hoarp001
Veteran
Hi,
I was frustrated with the remote follow focus systems available for us indie film makers, so I built myself a pretty run and gun, but none the less effective remote follow focus. Having used this system on a film I was steadicamming on, the focus puller, DOP, camera ops etc etc all thought my system was pretty good, and infact easier to use than the physical follow focus. My system has absolutely NO play what so ever.
I intend to sell these to the indie filmmaker and I would like to keep the cost to £150/$300, which includes the motor. The motor uses an RC servo, like the foveas system. This is actually a very smooth and reliable way of pulling focus, my system is reliable enough to repeat marks accurately. The servo i am using has been specially selected and modified by me to be as quiet as possible, it does however still whine a little bit when its going full pelt.
This system is fairly no frills. It dosnt have the programable positions like the foveas, but it is well built and it will last, reliable, and for 150 quid, I cant really build in the programable side of things.
The unit is in a rugged aluminum case, anodized black. It takes four AA batteries, which are housed in two tube style battery holders on the bottom. There is an on/off switch at the top and an indicator light. There will also be an illuminator for the marking ring.
Heres the downside. This is the reason why this system is £150 and not thousands.
Get ready:
THIS IS NOT A WIRELESS FOLLOW FOCUS SYSTEM
Yes, its a shame, and I wish I could make a wireless sytem, but for £150, its the only way to make it properly with proper materials and make it last. As a steadicam operator having used the prototype model, the fact that it is wired is not much of a problem, as the focus puller can follow along with me, judge distances and see my monitor. The wire also dosn't affect the steadicam much either.
I have tried to make the wired system as universal and painless as possible, and the controller and motor connect using a standard stereo jack cable, like the sort of thing you would connect the sound card to the speaker system on computers. These cables can be bought cheaply, so you can afford to have lots of differnt lengths, and they are easy to make your own. you can join them up with standard audio connectors.
So, in summary:
I am offering a reliable, repeatable remote follow focus in a durable aluminium case with motor including a 0.8mod gear for 35mm lenses and SLR lenses in a flightcase for £150.
Here is a photo of the prototype unit. Please note that the marking disk in this photo is actually a piece of paper, I am waiting for the CNC shop to cut the disk out of white acrylic. This photo also shows the follow focus without the cap on the top of the knob. It will have a matt finish domed knob over the top to hide the locking nut.
If you are interested and would like to reserve one or something then let me know. I have three reserved so far.
I was frustrated with the remote follow focus systems available for us indie film makers, so I built myself a pretty run and gun, but none the less effective remote follow focus. Having used this system on a film I was steadicamming on, the focus puller, DOP, camera ops etc etc all thought my system was pretty good, and infact easier to use than the physical follow focus. My system has absolutely NO play what so ever.
I intend to sell these to the indie filmmaker and I would like to keep the cost to £150/$300, which includes the motor. The motor uses an RC servo, like the foveas system. This is actually a very smooth and reliable way of pulling focus, my system is reliable enough to repeat marks accurately. The servo i am using has been specially selected and modified by me to be as quiet as possible, it does however still whine a little bit when its going full pelt.
This system is fairly no frills. It dosnt have the programable positions like the foveas, but it is well built and it will last, reliable, and for 150 quid, I cant really build in the programable side of things.
The unit is in a rugged aluminum case, anodized black. It takes four AA batteries, which are housed in two tube style battery holders on the bottom. There is an on/off switch at the top and an indicator light. There will also be an illuminator for the marking ring.
Heres the downside. This is the reason why this system is £150 and not thousands.
Get ready:
THIS IS NOT A WIRELESS FOLLOW FOCUS SYSTEM
Yes, its a shame, and I wish I could make a wireless sytem, but for £150, its the only way to make it properly with proper materials and make it last. As a steadicam operator having used the prototype model, the fact that it is wired is not much of a problem, as the focus puller can follow along with me, judge distances and see my monitor. The wire also dosn't affect the steadicam much either.
I have tried to make the wired system as universal and painless as possible, and the controller and motor connect using a standard stereo jack cable, like the sort of thing you would connect the sound card to the speaker system on computers. These cables can be bought cheaply, so you can afford to have lots of differnt lengths, and they are easy to make your own. you can join them up with standard audio connectors.
So, in summary:
I am offering a reliable, repeatable remote follow focus in a durable aluminium case with motor including a 0.8mod gear for 35mm lenses and SLR lenses in a flightcase for £150.
Here is a photo of the prototype unit. Please note that the marking disk in this photo is actually a piece of paper, I am waiting for the CNC shop to cut the disk out of white acrylic. This photo also shows the follow focus without the cap on the top of the knob. It will have a matt finish domed knob over the top to hide the locking nut.
If you are interested and would like to reserve one or something then let me know. I have three reserved so far.
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