Libec ZFC-5HD and Focus Control for LANC (Sony/Canon) and Panasonic Cameras

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Product Specifications

Libec ZFC-5HD Zoom Controller for Sony/Canon/Panasonic HD/HDV/DV Camcorders
Compatible with Sony, Canon and Panasonic cameras
Remote REC start/stop, variable speed zoom and focus control
Remote power ON/OFF for LANC cameras
Clamp mount fits most camera support systems

Product Description

The Libec ZFC-5HD Zoom and Focus Control offers precise and variable zoom speed control available for LANC (Sony/Canon) and Panasonic cameras, controlled by a selector switch. Equipped with a 2-step zoom speed control for LANC cameras. In addition, the ZF

Product Reviews

Works, but an arrogant design decision by Libec

Build quality is as good as gets and the functions I tested that were relevant to me worked smoothly, but what provoked this review was how ridiculous the overall design is. What I saw was the big focus wheel next to the toggle switch, and I assumed a company like Libec wouldn’t leave such a major part of the user interface dead when in LANC mode, they would emulate the LANC toggle in the wheel. And vise versa with the toggle doing a smooth wheel-like movement when in Panasonic mode. I would suggest paying less money and getting the Sony/Cannon specific version, or the Panasonic specific version which is smaller and makes more sense. I think folks that are thinking about moving their controls don’t take the prime locations near fingers, etc, lightly. To leave such a large portion of an otherwise nice remote, basically dead and in-the-way, strikes me as arrogant. To me it is like saying this is how important Libec is….

Works perfect with my Canon XA20

Works perfect with my Canon XA20. I leave it mounted to the handle of my Magnus VT-4000. Silky smooth zooms (while tilt/panning) using my thumb without jiggling the camera even a bit as happens when reaching for the rocker on the camera. Very long throw on the rocker, you can have super-slow dramatic zoom, or crank that sucker. What is nice is when recording high-school concerts, I can sit down for a change, just reach up to the handle and Libec controller for everything I need to do. I have played with, but not practically used, the focus control. There is an extra pigtail, I think for Panasonic, that just dangles unused. Or it has a feature I haven’t explored.

If you have a sony this is a 5 star….

I have a panasonic hc-x1000 this works as a lanc cable but in tiny print they tell you that if you connect the focus control the camera goes into auto mode not manual and the shutter/aperture will change on you!!! that really screwed up a shoot I was doing so poooo hooo to them for not disclosing it. This is on top of the fact I was on the phone with them over a week since they’re in my town… Their head support guy didn’t know or realize this…

Great

Love this product. Delivers smooth zooms and focus techniques and holds up very well. Have 3 of these on my broadcast crew and by far the best of all of our LANC remotes.