EX1r zoom control not smooth.

[Mark Morgan]

I have two EX-3’s with the same problem, for over two years now, both have been back to Sony, one of the lenses was replaced, still cannot do a slow zoom on either camera with out multiple hesitations in the zoom.

Talked to my Sony rep again just a few minutes ago, when he called to ask if I was attending NAB, I’m not, he then asked if there was anything else he could do, told him was still having the zoom problem, his reply “that’s the way it is with that camera”

Stay Away from the EX-3 and it’s stock lens, it’s a great camera except for the s lens, think twice if you think Sony will support you as a customer.

[Alan Smith]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the info! We did try out a varizoom controller but with no luck. It’s not the one you have linked to though. We tried the VZ-PG-EX which seems to resemble that one. Anyway, thanks so much, I will check into it, never thought of a Canon pro controller with an adapter. If it works for me, I’ll report back.

[Bob Mark]

I’m not sure about other controllers, but my setup rocks. Reminds me of my old days in the studio, pushing big rigs around. This control system is that smooth. Good luck getting something suitable Alan.

Bob

[Hal Beery]

Bob,
Have you gotten any feedback from EX1r users? Do you think it will work the same for that model as your EX1? If so, I’m getting your rig. This is painful. Lousy zooms are inexcusable.

Hal

[Bob Mark]

[Alan Smith] “We did try out a varizoom controller but with no luck. It’s not the one you have linked to though. We tried the VZ-PG-EX which seems to resemble that one.”

Alan, did not work at all, or did it work, but the zoom was still sticky?
In looking at the VZ-PG-EX, it looks like mine except mine is silver (wish it was black). What about the VZPROEX https://www.varizoom.com/product.aspx?productID=VZPROEX

Bob

[Bob Mark]

No Hal, I don’t know about the EX1r. I would check with Sony about that. I am surprised that the Varizoom model made for the EX1 does not seem to work for some folks.

[Hal Beery] “Bob,
Have you gotten any feedback from EX1r users? Do you think it will work the same for that model as your EX1? If so, I’m getting your rig. This is painful. Lousy zooms are inexcusable.

Hal”

Bob

[Alan Smith]

Hi Bob,

The VZ-PG-EX worked but was just as sticky on zooming as not having it on there. Haven’t tried the VZPROEX, but what I do remember is asking them to send their best zoom controller because I wanted the camera to have professional zooming capabilities and would pay more on a controller to get it. That’s when they sent me the VZ-PG-EX. When did you get your EX1? Like Don was saying and from what I’ve been reading, some of the earlier cameras either didn’t have the issue or was able to get repaired.

[Bob Mark]

[Alan Smith] “The VZ-PG-EX worked but was just as sticky on zooming as not having it on there.”

OK. That leads me to believe it’s the lens, not the rocker or controller.
Have you tried contacting Fujinon? I guess they would tell you to talk to Sony. I have one of the early EX1 models. It came with firmware 1.05.
I am now on firmware 1.26. I can only imagine how frustrating this is to you.

Bob

[Bob Mark]

That’s a lousy response from Sony. I remember trying to get a Sony tech on the phone at Teaneck, NJ. I wound up giving up.

Bob

[Alan Smith]

Hi Bob,

Yeah, and that’s what the Sony guy (Lou) said as well, that the lens was designed that way so I’m not really hopeful any controller will get rid of the stutter. I was told that I could put a new lens on the ex3 we have, but the lens is about as much as the camera if not more, and that doesn’t fix the ex-1s. He left a message on my voicemail saying that I could expect the same issues with the next camera model up,the 320 (I had asked about trading up to another camera). It’s been quite the experience, stunning actually, never expected this from a sony pro product. Anyway, I really do appreciate your input and help!