my attempt to build a Follow Focus

[CLD]

Ok DIY'rs, I figured that I want to start to build my own DIY Follow Focus for the 35mm camera. Yes, I can just buy one, but If I can create one, why not? But I would need some help from anyone out there who experienced this..

I actually found a gear box, (it's not easy finding a gearbox in US thats fairly inexpensive) I actually found a Tee gearbox, which is 3 way, not 2, which I hope gives me the possibility to build knobs on both sides.

Question is, where do I find big knobs and the right gears? And what is the best way to attach them to the gearbox? I saw some gears on Radio shack for trucks and etc.

I'm looking to create my own gear rings, but what is the right size gear i need to use? I plan to make it universal so I will add hex screws to it. I probably need a fairly large gear.

Isn't different lenses mean different focal ring sizes? I'm guessing the FF is not static, but adjustable to the lens right?

Anyone know?

[chuck coburn]

Ok DIY'rs, I figured that I want to start to build my own DIY Follow Focus for the 35mm camera. Yes, I can just buy one, but If I can create one, why not? But I would need some help from anyone out there who experienced this..

I actually found a gear box, (it's not easy finding a gearbox in US thats fairly inexpensive) I actually found a Tee gearbox, which is 3 way, not 2, which I hope gives me the possibility to build knobs on both sides.

Question is, where do I find big knobs and the right gears? And what is the best way to attach them to the gearbox? I saw some gears on Radio shack for trucks and etc.

I'm looking to create my own gear rings, but what is the right size gear i need to use? I plan to make it universal so I will add hex screws to it. I probably need a fairly large gear.

Isn't different lenses mean different focal ring sizes? I'm guessing the FF is not static, but adjustable to the lens right?

Anyone know?

Here's a couple of sites for gears etc.

http://www.sdp-si.com/D790/D790cat.htm

http://www.qtcgears.com/Q410/Q410Cat.htm

Also check out Berg I don't have their address handy.

Chuck

[chuck coburn]

Also if I remember right cine lenses use a 32 pitch 14 1/2 degree gear. But you check to be sure.

Chuck

[CLD]

omg those gears are SOOOO expensive! What's the point??

Any other sites for gears?

Anything from the rc car or hobby sites?

what does the 32 pitch 14 1/2 degree mean? What exactly do I look for?

[Rodney V. Smith]

Dude I just built a follow focus with a $5 fishing reel from Walmart and gears from an Epson printer. I used the Gear Belt from the Epson around my lens. I've also been looking at the Aquatica Zoom Gear to replace that.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=105145&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

twocik had reccommended a helicopter gear from a model store, but the biggest challenge there would be coring out the center in a perfect circle, directly in the center... so I haven't tried THAT yet.

Knobs... I'm still working on that one.

The biggest challge so far has been positioning the FF so that there is not shift at all going from tripod to hand-held. Good luck...

[chuck coburn]

omg those gears are SOOOO expensive! What's the point??

Any other sites for gears?

Anything from the rc car or hobby sites?

what does the 32 pitch 14 1/2 degree mean? What exactly do I look for?

Hi CLD,

I kinda used shorthand on the above. More properaly I should have said 32 diametral pitch or teeth per inch. By 141/2 degree I should have said 141/2 degree pressure angle. Anyhow here is a site with that describes gear specs. better than I do. Once again I'm going by memory on those specs. for cine lenses and video could be something else altogeather. So best to check to be sure.

http://www.sdp-si.com/D190/HTML/D190T25.htm

Chuck

[CLD]

wow chuck.. that link is very complicated.

so I did some research, I might go for a 70 teeth, 32 pitch gear in those hobby stores and hopefully it is big enough. I read a bit more and they sell hole saws for drills, so then I can just make a perfect circle out of it. Im planning on drilling mini holes, and screwing mini screws in to fasten to the lens.

as for knobs, I did some more research and it's called fluted knobs. I found this:

http://www.fairradio.com/catalog.php?mode=viewitem&item=763

ah looks like a winner, a knob with a pointer? I want to find something wider, like in the 3 inch range, but oh well. I plan to purchase a plastic whiteboard and round cut it as well.

puck, those aquatic gears are a bit pricey no? I know other sites sell them cheaper, like the indifocus gear rings. For the Gear and Pinion, does the gears slip off as you make the focus? I was wondering if you place washers on both ends on the pinion side, that would help stay on right, or is it wide enough not to worry?

I realized that I might need to find a way to adjust the FF unit left to right for different sized lenses. Is that true? How did you work with it?

And what type of shafts and nut/bolts did you use to connect all of them. I probably need 3 shafts, 2 short, one long. Where do I find a shaft around that thick and a stub that connects them?

[twocik23]

I'm glad to see that the fishing reel worked out for you, yea I felt a little silly putting it up at first, but hey it works right?


"had reccommended a helicopter gear from a model store,"


You can use a Helicopter or a RC race car gear. The helicopter gear is easier to hollow out, but the RC race car gear is going to take a little time. Before I bought my mill, I used a drill and a hole saw, worked great. I then used a file to shave the rest smooth.

Good luck.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I decided to mod mine out first ad get it working before posting pic of it... felt less silly when I could announce success :-D

I really wanna try the helicopter gear, but no tools to hollow it out yet, so taking my time with that one.. some things require care and that focus gear is definitely a biggie

[CLD]

oh crap, I just noticed I purchased gearboxes that's like close to 6 inches length! good one *pat myself in the back*.. Well, I hope it still works out for the best.. er..

I purchased my gears and pinions, 32pitch.. now I got to wait..

does anyone know anything about the aperture gear from ikelite? Looks pretty sturdy, but what you think?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=24492&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[Rodney V. Smith]

I never even saw that one.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/24492.jpg

It's gotta be sturdy AND it's cheap enough that you wont have to shoot yourself if it turns out to be the wrong size or anything. Think I might try this one out before the helicopter gear... the heli gear is always a backup option is it doesnt work out anyway

[Rodney V. Smith]

Then there's this one for the Canon lenses....

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/24496.jpg
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1482&A=details&Q=&sku=24496&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
kelite Aperture Gear for 2.5" Nikon AI, Konica Hexanon, Pentax, Canon FD, Yashica, Minolta MD, Fuji & Mamiya Lenses (Replacement)
Price: $ 5.95

PLUS all the guess work is now taken out of finding the correct sized gears..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/24466.jpg Only $4.95

That's it, I'm convinvced now: I'm buying them.. time to build MK 2 of my follow focus.... the biggest challengs so faris finding the right sized gear box. At least the fishing reel came ready mounted, so there was no guess work involved there....

[j]

Go Puck Go!

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'm going.. now gotta wait for delivery and hope i didn't just waste $10... :-D

[CLD]

yea it looks good as well.. let me know how that goes.. I'm waiting for my gearbox that's going to be HUGE. I hope its workable..

[Rodney V. Smith]

if all else fails, you can't beat the $4.95 fishing reel at Wally-world... just gotta cut and chisel some bits away, but it works..

[CLD]

man i hope it doesnt fail, I spent almost 100 on it.. booo... well it did come with 3 of them on ebay.. trial and error..

stupid to buy things @ 4am in the morning.. you wont look at it through..

[Rodney V. Smith]

i've been banned from even THIINKING about buying anything online at 4:00AM. My fiance has now convinced me to check the local little camera shop for parts first and that has saved my bacon on a number of occasions... time for another visit I guess...

[j]

>My fiance has now convinced me to...

They do tend to be the voice of reason.

[Rodney V. Smith]

reason schmeason. she stands in the way of GREATNESS! greatness and genius I say!

[CLD]

ok the gearbox is getting shipped and getting here around friday.. excited..hehe

so i went all over the place (home depot, lowes, walmart, office max) to look for things to make my knob and shaft and things to connect them.

I finally came upon a few things and it seems to be a winner.

I found out the shaft for the gearbox is 1/2" diameter. So I purchased a coupling for that to connect other things (gear, knob, etc)

I looked all over the place for knobs, and landed at walmart, and found this:

http://f5c.yahoofs.com/shopping/mcid4_82480/simg_t_txxxwkd3253rodi_1934_32525711110?rm_____D0x gayQ0I

in black though.. it's perfect. I'll post my pic of my knob rig..

[chuck coburn]

Gotta love it !
An oil filter wrench.

Here's a couple sites, there are hundreds out there.

http://www.daviesmolding.com/standard-products/plastic-knobs/default.html

http://www.atozknobs.com/products.html

I like the knob on the transfer case shifter on my 1977 F-250!

[CLD]

right after i purchase this wrench i get the links to knobs.. great!

Its probably worth an arm and a leg anyway,..


http://members.aol.com/phungye/1.jpg

http://members.aol.com/phungye/2.jpg

http://members.aol.com/phungye/3.jpg


well here is my knob setup.. Im going to add a plastic whiteboard for my markings against the "knob" and obviously, theres no gearbox yet.

more to come,.. waiting for my gears and gearbox..... oooohhhhhhh...

[CLD]

omg anyone know where/what i can buy for the plastic circular dry erase whiteboard?

I looked all over and I couldn't find it? Its like theres no such thing as that.. eesshh.. anyone?

[Rodney V. Smith]

no such thing.. as far as i can tell.. i'm looking, but nada so far

[CLD]

Once again i turn to my best friend, ebay.. and found this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AAAQ%3AUS%3A1&viewitem=&item=330076993282&rd=1

i emailed the guy about it being dry erase or not. We'll see..

[CLD]

So i went to home depot and bought myself clear plexiglass, which is only like $2.50. Then I bought myself white plastic spray paint so I will spray on one side and use the other side w the dry erase..

Looks like it works, now to cut them and install them..

my gears arrived, but crap they are tooooo small! Oh well.. got to return them..

I'll probably try the gear and gear rings from B and H..

