Is a follow focus really going to stabilize my focus pulls?

[modernPrimitive]

I've been delaying, deliberating and reading every review in order to choose a good FF - I've never used one before. Yesterday I saw a detailed video shootout of a bunch of different FFs - including some ARRI and I noticed that there still tends to be some play on the lens while operating the focus wheel, but perhaps it was just my imagination.

I get that ergonomically an FF is the way to go and obviously if you want an AC to pull focus for you but my concern here is merely stabilization - removing that slight shake or movement from turning the focus wheel directly.

Now for shoulder mount I can't imagine that an FF is really going to help that much since, especially with VR or IS lenses but for classic style locked down shots is a FF really going to give that extra level of stabilization that is so clearly a problem? A Panavision on a Sachler is a solid beast that isn't going to move while racking focus but a DSLR is totally different matter.

I'm thinking about devising a simple adjustable ring that can secure a lens to some rails but even then I suspect there will be some play between the lens, the rails and the base plate.

Am I talking nonsense and just trying to save a couple hundred dollars?

 

[morgan_moore]

you could try being gentle - stroke your lens dont grab it

also I feel different lenses react differently

I have many old primes I dont use becuase they are rough and wobbly

sadly my modern and costly lenses are smoothest and mount most soldidyl to the camera

IMO forget tele lenses that are not self supporting

While I am a fan of stuff like cogs that are made from big chunky bits of metal the truth is that a belt system or a FF with plastic cogs may actually be smoohtest becust the backlash is absorbed slowly rather than in a single big hit created by inflexible metal coupling

of course if that inflexible metal coupling is arrii accurate it helps

its also on sticks worth trying the $1 FF, - a stick , cinevate sell a neat one

S

 

[Michael Carter]

Try a D|Focus - they're like $175, got one at the last minute and still use it. Amazing for the $$.

 

[cineZEN USA]

In the world of FF systems, you do get what you pay for to a point. Not knocking any system out there, but there is a distinct difference in quality and backlash from the systems of Zacuto/Redrock/Cinevate compared to the others. To be honest those companies are the middle of the road in comparison to Arri, etc.

If you are not looking to spend a lot of money, the Redrock would be the best choice at around $550 last time I checked.

From the look of the RedRock system (I personally used one prior to creating our new FF prototype, which will be out soon), they seem to be using the same type of 1:1 bevel gear common to light industrial applications. Technically this gear box does the same thing as the big boys, and seems to have a small rubber washer type application to reduce backlash.

Either way, you could purchase small bevel gear parts and create some adjustments to make a DIY Follow Focus or purchase something inbetween. At cineZEN we are planning on creating a very unique follow focus with some nice features and very affordable. Unfortunately it will not be available until later this year.

In the meantime, based on price and performance I highly recommend the Redrock.

 

[cineZEN USA]

P.S. If you are planning on doing mostly locked down shots on tripods, you could use an option from Cinevate which is very affordable. It is their lens gear with an adjustable arm extension to pull focus. Anything hand held or shoulder mounted will be very noticeable without a proper rig using DSLR for video at 30 or 24 fps, so I'd recommend a FF for anything other than locked down shots.

 

[modernPrimitive]

Thanks for the feedback.

CineZEN, I kinda thought it would be the other way around. With a locked down shot, due to the light weight of a dSLR, it seems difficult to rack focus without getting some shake becasue the viewer expects a solid shot with no movement - breathing is also more noticeable for example. I would have thought that hand-held would not matter as much due to the cam movement "hiding" any slight shake - especially if you have IS / VR lenses....but I might be wrong of course...

Perhaps I need to weigh down with a heavy shoulder rig?

Looking forward to seeing your product!

 

[cineZEN USA]

The more rigid your gear is, including the setup on the tripod will dictate the smoothness of the shot to a degree because the system will have less shake. When shooting on film at 24fps, we notice the same outcome visually (not overall quality, but stableness) when shooting 24fps on a DSLR. Because of the progressive capabilities, you have to be smooth and any camera shake makes a noticeable difference in your shot.

We just rapped (on the personal side) a huge video for the ACI American Concrete Institute for their NJ Concrete Awards ceremony, and we created a documentary style and interview shot list for various winning architects & engineers. In this shoot, we had to go to various locations and setup shots. In one location (Rutgers Stadium) we were less fortunate with the equipment we could bring in and had to do mostly shoulder stabilized shots. When editing, the shots were a little less clean with focus pull, etc and while it was all cleaned up in motion for the most part, we had to eliminate some shots from our scenes.

Overall the cost of a good follow focus will pay itself off in the long run. If you shoot professionally, or plan to, the logic we see is to purchase something you can use for a long time. There are plenty of low build quality, low cost systems, but I'm not (on a personal level, and nothing to do with our competition) willing to sacrifice a few hundred now for a few shoots just to realize later I need to upgrade and my old FF became a paper weight.

You may want to reach out directly to some using the IndiFocus system and really take a look at build quality, backlash, etc and some shots. Honestly they all do the same thing to a point, so if this is something to get you started, it would probably be a good choice but it should be obvious from the system in the pics online that they are not super advanced systems.

As much as I hate to make note of it, there is a company from India on EBAY selling FF systems for like $345.
I personally prefer to buy US and our policy at cineZEN USA is to use all US manufacturing and parts to support industry, and policy here with appropriate wages, etc, but if you are in a pinch and aren't concerned about the nature of how the product was produced and in what environment, that option might be a good one for you if you are in need and on budget.

Wish you the best on shooting! Another option I highly recommend is a slider / tracking system. Our first launch product will be just that. Attached is our newest design prototype cineZEN cineGLIDE (TM) bearing based tracking system.