GH13 FF-3 Follow Focus and SLR Magic 25mm vs Focus By Wire

[Frank Lantern]

I recently put a rig together that uses the FF-3. One of the primary lenses I wanted to use with the FF-3 is the SLR 25mm. I have tried a few times but the FF-3 binds. With the Focus By Wire lenses the FF-3 does fine but on my manual lenses it doesn't appear to do very well. I tried with the supplied rubber gear ring and the SLR's gear ring. It just wasn't usable for me.

I saw that, I think Red Rock, uses large gear rings you attach to the lens. This makes sense because the gear is so large relative to the follow focus gear it doesn't require as much torque. However the price for those plastic gears makes this solution not practical for me.

Even on small lenses like the Fotasy 35mm the FF-3 binding is quite bad.

Is there something I am missing here. Any special tricks? Or is this FF solution only suitable for Focus By Wire lenses?

Second question, with a good neck strap I think I have a steadier stance than when using a cage. Does hand holding a cage take some time like a steady cam or do others find using a neck strap just as steady?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[JoeThePro]

The only FBW lens Ive used is the Oly 17mm1.8. Not the best option for manual follow focus. Unrepeatable focus throw in the auto/manual mode, and choppy focus steps (on the video side, not feel of the lens) in full manual mode. Best to stick with non FBW lenses, in my opinion.

Does the FF-3 bind when its not connected to any lenses?

 

[Frank Lantern]

With no lens connected the FF-3 doesn't bind. It also doesn't bind with the 2 FBW lenses I tried.