OConnor to Intro New Fluid Heads, Tripod, and Camera Accessories at NAB 2012

OConnor to Intro New Fluid Heads, Tripod, and Camera Accessories at NAB 2012

OConnor O-Focus DM

OConnor 1030D: Courtesy of OConnor

Burbank, California: March 20, 2012 – Fluid head pioneer OConnor, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, will unveil several new offerings at the NAB Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas April 16 to 19, 2012 in booth number C6028.

Ultimate 1030D and 1030Ds fluid heads

For the first time at NAB, attendees can experience hands-on the Ultimate 1030D (30 lb/13.6kg capacity) and Ultimate 1030Ds (41 lb/18.6kg capacity) fluid heads. Designed to replace the popular Ultimate 1030HD and HDs, the new systems add sporty industrial design and features originally engineered for OConnor’s larger fluid heads. These include stepless, ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag that provides ultimate control and stability for digital cinematography shooting. Also adapted from OConnor’s heavier duty heads is the Sinusoidal Counterbalance system for true, accurate balance at any point in the tilt range. Counterbalance can be adjusted by a new ergonomic crank-style control that simply pulls out of the back of the head.

The 1030D model provides a tilt range of ±90° while the 1030Ds head has a ±60° tilt range for heavier loads up to 41 lb/18.6kg. Designed to ease the way for cinematographers to seamlessly transition from heavier to lighter payloads, both heads are ideal for use with full-format sensor lighter weight cameras, such as the RED Epic and Scarlet, Sony F3 and Canon C300.

30L Carbon Fiber Tripod

The new 30L carbon fiber tripod combines the benefits of new-age materials with precision engineering to create a support system that is lightweight, yet solid and stable. An ideal fit for the new generation of smaller Ultimate 1030D and 1030Ds fluid heads, the 30L weighs just 8.8 lbs (4 kg) and can safely and stably carry payloads of up to 209 lbs (95 kg).

O-Focus Dual Mini Follow Focus System

Joining OConnor’s growing lineup of camera and lens accessories is the new O-Focus Dual Mini, a compact, double-sided direct drive follow focus unit optimized for both still and cine-style camera lenses. It is designed to meet the exacting needs of professional camera operators and assistants. The precision gear drive of the main bridge offers a gear ratio of 1:0.75 so that 360 degrees of input results in 270 degrees of output (i.e. rotation on the drive gear).

There are two versions of the O-Focus DM: the Photo Set and the Cine Set. Each provides its own unique transmission ratio. The difference is accomplished by the use of two different types of handwheels that interface with the main bridge to generate optimized transmission output. Changing the transmission ratio is as easy as changing a lens. The handwheel(s) can be easily swapped without tools.

The Photo Set utilizes a new Hard Stop Handwheel, which has a transmission ratio of 1:1 (input: output). When coupled with the O-Focus Bridge, it yields a follow focus industry first; a 1:0.75 transmission ratio. This translates to longer, more exacting focus pulls when using limited barrel rotation still lenses for digital cinematography, and allows more precise lens control than has previously been available for these camera configurations. The hard stops enable the operator to set minimum and maximum focus points for lenses with unlimited rotation and to carry out hard focus stop pulls. To allow the focus-puller to react to unexpected movements, the unique single-hand-operated hard stop on/off switch allows for instantaneous disengagement of the end stops for critical adjustments even during the shot.

The Cine Set utilizes the existing CFF-1 Studio Handwheel, and has a transmission ratio of 1:1.8 (input:output). When coupled with the O-Focus Bridge it yields a 1:1.4 output transmission ratio well suited for cine lenses with an expanded focus scale. The Studio Handwheel is offset, so it has 360 degrees of rotation for optimum placement and view of the lens witness marks.

Universal Camera Baseplate

A breakthrough camera accessory introduced by OConnor is the Universal Camera Baseplate, designed to adapt small to medium size digital cinema cameras to the thousands of standard camera accessories available in the professional cine industry. Accommodating a wide variety of form-factors, from standard camcorders to hybrid DSLRs and compact digital cine cameras, the Universal Baseplate provides the ability to adapt each camera to a studio 15mm or 19mm bridgeplate by changing out four vertical 15mm rods (custom size rods available). It features dual 15mm LWS rod brackets that are adjustable to perfectly align the camera accessories to the optical center of the lens.

OConnor Live Events

The Vitec Live Area at the booth will feature product demonstrations plus professional cinematographers, who will speak about their work and experience. In his presentation, “Practically Digital — from Cinematography to Post,” DP Jim Geduldick will discuss shooting techniques to smooth the way for post production, on Monday, April 16th at 3pm. The complete event itinerary can be found at www.vitecliveevent.com.

For more information on OConnor, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, visit www.ocon.com, email info@ocon.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the company on Twitter; or contact OConnor, 2701 N. Ontario St, Burbank, CA 91504, Phone: 818-847-8666, Fax: 818-847-1205

About OConnor

OConnor has been the choice of professional cinematographers since the invention of the fluid head 60 years ago by founder Chad O’Connor. OConnor’s award-winning fluid heads are known for their smooth feel, fluid movement and intuitive control. Designed for film-style shooting, each facilitates seamless transition when changing payloads and offers stepless, ultra-smooth pan & tilt fluid drag for maximum control. In addition to fluid heads and tripods, OConnor offers a growing line of camera and lens accessories engineered to fill the needs of today’s fast-paced camera work. The line includes the CFF-1 and new O-Focus DM follow focus systems for cine and still photo lenses, the award-winning O-Box WM mattebox, innovative O-Grip handgrip system and the Universal Baseplate. OConnor products are respected and trusted by individual users and rental houses worldwide for their reliability, longevity and toughness.

Along with other leading brands in the broadcast industry, OConnor is part of the Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company.  For more information on OConnor, visit www.ocon.com

Vitec Videocom – innovative products around the camera.

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