[Rodney V. Smith]

doh! it's bloody brilliant! and staring me right in the face. AND i have white spray paint. AND plexiglass! now.. i need a circle cutter thingy...

[CLD]

yea im going to use a hole saw (5inch diameter), and tape up the plexiglass so it wont be so chiseled. After im going to drill a hole in the middle, spray paint it, and mount it.

Puck, got your gears yet?

[Rodney V. Smith]

no gears yet. twiddling my thumbs cuz i went cheap on delivery....

[DavidD]

Puck,
Are you going to buy gear from a place like Rhino? Remember backlash. Indiefocus uses gears like that and some people have complained about it.

[CLD]

no he's getting the gears from B and H,.. the gears from ikelite.

Most likely Im going to fly over there tomorrow early early morning to go look at it and buy it. Lets all cross our fingers..

hehe.. i tried a temp plastic setup using CDs. looks about the right size..

[DavidD]

Hey those are great and cheap! Are they for the outside of the SLR lens? I remember seeing some gears for lenses that cost $100.00 each...I hope those work.

[CLD]

100 is too much for me.. haha..

they look like they are for the outside of the lens..

i guess i will goto b and h tomorrow and find out..

[CLD]

for anyone that's interested.. especially you Puck..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/gearl1.JPG
http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/gearl2.JPG

as you can see, it just made the fitting.. im going to rig it to make it work the best..

oh and that gear kit does not work.. its not the same thing..

HOWEVERRRRRRRR....

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/ring1.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/ring2.JPG

look what DOES fit?
it fits any 32 pitch gears! I was lucky to have these because I bought them last week!

who's the man?

gear ring - $5.95

pitch gear - $8

result.. priceless.. workable and cheap!

compare to those $100 dollar rings.. you on crack?

the cheapest ive seen is the indifocus gear rings, which is 22, but hey.. that's 22.. compared to 6!

i'll probably mod the ring to fit, by getting metal clamps, and strapping these gears on it, breaking one side..

that should hold it.

[DavidD]

You are going to have a challenge with those - there are some lenses that go 360 degree around in movement - those gear for lenses won't work on that. What about the BH ones? Those seemed to have potential.
I think what you have is a good work-around until you manage to get something that will give you full circular movement of the slr lens. Good work.

[CLD]

im ok for now, its not like im doing 360 follow focus anyway, all my 5 lenses goes roughly 180 so im good.. HEHE..

which b and h one you were refering to?

if you are asking about the ikelite ones, those are it. if not, which one?

[Rodney V. Smith]

two words for you: sweetness!
that's so fracking cool it's... well.. it's pretty damn cool is what it is. woo hoo! glad to seee we're on the right track.

CLD is right though, the canon FD lens only goes about 180 degrees, so that's not such a big issue of having the 360 degree turn. it's a good solid ring, much sturdier than than my printer gear belt and with much bigger and better teeth.

i ordered the gear for the Canon FD. the one that CLD ordered was for the Nikon, so hopefully mine will fit significantly better... you can always add a long screw in between the space in any case to hold it together. so try that before you cut or break anything....

and take a trip to walmart for the fishing reel, it really does work and if you mod it correctly it will work wonders...

[CLD]

nah i just got my gearboxes..

seems to work well.. but now I don't know how to connect them. my shaft on the gearbox is exactly 3/8 inch.. maybe I can find some couplings for it..

[Rodney V. Smith]

ow. that sucks totally and completely. good luck to you. looks like the journey to building the follow focus continues... the saga....

[CLD]

yea, i got two of them, a 3 way, and a 2 way.. the 3 way is huge.. but doable.. and the 2 way looks like a typical gearbox. So I'll work it out.. wish me luck.. goin to home depot now

[CLD]

Hey puck, did you have to make adjustments to the support of the FF to use different lenses? I have 5 different lenses. Im just curious. let me know.

[Rodney V. Smith]

yes i did. i had to drill a couple of over lapping holes in my L bracket so i could slide it in and out according to the size of the lens. the only adjustment so far as been for the 28mm. my 50mm and my 70mm-150mm both have the same diameter, so they're fine (except for having to adjust the entire unit forward on the rails for the 70mm-150mm).

the adjustment isnt huge, but you should definiely plan for it.

[DavidD]

Same thing I did so I could adjust - hey puck I guess we think alike!

[Rodney V. Smith]

true genius runs in the DIY section... mine was more of a "doh!" moment though when i put on my 28mm... another excuse to break out the toolsand make the neighbourswonder just what the hell is goign on in my garage..

[CLD]

alright, back home, came from home depot, and this is what I got:

one clamps for the ring. I took the non gear ring off and double stick'd the clamp to the gear.

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/gr2.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/gr3.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/gr1.JPG

clamps on nicely..

now here is my follow focus setup so far.. I'm missing the rod support lugs..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/ff2.JPG

this is beta number 1, I might take out the top plate for more room..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/ff1.JPG

I don't think my gear will reach the lens gear..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/ff4.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/ff3.JPG

what do you guys think so far?

im btw I'm making support rods and 35mm adapter holder as well..

more to come.. just waiting for the dayam delayed lugs! ARGH..

[Rodney V. Smith]

the gear might reach. my biggest question is about the metal bars the are supporting the unit right now. on the support rods, this has got to be able to get UNDER the 35mm adapter and not over-extend too much.

one other thing t make sure to is that your adapter support is solid and doesnt allow the adapter any room to "walk". the slightest pressure on the lens gear to turn for focus pushes against the entire unit.. any slackness and then you've got issues...

[DavidD]

CLD, where did you get the gears? It looks good so far.

I have to echo Puck - it is very important that the gearbox is solid to the rails and cannot move around. When you focus, since the lens are not all the same and some are tighter then others - it has to be tight to the
rails.


Ok, CLD and Puck you have inspired me to kick the dust off my FF and rails that I built close to a year ago. Here it is, prototype, not-so-finished version. Needs to have a proper turning wheel and whiteboard for marking. It works with the 'pillbox' gearbox I built (what a pain, never again). It needs to have a lens that is used and a little bit looser then normal because of the gearbox - hence why I said to use the fisherman's reel instead or if CLD has a good one, go with that. The gearing is from a simple toys I had lying around. Work I guess but needs refinement.

http://davidd.250free.com/ff.jpg

[CLD]

for my gearbox:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150081641136&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:12

This is what I bought.. both 3 ways are pretty big, so my dream in making a T-gearbox FF is gone.. for now. I stuck with the 2, which is on the picture now.

I will readjust everything when I get my lugs so I can put the dayam thing together.. the lugs i got are inspired from "J"s idea, but I got a little bigger.

the other gear I got there is from this site:

www.towerhobbies.com

I got a 70 teeth, 32 pitch gear. the smaller picture is the clutch bell 32 pitch, 24 teeth gear.

David, from that picture, where did you get your gear from?

[DavidD]

Well, I built the gearbox - I used these cool type-bearings I found, self-made pillow-boxes, a plastic pillbox, gears from a hobby store. It was a painful experience. The other gears for the SLR and the end of the FF are from toys I had lying around.
Did you spend $81.00 on those gears?!?! Wow, that is a lot of money.
I still think the fishing reel is the best/cheapest way to go. I haven't done enough work on mine since its inception, but I think I might go at it again since Puck has done such a nice job on his.

[CLD]

yea almost 100 dollars for the gears.

bottom line.. still better than spending over $800 on one..

i figure im going to spend a total of 150-200 for a FF, support rods, and adapter support.

Still not that bad..

[CLD]

oh and go on ebay and search for "differential gear box" and you will find some gearboxes cheaper than what I got.. Im not sure the ratio or size, but its less than 20!

[DavidD]

No, it is still cheaper than the other stuff out there. Good luck with it.

[CLD]

updates on my FF..

I just got confirmation that my lugs are shipped and will be here tomorrow.. finally I can test it out without having to use little wires..

well I decided to buy myself a dremel.. I went to target and they have one for 20 bux.. 30,000 rpm.. which is pretty good for the price (its on sale)

Not being about to find an adjustable hole saw, because I have no use for one sized saw, I decided to cut my whiteboard with the FF... and here is the result:

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/d1.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/d2.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/w1.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/w2.JPG

now the mount onto the FF..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/w3.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/w4.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/w5.JPG

I guess its ok for now.. not a perfect circle, but close enough..

now I wait for the lugs and install the whole thing..

So, does anyone know how to make a spring so I can attach another gear and have it move up and down to adjust to the lens?

[DavidD]

If you see the pic I posted, I avoided this with a socket-head screw and a sliding plate across the parallel base of the mount. This way, I could pull it in and out depending on which lens I had. The spring stuff seems a lot of work.
I really like the way your is turning out. The white board is nice and looks good. You need to also put a small metal piece to indicate on the whiteboard where the stops are going to be. It can be as simple as a piece of tin with an arrow at the end.

[leteeci]

...I decided to cut my whiteboard with the FF...



Maybe you could use also "printable 8cm mini CD's" for whiteboard..

.

[Rodney V. Smith]

so I shot my first 35mm adapter short on saturday. The Fisherman Focus came into effect and worked great. During the whole production I noticed some flaws that definitely need to be addressed and I'm going to fix those immediately.

The biggest one was that the printer tended to slip sincre the teeth arent that deep,so as soon as I get the few focus gear in, it's replacing that one. Still it served its purpose.

you can see the movie here: http://www.flyinmonkey.com/videos/CallWaiting.mov

Some pics of my rig to follow with me using the Fisherman Focus (white wheel is cut from a cd case and the handle is the backend of a lens cap, screwed together)

[DavidD]

Nice job Puck. I found that my teeth/gearing worked well and did not 'jump'. Again, a loose lens is your best friend.
The Mini-CD is a interesting idea - I am going to have to check that out. But it would still require a white board or something to be attached to it so the user can erase the soft-stop marks.

