aF100 Best Follow-Focus, Base plate rails and whips

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dtzfilms

Well-known member
Might be an oxymoron but can anyone recommend an inexpensive high quality follow focus rig for the AF?

I was on a shoot yesterday and the Sound guy just happened to have a Redrock Micro with baseplate and microwhips that made focusing the voigtlander a breeze. Silly old me looked like a pro! I'm sold on it but $2K is a bit rich for me right now.

Is there anything out there that's of comparable quality but less costly? I'm looking for the baseplate and rods, the micro whips and the micro crank. I can live without a matte box for the foreseeable future, but the follow-focus is a must.

It also seems as if that combination/configuration isn't sold. At bhphoto I see rails, follow focus, matte box, no gears, no whip. Might just have to compile what I want.

Also I see 19mm rods and 15mm rods which one do I need for an AF?
 
I'm using a pieced-together "system": baseplate is Genus http://www.lcd4video.com/products/Genus-GMB{47}A-Advanced-Support-Bar-System.html (15mm rods)
and the Dfocus V3 http://www.dfocussystem.com/ with crank.

Brand new, the price for this system is less than $600

I personally haven't come across 19mm rods. All of the accessories/ad-on systems I've come across are 15mm. It's pretty easy to mix/match that system. I've also got the Redrock lens support http://www.redrockmicro.com/microLensSupport.html that works well with my setup.
 
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Cheers. I searched, it doesn't look like they have whips. What length rods, 9inch? I'll be getting a matte box later on.
 
Depending on your baseplate, I wouldn't go any shorter than 12-inch rods. And I'd also look at threaded rods, which allow you to attach rod extensions if needed for longer lenses.

I really like Berkey Systems components, and while their baseplate might be a bit expensive for you, their rails are really, really nice.
 
Stephen Mick said:
Depending on your baseplate, I wouldn't go any shorter than 12-inch rods. And I'd also look at threaded rods, which allow you to attach rod extensions if needed for longer lenses.

I really like Berkey Systems components, and while their baseplate might be a bit expensive for you, their rails are really, really nice.
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Right there with you. Berkey System stuff is the best there is, and the rods are fairly inexpensive.
 
I've also heard great things about the Indisystems Carbon Fiber rods. I haven't used the myself, but I know some who swear by them (not at them).
 
Cheers. Well, Redrock Micro looks like everything will cost me $1319.50 for
Follow focus complete bundle - whip, crank.
Set of Lens gears
15mm, 12" rails
Base plate 15mm and low riser.
 
That's a lot steeper than the genus and Dfocus. I really loved the feel and build of the Redrock and I don't want to swear at the Genus. So, Reygun, have you used both? How do they compare? I've bought cheap cars that ended up being expensive. What's your take?
 
The RedRock is a good solid product, and the Genus (to me) feels like it's just a hair "sloppier." The Shoot35 FF is a great piece of gear if it fits your budget. There's also the Chinese TrusMT FF.
 
Stephen Mick said:
The RedRock is a good solid product, and the Genus (to me) feels like it's just a hair "sloppier." The Shoot35 FF is a great piece of gear if it fits your budget. There's also the Chinese TrusMT FF.
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I googled the Shoot35 FF no joy, can you link me to it, please?
 
I am using Chrosziel FF, rails, mattebox and French flag that I got off Ebay for $1600. Works great and very sturdy. I actually just fabricated adjustable wings for the mattebox this morning, as 16X9inc wanted $440 for the wings.
 
I would just do the Redrock. It's solid gear and will last you a good while. I have the FF from redrock and love it.
 
dtzfilms said:
That's a lot steeper than the genus and Dfocus. I really loved the feel and build of the Redrock and I don't want to swear at the Genus. So, Reygun, have you used both? How do they compare? I've bought cheap cars that ended up being expensive. What's your take?
Click to expand...

I can't really make any comparisons since my oh-hand experience with RedRock, or any other is minimal. But you're welcome to compare for yourself -- take it for a "spin" if you're ever in the OC (Huntington Beach) area.
 
Just wander if anyone knows? what is the industry standart for the distance between 2 holes for rods (here is what i mean O<--------->O ) i decided to make everything on my own to see what i can do, but in order to install a fallow focus later on my rods i gess i ll need to know that distance....
 
I have the Chrosziel LWS rail . About $400, but future proof. The top plate can be removed, and you can purchase a plate appropriate and made for a different camera by Chrosziel (now, or made in the future). For a little over $500 , there is the Zacuto Universal baseplate, a little more heavy, but rock solid...
 
anatusa said:
Just wander if anyone knows? what is the industry standart for the distance between 2 holes for rods (here is what i mean O<--------->O ) i decided to make everything on my own to see what i can do, but in order to install a fallow focus later on my rods i gess i ll need to know that distance....
Click to expand...

Lightweight rods are 15mm x 60mm on-center spacing
 
I've got the redrock baseplate, rods and FF with whip and I think it works fine and is solidly built. I can't recommend their Cine arm called microArm Short for your monitor. We had it on a shoot this week and it just crumbled. If you need an arm I suggest the Noga. I'll know more when mine comes in.
 
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