how to increase the "weight" on a Bartech remote

[Evrim KAYA]

Hello everyone,

 

I recently bought a used analog Bartech with m-one motor. I am the 3rd owner and it still works like a charm and I think I’ll be using it for a long time.

 

Although it works perfectly, I want to increase the friction on the focus knob. My assistant said he couldn’t feel the weight on the wheel. Being an ex-focus puller I think the focus knob could use a little bit more weight but this is no way a deal breaker for me.

 

I contacted Jim Bartell but he couldn’t offer me a solution about this. I wonder if anyone on the forum felt like the wheel on the BFD is a little too responsive and if so how did you dealt with it?

 

Ps: this request is in no way about the BFD’s quality or reliability. It’s purely about personal preference. I’m a huge fan of this product.

[RonBaldwin]

I think the best thing to do is to politely suggest that the assistant use his own remote focus, which obviously must be more to his liking.

[Evrim KAYA]

I think the best thing to do is to politely suggest that the assistant use his own remote focus, which obviously must be more to his liking.

 

hahah. good idea Ron! as i said, this is no way a major concern for me. i just wanted to do a little survey about this subject and hear possible ways to increase the "weight".

 

but still if someone asks me about what to buy i always say "go Bartech"

[David M. Aronson]

Hit him over the head with it a few times and then ask him if it has enough "Weight"

A follow focus with and adjustable friction knob would be a nice feature, I don't know how to do it on the current bartech though.

[William Demeritt]

Woe is us, desperately searching for someone who might have an answer to this RIDDLE of our generation!?

[James Davis]

Could always "go Preston" standard feature in all current Preston remotes ;)

 

Other than that, come up with an imaginary alternative focus puller, I don't know lets say....John and just say:

 

"Well that's really strange, john seems to be able to use it just fine"

 

Then maybe he'll stop whining :P

Edited July 10, 2012 by James Davis

[Ben Rowsell]

 

Ps: this request is in no way about the BFD’s quality or reliability. It’s purely about personal preference. I’m a huge fan of this product.

 

 

Hi Evrim,

 

Firstly this is a completely reasonable query and I don't think you should feel you need to add disclaimers such as above in fear of upsetting anyone - after all this isn't reduser!!

 

The drag adjustment on the Preston handset is certainly something I value, although it's purely ergonomic and has no effect on functionality or responsiveness. I do on occasion make that adjustment when the handset feels to me too tight or loose, and yes the feel does matter, even if it's just psychological. I think having a certain amount of friction on the handset makes you feel as if you have a more physical connection to the lens, rather than just electronic.

 

I haven't used the Bartech system for many years now, but I do remember it being very light on the movement.

 

I would say that the fact Jim Bartell has said it can't be done gives you your answer.

 

Regards,

 

Ben Rowsell

1st AC

[Fabian Meller]

 

Other than that, come up with an imaginary alternative focus puller, I don't know lets say....John and just say:

 

"Well that's really strange, john seems to be able to use it just fine"

 

 

haha good one! need to remember that ;)

[Evrim KAYA]

Hey Ben,

 

You’re right about query. I think it’s a reasonable one too. It’s a feature that I wish BFD had which could have made it even a better product.

 

The “disclaimers” was there not from the fear of upsetting people but from the fear that people may misunderstand me. I had to underline my true feelings about this product because we have some very excited people on the forum and they are able to jump to conclusion which may or may not be compatible with my own. I already lived that though the great arm debate. And I don’t want to be misunderstood again. This is perhaps due to my English.

 

Anyhow,

 

Of course everyone has the right to not like a certain product and express this feeling. And if this particular feature was a deal breaker for me or another aspect of the BFD left me disappointed I’d openly discuss it. (I.e. not being able to keep the calibration when you turn the receiver off is a deal breaker for me on Bartech digital. That’s why I’m waiting that Jim finds a solution before I make the purchase.)But this wasn’t the case with the BFD analog and I only wanted to have some practical input from fellow operators without turning it into brand loyalty issue.