$1 DIY follow focus -- effective?

Rizzice

Rizzice

Active member
Has anyone seen/tried this tutorial before? I watched the sample footage, and it looks very shakey when the user racks focus, but he's also saying he was using a crappy cheap tripod, so I dunno.

Tutorial: http://www.vimeo.com/4270555
Test footage: http://www.vimeo.com/4241793

What do you guys think? It's 1/500th of the price of most follow focus systems, although it doesn't exactly work the same..
 
Someting much easier and just as cheap is to put a zip tie on your focus ring, pull it tight and you are done. The left over part of the zip tie works as your handle. If you use a bolt for your handle you can't let go of it or it will drop to the bottom because of the weight. Try the zip tie, easier, cheaper, and better.
 
Duke M. said:
The D Focus is about the most bang for the buck. Much better than those from India. Only $120. Another $30 for a lens gear if you need one. (I have no connection to them other than I bought one.)

http://www.dfocussystem.com/
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This actually is very very very tempting. It's incredibly cheaper and looks nearly as sturdy as any of the $500+ FF systems.

I don't know about a zip tie.. it seems like you would have to pull it until the ziptie was taut which could cause some obvious shaking..
 
This actually is very very very tempting. It's incredibly cheaper and looks nearly as sturdy as any of the $500+ FF systems.

I don't know about a zip tie.. it seems like you would have to pull it until the ziptie was taut which could cause some obvious shaking..
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I've had my eye on the zip D-Focus for a while. I'm sure I'll end up doing it...the only problem is that I HAVE used the zip tie, and....it does work. Just fine in fact. You really ought to try it because you can always buy the follow focus later....(or not) whatever works. :)
 
That's not a follow focus... that a stick wrapped around your lens... a true FF allows you to do smooth focusing but also allows you to mark focus marks on the wheel, and allows the use of a whip if the situation requires it... I really don't see how this is any different than holding the lens barrel with your fingers...
 
seanmcleod said:
That's not a follow focus... that a stick wrapped around your lens... a true FF allows you to do smooth focusing but also allows you to mark focus marks on the wheel, and allows the use of a whip if the situation requires it... I really don't see how this is any different than holding the lens barrel with your fingers...
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Don't knock it unless you've tried it. Adding a single point not only reduces contact points on the lens barrel, reducing vibration, but puts less torque on the wrists and fingers. Less motion of travel, same amount of control. I use the cheap gear from my indifocus FF when I'm using my glidecam sled to slightly adjust focus without grabbing the entire rig. Its not the best solution but it works great for the cost
 
NoxNoctus said:
Don't knock it unless you've tried it. Adding a single point not only reduces contact points on the lens barrel, reducing vibration, but puts less torque on the wrists and fingers. Less motion of travel, same amount of control. I use the cheap gear from my indifocus FF when I'm using my glidecam sled to slightly adjust focus without grabbing the entire rig. Its not the best solution but it works great for the cost
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But I think what he's saying is that it's not by itself doing what a follow focus does -- following focus. This is just providing an arm to the focusing. If there's nothing to mark you're not following anything. That's why there's a focus puller, because they're looking at the notches and hitting the already established marks while the camera man moves the camera.
 
Rizzice said:
This actually is very very very tempting. It's incredibly cheaper and looks nearly as sturdy as any of the $500+ FF systems.

I don't know about a zip tie.. it seems like you would have to pull it until the ziptie was taut which could cause some obvious shaking..
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Yeah, but the difference between a 100 dollar follow focus system and the more expensive models is quite obvious when you're an AC. The follow focus becomes useless if it has any play on it whatsoever, and I wouldn't buy the D-follow focus unless you've looked at it and touched it before.

Just don't let the price alone tempt you!

Plus, it's a little lame that it's not rod mounted. A follow focus is one piece of gear that you buy once and it'll last you the rest of your life. So buy a good one that's rod mounted and use it on all your future cameras.
 
I don't know about a zip tie.. it seems like you would have to pull it until the ziptie was taut which could cause some obvious shaking..
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You don't pull it tight when you are using it. You do that to "Install" it. Then you are ready to use it.
 
Chamber005 said:
But I think what he's saying is that it's not by itself doing what a follow focus does -- following focus. This is just providing an arm to the focusing. If there's nothing to mark you're not following anything. That's why there's a focus puller, because they're looking at the notches and hitting the already established marks while the camera man moves the camera.
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Fair enough, I would rather see it called "focus helper" or something. I don't know. It's pretty obvious it doesn't scratch the abilities of the real thing.
 
While I can't attest to the quality of the D-Focus... I can say that a proper follow focus makes a world of a different. I certainly love my Zacuto follow focus.

If you're looking for an economic deal... look into Redrock's! They have an amazing new quick release mechanism that is ARRI quality. The lack of play in a FF system and rigidity of sturdy equipment makes the world of a different after constant use.
 
The Focus Stick seems quite good for faster focussing, especially if you've only got a tripod.

But if you're just running and gunning it'd seem impractical (like, where to lay the camera, or letting it poke your ribs) but can't fault the price...

As for the D| Focus, I bought the version 1 on a whim and it is no where near as good as a professional ones. Requires alot of screwing in, and making sure the zip tie is exactly aligned (You squeeze it and plop over lens). I've not ever managed to focus from close to infinity with the D|Focus, due to the play and backlash (Ouch!!!) But for the middle focus marks, it's OK and for £110 it wasn't too bad.

Not tried the Version 2...
 
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