Looking to purchase a follow focus unit and I have a few questions about it.
1. Which one is recomended for DVX100?
2. How easy is the set up installation?
3. Can you still use remote zoom with a follow focus installed?
4. Where is the best place to purchase one?
The follow focus is tied into what brand of rod kit and/or mattebox you choose. I bought the expensive Chrosziel mattebox/rod kit/follow focus because it was the best out there. I'm not scrimping on something central to the quality of the output.
Once you get everything installed (lens ring gear) it take very little time to set-up. Mount the rod kit to the bottom of the camera. Slide the follow focus on. Mount to the tripod. Add the mattebox. Add whatever filters I need, load some tape, slate & shoot.
Using a remote zoom with a follow focus will work but your puller had better be on his toes because with the Zoe, it is real easy to be inconsistent with your zoom speeds. I put a great big 7" monitor on an Israeli arm, just so he could see the focus points better.
As to where to buy, for mail order, you can't go wrong with B&H. I've heard bad things about Safer Seas (gray market) and others, so watch out. EVSonline has Rush who looks over this site regularly and gives discounts too, but I don't know if EVS sells follow focus units. I'm near Denver, so I bought mine at Film/Video Service Co. It's a real store so I could walk in and touch & feel.
