F5: Sony F users there is a great wireles FF ending soon...

starcentral

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I feel this is a perfect companion to the F series camera, well in reality any 35mm based camera but I'm likely going to jump on board with this and just wanted to spread the word to my fellow F users incase they were not aware of it.

Here are details on the thread, offer ends Dec 7th so please take this week to think about it! We are maybe 5 members away from next tier discount:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...gears-Wireless-Follow-Focus-Christmas-Special!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZglsfEv1Tn0

 
Anyone have any experience working with one of these units and how it might compare to the "others"?

Looks quite fantastic.


I did just hear back from the manufacturer of them and they advised that they can support the Sony F5/F55 REC trigger if desired. It would just take an extra couple weeks on delivery, but YES it is possible.


Some quick updates:

- By default comes with RED REC trigger but they can provide Sony LANC, ARRI, or Sony F5/F55 REC trigger. If you don't take the REC trigger you can get $50 off.

- 60 day money back guarantee.

- ends Dec 7.
 
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Interesting Dennis. Endorsed by known Steadicam Op who uses Prestons and Bartech Wireless FF on RedUser, at least for single channel use. The lack of friction on the knob is a concern but you could jam a strip of the smooth side of a velcro strip behind the knob to give a bit resistance. Even at full MSRP these things are less than half the price of a single channel digital Bartech when you factor in the handset, the transmitter and the motor/cables.

The unknowns:

battery life (I know there is a workaround).
is the internal battery user servicable
Who does motor repairs and will they be around in 3 years? They always need periodic servicing.
actual noise level (reportedly quieter than Loon M1 motors and noiser than HEDEN motors)

Regardless, it appears from the limited endorsement of a seasoned operator that this is a go to unit if you only need one channel of wireless FF.
 
2nd tier was hit over night so now it's 10 orders away from $300 off:

10 orders - Save $100 - New Price = $1799

25 orders - Save 200 - New Price = $1699

35 orders - Save $300 - New Price = $1599

50+ orders - Save $400 - New Price = $1499
 
TODAY is the LAST day to put your name on the list, right now it's only 4 PEOPLE away from 35 orders discount level!
 
TODAY is the LAST day to put your name on the list, right now it's only 4 PEOPLE away from 35 orders discount level!


Dennis,

just a fyi, you can buy it directly from a canadian dealer for a little over $1700.00cdn, which even at the 50+ order is practically the same price. And have it without waiting.

Ryan
 
Thanks Ryan, good to know. Who is the Canadian dealer by the way?

fusioncine in Vancouver, they can literally have them in 2 days, they are the "authorized" dealer, its the express kit, and shipping is free.

Still really on the fence with this unit, excellent points Andrew brought up, and I am just not sure with the sender/motor all in one unit..


Ryan
 
I'm on fence too, renting WFF adds up but also I dont need it for every shoot.

Its not "that" great of a deal, the way I look at it. Finally for once being in Canada, the actual "retail" price of something isn't that bad. I am a true believer in "you get what you pay for" , granted these seem to have some experience people backing them.. but I dunno, I think I will be holding off. I am sure NAB will have lots to offer as well,

Ryan
 
Good to know about Fusioncine selling the units. A few other things to think about...

I don't see a rush of mainline steadicam ops sloughing their Bartechs except the ones who have the analogue ones with the M1 motors. Trust me you don't want an M1 motor. They are all but unservicable at this point (long story).

If you need a single channel wireless FF really bad, likely you have a Ronin / brushless gimbal unit and are itching to use it in every production on your plate with a crazy shallow depth of field camera, then probably a good purchase. Or if you need a backup unit for your Bartech or even a Preston, then yes a good purchase for a single channel use.

As as always, you have to think about resale down the road, can you add this as a chargeable item and how frequently you can do that. Most times you need an assistant on set to use a wireless FF.

A few years ago a Steadicam Operator said to me, "DON'T buy a wireless follow focus until you ABSOLUTELY need it." I still think that was good advice for a myriad of reasons.
 
Looks like there's also tax on top of those prices if you are in Canada...

I guess as they say on Dragon's Den, "for that reason I'm out".
 
I notice that these are available on the DIYFILMTOOL site, as well, for a discounted price. The biggest drawback to my F5/EOS zoom lens kit has been the manual focus/zoom. I have a Redrock Micro FF/Thumbwheel on the zoom ring; and, I'm really pleased with this. So, I think I'll give this Cinematics FF a try on the focus ring. I guess they're about to come out with a thumbwheel, as well. It's especially nice with 4 programmable position settings.
(BTW, they've broken the 50 unit price point, which is now cheaper than any other place)
 
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