[Rodney V. Smith]

didn't quite get the loosest lens out there. it's pulling teeth (pun intended) to get it to turn sometimes and unfortunately it's my workhorse 50mm. looking into alternate lenses forfuture shoots.

unfortunately due to time contrainsts (we only had the location from 1pmtil 6pm) i didn't even get to switch lenses to use my 28mm or my 70mm-150mm and didn't see how my follow focus adjusted outwards in field conditions. As you know, when doing it at home, it's always different than when you;re doing it on the shoot... so no major adjusting for me on this one.

[Rodney V. Smith]

hey leteeci, are those printable 8cm CDs really big enough? I'd been considering those but they just didn't seem to be the right size...

I broke my "whiteboard" wheel (from the cd case) when I drilled 2 holes for the hardstops. Brittle plastic... now it's held together with duct tape at the back of it... so now i gotta go and start all over again... maybe with a real whiteboard. you lknow,one of the mini ones from Walmart. My neighbour apparently has the hole tool thingy...

[DavidD]

Puck, what are you using as a 35mm adapter and what is the camera you are using? The film looked very nice.

[CLD]

i took a good look at the whiteboard at walmart and stuff.. its flimsy as well..
cds are flimsy as well.. if you want, theres magnetic whiteboards, and cut circles.. but thats a hassle.. do what I did.. buy plexiglass, home depot.. $2.33, cut and spray paint one side, then tape it up to avoid scratching, and the other side is whiteboard usable.

They do sell white plexiglass dry wall friendly on ebay. more costly, but if you don't want to spray paint.. there is your choice..

cant wait for my lugs.. cant wait for my lugs!

[Rodney V. Smith]

my adapter is a combination of Edwierdo's adapter and Twocik's adapter.

http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/parts.gif
I'm using the cheap Asian macros right now until i can afford the Centry Optics Achromat.

http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/ggholder.gif
My focus screen is the Nikon D. The Beattie is definitely gonna be my upgrade, but right now i'm working out all of the kinks on the cheap stuff.


http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/assembly2.gif
I'm also using the 2" Asian spacer tubes so that everything is modular and can be screwed together for cleaning, etc. ( i needed a LOT of cleaning this last shoot)

http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/FF-closeup.JPG


that's my rig, always in development

[DavidD]

IS that static or vibrating?

[Rodney V. Smith]

static. all static
havet built the vibrating adapter yet, gonna work on that in a bit

[DavidD]

I think you could probably just stick a little cellphone vibrator motor on the GG holder and you would be in the pink.

[Rodney V. Smith]

i have the parts for it, but I wanted to try Daniel's leaf spring holder. I really wanted to have a very good static lens first, something that I would always have as a backup and that i could also work out any design flaws on.

I'm bidding on a Beattie screen right now for my upgrade, and then my current screen can be scavenged towards the vibrating model.

All of thi current build really was to get first the static screen working, and secondly, the fisherman follow focus unit. the support bars and everything else just came with the territory.

I LOVE the DIY section here. everyone fracking ROCKS!

[j]

>I think you could probably just stick a little cellphone vibrator motor on the GG holder and you would be in the pink.

I've been there. A cell phone vibrator works well, but is too loud. It's great for MOS stuff, but on narrrative stuff, everyone litterally looks around to yell at the person whose pager is going off on the set.

As for Daniel's design, it definately looks like the way to go.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Daniel has got a great little design there, especially for a vibrating screen and it's cheap enough for us DIYers. some things we should definitely build ourselves, but sometimes we should know our limits and just "assemble" ourselves. I've found it to be a tremendous learning tool and I've personally learned a lot more about cinematography just from building my own adapter and researching the differences and mostly the WHY.

I haven't bought it yet but I can't wait to get my hands on it... now to get some more jobs in....

[DavidD]

Agreed. Daniel's stuff is pretty darn great - inexpensive and you know it works which is half the battle. I like his pancake motor that he is releasing, just more expensive then his other stuff.

[CLD]

dayam.. i got the brevis.. should've made my own huh?

the a-hole lied about the lugs being here today im sooooo MAD!

oh well.. time to wait yet another day on the lugs.. to complete my project..

does anyone have any "play" on the FF?

[Rodney V. Smith]

mine is a little loose, but i know its there, so i get set to position BEFORE i have tofocus, so it's ot such a major issue...

[DavidD]

I don't have any play - do you mean when you turn the focus - it lags when you turn?

[Rodney V. Smith]

i started from the gorund up with my adapter sodont kick yourself too much. i spent about 6 months just researching it and getting the guts to make the commitment, so buildign you rown is definitely not for everyone. As it is I still have to make upgrades toa better focusing screen for less grain and a much much better achromat so there is no chromatic abberation or vignetting.

and becasue i did the research i actually know about the problems with chromatic abberation and vignetting. :D ifeel so smart..

[DavidD]

Yea Puck, I did the same. I don't feel smarter, but I do feel that I understand the concepts a little more, even though it doesn't make my adapter work any better... :(

[CLD]

so you guys just inspired me to buy plans to build a stabilizer.. I mean i got the glidecam, I just need the arm and vest. fun fun!

waiting impatiently for my lugs.. argh!

[DavidD]

I bought Cody's Stabilizer plans from hbs a long time ago. Built most of it, now just need springs that work.

[CLD]

can't you use those big door springs they sell in home depot or lowes?

where did you buy everything else? Is it hard to find the parts?

[Rodney V. Smith]

arent we kind of hijacking the thread? maybe we should start a new one about stabilizers guys...

I gotta take some new pics of how I built my follow focus to help any other DIYers who've wondered about it. For those others who decide that its way too much trouble, there are some good ones out there. Twocik is pretty close to gettign his ready for market and from what I know of his concepts and work, it should be pretty damn good.

[Alecks Purifoy]

puck, you GOTTA post some pics dude.

i want to see this crazy rig

[Rodney V. Smith]

this is one of the final pictures of the FF in action on the set of "Call Waiting".




http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/IMG_4951.jpg

Previous rig (before i replaced the white wheel)
http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/camera-with-rails-front.JPG

I'm borrowing my friend's digicam tomorrow and maybe then I can post some better and more comprehensive pics of the construction.

If that doesn't work i'll just stake stills with my DVX.. hmm now there's a thought...

[DavidD]

Wow, it does look like a nice unit altogether. Good job Puck!

[Rodney V. Smith]

thanks. id also added a shoulder pad and a front handle under the mattebox so could focus while doing hand-held and that worked out well. gotta post pics of THAT one too.. but the single handle was essential since i was the one doing the focusing. if i had a focus puller then I'd go for 2 handles, but when you're doing it yourself without any motorized remote (wired OR wireless) you need as much stability as possible.

[CLD]

alright everyone, here is my prototype version of the build..


my follow focus build:
im planning on making the two rails slide, and make the space between them smaller..
http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/ff.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/ff1.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/ff2.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/ff3.JPG

now my support rail build, inspired by J

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/rod.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/rod2.JPG




I didnt cut my bottom plate yet, I think I need a much thicker plate because it seems to bend a lot..

[CLD]

NOW THE WHOLE THING TOGETHER..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/2g.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/2g2.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/2g1.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/2g3.JPG



I PLAN TO CUT THE FOLLOW FOCUS BARS THERE, AND MAKE IT LOWER, SEEMS A BITTLE HIGH.. PLUS I NEED SOME KIND OF ADAPTER SUPPORT, BUT NOW THERE IS NO ROOM.. WHAT TO DO...

[j]

I like how you used the quick-release plate as the top part of the rails, that's clever. Should make for quicker set-up and break-down times. I might upgrade mine like that.

[CLD]

B AND H.. search for bogen 577 and there it is! 53 bucks..

[Rodney V. Smith]

nice innovation with the plate. way to go. I dont think those copper rods are goign to work so well for you though. Do you have an Ikea in your area? If you do,take a trip and look in the Kitchen section.. you'll be pleasantly surprised at the rods you find there.. nice anodized aluminum rods, $7.99 each and just about the right size... i found mine in the AS-IS section for $0.30 per rod, so you might want to take a look there.

How is your support working out? You should probably place another one somewhere along the length of your adapter and you'll be fine... just need more parts now.

[CLD]

i bought a clamp..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150054613216&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:US:1

it fits my shaft perfectly, now I got to find a way to support it..

I'll make the trip to ikea tomorrow.. Hope I find something...

[CLD]

btw what part in the kitchen section I should be looking at/under?

[j]

Everything I've seen in Ikea is 16mm.

I work across the street from an Ikea, and am going there for lunch, so if you know the item name or number, I can bring my support rods and check it out.

-j

[Rodney V. Smith]

i dont have a clue about the item name, sinc ei wrote it down and promptly lost it as I usually do. Should hav ehad m girlfriend make a note of it, but I had to be stubborn. Anyway, i found it in the kitchen section, the aluminum rods that are used to make up one of the shelves in the kitchen section. sorry,thats the best i can do until my next trip downtown../.

[DavidD]

I had also suggested this to Puck - try to find old printers that are the same- they have stainless steel rods in them.

[Rodney V. Smith]

the printer rods are quite nice too if you can find the right size. in any case,nice strong support for the follow focus

[j]

Ahh lunch was good...

I searched Ikea and the only thing found was the bottom rod from this thing:

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15594&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=49065&langId=-1&categoryId=15847&chosenPartNumber=60093572

It's not a tube, it has a slit down the side, but has a solid beam down the middle to make it strong. Hard to describe, but it fits exactly at 15mm. $15 for a 24" length, $20 for a 32".

Everything else was 12mm or 16mm.

I think I will pick up a 32'' to replace my brass 15mm rails.

[Rodney V. Smith]

maybe i picked up the 16mm tube then, cuz mine has no split. it has closed ends with a place for a screw to fit, but definitely not that one. time to post pics....

[DavidD]

Puck have you had a chance to you check Walmart for the Reel yet?

