cmotion
cmotion is the most versatile lens control system on the market. A set up can start as a small investment and be slowly built up over time. From the single channel czoom II to the 2, 4 and 8 motor cmotion lens control systems, cmotion has a configuration that can meet the needs of any production. Thanks to its modular design a system can start as a 2 motor package and be easily upgraded to 4 or 8 motors without the need to sell back the original parts.
cmotion is ergonomically designed for ease of use. The cvolution hand unit is lean and light and the full 8 motor system is the smallest in the world. The hand unit can easily be switched from right to left-handed operators and back again. The functionality allows for great flexibility and can be customized by the user or can be left on factory settings easy to use by a focus puller new to the system. cmotion is also the leader in 3D functionality in the industry.
With the cdisplay, the cmotion lens control system offers comprehensive lens information remotely. The cdisplay can also deliver a live video feed with a lens data overlay and is the only system that enables focus pulling “around a corner.” The system can be used with Cinetape as well as the cmotion laser-based cfinder.
To fully understand the cmotion system, one must start with its parts:
camin
The ‘camin’ (camera interface) is the main motor control box for the cmotion Lens Control System.
Built with modularity and affordability in mind it can easily be upgraded from a 2 motor (FI, sync F, or Rig control) to a 4 motor (FI-Z, sync FI, sync FZ, Sync F and rig), all the way to an 8 motor (sync FI-Z with I/A and Convergence). The camin can be used to control most digital lens motors (Heden, Arri, Preston, Scorpio, etc).
Coming soon the camin will be available with the ability to store user settings to a USB stick…meaning set up a rental system once and take your settings with you for next time. Also coming soon is the +TC camin allowing for timecode and metadata to be downloaded to a USB stick and handed over to your DIT.
cmotion takes lens control seriously and with camadeus’ unique partnership with cmotion means our clients get first rate service and support.
The 4 and 8 motor models include 2 RS ports (power), 1 cBus port (hardwire for cmotion and 3rd party devices), 2 EXT ports (connect to camera and 3rd party devices), and 1 USB port (not yet implemented
New features
- Arri Alexa Plus Integration -In cooperation with ARRI, the ARRI Alexa Plus Module will be integrated into the cvolution system. The cmotion hand units and the cdisplay II will have equal functionality to the ARRI wireless system.
- Timecode module for camin
- The new camin, named +TC, will enable recording lens, camera and rig data for each frame on USB memory sticks.
- Import/Export of User Settings
User data, such as synchronized scales or motor assignment can be stored on a memory stick. Any cvolution camin worldwide will be able to import stored settings and bring your personal preferences to your current system.
Details
| 2 motor | 300g (10.6oz) |
| 3 motor | 325g (11.5oz) |
| 4 motor | 480g (16.9oz) |
| 8 motor | 520g (18.3oz) |
| *each additional M26VE will add ~266g (9.4oz) | |
| *each additional M21VE will add ~153g (5.4oz) |
cvolution Handunit
Designed with modularity in mind, the ergonomic cvolution hand unit can be configured for any situation.
The cvolution hand unit sets new standards in both ergonomic design and modularity. Whether you require a simple wireless focus control system or a full 8 motor 3d system, cvolution offers a revolutionary modular solution. Synchronised lens control and independent rig motors can be controlled using either a single cvolution unit or shared between two units. And, thanks to the unique design, cvolution is equally functional and comfortable for left or right-handed operators.
cvolution’s unique features
- Established and exclusive cmotion technology
- Designed for right or left-handed operation
- Modular hand unit can be expanded from single to multiple motor control
- Integrated main unit display, clear status and function display
- Mounting interface for attaching hand unit to camera
- Robust construction
- Integrated Advanced 3D lens and rig control features, such as linking scales and synchronizing scale motor pairs
- Individual (wood, metal or plastic) hand grip possibilities
- Upgradable with unique cmotion accessories and functions
- Remains operational even if the display becomes damaged
Integrated main unit display
- camera status and speed*
- focus and iris motor position
- motor setting control
- battery and connection status
*available for most film cameras – requires 8p/12p cable
cdisplay II
Developments in technology have not always made a focus puller’s job easier. Some set-ups, for example Steadicam and crane work, make it more of a challenge for focus pullers to be positioned next to or close to the camera. So, what happens when the camera starts moving? Where is the middle of the frame? And, is the frame actually in focus? With the original cdisplay, the focus puller was provided with technical lens data. The new cdisplay II however can provide a real-time video image direct from the camera (with the option of lens data overlay) wherever you are in relation to the camera, helping you to stay in focus.
