Inexpensive Options for DSLR Follow Focus

[jrod81]

Who has some FF options to discuss... we know the expensive ones like RedRock and Zacuto... what are some cheaper options like Indifocus (but a company that replies to emails more efficiently)

[jrod81]

http://www.cameratown.com/articles/DSLR_Cinematography2.cfm

How bout that first option, is that just crap?

Also IDC has something worth looking at: http://www.idcphotography.com/blog/bruce-dorn/sticky-the-idc-follow-focus-patent-pending but pay attention that it only works with certain L series lenses

[jrod81]

could someone please explain to me what all you buy with a FF??? what is the issue with gears? and other things like that?

[devin wheeler]

ive heard a lot of great things about indiefocus but like you i never got an email back...

i was told to try calling them and that they are more than helpful over the phone... i plan to call them monday about my new rig...

just a thought...

[jrod81]

would the indifocus 20 work... it is designed for hv20/30/40 users so it is smaller... just thinking it would probably work fine on these dslr cams... anyone?
here it is:
http://indifocus.com/products_indifocus20.htm

[Kegan]

I'm curious about it too. I've heard the speed crank and whips from indifocus aren't too great however (I believe it was mentioned by another member on this board).

The FF might be a different story however. If so, the indislider AND FF might just have to be added to my kit. Oy...

Kegan

[jrod81]

i spoke with Tim today on the phone w/ indisystems. nice guy. he really guided me away from the focus20. he said that the focus 20 was designed more for the live event (weddings and sporting events) guy and not the music video/shorts guy. he stood by its quality but said it was not as precise and while you can typically get away with not quite perfect focus in wedding/sports and even some documentary work it is not really excused in the narrative world.
so there ya have it, take it for what its worth

[nzdnb]

Alot of people over at hv20.com recommend the D Focus. It is only $100 and is designed very well for its price. Here's the link: http://designbydave.net/dfocus/

[JPJ Studios]

Alot of people over at hv20.com recommend the D Focus. It is only $100 and is designed very well for its price. Here's the link: http://designbydave.net/dfocus/

Anyone have any experience with this FF?

[Osslund]

I would really like the learn more and read about the IDC FF from actual users. It's a simple idea and does not seam to be to complex.

[stip]

I would really like the learn more and read about the IDC FF from actual users. It's a simple idea and does not seam to be to complex.

450$?? That's a little overpriced for being almost the same as Ted Ramasola's (awesome) DIY FF

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=185853&highlight=follow+focus

[Osslund]

I didn't say cheap, just simple. That DIY really showed how it works and I guess I'm better off with another solution. Seams to wiggle when pulling.

[Anthonyb]

Alot of people over at hv20.com recommend the D Focus. It is only $100 and is designed very well for its price. Here's the link: http://designbydave.net/dfocus/

... it looks good, but you can't plug a whip into it!!

[mhood]

His site now says: " All D|Focuses now shipping standard with the Arri standard accessory port on the knob." I'm assuming that means a whip will work now? I may have to order one...

Update: OK, I ordered one. Got one large gear ring too...says it fits 2 3/4" diameter focus rings. I hope you can easily move the gear ring from lens to lens...three of my lenses are 2 3/4" diameter focus rings.

[nzdnb]

Anyone have any experience with this FF?

Theres a whole thread dedicated to it at hv20.com
here it is: http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=23626

[mhood]

K, I got my DFocus rig in yesterday. It mounted right up on my Gini rig, 7D with Tamron 17-50. It took some study but the gear ring does fit on the lens and will swap between my other lenses. It seems to work gr8 but I've never owned a FF before, so I'm a total noob at this. Man...did I mention the gr8 price? $118 US shipped.

[jrod81]

man, i need a decent FF solution... been looking at the super35... would love to find something a bit under $500 if possible but something that is tried and true...

[jrod81]

thoughts:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROAIM-Follow-focus-whip-for-5D-MARK-II-D90-xl2-ex1-7d_W0QQitemZ350279831637QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item518e4e1055

[designbydave]

I'm assuming that means a whip will work now? I may have to order one...

Yes. Industry standard whips and cranks use the same connector, both of which will work fine with the D|Focus. Sorry for the lack up updated pictures. Getting pictures taken, formatted and up on the web site is really time consuming. A lot of it I have been putting off for when my new site design gets going (almost done.)

The JAG35 guys did manage to get an updated picture for their site http://jag35.com/dfocus.html

Thanks for the order mhood, I'm glad it working out for you.

I will be more than happy to answer any questions you guys may have, either on these forums or through private email (dfocusinfo, gmail com)

@jrod81 The "Indian" Follow Focus is decent enough, better than the D|Focus in terms of durability, but roughly similar performance (backlash in the gearbox.) If you are thinking of spending that kind of money I would recommend spending a bit mroe and getting the Redrock Micro unit. Its more expensive but very high quality for half the price of other pro units. Also the "Indian" Follow Focus is a rip off of Redrock and at least one other US manufacturer's design. I would encourage you to keep your dollars in the US (that is assuming you are in the US, which is probably a horrible assumption seeing as how this is the internet and all :lipsrseal)

[jrod81]

nope- i'm in the USA- long live us... ha ha... thanks dave for the help.
i might just give your design a whirl for what $100??? can't really be beat it seems... if it ends up not working out for me i am sure i could sell it for $75 or so...