[CLD]

hmm... went to ikea today.. I think I saw 16mm's as well.. eh wat the heck.. 75 cents.. bought it..

fits well and looks good so far on my rig... so what it's not 15mm not like im going to buy anything anyway.. MUAHAHHA!! I MAKE IT ALL!

[Rodney V. Smith]

You can't beat $0.75. Sorry about my faulty measurement on the rods. I feel like an idiot now, but if you're DIYing most of your on rod gear then maybe it will work...

I'm hitting all of the stores today. It's "build day" so I'll be making a few upgrades to my rig and taking pictures (with a good digicam this time that I can control the damn focus; i hate autofocus with a passion).

I'll actually photdocument the steps I take to build my new follow-focus with the micro fishing reel. If I can't find it at Walmart, there's always the sporting good stores here, but I'm not coming back without it.

My focus gear arrived as well. I gotta find a wider gear for the FF so that there is more surface area to grip... just me being paranoid I guess, but I have seen a couple of wider 32 pitch gears at the hobby store....

Will update with prices and pics in a few hours.

[DavidD]

Puck, are you talking about the gear that goes on the SLR lens or the one that attaches to the FF?

[Rodney V. Smith]

the gear that attaches to the FF. the gear on the SLR is perfect. I just wanted a little security,becaue the one thing that i had been wishing for at last week's shot, was a wider gear on the FF in case of any minor shifts, which, while they shouldn't happen.. do.

[CLD]

so any updates on your rigs guys? I'm almost done I guess.. I just have to paint it when I finalize my screwing and drilling.. how about you guys?

[Rodney V. Smith]

editing some stuff right now.. no time to build.. tight deadlines.. hate when real life intrudes

[CLD]

UPDATE:

here is my latest update on the support rails and follow focus..

support rails.. done..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/sr.JPG


here's the full shot of my rig



http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/full.JPG

on the side...

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/side.JPG


and here's my Follow Focus.. I made the two bars slide with this and knob on top.. I still got to cut that extra bar to the side off..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/ffsl.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/BB/back.JPG

ISSUES THAT CAME UP

my sliding mechanism isn't long enough, time to dremel more.. (I hate it since it takes sooo long!)

My adapter support does not seem to be going too well.. I don't have room anywhere to place it.. any suggestions?

That's that.. time to make a few adjustments and I'm practically done! YAY!

[Rodney V. Smith]

dude, you need to make another support separate of the Follow focus to hold up the lens. gotta buy 2 more of those Ilsco parts

[CLD]

I did.. but like I said, there is no room.. the FF took up the shaft.. I gotta figure something out..

what did you use for your support? and how did you make it >

[DavidD]

Dude, look at my pic. Just make one that sits just before the FF, between the sled and the FF. All you need is a little one that will hold up the Brevis and you will be fine. BTW, it does rock and looks great too! Nice job.
I have been too busy myself with work. I did go to Princess Auto looking for bits and bobs on the weekend but came up short.

[Rodney V. Smith]

like David said. besides you need the support to hold it into place. when you start focusing the focus gear pushes against the entire camera.. you need somethign to push back

[CLD]

yea I notice it pushes, I slid the FF even more closer in which the FF pushes the lens a bit. That actually stops the gears from slipping. But I still need to find a way to add my support.

my gearbox is huge, I have a ring and lugs, but they don't fit.. time to buy more toys.. whee...

what did you guys use to hold the adapter down? what ring support?

[Rodney V. Smith]

i'm currently using the very same support you're using to hold your gear onto the lens. It's mounted onto a little plastic thing I found at Ikea, but I had to shave it down just a bit to make sure everything was flat. The camera being totally on the level is kind of important.

I'm actually now in the process of rebuilding my support rail system and I'm liking the new design, so the support system is actually going to be updated as well, but the actual support for the adapter is going to remain the same.

I'll be mounting my gear and putting everything else together tomorrow, so plan to take pictures this time around. It's actually looking a little like a clunkier Zacuto and its nice and solid.

[CLD]

cool.. cant wait to see it..

[Rodney V. Smith]

Me neither. I'm stuck in rehearsals right now, and have a meeting at 10:00AM tomorro, so no chance to build until the afternoon. I'm pretty excited about it though. I'm combining a baseplate and the support, very much like the Zacuto and it's pretty easy to build.. just a few small parts to cut and drill (regular hand drill)

[DavidD]

With my support, I used a piece of aluminum and shaved a semi circle in it to support the lens. I then dremeled a hole in the middle of it, made a slot so I can move it up and down to get the height just right.
Puck, I am thinking of building a new stage myself, I really want to check out what you are working on...

[Rodney V. Smith]

here's a little quickie of what I'm building. It's using the ILSCO parts that J has suggested, as well as the smaller similar partsfrom Home Depot.

I'll be mounting my baseplate (with a little bit of cutting, but it's a cheap one so I don't mind) between and on top of the middle parts.

Pictures will come tomorrow evening of the baseplate and the follow focus. Don't have the digicam,so just gonna take shots with my DVX so I can at least chronicle the build step by step.

http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/baseplate-sketch.jpg

[DavidD]

Looks good, but I can't understand the picture to the right...is that a top view?

[Rodney V. Smith]

Using the Ilsco pieces (TA-350 since my rods are 16mm) . this is to show how i connected the middle pieces together. (smaller pieces found at Home Depot)

http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/base-support-joins.jpg

http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/base-assembled.jpg

Without Tripod Plate. I had to attach another plate at the bottom to come flush with the rod connectors.
http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/base-without-tipod-plate.jpg

With Tripod Plate
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/base-complete-bottom.jpg


This is the complete piece:
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/base-complete.jpg

Hope this helps. For the additional parts I had some aluminum strips lying around that were the perfect width between the rod connectors. I was able to saw those into 3 pieces, for the plates on top and bottom (for support) of the connectors and then for the tripod plate. The parts where the tripod screw into, those can be found at your friendly neighbour hood camera store. I scavenged mine from old cameras around the house, plastic and otherwise.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Now I gotta go assemble the parts for the FF support and mount that bad boy. In the meantime my lens adapter awaits...

http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/RVS-35mm-side.jpg

[Rodney V. Smith]

Hey, CLD what kinda lens you got? The Focus Gear I got fit my canon FD lens perfectly (except for having to add the strips of padding that came with the Focus Gear). Ikelite makes a variety of models for different lenses..

[CLD]

i got the nikon version puck... it does fit, but since i got a bunch of varieties of lenses, ranging from up to an inch difference in diameter, I had to cut it and use the clamps from home depot. That actually works pretty well, IMO..

your baseplate looks pretty good.. nice and sturdy. One thing I notice about my baseplate is that the metal rods that holds the quick release plate is flexible a bit, so maybe I can get thicker connectors, it might be sturdier.

I did a quick test FF around my house.. not so bad.. works pretty well.. All I need now is something to line up against the whiteboard..

[Rodney V. Smith]

my design is definitely sturdy without any bendy bits. everythign pretty much fits together edge to edge and once it's all aligned and screwed together, it's snug and solid as a rock.

you should try it out. I notice on your baseplate that the aluminum seems to bend just a little in the middle between the connectors.

I just built my support braces. will post pics soon.

[CLD]

yea it bends because the plate is too thin. I'm going to buy a thicker plate.

some reason even though its bent a little, its still sturdy.. oh well..

[DavidD]

I love the look of it Puck. How are you measuring the distance across for the rod spacing?

[Rodney V. Smith]

that part was actually easier than i thought. i did a 1:1 drawing in Illustrator and printed it out to size.

Then i placed the pieces on top of the paper, checked my measurements to be sure (perfect) and placed the smaller connectors between. They were a little bit apart, but I found that screwing the Hex nut thingy that it came with in between, i was able to adjust them to the correct spacing so that everything matched up.

Then I just screwed the little buggers on and then had to go about finding the right size aluminum plate in the middle for stability..

Now the hard part was the lens and FF supports...

[j]

Puck,

since you are still building, make sure your rods are standard heigth/width. It may save you grief in the future.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/731/1171041181.jpg

I do like your design, and am rethinking mine as a result. For the bottom plate, consider using a quick-release plate like CLDs design.


-j

[Rodney V. Smith]

thanks J.

i'm actually looking at a number of options for the bottom plate since i drilled my holes just a little too big, so hopefully I can get it right on the second go round with a quick release plate.

on a side note,the vertical distance to the center of the lens is less than 85mm since this optimizes the vertical height and trades it in for stability. Does that affect the peripheral pieces tha tmuch really espcially if you;re duilding your own support rods, etc?

[DavidD]

Puck, I am not sure what you are saying? Are you talking about the support for the Brevis/Letus/Lens?

[Rodney V. Smith]

yeah... the supports.. i know your support for the brevis is already set but how much vertical adjustment does it offer?

[CLD]

so here is my little video i just made up now while test shooting my fiancee at work..

yes I was using my follow focus rig as well..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/DSPOT.mov

works well.. for the time being I have been using a rubber band to strap the adapter to my follow focus and it seems to hold it pretty well.

nice and ghetto.. i likes..

[DavidD]

Puck, here is what I did - I don't know your proficiancy with dremels and aluminum - but I cut an arc out of the top of a piece of 1/8 inch thick aluminum so the Lens could rest on it. After that, I used the dremel to cut a vertical slice in the middle of the 1/8 thick piece that I could put a thumb screw into. From there I attached it all to a piece of 1/2 inch aluminum with rail holes on either side. That way I can move the vertical lens holder up and down as much as the vertical slot allows.

[DavidD]

Puck,
Is this the part you are talking about?

http://bionicbuddha.com/holder.jpg

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'd assume it is David, but I don't have the Brevis. That part looks pretty adjhustable, so vertical height shouldn't make so much of a difference.

how's it coming along with the new design J?

