iDC SYTEM ZERO follow focus

The gearless system looks ok, and with without a gearbox it probably won't be a smooth as a more professional one.

Problem with a FF like the IDC is that it's extremely close to the lens, more so then a more traditional one. Which can make it hard if you have it on a rig since you will often be forced to hold the rig with one hand.

For a first FF just to get you hand off the lens, it looks like a nice option though.
 
It depends on your intended usage. These should be pretty smooth (at least while it is clean and new).

I played with a DIY friction style FF one like the second gearless one before I got my current regular style one. I used one of the designs in the DIY forum using a roller blade wheel (might have been one of Ted Ramasola's but if it wasn't then check out his other instructionals - he is a treasure of dvxuser). It worked quite well, I'd guess as well as that one. The feel of a friction FF is very direct with no backlash at all. It does occasionally slip though, especially if everything isn't screwed down tight. The main thing you give up compared to a standard FF is repeatable focus. Marking focus points is very approximate. The other issue is depending on where it contacts the lens the forces might not be as perfectly radial as you would like but still a lot better than by hand. A big plus is the ergonomics for a single operator are more comfortable than both hand focus and standard FF without a whip.

I can't comment on the geared one but if it works thats quite an innovation and could conceivably eliminate most of the issues I mentioned.
 
Egg Born Son said:
A big plus is the ergonomics for a single operator are more comfortable than both hand focus and standard FF without a whip.d.
Click to expand...

How will a standard FF requires two hands and this one not ? Or maybe i misunderstood you ? (quite possible) :)
 
The ergonomics I refer to is that the angle of the wheel makes it more comfortable to operate for a single operator. It is one handed if you are using a tripod. If you have the camera on your shoulder obviously you will need one hand to focus and the other to support the camera. Re-reading my post that was bad grammar, I see your confusion. I should have said "A big plus of this design (with the angled wheel) is the ergonomics for a single operator. It is more comfortable than both regular manual focus by hand (no FF) and use of a standard follow focus (except where a whip is used)."

I haven't used the DIY friction FF since I bought a standard follow focus now, in fact I can't find it and think I cannibalised it for parts. That gear driven one is definitely interesting but I think my next one will still be a professional standard format FF, probably a second hand Chrosziel or Cinevate Durus. To spend any more money in this area it has to be paying a dividend in accurate and reliable repeatable focus with minimal compromise.
 
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