All on one screen
The new cdisplay II is a valuable assistant for every focus puller. Based on the feedback and recommendations we have received from focus pullers around the world, the cmotion team have successfully developed a modular video display as part of the award winning cmotion wireless lens and camera control system. By using the cdisplay II, focus pullers can see the same real-time image as the cameraman, with the added advantage of selectable and moveable lens and camera data. Therefore you can remain focused on a single display, while staying focused on the shot. It is possible to view video with lens data as an overlay in landscape orientation, or as a split screen in portrait:
Check yourself
Time is money, and as a result, shoots are getting faster and faster. Was my last take actually in focus, or was it soft? cdisplay II has an internal memory with the ability to store up to 2 hours of Video and technical data (focus and iris value, etc.) As soon as the camera is rolling, cdisplay II can record video with lens and camera data. After each shot, the focus puller is able to replay the video and technical data on the cdisplay II without assistance from video village. Although the screen might be on the small side to judge focus, the lens and camera data for each take is also available. So, if in doubt, the focus puller can check the real focus distance and compare it with the used focus distance on the display. This exclusive video and lens data recording function provides the focus pullers with greater flexibility and confidence in their job.
“Frame it”
2 pre-set Frame lines and a moveable crosshair can be added to the video view. It is also possible to edit the size of the frame and the color of both.
Features
- 4.3’’ touch screen
- Landscape and portrait operation
- Graphical, real time depiction of lens movement including depth of field
- Wireless live video, compatible with Canatrans and Modulus 3000
transmitters - Display real time lens data as overlay, add crosshairs and frame lines
- Record and playback for video and lens data
- Camera control including speed and depth of field ramps
- Autofocus capability with either cmotion’s cfinder or the Cinetape system
- Use a memory stick to store your video clips directly on an external device
- Connect the cdisplay to a PC for software updates and lens data transfer
cfinder
The cfinder is an optical distance measurement tool with an invisible beam. It measures distances from 0.3m to 300m with readings updated up to 50 times a second and an accuracy range of +/- 0.05m at maximum distance. To visualize the point of focus/ measurement, a switch controlled laser pointer has been incorporated into the unit. For invisible laser sharp reference while filming, a telescopic sight can be easily mounted to the cfinder by means of a quick fastener.
The operator can either mount the cfinder with brackets to various cameras or operate as a stand alone unit on a separate tripod beside the camera. Using the CBUS interface cable, two way communication can be established between the cfinder and camin (also the source of power). The camin will then send wireless measurement information to the cdisplay. This information can be used to identify depth of field, enable auto focusing and preset distance limits where all other distance values are ignored.
Specifications
| Dimensions (without shaft extractor): | 140mm x 72mm x 106mm |
| Weight: | 700g |
| Supply Voltage: | 10V – 30V DC |
| Power Consumption: | 5 W |
| Measurement Range: | 0,3m to over 300m |
| Accuracy: | +/- 0,03 up to 8m, +/- 0,05 over 8m |
| Speed of Measurement updates: | 50x second |
| Temperature Range: | -20°C - +60°C |
| Interfaces: | BUS-Interface, Power supply, interface for a pointer |
cvolution zoom
The cvolution zoom is an extension module of the cvolution Lens Control System. It controls the zoom motor(s).
There are several ways to integrate the cvolution zoom in the cvolution lens control system. It can be attached directly to the cvolution hand unit. It can be used in stand-alone mode when used in combination with the cvolution handle. The cvolution zoom/handle configuration can be either to the camin 2/4/8 or the cvolution hand unit via CBUS cable.
- ergonomic control of Zoom motor
- can easily be attached to the cvolution hand unit
- or used in stand alone mode with the cvolution handle
Integrated zoom display
- zoom motor position
- digital speed control
- digital lens limit
cvolution Accessories
CBUS splitter
The CBUS splitter allows connection of more CBUS devices to the camin or hand unit, such as a cfinder or cdisplay II. You can use multiple splitters.
cvolution slider
The cvolution slider is a controller for the system’s hand unit. It is usually used as a secondary controller for iris or zoom in 2d operation. In stereoscopic cinematography it is commonly employed to control various 3D rig axes such as Interaxial or Convergence. The slider features a locking thumb screw. Up to two sliders can be used per hand unit.
cvolution basic knob
The cvolution basic knob is the standard controller for the cvolution hand unit. Usually used for controlling focus, it is lightweight, ergonomical and intuitive to use and yet economical. The knob can be mounted for right or left-handed use.