[DavidD]

Puck, what do you have as an adapter - it looks like macro tubing, right? It should work with that easily or a lens (or a Letus or a Brevis as well). It just has to sit in the arc'd groove. The vertical height is adjustable. I made it before I had tested anything with it - that way it works with anything I can throw at it right now...

[Rodney V. Smith]

I built my own adapter. its a DIY based on Twocik's iFocus.

http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/RVS-35mm.jpg

http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/RVS-35mm-side.jpg

i actually dont like that kind of support, especially putting a follow focus on there. A solid piece of aluminum which goes around the the adpater tube and locks in into place is a much more attractive solution. With something like that (hinged on one end and with a screw on the other) it's a lot more durable and keeps the adapter where it needs to be.

That's exactly why I use the aluminum strap that I have around my own adapter. Vertical space is not an issue for me. I can get that doen easily. It's gettign something solid state that looks attractive and allows me to take out my adapter without having to slide it out...

[DavidD]

Ok, I get you and what you are saying. The hinge would be quite cool, but it might have problems with different size lenses and tubes.
I have never had any problems with mine, it doesn't move because it is obviously is held down with the screw on the camera/tripod.
The Brevis has something not exactly like you are talking about, the ARC goes up a lot higher (almost 1/2 way up the side of the Brevis tube). Besides that, I guess it's DIY'ing something that will work for you. For my purposes, my design works out ok because I can lower the ARC (vertically) while it is still on and remove the lens. It doesn't move because the tube sits in the arc nicely.
Let me know what you come up with.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Actually it would be used just on the tube, so the lenses wouldn't be a problem. I've seen the half-pipe design on the Brevis and that actually seems to work well, but personally I like the assurance that when I pick up my camera, that mothing is pulling away from anything at all, not even the slightest bit. hence the "full-pipe" design.

In full DIY mode, I'm looking for something that is already available on the market and not intended for the use I'm envisioning for it. All I want to do is mod it to attach to my unit and then share the knowledge so we can all benefit from it and build out own. The trick is finding that piece FIRST...

[DavidD]

Is it full-pipe dream or pipe-dream? ;)
I wish this weather wasn't so darn cold I could do some work in the garage with my FF. I need to sand down the bottom of the fishing reel plastic because the surface is convex and won't sit well on the supports. Each time I steel myself to go out, the blast of icy wind sends me scurrying back indoor to work on my DIY light ring which doesn't require me suffering hypothermia.
I will keep an eye out as well for you on that 'holder' thing. There has to be something out there like it.
Hey, I just thought about something. How about a something like the Brevis offers, but instead of using a hinged piece of aluminum or plastic - use a leather or flexible plastic strap that would keep it snug (maybe like a belt with extra holes for different size lenses). On the other side you could have a slot head/thumb screw to keep it secure and then just unscrew it when you want it out. I think that would look like the donkey's bullocks and would keep it DIY and cheap.
Like this, of course with different colours - the bright colours are to make the different piece stand out :
http://bionicbuddha.com/holderforlens.jpg
Thoughts?

[DavidD]

Ok, worked on my own FF today. Not great, but it works. I think I might have to leave this to the experts or start from scratch, but the REEL is the way to go. Biggest challenge for me is getting the gears to work together with the right amount of tension. Too much, and it is hard as hell to turn - too little and it skips. Also, this thing needs more precise measurements to get everything aligned properly. I haven't cut off the bottom part of the Fishing Reel yet. I also went a different way on this one, most would probably have the bottom part of the REEL facing down and the whip arm used as a gear against the lens gear. Maybe I will try it that way next time, if there is a next time. :)
http://bionicbuddha.com/ff1.jpg
http://bionicbuddha.com/ff2.jpg

[Carlos_E._Martinez]

Any chance to build something that may work as follow focus for the Sony Z1?

[Rodney V. Smith]

shouldn't be a problem. the camera shouldn't matter since this follow focus is intended for the 35mm adapter that gores onto the camera. wer eyou lookign for a follow focus for the camera lens itself?

[Carlos_E._Martinez]

were you looking for a follow focus for the camera lens itself?

Yes, for the camera itself. I am not yet planning on buying a 35mm adapter.

So I might have to change the lens ring and motor wheel if I get to do that. But I am afraid that might be a problem with all 35mm lens sets, as I don't know if say Nikon makes all focus rings the same diameter, do they?

I already have a matte box, so the rods might be used to support the system. But that might be a long shot too, as the ff setup might demand a specific distance which the rods may not provide.

[Rodney V. Smith]

we've built ours with sliders so that the distance from the lens can be changed. some of the 35mm lenses arent the same diameter so that's neccessary.

[Rodney V. Smith]

hey David, which side of the fishing reel did you use for the knob? was that the one at the side where the winder went? Looks like I got a different model from Walmart so i definitely do not have that thing sticking up at the side...

[chuck coburn]

A lot of spinning reels are interchangable from left to right on their cranks.

[Rodney V. Smith]

hey Chuck, to what are you referring?

[DavidD]

Puck, the inside of the reel's gears is greased up nicely, so I didn't want to expose the parts - which is why I did it that way. I am still looking for another FF that is a little smaller and different.
I am on a slider as well. Works good, but it is a little cock-eyed and tilted because of the tension I need against the lens gear. Not as pro as I would like it.
Puck, I was also thinking about the slider and another way around it - if you had interchangeable gear sizes for the FF, it would make things a little easier.

Chuck, this one is not interchangeable.

[Rodney V. Smith]

David, your mounting bracket for the FF.. doesn't that go across to both rails?
I solved the cockeye problem by taking it across both rails and then adding tightener screws (actually computer screws with the nice big thumb fasteners) so that the mounting bracket stayed exactly where I wanted it to.

of course I went and kinda screwed that up and now I have to rebuild it, but it worked great before i tried to drill that extra hole...

[DavidD]

Extra holes is the bane of my existence. Yeah, I got lots of them. I will take some more detailed pic's tonight and show you my setup, maybe there is room for change in it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I know what you mean. I bought duplicates of a few items just becasue of the "hole" problem,but I didn't count on a few *ahem*... mistakes on my part...

[DavidD]

I always count on mistakes. It seems to be my middle name. In fact, I don't get a lot of my projects finished because of too many failures...but I guess I am suppose to learn from them...still learning...
Here are some new shots. You can see the angle in which my reel is turned to make good and solid contact :

http://bionicbuddha.com/ff3.jpg
http://bionicbuddha.com/ff4.jpg
http://bionicbuddha.com/ff5.jpg

[chuck coburn]

hey Chuck, to what are you referring?

Hey Puck,

Most (spinning) reels allow you to mount the crank handle on either side of the frame.

Chuck

[DavidD]

Not the ones under $10.00 ! ;)
That would be great, but I couldn't find any cheap ones that do that...

[CLD]

my beta testing of the follow focus..

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/1.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/2.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/3.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/4.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/5.JPG

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/6.JPG

Thoughts:

- I added a bracket that goes over the whiteboard ring.
- If you noticed I used clips so I can do my FF from A to B. If there is more than A to B, then the dry erase will do it.
- I still need to make a adapter support..
- all in all, it works, and it works well.. did a good few follow focus shots..
- I probably have to buy more of the gears so I don't have to keep changing..
- brevis adapter is nice..

i'll post pics of the actual movie stills in another posting.

[DavidD]

CLD, great job. I would love to see a clip of it in action either BTS or a rack focus

[CLD]

hey david.. i posted a video before that I used the rack focus.. here it is again..

www.edgewaterstorage.com/DSPOT.mov

ill post some from the movie I just shot.

[DavidD]

awesome CLD. So what is next for the ff?

[CLD]

painting.. making the adapter support.. and i don't know what else..

im going to build a glidecam arm and vest very soon.. i guess that's about it.

I will be shooting another movie I say in 2 weeks,.. this movie will be more stylish. The movie I just shot is a comedy, which doesnt require much effective lighting. I'll post clips of that soon..

[CLD]

alright, this is probably one of the final touches before my paintover..

the solution of my adapter support:

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/final1.jpg

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/final2.jpg

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/final3.jpg

http://www.edgewaterstorage.com/REC/final4.jpg

Thoughts:

- it works,.. doesnt slide, stays in tight.
- all in one package.. Follow Focus and Adapter support, why didn't anyone ever thought of that before?

[Rodney V. Smith]

The all in one package, support and follow focus doesnt work in th elong termas you;re adding more and more lenses. You really should get an additional support for the adapter so that when you switch lenses out with say a 70mm or a 200mm, your adapteris still support since you now have to move the entire unit forward tothe focus ring.

That was the main prohibition on my unit and the main reason I'm doing a new build.. wellthat plus the fact that I'm adding/building a quick release plate onto my rod support syststem...

Anyway my point is: go ahead andd build the additionalsupport. You won't regret it.

[CLD]

so far, I placed a 20mm up to a 135mm. I don't think I would go more than that. If I do it should hold.. My FF system is pretty big and long, Hopefully it will hold.. =oo

[Rodney V. Smith]

cool. I got a variety of lensesso i had to make allowances for them, hence my slide bar for the follow focus and the need to push forward on the rails to the focus wheel of the lens.

Good work on building the follow focus.

We've shown that it can be done.. now we just need to put together a full tutorial on how to build it using only common household materials, a rubber chicken and a jar of pickles....

[CLD]

i say we team up and patent it.. lol..

how much in total did you spent? I actually spent a little over 150 mainly because of a lot of trial and error purchases.

let's tell everyone that its made out of a soda cans and olive oil..


here is some screen shots of the film I shot last week..

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=89032

[Rodney V. Smith]

On the Follow Focus alone i spent under $20... most were in parts.
$5 for the fishing reel
$5 for the focus gear
$6 for a pair of the supports for the rods and then variosu screws and metal bits.

[Car3o]

where did you get the focus gear?
i need one for the lens and the fishing reel.

[DavidD]

Puck,

You know the parts you got from Home Depot (Ilsco pieces TA-350)? When you put the rods through - do you hand tighten or alan key tighten it - or just let it sit there?