[designbydave]

i might just give your design a whirl for what $100??? can't really be beat it seems... if it ends up not working out for me i am sure i could sell it for $75 or so...

My breakdown is this - If you are a professional, get a pro follow focus. I recommend Redrock Micro on the low end and Zacuto or Cinevate on the high end. If you are an amateur or just like to make movies for fun, the D|Focus will probably be fine for you.

[ca2504]

Hello all,

I recently bought a Canon EOS 7D and I'm looking for a steady system, since my budget is rather limited I am seriously considering the Modosteady 585 which also serves as Shoulder support and table tripod (not really interested in the last), but i' have some doubts about the weight of the 7D being excessive for the Modosteady.

Has anyone tried this combination so far? What can you tell us?

Thanks in advance,

[insanityfw]

Hello all,

I recently bought a Canon EOS 7D and I'm looking for a steady system, since my budget is rather limited I am seriously considering the Modosteady 585 which also serves as Shoulder support and table tripod (not really interested in the last), but i' have some doubts about the weight of the 7D being excessive for the Modosteady.

Has anyone tried this combination so far? What can you tell us?

Thanks in advance,

YOu might want to do a search, because it's been talked about a couple of places on the forum, but I have a modosteady and don't find it to be.....eeerrr...very steady:) I've used it as a shoulder with the HV20, 7D and Gh1 and the grip is just too small for my taste.

Lots of other, better options.

One thing would be to research the Bush Hawk. You can find them for sale on Amazon, etc.

[natxbrotha]

I use the redrock follow focus and it has lasted for years now with no issues. They make a good product... the cost might be a little higher than what you want to pay, but have you considered these things yet?

How long do you want your follow focus to last?
Do you get paid to do shoots?
Is something durable and robust important to you?
Do you need a 3D marking disc or not?
Are you going to be switching lenses a lot?
Do you want your rack focuses to be smooth and accurate?
Will you be using a gear for each lens?
Do you care if you hit your focus marks spot on every time?

A follow focus can be the most important piece of gear in your tool box and is worth the extra $$.

Good luck in whatever you decide to purchase.

[drdimento]

i think one of the biggest issues is how often does one need to use FF. if you are a indie filmmaker and weekend shooter using this apparatus, then personally i think the folks over at dslr solutions dot net have the answer, its cheap, its simple, you can pack it in your gadget bag, and have a lot of useful fun with it. personally i use it for my pro gigs. there are those that say it doesn't look professional but then they don't get any work so who are they to be telling me im not looking professional.

i do 150-180 projects a year and never once have i had a client tell me i don't look professional. i do hear them say "wow that's simple enough" or "wow that is really effective" about my $100 camera dolly (uses pvc pipe lying on the floor and skate board wheels) and my follow focus.

i paid over a $1,000 for my first follow focus (cinevate type) and will be selling it on ebay for anything i can get out of it (hope to get 200 or more) because in the time it takes to set the rig up and actually get to use it, i can set up AND use the dslr solutions rig and be in my car on the way home, let alone if the client says "lets shoot this mobile over here" the former rig is one major nightmare to work with weight wise.

the next closest to me would be the IDC rig but i'll be doggone if im gonna give some guy $589 to $800 + for some painted aluminum that is hardly more than friction rubber (that my friend said slips on his stiffer lenses) when the dslr solutions rig isn't much more than the price of IDC's shipping.

i use follow focus about 1-2x a week and by far it is the most comprehensive cost value of any piece of gear ive ever bought. in fact, i would go so far as to say this, if one is shopping for follow focus and has ANY question as to what kind of FF to get . . buy the dslr solutions rig and if you are not satisfied get the other, you certainly won't have lost anything and it will serve as a GREAT back up when the biggie solution either doesn't fit some lens OR it fails miserably on location. not i didn't say IF but said WHEN.

for me i LOVE simple AND i don't get paid nor have any interest in the dslr solutions rig and don't even know them other than being a customer. :-)

[gonzo_entertainment]

You get what you pay for. I have the Redrock V2 (can't remember for sure, but about $500 if I recall) and it's really JUST good enough to really be usable. It's going to need to be upgraded eventually.

[analog_addict]

The dslr solutions 'rig' is bad because you are still manually manipulating the lens causing shake and movement. A follow focus removes this problem and allows for smooth rack focuses without having your hand on the lens or a bit of metal attached to the lens.

Also I can't believe they charge $60 for something you could make yourself very easily for around $5

[drdimento]

....Also I can't believe they charge $60 for something you could make yourself very easily for around $5

Can surely understand that. I can't believe anyone can charge hundreds for a few pieces of aluminum and a little machine and when you look at the follow focus components talk about captive market selling :)