cvolution advanced knob
The cvolution advanced knob is an improved controller for the cvolution hand unit that retains all the features and ease of use of the basic knob. Its main advantages are:
- - mechanical knob limits
- - a locking mechanism
- - torque adjustment
- - and an illuminated scale
cvolution mounting tools
clamp
The clamp is used to mount the cdisplay directly to the hand unit. The cdisplay will be powered by the hand unit’s battery.
cfastener
The cfastener is a universal clamp for secure attachment to rods 15-28mm (e.g. support rods or the pan bar). The clamp comes with two 1/4 inch screws to allow attachment of various pieces of equipment.
cfast-zoom
Attaches various cvolution system components to the pan bar, support rods or any other 15-28 mm rods.
cfast-vlock
The cfast-vlock allows the secure and fast attachment of a camin 2M/4M/8M on cameras, 3D rigs or other 15-28 mm rods. The cfast-vlock consist of a v-shaped plate that can be screwed to the camin and the respective v-lock bracket allowing low profile connection.
cfast-artemis
Secures the camin to the Sachtler Artemis camera stabilizing system.
Cables
cmotion offers a large variety of cables to make sure, that every camera and can be controlled.
| CBUS -cables | ||||
| cable CCB-1 | C0EE-K01 | CBUS cable (Le m8p, Le m8p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||
| cable CCB-2 | C0EE-K02 | CBUS cable (Le m8p, Le m8p) 6m/19ft 8in | ||
| cable CCB-3 | C0EE-K03 | CBUS cable (Le m8p, Le m8p) 10m/33ft | ||
| cable CCB-7 | C0EE-K07 | Used to connect legacy cmotion devices (e.g. cfinder) | ||
| CBUS cable (Le m8p, Fi m7p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable CCB-8 | C0EE-K08 | CBUS helix cable (Le m8p, Le m8p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||
| cable CCT-1 | C0EE-051 | Used to connect Cinetape range finders to cvolution | ||
| camin (Le m8p, Le m6p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable CEB-1 | C0EE-K11 | CBUS extension cable (Le m8p, Le f8p) 10m/33ft | ||
| cable CPC-3 | C0EE-K43 | CBUS to RS-232 Cable (Le m8p, Fi f3p) 2m/6ft 7in | ||
| cable CPC-4 | C0EE-K44 | CBUS to RS-232 Cable (Le f8p, Fi f3p) 2m/6ft 7in | ||
| cable CMP-1 | C0EE-K61 | CBUS to Sony MPE-200 Cable (Le m8p, DSUB-9) 0.2m/8 in | ||
| cable CMP-2 | C0EE-K62 | CMP-1 to Sony CRANE Cable (DSUB-9, Ta m12p) 0.2m/8 in | ||
| Motor Cables | ||||
| cable CHM-1 | C0EE-K81 | Heden/Preston motor cable, straight plug | ||
| (Le m7p, Le m7p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable CHM-2 | C0EE-K82 | Heden/Preston motor cable, right angle plug | ||
| (Le m7p, Le m7p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| Aaton Camera Cables | ||||
| cable RAR-1 | C019-KE1 | Aaton Run Cable for XTR, 35 III | ||
| (Fi m16p, Le m6p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RAR-3 | C019-KE3 | CCU cable for Arri 435, 535, 16SR3 | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m8p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RAR-5 | C019-KE5 | Aaton Run Cable for Minima | ||
| (Fi m16p, Le m6p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RAR-8 | C019-KE8 | Aaton Run and Supply Y-Cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Le m6p, Le m6p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RAS-1 | C019-KE7 | Aaton Run Supply | ||
| (Fi f3p, Le m6p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RAI-1 | C019-KF1 | Aaton Run Cable for XTR, 35 III | ||
| (Fi m16p, Le m8p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| ARRI Camera Cables | ||||
| cable RCI-1 | C019-K21 | Camera Interface for Arri | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m11p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RCC-1 | C019-K91 | CCU cable for Arri 435, 535, 16SR3 | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m8p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-1 | C019-K31 | RS cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-3 | C019-K33 | RS cable for EXT connector | ||
| (Fi 16p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-8 | C019-K38 | RS helix cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| Moviecam Cables | ||||
| cable RMR-1 | C019-KK1 | Moviecam Run Cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m2p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RMP-1 | C019-KK5 | Moviecam Power Cable | ||
| (Fi 16p, Fi 2p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| Panavision Cables | ||||
| cable RPI-3 | C019-KH1 | Panavision Run Cable for Millenium, Millenium XL, Gold, Gold II, PFX-16, Panastar II | ||
| Fi m16p, Le m10p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RPP-1 | C019-KH2 | Panavision Supply Cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Le m2p), 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RPR-1 | C019-KH3 | Panavision Remote Cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Le m4p), 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RPR-5 | C019-KH5 | Panavision Genesis run cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Le m10p), 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| RED Cables | ||||
