Mark Woods

As much as this situation sucks, if some doesn't pay I find it's almost always because they haven't had the money through to them from their own client. Whilst we all serve invoices generally on 30 day terms, it's not common for big corporations to pay on 120 day terms or even longer. Under those circumstances, it can be extremely difficult to say the least for small production outfits to keep their heads above the water in cashflow terms. And if they all just gave up, we'd all be out of a lot of work that *does* eventually pay. It's really the production company's job to collect the portion that is earmarked to pay the crew from the client up front; if they haven't done thier part, then it is their fault when they haven't enough to pay you in a timely manner Just my 2 cents Mark

I've been so busy I only have time to surf the web after hours... I'll call Hill today since I've got the day off. I heard that there was a guy at Panavision that was making them, and that they might even still be available through them, but i've had no luck there either. Thanks for all of the help! Mark

You can use any (digital) motor out there; Preston DM1 or 2, Scorpio, Heden, Panavision, Arri, even integral (analog or digital) motors on ENG style lenses; you name it, the CMotion will operate it. I'm trying to get a cable to operate the panazoom motor, but no luck yet. BTW, you don't have to self calibrate the lens, you just operate the portion of the lens you want... I've had the same problem with the Primo Macro zoom when lookng strait down with a Preston; the front element group is just too heavy The new motor control box has a voltage booster so when you are using a 12 volt camera the motors (which usually need more juice) will still have enough power to complete the task, even if it's cold... My guess is that there was some play in the motor clamps; I've noticed that it will give me grief if the iris rods slip a bit. I took me a while to figure out how to work around it, but you don't have to scrap the system because it won't calibrate. Don't get me wrong, for the price the Bartec is the best system around, but it has it's limitations, like no camera control and no 2-way communication, and only one channnel per hand unit. It's kind of like comparing a dual core pentium with a wang, or an amiga... one does some things quite well even today, but you can't really compare them on all levels, because one does so much more than the other. Any ideas about the Motor mount that fits on the front of a Panaflex? I still can't find any pictures of the one I saw. It needs to either have or allow rods (any size); No rosettes. Thanks, Mark

I just purchased a complete system including a wireless zoom control. Way more ergonomic than the Preston, or any other. Small, Light and smart. Works with any motor system out there, I got the Heden motors which allow instant gear changes and swaps from side to side with no tools. No waiting list, and cheaper than Preston. Can order a case from the MFGR custom fitted. I don't think the Arri guys are involved, though the last name of one guy is the same as an Arri guy... supposedly no relation. The Display can work independently of the hand unit with it's own wireless link; now the DP (or Director) can trigger the speed ramps, roll or cut camera, change FPS or Shutter angle and more without being attached to the AC. The tiny zoom control can mount to the gimbal so you can pull your own zoom, or attach to the pan handle while the AC still has focus and iris. Operates video lenses with the ENG internal motors. Display also works with as Virtual lens display, though it doesn't know if the motor has jumped off the lens... remembers lenses by serial number, so once it's memorized ("Calibrated") it will always be accurate. Interfaces with cinetape and displays actual focus vs. suggested focus, and, yes, it will pull focus for you. I've already got a Preston and it's gonna get dusty. One Issue only: Mounting the tiny Heden motors is much easier on Arri rods under the lens than Pana rods on the side (same as any system) I've seen a sweet motor mount for the Panaflex that mounts to the modular follow focus attachment that allows 2 motors (iris and focus) or 1 motor only (if you remove the side arm) to operate from that point, but don't know who made it. Does the Hill system use rosettes or rods? I think Preston makes this mount as well, though I haven't seen any pictures anywhere... Any ideas? Thanks, Mark