Bebob Foxi Impressions - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

Opcode · 04-01-2006, 12:40 PM

16x9 Inc has finally been receiving more shipments of the Bebob Foxi follow focus system. I received mine yesterday and thought I'd put up an initial impression for those who have been contemplating a purchase.

First I'd like to say that this is just an initial impression and I have not had time to really put it to test. I have not verified the accuracy of the focus repeatability. I'm only commenting on my initial impressions and opinions.

The unit comes with an offset block that allows you to attach it to the controller and helps separate it from the camera when attached to support rods. The kit also comes with an extra marking strip to replace the one that is included stock.

The foxi attaches to the LANC input via a coiled cable and allows manual control of both iris and focus. One of the nice things about it that the focus knob uses a 270 degree hard stop and allows you roll through the full focus range of the camera in single twist.

The focus knob uses a friction based resistance which gives a bit more fine control, however, I found that the resistance is bit too much for my liking and as far as I know, not adjustable. If you are pulling focus while panning or tilting by yourself, it is possible that turning could affect the smoothness of the shot depending on how fast you need to rack.

The question is whether the foxi is a replacement for a well engineered manual follow focus and the simple answer is that it is not. The Foxi uses an electronic system that drives the internal focusing servos. As such, it is limited by the speed and resolution of the analog input. A manually geared follow focus will give you finer control and provides more sensitivity to allow minor adjustments.

I haven't really played with the varizoom but I believe the foxi is a significant step up over it given the aforementioned features. Having a 270 degree throw just gives you more control.

At a price point of 465.00, it offers a good low cost alternative to a full follow focus system for the budget minded but I would definitely say it's not a replacement for a well made geared follow focus system by the professional manufacturers.

Anders Holck · 04-01-2006, 01:15 PM

The focus ring also uses the same servo so I'm not so sure you get better resolution and response with a mechanical follow focus.
The microjack connector is not a LANC connector, but a special Panasonic connector.
Thank you for the report.

bgundu · 04-01-2006, 06:18 PM

Thanks for this informative report.

The Sarlacc · 04-01-2006, 07:37 PM

I played with one at Abel Cine Tech the other day, and was pretty impressed...A device such as this is sorely needed for these cameras lacking true focus barrels.

bena · 04-03-2006, 11:14 AM

Opcode, is there any chance you could open up your foxy and take some pics? I would really like to know how it works so us DIY guys can make ourselves one. ;')

Thanks
Ben

Justyn · 04-03-2006, 04:10 PM

I'd be interested in your results and observations after some real world use. I"m looking to get one for the concerts I shoot.. and the talking head convention work that pops up from time to time. With a marshall monitor.. and my two tripod arms... would be quite a nice studio style kit...

Seems like a better design than the varizoom.. and that is awesome as I love the Lac varizoom I have for my XL1. Got so used to shooting with it.. that it's hard to shoot without one.

Have you bought the zoom controller as well?

Opcode · 04-03-2006, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bena

Opcode, is there any chance you could open up your foxy and take some pics? I would really like to know how it works so us DIY guys can make ourselves one. ;')

Thanks
Ben

You mean open up the guts and let you reverse engineer it? It's got screws so it looks like it can be safely opened but I don't know how ethical that would be of me. I can't do it at this time anyways because I've got jobs that are dependent on a fully functioning foxi.

From an engineering perspective though you'll need to find out what the camera expects signal wise going in through the LANC imput. My guess the rotary dial is a simple pot/variable resistor and not some fancy digital encoder. If you are EE saavy you may be able to make your own.

Opcode · 04-03-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justyn

I'd be interested in your results and observations after some real world use. I"m looking to get one for the concerts I shoot.. and the talking head convention work that pops up from time to time. With a marshall monitor.. and my two tripod arms... would be quite a nice studio style kit...

Seems like a better design than the varizoom.. and that is awesome as I love the Lac varizoom I have for my XL1. Got so used to shooting with it.. that it's hard to shoot without one.

Have you bought the zoom controller as well?

I don't own the Zoe controller but I'm seriously considering getting one. I'll definitely be putting the unit to the test as I'll be shooting another feature next week.

My guess is that you'd be very happy with it. If you like the varizoom, then foxi is a significant step up. You'd have a very sweet concert shoot setup with the dual pan arms, foxi on one and zoe on the other.

Justyn · 04-03-2006, 06:16 PM

Opscode.. I think it would be sweet as well... I also know I'll use this more than a focus control.. but I'd be getting one of those as well. I'm interested to see what the Redrock suite will cost.. Looks great and if it's all for under 1500-2K, would be a great deal...

Tom McKay · 04-03-2006, 09:29 PM

Opcode,

This is Tom from VariZoom. With all due respect you really need to do some more investigating. I wish you would before you say anymore about VariZoom especially since you have not yet used the VariZoom.

