Blackmagic Forum

EF-edition supports the lens AF feature, right? So it does implement the control over the focusing motor. But does it provide a possibility to control the focus motor manually - bypassing AF subsystem?
It would be a perfect built-in manual follow-focus, operated by touchscreen or simple external controller-wheel - instead of those ugly and atavistic on-lense rollers. And it would require virtually no changes in camera design.

Do you mean with devices like this?
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=V-control+usb&_sacat=0#item2c67c395c6

i think that wheel controller mght be much more compact and portable, and could mount right on the camera side.

The EF BMCC does not auto focus. The mount only controls the aperture and enables IS. You have to manually focus the lens.

jooher wrote:EF-edition supports the lens AF feature, right? So it does implement the control over the focusing motor. But does it provide a possibility to control the focus motor manually - bypassing AF subsystem?
It would be a perfect built-in manual follow-focus, operated by touchscreen or simple external controller-wheel - instead of those ugly and atavistic on-lense rollers. And it would require virtually no changes in camera design.

The BMCC has a LANC Remote port, which can control focus of an EF lens. See page 7 in the BMCC user manual:

"... The remote port on your camera can be used to remotely control the following functions of your camera including starting and stoppping record, iris adjustments and also focus adjustments when using a compatible lens. The remote port can be found under its dust cap on the left face of the camera. The port is a 2.5 mm stereo jack which uses the standard Sony LANC protocol. ..."

The BMCC user manual can be downloaded from BMD's website:
http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/

Focusing via LANC on the BMCC is news to me, what remotes and lenses would be compatible?

Christian Schmeer wrote:Focusing via LANC on the BMCC is news to me, what remotes and lenses would be compatible?

As noted in the BMCC user manual, Sony-type LANC controllers. These are widely available from a variety of companies. Theoretically, a EF lens that supports AF should be controllable (allow focus to be adjusted) via LANC.

LANC works, but it's dog slow, not repeatable and there's a lot of latency.

JB.

John Brawley wrote:LANC works, but it's dog slow, not repeatable and there's a lot of latency. JB.

Understood. I've used LANC a lot in the past with DV camcorders. It's slow & sloppy. That's why I said "adjust" focus, not "follow" focus. Cheers.

So then would the Micro-USB port on the BMCC work with one of the USB controllers posted above? Or does the Micro-USB port not even carry that function?

cmckinlay wrote:So then would the Micro-USB port on the BMCC work with one of the USB controllers posted above? Or does the Micro-USB port not even carry that function?

The BMCC's USB port supports firmware updates from BMD, and can be used charge the internally battery v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y via USB

That's its only function. Theoretically that could change in the future, but I wouldn't count on it.

I hope the guys over at Magic lantern decide to get their hands on one and see how far they can push the technology inside that little box. Could be interesting...

The USB is only for software updates. (It can also recharge the internal battery, thought its very slow. )

JB

adamroberts wrote:The EF BMCC does not auto focus. The mount only controls the aperture and enables IS. You have to manually focus the lens.

Then what is the FOCUS button for? On the right side from the screen
http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/media/3 ... tadata.jpg

It toggles focus peaking.

One day, it may activate AF.

JB.

Start/Stop-Focusing using LANC is best on a Jib, or any occasion you can not reach your camera nothing more really. But still nice we have it on the BMCC

What about this one?

Manfrotto MVR911ECCN

Rumor has it that the next firmware might have AF... if photos from beta testers on Twitter who are also involved in this thread are to be believed.

I posted a link to the images earlier some time.

If what Grant said in some talks is true "fw will be universal to all camera bodies" then i see
the possibility to be super strong.

There was focus and accurate battery percentage number.

Hope ssd left would be also implemented in some point of time. Should be simple "ping" every time you stop the camera.