I did check the local Walmart in both USA and Canada and couldn't find the right FishingReel. I couldn't find the Zebco 0 - which is a good one I think. Can we get a list of places that sell this FF maybe? Or maybe the one you go Puck (if you find it works well)?

[Rodney V. Smith]

Yeah I'll get a list of parts together. I had been hoping to find the micro fishing reel, but Walmart didn't have any of the suggested brand (from Twocik), and the smaller reels were all $15-$30. Since I really wanted to keep this project within the reach of a normal budget, i took a pass on those and kept my little $4.99 (gotta check the brand and model number, i threw the box away).

As for the llsco parts, I hand tighten them for right now. I'm planing on getting a number of the long knobs for easy turning and attaching those to the hex nuts, but I havent gotten around to it yet.

I'm working on some illustrations (plus photos) to documet the building of this follow focus, kind of a tutorial, and I whould have it up with a full parts list in a couple of days.

[DavidD]

I am looking forward to it.
When I go to Walmart, they have the $3.95 reel, but I don't think it will do the job. If you can find the model number, that would help greatly. Thanks

[Rodney V. Smith]

Sorry for the delay with the plans and parts. in the middle of moving AND editing at the same time. NOT the best combination. Plans will be up by the end of next week, at least I can promise that.

[DavidD]

Looking forward to that.

[DavidD]

Any news Puck?

[orkan]

Any news on the tutorial ??



o.

[Rodney V. Smith]

sorry guys, got wrapped up in a lot of work and I'm still trying to catch up. I'll try to look at that over the weekend and see if I can get it out to you. just get your jb weld ready and i promise it will be here soon...

[Lucas Adamson]

Hi there - I'm really new to this, and I have read most of this thread, but mostly it leaves me still confused. Can I recap, and get somebody to correct me please?

Ideally, if I got a 1:1 ratio 90 degree gearbox, like this:

http://www.ondrives.com/products.asp?recnumber=20

...and put my large knob (hem hem) on one of the shafts, and a 32 pitch gear on the other shaft, and 32 tpi gear around the lens, and mounted it all rigidly to my rails, with a big spring holding the 32tpi cogs together at 14.5 degrees, would I have a pro quality follow focus, in principle?

I may have this ALL wrong. Even assuming this is right, I still don't know how to put teeth on the lens, how to mount it all, where to mount the spring, how big the 32tpi gear should be for 180 degree turn.

All advice appreciated. Like the look of that gearbox though!

Lucas

[DavidD]

Yep, that should work. Backlash might be a problem and when I researched those 90 degree mitre gearboxes a year or so ago, it was around $65.00 for just the little box, so thanks to a DIY'er on here, I went with the fishing reel gearbox instead.
But yes, definitely can be done with what you are showing, in fact that is how the Indifocus first did it.

[Wayne Kinney]

Buy it from here though, it is cheaper:

http://rswww.com/cgi-bin/bv/rswww/searchBrowseAction.do?D=ra%20gearbox&Nr=AND%28avl%3auk%2csearchDiscon_uk%3aN%29&Ntk=I18NAll&Nty=1&Ntt=ra%20gearbox&Dx=mode%20matchpartial&Ntx=mode%20matchpartial&N=0&name=SiteStandard&forwardingPage=line&R=0748443&callingPage=/jsp/search/search.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1837269813.1185373423@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdgaddlieldgijcefeceeldgkidhgi.0&cacheID=uknetscape

[Lucas Adamson]

Thanks Wayne. Steel gears or plastic. I'm guessing steel might be unnecessary, and also that plastic might be quieter. Any experiences with that?

Many thanks
Lucas

[Lucas Adamson]

What is backlash?

What is pressure angle? Angle from which axis?I am assuming that this means 14.5 degrees from vertical centre line of lens to focus gear meeting lens. Is that right?

What kind of spring do you guys use to keep the gear meshed to the lens?

[Lucas Adamson]

For gear-thickys like me, may I recommend this Gear encyclopedia:

http://www.drgears.com/gearterms/GearTermIndex.htm

All the best
Lucas

[orkan]

People who made their own FF may post some detail photos. Even the detailed or dissassembled photos of the unit would help, in case you don't have time for a tutorial ;)

thanks

orkan.

[fenigirl]

Is there a way to build one of these FF for my stock (no 35mm adapter) dvx 100 a? And build it cheap?

Just curious if this gizmo does the same thing? It says it if for a 100 B though.......

http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzpfi.html


thanks.

[Lucas Adamson]

Is there a way to build one of these FF for my stock (no 35mm adapter) dvx 100 a? And build it cheap?

Just curious if this gizmo does the same thing? It says it if for a 100 B though.......

http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzpfi.html


thanks.

Yeah, that's good. It's all electronic in control, which is better for the DVX lens without adapter. It's only we fools messing around with stiff manual 35mm lenses on the front of our cameras that need a mechanical follow focus. Unfortunately, there is no easy or cheap way to build this product you've linked to - even the mechanical ones will cost you more as they require 15mm rails to mount on etc. If you want a follow focus, one of these is just what you need, and that's not a bad price either.

All the best
Lucas

[DavidD]

Hey Puck,

I went out and sourced the Ilsco TA-350 and found something a bit weird.
There is the part where the railing tubing goes through, but on the side with the hole for securing, the bottom part is raised obstructing the full circle. Hard to explain. If you are looking through the hole that you put the rails through, one side of the circular opening is completely open and circular, but as you get to the other side, there is a kind-of raised part that prevents a rail from completely sliding through - the raised part is in red and obstructs the opening enough that you don't get a tight fit.

http://www.bionicbuddha.com/ta-0.jpg

Now, I was looking at the TA-350i series, maybe you have an older model, the TA-350 and they don't have that problem. Where did you get yours?

Also, what diameter of rails did you end up using? ARe they the standard 15mm?

[Rodney V. Smith]

i got mine locally at an electronics supplu store that was definitely way off the beaten bath. it was the Ilsco TA-350 and I took my rails with me to make sure I got the correct fit. Mine definitely do not have a lip on the other side of the hole.

Is there anyway you can sand that bit down or cut it down to size? since its aluminium it shouldn't be too hard...

[DavidD]

I was thinking about that - they are about $2.50 a piece, so I am going to try and find another first. What size are your carbon/aluminum rails?

[Rodney V. Smith]

mine were the rails from Ikea and they measure in at 16mm. a little off-spec but my entire rail system is DIY including the lens support.

[j]

Two solutions, both involve drilling...

First time I drilled thru the 15mm shaft (w/ a 15mm drill bit) to enable the tubes to clear.

The next project I cut off the end to make a cube. I then drilled a hole in the center and counter sunk for new screw location.

[DavidD]

Were you running across the same problem of the 'lip' with the TA-350's? If you cut off the end, then there isn't really a way to secure it to the platform.

[j]

Not without drilling.

I would cut off the lip and drill a hole down the center for the new screw point.

[j]

Sorry for the grainy images, I don't have my camera here but I found some productions stills that show my adapter.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/731/1189534468.jpg

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/731/1189534694.jpg

Hopefully this will give you an idea. Don't forget to counter-sink the new hole.

[DavidD]

I think I can see, do you have a picture of the cube by itself? Thank, BTW.

[lbwoods]

I had the same problem with the lip but i took care of it with a hand file. I like the look of the cube (with the tongue cut off) but i'm wondering if you lost stability by only attaching with one screw, i have drilled and countersunk down the center hole and was planning on leaving the tongue just for stability. any thoughts.

[j]

It fits snug on the rail.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'm back and with pics and stuff.
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus1.JPG

2http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus3.JPG
3
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus6.JPG
4
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus7.JPG
gears assembly
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus10.JPG
try to get one of these sliding rods from a photostore and cut off the end.. it's perfect for allowing the FF to slide back and forth.. dunno what it's called though.
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus11.JPG
this part wasw from Home Depot... it's the back end of one of those plastic pieces they use to fill holes to allow wires through a wall or piece of wood. has a little lip that pushes the whiteboard piece up... gives it a little space...

http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus12.JPG
fully assembled. the whiteboard piece is actually white vinyl on top of a black disk.. i got lucky and
found one the perfect size at Ikea... I love ikea AS-IS department

on camera
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/DVX-moviecam-4.jpg
http://www.flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/DVX-moviecam-1.jpg
don't it look purty?

[DavidD]

Bravo again. I wish I could get that fishing reel that you found! Is that a new one? If it is new, what is the model number?

[Rodney V. Smith]

it's the same reel... i like to recycle and not waste parts. don't they still not have the small reels in Canadaland?

[DavidD]

ha, not a chance. I do look in the USA every once in a while at Wal-Mart,, but have never seen that type...what is the model again?

[j]

that looks great.

[Rodney V. Smith]

You know what: I think I'm going to have to go and remake this follow focus unit, this time keeping track of the types of materials i used and list them all, so we can have a true step by step of how to build your own. I'll tackle this project this weekend.

I must stress this though, the importance of having rock solid rail support. without that, any follow focus will be useless.

So I'll be off to Walmart to get the fishing reel, and then to Home Depot to get hardware. Gotta see if I can grab anymore of those Ilsco bits from the electrical store too for the rail support....

[DavidD]

Great news. Puck, this has gotten me excited about the project again! Post as soon as you know the parts, please.

[fenigirl]

Looking forward to seeing your plans. I NEED a follow focus BAD. Cant wait. BTW, yours looks great.

[Rodney V. Smith]

You know, I was looking at my first follow focus going over the parts list and trying to cut down on dedundancy, and I just realized something: with the right sized gear this could also control the DVX Focus.

I'm going to integrate this into my new set-up and see where it takes me. Should be interesting (and useful) to have a follow focus that handles both the 35mm and the DVX. All anyone really needs is the sliding rail and everything else should fall into place but by bit...

