Do seamless rubber focus gear rings slip with stiff lenses?

I

Imamacuser

Veteran
Has anyone tried something like the Tilta seamless focus gear rings with stiff vintage lenses?
I'm concerned that they'll slip.
 
If you've never used a solid mechanical system with very smooth precision, ones like the above could work for basic adjustments (short turns in an interview if the subject moves forwards or backwards an ich or two, etc).

Some lenses work better with them than others and I think the main issue is friction and locking up rather than slipping off, just might not be able to get a smooth throw in certain situations (and the system working with them matters too).
 
I’m a fan of Follow Focus Gears. They have many options that are custom-fit for specific lenses. I have a set of vintage Yashica ML primes, each with one of these gears, and they hold tight with zero play.
 
I have an assortment of photo lenses from the 1970s - 2010s, and around half of them are equipped with 3D printed lens gears. These rubber gears looked interesting, as they can stretch over AF & IS switches that get in the way of solid 3D printed gears.
 
NorBro said:
fnf If you've never used a solid mechanical system with very smooth precision, ones like the above could work for basic adjustments (short turns in an interview if the subject moves forwards or backwards an ich or two, etc).

Some lenses work better with them than others and I think the main issue is friction and locking up rather than slipping off, just might not be able to get a smooth throw in certain situations (and the system working with them matters too).
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From my experience, slipping isn’t usually the main issue, it’s more about inconsistent resistance depending on the lens. With stiffer vintage lenses, they can feel a bit jerky unless the gear fits really tight, so it might be worth testing one before committing to a full set.
 
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Harriettoung said:
From my experience, slipping isn’t usually the main issue, it’s more about inconsistent resistance depending on the lens. With stiffer vintage lenses, they can feel a bit jerky unless the gear fits really tight, so it might be worth testing one before committing to a full set.
Click to expand...
Are we saying the same thing? (Or maybe that was supposed to go to the OP.)
 
Imamacuser said:
Has anyone tried something like the Tilta seamless focus gear rings with stiff vintage lenses?
I'm concerned that they'll slip.
Click to expand...
I've had it happen with a stiff Tamron zoom when using them as zoom gears. Never had a problem with them as focus gears. Fixed the issue with the zoom with a 2 mm smaller diameter gear. Soaked in very hot water to enable a bit more flexibility. That worked to get it on. Didn't slip after that. The biggest issue I find is if using them on E-Mount, or basically any other photo mount that doesn't have a solid, a la PL mount locking strength is movement. The front of the lens must be very securely locked down to avoid any lateral, rotational and lift movement of the lens when adjusting the follow focus. Because if it's not solid you will notice slight image shifts as you apply torque either way on the follow focus gear.

Chris Young
 
Just a note. I used to make and sell zip tie focus gears. - while they are no longer fashionable they seem to work and I have some stock
 
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