Preston FI+Z3 G4 KIT

The Preston FI+Z3 G4 KIT controls the complete array of both lens and camera functions. It consists of the Hand Unit HU3, one or more Motor Drivers (for 3D), a set of Digital Motors, a Micro Force zoom control, and a variety of optional controls including wireless Focus/Iris, Zoom, and F/X units.
 
The HU3 gives focus pullers not only a robust and reliable unit but one whose controls equip the focus puller to smoothly translate the changing actors’ positions on set to a precise movement of the focus knob. It integrates its 30 channel 2.4GHz wireless link into a new splash-resistant housing. Weather sealed tactile switches are used throughout. The integrated microwave antenna is protected from impact. The iris slider uses a unique non contact technology to eliminate the opening required for a conventional sliding seal.
 
Generation 4 (G4) transceivers address the challenges brought about by the proliferation of wireless devices using the 2.4 GHz wireless band. Their new architecture results in a greatly improved ability to reject interference from other devices operating in the same band as well as out of band interference. The improvement in performance is quite significant, typically 10x or better interference rejection than previous transceivers. In addition, their lower power consumption doubles the operating time of the HU3 on battery power compared to its predecessor.
 
New software called “Lens Mapping” matches the focus distances of a lens to a set of five pre-printed Focus Marking Rings. These rings differ in their minimum focus distance from 9″ (.35m) to 6′ (2m). The on-board lens library holds data for 150 lenses. Calibration for a lens change only requires the few seconds to choose the lens from the library. The primary references for the focus puller are the distance marks on the focus rings. The set of focus rings have large, easy to read, distance marks printed on a bright fluorescent background for excellent visibility under all lighting conditions. The rings are automatically illuminated in low light conditions by a pair of white LED’s.
 
A bright OLED display shows camera, lens, and Hand Unit set-up status. Focus settings can be displayed digitally for Cooke i-Lenses, or any lens which has been calibrated to the unit. Multiple focus marks can be displayed in a new focus display mode called “show”. This mode gives an easy to interpret bargraph representation the distance set by the focus knob and any focus marks entered by the user.
 
An integrated hand grip and molded focus knob grip imparts comfortable operation. The zoom bargraph shows both the zoom lens position as well as user set end limits. End limits are set with Set/ Reset tactile switches arranged in three groups. An LED in each group indicates when limits have been set.
 
The HU3 allows for programming camera speed and shutter angle. Power is provided by widely available FM-50 Li-Ion batteries.