Compact circular connectors on film cameras with self-locking bayonet design, supplying power directly from camera battery to follow focus and accessories.
Standard Hirose connectors in film cameras use the HR10A format with a 10.2mm outer diameter and a self-locking bayonet connector. The contacts are made of gold-plated bronze with a contact resistance of a maximum of 20 milliohms at 100mA. Typical configurations are 4-pin for power supply (12V/24V), 6-pin for motor control, and 12-pin for complex camera accessory communication. The connector cycle life is at least 500 connections at ambient temperatures from -55°C to +125°C.
In 1973, Arriflex introduced the first Hirose connector in the 16SR, as conventional XLR connectors were too large for compact film cameras. Panavision adopted Hirose standards for the Panaflex series in 1981. From 1995 onwards, the HR10A-7P established itself as the industry standard for electronic camera accessories. RED Digital Cinema used modified Hirose connectors for the RED ONE starting in 2007, while ARRI switched to proprietary LEMO systems with the ALEXA in 2010.
Hirose connectors power follow-focus systems, electronic viewfinders, and wireless receivers directly from the camera battery. In "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), 6-pin Hirose connectors enabled remote control of camera pans over distances of 30 meters. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the compact design for handheld shots. The self-locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnection during camera movements, while the gold contacts resist corrosion in humid climates.
LEMO connectors offer higher sealing (IP68 versus IP40 for Hirose), but are 40% more expensive and larger. Fischer Connectors dominate outdoor shooting under extreme conditions. D-Tap connectors have largely replaced standard Hirose for simple power supply. Modern cameras like the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF use USB-C and 6-pin LEMO, while older film equipment continues to rely on Hirose compatibility.
Ich verlasse mich bei meiner Sony FX9 auf die Hirose-Verbindung für den Preston-Follow-Focus, weil sie auch bei schnellen Schwenks niemals löst. Die kompakte Bauform stört nicht am Kamerabody und ich kann das Kabel in einer Bewegung mit dem Bajonett-Dreh fixieren - bei LEMO brauche ich immer beide Hände.
Hirose-Steckverbinder geben mir die Flexibilität, drahtlos gesteuerte Kamerabewegungen auch in engen Räumen zu realisieren, wo größere Verbinder am Türrahmen hängen bleiben würden. Bei Dialogszenen kann ich den Focus-Puller drei Meter entfernt positionieren, ohne dass Kabel im Bild störend sichtbar werden.
Ein Hirose-Steckverbinder kostet 45 Euro gegenüber 78 Euro für LEMO - bei 20 Kamera-Setups summiert sich das auf 660 Euro Ersparnis pro Produktion. Defekte Hirose-Verbinder kann unser Kamera-Assistent vor Ort löten, während LEMO-Reparaturen den Spezialisten erfordern und einen Drehtag kosten können.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Hirose"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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