Hocus Products' Smart Roller To Start Shipping

Hocus Products' new Smart Roller for Axis1 is due to start shipping in the next two weeks. Since its initial launch, the system has been updated, with new functions installed.

The Smart Roller is the new Axis1 thumb wheel focus control aimed at the brushless gimbal market to enable single operator focus control through a compact finger roller mounted on the gimbal handle bar. The product can also be used on Steadicam, tripod pan handles or shoulder mount handle bars. If required, it could also be used to control zoom instead of focus.

The Smart Roller ships with a unique band clamp, which uses a soft rubber belt to grip to any size or shaped object and which can be used to position the roller in the best place for comfortable operation. It will not scratch or crush carbon tubes, and is infinitely adjustable.

The roller is available on its own for existing Axis1 users and is also available in a package with an Axis1 receiver and motor.

The Smart Roller plugs into the Axis1 receiver with a single ultraflex cable and can control camera run stop in addition to other functions.

Peter Hoare, founder of Hocus Products, said: "Focusing whilst also operating a gimbal is difficult, but sometimes it has to be done. The Smart Roller is the perfect tool for the job, packed with features and technology to make life easier and smooth your workflow. You can change the response speed, the direction, set limits, run or stop the camera and pass control over to an Axis1 hand unit all from the Smart Roller's button panel. The Smart Roller features haptic vibration feedback to communicate with the operator silently, without the need for them to be looking away from what's important."

Image: The new Hocus Products' Smart Roller at work clamped to a camera gimbal cross-bar.

www.hocusproducts.com

(JP/LM)