Joel's $69 Fly Focus - just got mine!

ullanta

ullanta

Veteran
I'll have to expand on this later, since I won't have a chance to play with it for a few hours... but for anyone worried, I indeed received the device in the mail today. It exists, looks a little nicer than in the pdfs... now has markings and a better-matching indicator/hard stop.

Joel, if you read this... I don't seem to have received instructions... am I correct in assuming that:

1) for Tripod mounting, I use the little extension thingies to lengthen the tripod screw so it holds the camera through the Fly?

2) to adjust from Follow Focus "mode" to "Follow Zoom", I need to slide the whole camera up or down the Fly? I thought you had mentioned in an email something about mine being "pre-adjusted" to work as a zoom controller. What does this encompass?

Anyway, I'll post some first impressions later, as a preview (by someone who's never used a follow focus) to the Green Barry's more informed review...

-Barry
 
Hey Ullanta,

Does the pin that you screw into the camera and then put into the top of the mount lock into place? I assumed it locks into place for either zoom or focus - surely it's not a loose slot. Can't wait to hear your preview - I'm ready to get one of these things.

ALso, how long did shipping take for yours? I'm considering ordering one today and hope to have it by late next week. Thanks.
 
Well, I had a chance to play with the thing a little bit last night, but not much. Here are some quick impressions:

1) It works well, and as advertised. Proper positioning is up to the user, but seems simple so far... though I'm not sure about the longevity of the soft model airplane tire that actually contacts the zoom or focus ring. However, while it lasts (;-), the tire does something very nice - it greatly increases friction on the zoom ring, which is great for us ol' DVX100P users that have the much looser zoom...

2) Dustino - as far as I can tell (haven't heard back from Joel), it's an open slot. Using it as an open slot worked for me without too much difficulty. Precise alignment of camera/Fly/tripod depends on your eyes and dexterity. You could make some marks on the fly focus to align to...

3) It's not the sturdiest piece of equipment I've ever used. I imagine it will have to be treated - and especially transported - very carefully. The "hard stop" is pretty flimsy plastic, and doesn't work in all positions... sometimes the indicator slides right past it. But I think that's easily fixable. Much of it feels pretty plastick-y; I think if Joel were to have the same design machined in aluminum, people would be willing to pay a premium. I'd easily pay, say, 2-3 times as much for a sturdier, all-aluminum version of the same thing.

In brief - it's definitely budget equipment, but quite functional... it does indeed do exactly what I want. I think it's a great buy for the price, and I'm very grateful that someone has made the effort to make these available to us. As long as you can be in a $69 mindset and not expect a $1,000 piece of gear, you'll love it, too!
 
dustino said:
ALso, how long did shipping take for yours? I'm considering ordering one today and hope to have it by late next week. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... just work with Joel on this. In my case, the shipping was fast, but didn't take place until a few days after I expected it. This seems to have been due to some late improvements in the design (the hard stop, etc.). So just make sure you're clear with Joel on when yours will ship out... hopefully, now that some are shipping, there shouldn't be delays.

Mind you, I'm not complaining! As those of us who "sideline" in providing products on the web know (CDs, DVDs, batteries, rebates...) these things often get more complicated and take more time than expected.
 
Thanks for the info, Ullanta. Sounds like a pretty good product for its very affordable price point. I also like the idea of supporting a grassroots business.
 
Yeah cool Im happy with that.... placed my order last week, so I should have it soon. Thanks ullanta!
 
Recieved Joels follow focus today... its simple and lightweight (could be an advantage or disadvantage - depending on how you look at it). I had a chance to play with it and all I can say is .... best $69 Ive spent in awhile.
 
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