Your camera does not have a lanc port.

You mentioned 270 degrees "gives you more control" VariZoom has 310 degrees. It is "a significant step up" I think you would need to actually compare the two products to make that statement.

You said the $465. Fox is a low cost alternative. My VariZoom PFI is $199.

I understand you are simply reporting your first impressions but since you mention and compare it to my product, that you "haven't really played with", I think it is important to bring in some more perspective for the readers.

Thanks for the report.

Tom

www.varizoom.com

04-01-2006, 12:40 PM	#1
Opcode Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 147	Bebob Foxi Impressions 16x9 Inc has finally been receiving more shipments of the Bebob Foxi follow focus system. I received mine yesterday and thought I'd put up an initial impression for those who have been contemplating a purchase. First I'd like to say that this is just an initial impression and I have not had time to really put it to test. I have not verified the accuracy of the focus repeatability. I'm only commenting on my initial impressions and opinions. The unit comes with an offset block that allows you to attach it to the controller and helps separate it from the camera when attached to support rods. The kit also comes with an extra marking strip to replace the one that is included stock. The foxi attaches to the LANC input via a coiled cable and allows manual control of both iris and focus. One of the nice things about it that the focus knob uses a 270 degree hard stop and allows you roll through the full focus range of the camera in single twist. The focus knob uses a friction based resistance which gives a bit more fine control, however, I found that the resistance is bit too much for my liking and as far as I know, not adjustable. If you are pulling focus while panning or tilting by yourself, it is possible that turning could affect the smoothness of the shot depending on how fast you need to rack. The question is whether the foxi is a replacement for a well engineered manual follow focus and the simple answer is that it is not. The Foxi uses an electronic system that drives the internal focusing servos. As such, it is limited by the speed and resolution of the analog input. A manually geared follow focus will give you finer control and provides more sensitivity to allow minor adjustments. I haven't really played with the varizoom but I believe the foxi is a significant step up over it given the aforementioned features. Having a 270 degree throw just gives you more control. At a price point of 465.00, it offers a good low cost alternative to a full follow focus system for the budget minded but I would definitely say it's not a replacement for a well made geared follow focus system by the professional manufacturers. Last edited by Opcode; 04-01-2006 at 10:53 PM.

04-03-2006, 11:14 AM	#5
bena DVXuser Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: x0\|Potomac\|USA\|\|0\|0\|MD,Maryland Posts: 356	Opcode, is there any chance you could open up your foxy and take some pics? I would really like to know how it works so us DIY guys can make ourselves one. ;') Thanks Ben __________________ Ben CEO Red Lightning Software LLC www.hdmonitorpro.com www.redlightningsoftware.com

04-03-2006, 09:29 PM	#10
Tom McKay Varizoom Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin Posts: 192	VariZoom Opcode, This is Tom from VariZoom. With all due respect you really need to do some more investigating. I wish you would before you say anymore about VariZoom especially since you have not yet used the VariZoom. Your camera does not have a lanc port. You mentioned 270 degrees "gives you more control" VariZoom has 310 degrees. It is "a significant step up" I think you would need to actually compare the two products to make that statement. You said the $465. Fox is a low cost alternative. My VariZoom PFI is $199. I understand you are simply reporting your first impressions but since you mention and compare it to my product, that you "haven't really played with", I think it is important to bring in some more perspective for the readers. Thanks for the report. Tom www.varizoom.com

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-01-2006, 01:15 PM	#2
Anders Holck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark. Posts: 966	The focus ring also uses the same servo so I'm not so sure you get better resolution and response with a mechanical follow focus. The microjack connector is not a LANC connector, but a special Panasonic connector. Thank you for the report.

04-01-2006, 06:18 PM	#3
bgundu Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 905	Thanks for this informative report.

04-01-2006, 07:37 PM	#4
The Sarlacc Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 762	I played with one at Abel Cine Tech the other day, and was pretty impressed...A device such as this is sorely needed for these cameras lacking true focus barrels.

04-03-2006, 04:10 PM	#6
Justyn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,648	I'd be interested in your results and observations after some real world use. I"m looking to get one for the concerts I shoot.. and the talking head convention work that pops up from time to time. With a marshall monitor.. and my two tripod arms... would be quite a nice studio style kit... Seems like a better design than the varizoom.. and that is awesome as I love the Lac varizoom I have for my XL1. Got so used to shooting with it.. that it's hard to shoot without one. Have you bought the zoom controller as well?

04-03-2006, 06:16 PM	#9
Justyn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,648	Opscode.. I think it would be sweet as well... I also know I'll use this more than a focus control.. but I'd be getting one of those as well. I'm interested to see what the Redrock suite will cost.. Looks great and if it's all for under 1500-2K, would be a great deal...