| cable RRR-1 | C019-KR1 | RED One Run and Playback Cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Le m10p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RER-1 | C019-KR5 | RED Epic Run Cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, BNC), 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| Canon Lens | ||||
| cable RVC-1 | C019-KC3 | cable for Canon ENG lens – digital motor | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi m20p), 0.8m/2ft 7in – via analog interface | ||||
| cable RVC-3 | C019-KC5 | cable for Canon Zoom ENG Lens – analog motor | ||
| (Fi m16p, Ta m8p) | ||||
| cable RVC-5 | C019-KC6 | Y-cable for Canon Zoom ENG lens, digital motor (Zoom & Focus) | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi m8p & Hi m6p) 0.8m/2ft 7in – analog motor | ||||
| Fujinon Lens | ||||
| cable RVF-1 | C019-KC9 | Y-cable for Fujinon ENG lens – digital motor | ||
| (Fi m16p – 2 x Hi m12p) 0.8m/2ft 7in – via analog | ||||
| cable RVF-3 | C019-KCD | cable for Fujinon Zoom ENG lens – analog motor | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi m8p), 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RVF-4 | C019-KCE | cable for Fujinon Focus ENG lens – digital motor via analog interface | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi m12p) 0.8m/ 2ft 7in | ||||
| RRS Cables (Run Cables) | ||||
| cable RRS-1 | C019-K31 | Arri RS run cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-3 | C019-K33 | RS cable for EXT connector | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-5 | C019-K35 | open RS cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, open) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-6 | C019-K36 | XLR to RS run cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, XLR m4p), 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-7 | C019-K37 | Anton Bauer to RS run cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, AB m2p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-8 | C019-K38 | Arri RS run cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-9 | C019-K39 | RS cable Artemis | ||
| (Fi f3p, Le mf4p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-A | C019-K3A | 35III, F23 run cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Fi m11p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-B | C019-K3B | P+S Technic Pro35 RS cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-C | C019-K3C | P+S Mini RS cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-E | C019-K3E | Steadicam Ultra2 RS cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Le m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-F | C019-K3F | Steadicam Chrosziel RS cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Hi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RRS-G | C019-K3G | MKV Steadicam RS cable | ||
| (Fi f3p, Le m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable AER-1 | C019-KL1 | adapter from EXT. connector – RS connector | ||
| (Fi m16p, Fi m3p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| Video Cables | ||||
| cable RVI-1 | C019-KC1 | video camera interface cable | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi m12p) 0.8m/ 2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RVI-2 | C019-KC2 | video camera interface and supply calbe | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi m12p) 0.8m/ 2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RVI-3 | C019-KCA | video camera interface and supply Y-cable to EXT interface | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi 12p & AB m2p) 0.8m/2ft 7in | ||||
| cable RVI-4 | C019-KCB | video camera interface cable, iris control via camera accessories | ||
| (Fi m16p, Hi m12p) 0.8m/ 2ft 7in |
Please notice:
Cables are referred to in reference to their connectors as follows: Connector manufacturer, Connector type, Number of contacts, Connector angle.
Connector manufacturer
Fi = W.W.Fischer
Le = Lemo
Hi = Hirose
DSUB = PC Dsub Interface
XLR = Battery XLR Interface
AB = Anton Bauer
Connector type
m = male
f = female
mf = mixed male & female
Number of contacts
3p, 4p, etc.
Connector angle
ra right angle
A cable is described as follows: The first connector interface specified is the one connecting to the cmotion equipment; the second connector interface is the one connecting to the third-party device. In case requiring a Y cable, the various third-party connector interfaces are linked with “&” signs.
Example:
Fi m7p – Le mf4p ra
Connector to the cmotion equipment
| Manufacturer: | Fischer |
| Connector type: | male |
| Number of contacts: | 7 |
Connector to the third-party equipment:
| Manufacturer: | Lemo |
| Connector type: | mixed male & female |
| Number of contacts: | 4 |
| With a right angle cable strain relief | |
In general, the cmotion equipment comes with the following connector interfaces:
| CBUS: | Fi f7p |
| RS interface: | Fi m3p |
| EXT (extension) interface: | Fi f16p |
| MOT (motor) interface: | Fi f12p |