[fenigirl]

I should have mentioned that I have only the dvx with no adapter.....do you have a recipe for this?

[Rodney V. Smith]

that's what I think this follow focus can be used for as well. You'll still need a rail system unfortunately.

[fenigirl]

Can a rail system be built also? Thanks.

[Rodney V. Smith]

J started us off on some ideas of how to build your own and a few of us took the ideas and built off of them. You can find that thread here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=75330

much Kudos to J.. he's responsible for me even building a follow focus in the first place, cuz once I had my rails... well logic kind of kicks in....

[Rodney V. Smith]

another link for you fenigirl. I decided to start a new thread based on my own design as I build a new baseplate.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1056928#post1056928

[Rodney V. Smith]

okay then: the project begins. First the taking apart of the fishing reel, then everything else to follow. for those interested (David) the brand of fishing reel is Durango, the Shakespaere for 3.95 at Walmart.

Number is SC15E, sku DURANGOSC15
8lb tension


http://flyinmonkey.com/RVS-35mm/followfocus-1.JPG
pictures to follow

[orkan]

You really made me happy, I hope you will finish it soon and publish the whole process!


Good luck and keep up the good work!

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'm trying to find a source for the disc, black, white, whatever, but that's one of the hardest pieces to find (unless you're very very lucky).

Failing finding a suitable replacement, some cutting may be involved. I'm thinking of using a white plastic palette, the kind they sell to kids for use with acrylics. You can find them in Walmart in the kid's craft section. As far as I can tell, they work rather nicely with dry-erase markers.

I'll confirm later today and then tell you what size hole cutter you have to buy. (you can always return it after this single cut, just be nice to it)


GEARS:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Traxxas-Spur-Gear-32-Pitch-64-Tooth-T-Maxx-3164_W0QQitemZ160149801260QQihZ006QQcategoryZ44028 QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
that is the original size gear I got. Once I get the new one in, it may require some fiddling to attach to the new gearbox. Shoudl be here in a couple of days.

In the meantime I'm going to disassemble the fishing reel and get it ready for cutting... as well as getting rid of the obvious parts that make it a fishing reel. The aim is to reduce it to a gearbox that we can then attach the other components/accessories to.

[j]

I sense another super-massive Edwierdo type thread forming...

...do post on!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Okay got another item for my trip to McMaster-Carr.
Plastic Disc, clear acrylic

1221T15
Clear Cast Acrylic Circle 1/8" Thick, 3" Diameter

$4.79 Each
http://www.mcmaster.com

For the white surface, go to a sign shop, ask for a scrap of white vinyl (they may give it to you or sell it. Apply to the back of the acrylic and voila, you have your disc.

Going to McMaster-Carr over the weekend, so I'll be picking up a couple of these discs. Should have all parts assembled by next week.

Also have to look for an alternate knob since I got mine from an old printer that I tore apart. McMaster might once again be the answer....

[TiE_Shepherd]

Okay ready for class to start. Got my first book today...

[fenigirl]

Takin' notes as well. Thanks Puck.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Hope you got your fishing reels. Next chance you get, go ahead and try to find a flash bracket to mount the FFF onto. That's at the end of this part of the tutorial.

Disassembly of this thing is a bitch. It's a little different from the first one I did, so I'm essentially building along with you gus, just with a little more forethought this time around.

You're going to want to take it apart. Take the casing off, handles, everything you can take off by hand until you're left with the black plastic mount for the gears. There's going to be an annoying reel for the line. we lose that next.

http://www.flyinmonkey.com/images/FFF01.JPG

First thing you're going to want to do is get a flat head screwdriver and pry off the little metal plate at the front of the spool.

http://flyinmonkey.com/images/FFF02.JPG

That frees up the next band and you can shimmy those off. Then you should be able to take the spool off of the gear housing.

http://flyinmonkey.com/images/FFF03.JPG


There are a few parts stopping the gears from turning freely back and forth. Next to the big gear is a little piece of metal. Get your pliers and pry it out. it should come fairly easily.

http://flyinmonkey.com/images/FFF04.JPG

The gears should now be able to turn freely.

Next you'll want to take off the little wheel at the top. Look on the front of the gear housing and you'll see a little slot for a flat head screw. hold the wheel and screw that bronze screw out.



Next part you're going to have to use your saw, but carefully. You're going to cut off a chunk of the gear housing at the bottom. And then you're going to very carefully grind it down to size.

http://flyinmonkey.com/images/FFF05.JPG
Go slow. It's better to have too much than too little and you want to keep it flat. So go slowly.

You'll end up with a flat lip at the bottom. That lip will be used to secure the FFF to the flash bracket. Just drill a small hole in it.

http://flyinmonkey.com/images/FFF07.JPG

get your washers and a the screw to fit of course. make sure the screw goes all the way through so you can get a nut on right next to the gear. be careful about placement of the hole. you'll need room to put the nut onto the screw so DO NOT go too close to the gears.

now you can mount onto your flash bracket.

This is your main housing for the follow focus. The gear fits onto where the front where the spool used to be and the handle goes onto the handle.

Now time to get the rest of the materials.

Materials used so far:
1 fishing reel
1 screw, 2 washers, 1 nut

tools needed:
saw, screwdriver, needle nose pliers
Any questions so far?

[Lucas Adamson]

I feel I should stop you. You can get real gears for £10. Brand Huco, Made in UK. Available from RS components (and others). Super quality acetal gears, ratio 1:1. Backlash equivelant to expensive FFs. As used on expensive FFs. Easy to fit - square!

http://amandabolt.squarespace.com/storage/L748443-01.gif

http://amandabolt.squarespace.com/storage/R748437-91.jpg

[Rodney V. Smith]

sorry about the quality of the pictures.... its a crappy little camera. should have just video taped the whole thing

[Rodney V. Smith]

thanks Lucas. I've been looking for affordable gears for a while now and they're pretty difficult to find here. that gear is definitely a good option.

What do you guys think? Should I just stop my tutorial now?

[Lucas Adamson]

I feel like a spoil-sport. Sorry!

I didn't mean to piss on you cornflakes, as they say (here at least)

Lucas

[Rodney V. Smith]

no worries. no piss in my cornflakes, just a lack of gears. I really wish they had affordable ones here. The Durango Shakespaere seems to have minimal backlash, pretty tight tolerances, so it looking promising to be a decent gear box.

In any case even if you use that gearbox or able to get you hands on a decent one, the rest of the tutorial may still be useful, so I'll stop having my bit of a strop now and get on with it. :-D

Viva la DIY

[TiE_Shepherd]

I feel I should stop you. You can get real gears for £10. Brand Huco, Made in UK. Available from RS components (and others). Super quality acetal gears, ratio 1:1. Backlash equivelant to expensive FFs. As used on expensive FFs. Easy to fit - square!

Only problem is there is no easy way to get those gearboxes in the US. Seems like there are dozens of places to buy them in the UK, but I've yet to find them here for less than 100 bucks.

[TiE_Shepherd]

no worries. no piss in my cornflakes, just a lack of gears. I really wish they had affordable ones here. The Durango Shakespaere seems to have minimal backlash, pretty tight tolerances, so it looking promising to be a decent gear box.

In any case even if you use that gearbox or able to get you hands on a decent one, the rest of the tutorial may still be useful, so I'll stop having my bit of a strop now and get on with it. :-D

Viva la DIY

Started taking mine apart tonight. Got to the part where you have to remove the spool and having a hell of a time getting the little c shaped piece of metal off of there. Of course it's 2am here so I'm gonna to finish up the hacking tomorrow.

[DannyDarko]

I remember seeing a picture of a KNEX FF on the boards here. That might save a lot of time. =) Seriously though, great work taking the initiative to DIY a follow focus. Best of luck with it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

finding the rest of the parts is the hard part now. WHile it helps that I've already built a fully functional follow focus, there are some differences in the sizes of the reels used, so a few small things change.

Hope you guys ordered the Pitch 32 gear and the disc from McMaster. i have to look at the correct size for the knob and then I can tell you which one to use.

Tutorial continues on Monday when I've got the rest of my new parts in.

[Lucas Adamson]

For the gearbox I posted images of in the last page, click here (http://rswww.com/cgi-bin/bv/rswww/searchBrowseAction.do?D=gearbox%20huco&Nr=AND%28avl%3auk%2csearchDiscon_uk%3aN%29&Ntk=I18NAll&Nty=1&Ntt=gearbox%20huco&Dx=mode%20matchpartial&Ntx=mode%20matchpartial&N=0&name=SiteStandard&forwardingPage=line&R=0748443&callingPage=/jsp/search/search.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0616101353.1191011024@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdiaddmdhjjificefeceeldgondhgk.0&cacheID=uknetscape)

I hope that helps. It is true that you need to register, and that you're supposed to be a company, but just make one up. Postage shouldn't be too exhorbitant to USA I hope.

All the best
Lucas

[kaimakana]

Hey Lucas and every fellow DIY FF builders,

thanks for the link to the RS website for that gearbox. I have been DRROOOLIING over that part for weeks. I've tried ordering from them but unfortunately when you get to the "ship to" country, United States is not listed.

So with persistence, deligence, and "I'm not going to take NO for an answer" attitude, I found a US distributor. I just got off the phone with a company in NY, Freeport area, that can import these gearboxes to the US. That company is:

http://www.rinomechanical.com/gearbox_miniature.htm

at the top of the link you'll see the gearbox in all it's glory. I spoke to a person on the phone and they are able to get them (from the UK). Prices are
$45 steel gears- part # 314.31.2 made by RINO
$29 plastic gears- part# 315.31.3 made by RINO

The steel gears are in stock at his store, but I opted for the plastic ones. So I'm out here in Hawaii and can't get an answer if stock availability from UK. I guess it's time to go to the beach, catch a few tasty waves and enjoy the weekend...

Let me know if anyone finds another source.

