need speed information from a tachometer 11.
For Preston, swap the G-3 board in the MDR-2 for a G-4 board to make it compatible with the HU-3 hand unit 12. The MDR-1 hand unit is not compatible with the HU-2 unless the HU-2 has been modified to older MDR-1 standards 12.
Treat G4 as a whole-system upgrade 13. G4 boards are not backward-compatible, so you can't mix old and new, and older HU2 handsets can't be upgraded 13.
The Aladin receiver works with Preston, Scorpio, Arri and Heden motors, but you pick the motor type when you buy 14.

Caution

Some operators reported internal circuit problems on the Aladin that could damage camera power supplies 14.

Opinions differ here

The disagreement in the sources is about wireless reliability, not about which pairings fit 14 13. Some operators reported slow motor response and dropouts on the Aladin, while others found it smooth and reliable 14. Some reported intermittent interference on the HU3 even with G4, while HU2 handsets ran reliably on 2.4 GHz for some users 13.

Ask a follow-up

Which wireless follow focus works well with my Steadicam® and camera?4 threads · latest 2016

In short

Preston is widely used by professional Steadicam® operators in the US 15. Control unit weight is the real limit, so lighter units like the Arri SMC-1 are preferred 15.

How the pros do it

Check the weight of the control unit first, because the MDR is a bigger limit on a Steadicam® than the motor 15. Operators prefer compact units like the Arri SMC-1 15.
For a lighter setup, look at the Chrosziel system with Heden motors or the CDM-100 motor 15. The CDM-100 is described as intuitive and works with modern and older difficult lenses 15.
The RT Motion MKIII is one of the smallest motor drivers and works with gimbal systems 15. The person recommending it had not verified its quality or reliability 15.
Two-motor or single-motor setups are often enough with prime lenses and planned exposure 16. A three-motor FIZ rig with a zoom lens needs real payload capacity and operator experience 16.
Multi-channel systems control functions independently, while single-channel units limit simultaneous motor operation 16. If you need a budget single-channel option, the Hocus Focus can run several motors via two receivers or a splitter cable, but it does not give full FIZ 6.
Budget it: dedicated FIZ units rent from around $380 per day 16. Bartech systems with motors run about $2600-5000 to buy 6.

Caution

Aladin circuit problems reported by some operators could damage camera power supplies 14. Camera-hacking controllers like the Viewfactor HDSLR may void warranties and stress internal motors 6.

Opinions differ here

Some reported slow motor response, transmission dropouts, frequency conflicts and internal circuit problems 14. Others found it smooth and reliable, with good battery life on the remote units 14.

Ask a follow-up

How do I power my Preston MDR from my sled?4 threads · latest 2014

In short

The MDR-1 needs 24V, so make sure your sled is set to output 24V and the cable carries it 17. If it stays dead, meter every connector along the run 17.

How the pros do it

Check the sled's voltage setting first, because the MDR-1 needs 24V and some Cinelive sleds default to 12V mode 17.
A cable rated for both 12V and 24V only delivers 24V if the sled itself is configured for 24V 17.
Meter the voltage at each connector point, from the sled output through the junction box to the MDR-1 17.
Check that every connector is seated, including the jumper block and the centerpost cable, and confirm the pin assignment on the power connector 17.
If you need more outputs, split the single port with a custom Lemo breakout box or a Lemo splitter made for the Flyer and FlyerLE 18. Check with the manufacturer that your total draw stays within the sled's specs before you add anything 18.
If a new sled still won't power it, a booster circuit or a used Preston converter may be the way out, since the MDR-1 predates Preston's voltage upconverter 17.

Caution

Powering extra devices from the camera body while the camera runs off the sled may blow the camera's internal fuse 20. Stay inside the sled's power and weight limits to avoid performance loss and equipment damage 18.

What changed

Earlier, in 2006, Preston units ran on their own battery packs that operators recelled or converted to Sony M-Series, today, in 2014, the MDR-1 gets its power from the sled at 24V 19 17.

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Where do I mount the MDR and motors on my rig?3 threads · latest 2014

In short

Put the MDR on the sled or on the camera body, whichever has room 21. Underneath the stage on velcro or on the 15mm rods both work 21.

How the pros do it

Pick the sled or the camera body, depending on free surface and what the shot needs 21.
To go under the stage, use strong adhesive velcro like 2M Dualock 21. Space it so the docking bracket still has room 21.
To go on the rods, screw the brackets to the MDR and mount them onto the 15mm support rods 21. The brackets typically come with the rental kit 21.
If you run the Preston digital microforce on an FI+Z, the standard bracket is too short for the thick rubber handgrip 22. One operator cut away about a finger's width of grip on the back and side so the bracket and microforce fit 22.
Attach the handgrip with reversible velcro instead of adhesive, so it comes off easily when the microforce bracket goes on 22.

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Sources 22

All 22 sources

What operators found

Still argued about

Often in the same threads

BFD14, Zephyr5, Follow Focus25, Dovetail Plate2, MDR19, Low Mode4, Base Plate3, G-702, CineLive2, HU36, Docking Bracket2

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