Follow focus alternatives?

J

jdv

Well-known member
Hey all, I was wondering if anyone had links to follow focus alternatives.

In particular, I was thinking about something I saw on an unpacking a T2i video I saw last year. The guy had attached long knob-like thingies to the focus wheel, which seemed ideal for run-and-gun style focusing.

But any ideas would be greatly appreciated...

john
 
There are some DIY solutions in the DIY forum here. I saw some one post somewhere that he'd found adjustable, rubber jar openers (provide grip for opening tricky jars) at some place like Bed Bath & Beyond and was using those... tighten the adjustment and use the slack that sticks out as your "handle". Pretty chintzy, but whatever works, I guess.

Honestly, if you aren't shooting with rails, having your hand support the camera from underneath not only provides another point of contact for stability but also makes the focus ring easily accessible. If you have a camera rig, the follow focus is probably the easiest in terms of ergonomics.
 
I have a dfocus v3 with dmount, which is one of the cheapest solutions plus it doesn't need rails
and if I had to buy another one I'd just get the dfocus and some metal plate from a hardware store; that, plus some zip gears, and you're go for a very small budget
 
I'm running an Indie Systems follow focus as a zoom control on my Sony VG-10 and I'm really happy with it. $150 with a full set of snap gears ( brilliant design...very secure but super easy to put on/take off). You do need rails to use it, but it's still very good bang for your buck
 
You know you CAN focus a lens with your fingers. A follow focus is a great tool and does help, but it is really not a necessity to being able to shot a great video. If you are operating the camera, and pulling your own focus, then all you really need are fingers on your left hand. If you are doing run and gun shooting and do not have a first AC or focus puller, then you need to learn to focus for yourself, and this can be done without a follow focus unit.
 
David G. Smith said:
You know you CAN focus a lens with your fingers. A follow focus is a great tool and does help, but it is really not a necessity to being able to shot a great video. If you are operating the camera, and pulling your own focus, then all you really need are fingers on your left hand. If you are doing run and gun shooting and do not have a first AC or focus puller, then you need to learn to focus for yourself, and this can be done without a follow focus unit.
Click to expand...
+1
 
David G. Smith said:
You know you CAN focus a lens with your fingers. A follow focus is a great tool and does help, but it is really not a necessity to being able to shot a great video. If you are operating the camera, and pulling your own focus, then all you really need are fingers on your left hand. If you are doing run and gun shooting and do not have a first AC or focus puller, then you need to learn to focus for yourself, and this can be done without a follow focus unit.
Click to expand...

+2
 
David G. Smith said:
You know you CAN focus a lens with your fingers. A follow focus is a great tool and does help, but it is really not a necessity to being able to shot a great video. If you are operating the camera, and pulling your own focus, then all you really need are fingers on your left hand. If you are doing run and gun shooting and do not have a first AC or focus puller, then you need to learn to focus for yourself, and this can be done without a follow focus unit.
Click to expand...

+3

I have a couple of follow focus units and there are many times it is just easier and faster to pull with your fingers. I have even had AC's mark the barrel of a lens and pull from the lens. a follow focus is a "nice to have" not a "must have".
 
I keep a hose clamp in my bag for these types of situations.
I think it was 20 cents from home depot, and I just clamp it on to the focus wheel, and there is a knob (for the screw that tightens/loosens it) sticking out that I use as a grip. Then, you can even use a rubber band or something right behind the focus wheel to mark with a pen your desired focus stops before you record.

I honestly don't use it that often, but its nice to have for really dramatic pull focus on a tripod or my cheapo shoulder mount.

As far as alternatives, if you have an AF lens and a camera capable of Magic Lantern, the new ML has some cool new features to use the buttons on back of the camera as a follow focus remote control (left and right arrows focus farther or nearer, or vice versa- I don't remember), and even has some very preliminary auto focus features now (that really have very limited usefulness, but DO work and is an option).

Would love a good follow focus gear that doesn't require a rail system, though. The Dfocus actually seems like a great option, I've heard it mentioned but not so familiar with it. Very cool!
 
C2V said:
There are some DIY solutions in the DIY forum here. I saw some one post somewhere that he'd found adjustable, rubber jar openers (provide grip for opening tricky jars) at some place like Bed Bath & Beyond and was using those... tighten the adjustment and use the slack that sticks out as your "handle". Pretty chintzy, but whatever works, I guess.
Click to expand...

Kind of reminds me of the "rapid focus lever" that clamped on the focusing ring of Hasselblad lenses and had abount a 3 inch lever with a knob on the end to focus with. I liked it.
 
I've been messing around with several possibilities, but this one seems like the easiest:
YouTube - $1 Dollar DIY Follow Focus Project!! VERY COOL!

Works well and def follows the K.I.S.S. principle...

I'll try to post some pics soon.
 
I have seen some DIY articles where folks have cheap but heavy duty zip ties on the lens to aid focusing. They cut off the extra plastic from the top of the tie and use the plastic bit that is left as knob to control focus. I have not tested this, but it does make a lot of sense, and may pick up some of those types of ties on my next trip to Home Depot.
 
Like stated before. When I first started shooting, I relied alot on my FF system. Since then my style of shooting has shifted and I have different stabilizers. I personally have been using my fingers on the focus ring more now. It is just easier for the style of shooting that I do. (wedding films). I use glidecams so FF on those are not an option. But whenever I shoot on a stationary setup I usually have it on. Just dont become dependant on it.
 
SHAPE has a great follow focus friction, that is clipping on the rods. you can change it both ways so you don't need to put a ring around your lenses. I called them today because I needed some infos regarding my Composite Stabilizer and they told me they are just about to release a gear option too, that will be included with the follow focus, already friction. so you'll have both choices in the same kit. they say it will be available next monday on their website!

http://www.shapewlb.com/en/shape-products/accessories.html
 
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