This one source in the US looks promosing. Keeping my fingers and legs crossed though..

Aloha from Hawaii

[kaimakana]

Hey PUCK,

No offense though for my post about the gearbox...

I am still going to pursue building one of these in case the source fails. So PLEASE continue on with the fishing reel FF tutorial

[TiE_Shepherd]

Okay got the reel all stripped out, just have to flatten the side and drill the hole for the bolt. Also still need to order the gear.

[TiE_Shepherd]

For the gearbox I posted images of in the last page, click here (http://rswww.com/cgi-bin/bv/rswww/searchBrowseAction.do?D=gearbox%20huco&Nr=AND%28avl%3auk%2csearchDiscon_uk%3aN%29&Ntk=I18NAll&Nty=1&Ntt=gearbox%20huco&Dx=mode%20matchpartial&Ntx=mode%20matchpartial&N=0&name=SiteStandard&forwardingPage=line&R=0748443&callingPage=/jsp/search/search.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0616101353.1191011024@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdiaddmdhjjificefeceeldgondhgk.0&cacheID=uknetscape)

I hope that helps. It is true that you need to register, and that you're supposed to be a company, but just make one up. Postage shouldn't be too exhorbitant to USA I hope.

All the best
Lucas

Yeah I tried them before. After jumping through the hoops of finding someone who could get me info on shipping to the US I found out they were going to charge me £17 for the gearbox and another £20-£30 to ship to the US. Sorry but 40-80 US dollars to ship an item that maybe weighs 2 pounds packaged seems like an excuse to not have to bother with shipping small quantites over seas.

Thanks for the info though. I know you're just trying to be helpful. Just wish that place would ship here for a decent price.

[Lucas Adamson]

Yeah I tried them before. After jumping through the hoops of finding someone who could get me info on shipping to the US I found out they were going to charge me £17 for the gearbox and another £20-£30 to ship to the US. Sorry but 40-80 US dollars to ship an item that maybe weighs 2 pounds packaged seems like an excuse to not have to bother with shipping small quantites over seas.

Thanks for the info though. I know you're just trying to be helpful. Just wish that place would ship here for a decent price.

Tell me about it. I just ordered a $15 lightweight plastic gear from the US, and the only postal option was UPS expedited (charged at published rates) but I couldn't find those rates anywhere. It turned out to be $75 for what is essentially a tiny envelope. I had to wait for the receipt to find out how much I'd been charged. :shocked:
:kali: UPS

Lux

[TiE_Shepherd]

Yeah I like ordering stuff online, but I'm always worried with the places that do the shipping when the item is ready to be shipped out. I'm always dreading their gonna say shipping is some huge fee. If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the gears from? Are they for a follow focus?

[Rodney V. Smith]

hey guys, just got back from a VERY long weekend shoot. my additional parts should arrvie today so the tutorial will continue this evening.

No offense about the parts. If we can get affordable gear boxes, then the cheaper the better. It looks more "pro" in the end and that's the look we're going for.

What I'm going to do with this tutorial is show that we CAN build our own with commonly available parts... or with more pro parts. The steps for creating the follow focus are the same after this point. I just can't tell you measurements or what other parts can be used for the gear boxes, so there's going to be a little more experimentation on your part to make certain things work.

So get your parts in and get ready to build. I'll list the workable parts once the mail gets here and I've confirmed that they fit and work.

Right now my main concern is the nuts and bolts... I want to limit the use of JB Weld on this build, but there are some parts where we might not be able to avoid that.

[Rodney V. Smith]

remember that artists palette I was talking about as the alternated from odering the 3" disc from McMaster-Carr?

$1.39 from craftsetc.com. I got mine from Hobby Lobby.

http://www.craftsetc.com/assets/item/product/218172.jpg

http://www.craftsetc.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=58930&dep=10&cat=45&subcat=10&Search=Y

it works perfectly with dry erase markers on both sides. THis palette was made for acyrlic paints and it's pretty thick, so should hold up well to any abuse. I'm going to cut out a 2" circle and a 3" circle so I can have mounting options, then a trip to Home Depot for the nuts and knob is in store.

No, I haven't made it to McMaster Carr. that trip is planned for tomorrow. but the rest of the stuff I ordered is on it's way.

[Rodney V. Smith]

okay, I just did a little experimentation prior to taking photos, just so I can guide this tutorial properly.

There was a black reel that held the nylon. I hope you guys kept that, because I discovered that it makes a great knob, with no JB Weld or melting of plastic involved. The threaded rod (?) for the knob seems to be in metric and I happened to have a nut from Ikea that fit perfectly.

I'll have to check at Home Depot now to see if they have anything compatible.

I cut out a 2.5" disc from the acrylic palette and it works great. For those who want a wider white disc, go for the 3". In fact, for $1.39 you can cut out as many discs as you can out of the acylic palette.

Pictures to come when I return...

[Rodney V. Smith]

the gear for your 35mm lenses, canon OR nikon is the Ikelite gear.
It's plastic but it works great. Order one for each lens and it will save time and trouble.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/24497-REG/Ikelite_90958_Aperture_Gear.html

[DavidD]

Don't stop now Puck! Keep going...

[Rodney V. Smith]

I dropped my camera earlier this week, so I've been a little distracted with trying to get it fixed. Sorry about my absense.

I've got the rest of the parts for the FFF and took pictures of both versions: the 2.5" and the 3" disc.

Do you still have the nylon reel thing from the fishing reel? it really does make a good knob if mounted properly. I'll uiplod the pictures and finish the tutorial later today.

[TiE_Shepherd]

Okay I thought for sure I threw that reel thing away when I gutted the reel, but just found it. Glad I was lazy and didn't pitch it in the trash.

[DavidD]

excellent Puck, the tutorial is looking great.

[Rodney V. Smith]

digital cam is on the fritz. something is wrong with the card and my card reader keeps erroring out after each image. trying to find a USB cbale to hook directly into the cam, so bear with me guys. pics are coming as soon as i can get this sucker hooked up.

[DavidD]

Dude, that sucks. I hope you get the d.camera up and running without having to pay for a repair.

I have been inspired to go back to my original design while waiting to pick up a new fishing reel. I managed to secure the entire piece very securely to the rails - a huge boon - this means I won't have the play I was fighting against. Thanks for the inspiration.

Ages ago, I built my own sliding mechanism (like the one you bought from the camera store). I would like to get a ready-made one - if you know a source, keep me posted - but in the interim it works well.

I wanted to ask you as well - I have been keeping my gears in a closed unit. I did this to keep the dirt out as well as secure the entire piece a little more strongly. Do you find any difficulties with it being wide open?

[Rodney V. Smith]

oh i guess i was a little vague: it was the DVX I dropped. Now it's getting a total drum replacement. ugh.

Anyway, with the unit being open, that has always been a source of concern for me, but I've managed to keep it well maintained and as clean as possible. I'm considering building a box for it so it at least has a semi-pro look, but never got around to it.

You got any pics of your old unit David? I'd like to see how you built your sliding rail. As for sources,, I;ve been looking on ebay and other sites, but they never seem to have just the one piece. It's always available as a part of something else.

this is the closest one i've found so far for $8.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/93392-REG/General_Brand_VA322_Straight_Flash_Bracket.html

[Rodney V. Smith]

heres another one but only 2 are left
http://cgi.ebay.com/Multi-purpose-Flash-metel-Bracket-Straight-NEW_W0QQitemZ190160699556QQihZ009QQcategoryZ43479Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohost ing

[DavidD]

Sorry it took so long Puck, but here is the DIY slider I used. There are two picture of the pieces apart and one together. The hardest part was creating the slot in the piece of aluminum, but only took about 1 hour.

http://www.bionicbuddha.com/slide1.jpg
http://www.bionicbuddha.com/slide2.jpg
http://www.bionicbuddha.com/slide3.jpg

[Zacatac]

Hey puck, how smooth does the fishing pole thing run? I've got a few that im ready to use if need be

btw can someone hand me a link to a cheap right angle drive(i don't know how cheap, but good, they get), and how to buy it? i'm like on these sites trying to figure out how to order them

[Rodney V. Smith]

the new one actually turns rather smoothly. i;ve had no problems with the device itself. It's just mounting it that's always the hard part. the flash bracket really helps with that part and once it's on there snugly you can always JB-Weld it on to make sure it stays put.

[DavidD]

Yeah, I am finding the same thing - mounting is a pain. Finding a level spot and also something that is secure (thicker plastic) is difficult, but doable.

[Zacatac]

well alright, seems ill be going the fishing pole way...

are you gonna snag all the tutorial spread about and put it into one, along with a parts list? if you need any help, i'm here, i just want to know how to order the gears and where to get them from

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'm trying to get an alternate source for a better more comfortable knob as well as a good way to mount it, then I was thinking of just doing a PDF of the entire process. Just wish I had a better way to mount it to the flash bracket than using a screw and JB-Weld...

[Rodney V. Smith]

gears for the lenses.. buy yourself a set of these.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/24497-REG/Ikelite_90958_Aperture_Gear.html

[Zacatac]

alright, well i guess i meant the right angle drive gear... but i may be scrounging around to find one in my mess of parts

[Rodney V. Smith]

oh okay then. if you're in the states you're gonna be a little out of luck with finding one cheaply. I'm finding them for as little as $90! Only $90! wow! what a price! (end sarcasm). At that price, you might as well save and buy yourself a one of these bad boys from indifocus. It's all made for you and seriously speaking: cheap as hell (in comparison of course)
http://indifocus.com/products_indifocuspro.htm

Now to upgrade the look of my FFF. It works rather smoothly and I'm going to finally get to post some footage as well as new pictures in about a week once I get my new parts in (hope these work cuz I'm building a selection of parts that my wife is getting suspicious of).

If these work, then we'll finally have a completed part list for the elusive DIY Fisherman Follow Focus (FFF).