Follow Focus - Gear Lash

[Erik Olson]

The new version RFF15N will feature all geared focus, while the current model is gear to belt to lens gear.

We've had no complaints on the RFF15B or D versions. Backlash is within the Arri specification. The new model (N) will also have snap-on marking discs, bringing the Cavision model closer to the Arri version from a features standpoint.

e

 

[Christopher Barry]

The new version RFF15N will feature all geared focus, while the current model is gear to belt to lens gear.

We've had no complaints on the RFF15B or D versions. Backlash is within the Arri specification. The new model (N) will also have snap-on marking discs, bringing the Cavision model closer to the Arri version from a features standpoint.

e

Erik,

I see the new Cavision version will be released early 2008.

The current version looks similar to the new, in it's fundamental design. What I have noticed with some FF units, whilst the back-lash is one issue, there is an issue of movement transferred through the FF unit to the lens, depending on the amount of pressure you apply through your hand to the FF wheel/unit, while pulling focus. I associate this to the design and strength of the FF mounting block (thickness of metal block), coupled with the firmness of the lenses used.

How do you rate the Cavision FF with regards to pressure transfer through the FF unit, to the lens? Thanks

 

[bvalente]

The thing that gets me about the redrock is this: (warning - I have an offensive opinion.)...When the first units came out, they had an ungodly amount of lash. I didn't experience this, I just read about it. It was still enough to make me think that these guys released that POS before all the bugs were worked out of it, and permanently soured it for me. Now all is well, I suppose. But I'd never buy one, even though I own and am happy with my other redrock stuff.

That may seem harsh, but considering a poor 1st AC can ruin your movie, or a really great 1st AC with a shi*ty follow focus like a redrock version 1 can ruin your movie, it's a serious topic.

Here I'm shooting with a lens like my 50mm 1.2, when set at wide open has a DOF so critical that if the talent farts he'll be out of focus, and we're dealing with lash on the FF!!!!!

Not on my set.

end rant.

taormina - wow, sorry you had such a bad experience. Just so you know, when we first released the microFollowFocus, we ran it by a number of filmmakers, looking for their input, and they said the amount of play was acceptable (incidentally it wasn't much more than many similar products at the time). Once it hit the wider market and folks said they wanted tighter tolerances, we responded, and hence our upgraded gearbox. Maybe you can ding us for a rev 1 product, but I also hope we get credit for continued improvements

Regarding the cavision (now I'm speaking as a customer, not a redrock person), I own one and did way before redrock and I have to say it's not at all good.The drive gear is held on through essentially tension, and after a while just starts slipping. We tightened it more and more until the point where it just keeps slipping. This is particularly true for the metal film pitch gear, whose weight excacerbates this issue.

Cheers

Brian