A Cinematography Buyers Guide for HDSLR Users
Part 2 - Follow Focus Units
Part 1 of 4 - LCD Viewfinder Loupes
Part 2 of 4 - Follow Focus Units (x)
Part 3 of 4 - Mobile / Shoulder Supports
Part 4 of 4 - Steadicams / Stabilizers
At first glance the video capabilities inside the new digital SLR's may seem all but useless due to the lack of continuous autofocus (the exception being the Panasonic DMC-GH1 / GF1 and Olympus PEN E-P1). But most videographers and cinematographers would never use autofocus as it takes control away from the operator. In cinematography, manual focus is the only way to go since you operator wants to retain full control over what is in and out of focus and when that should change.
That's not to say that having the option of autofocus wouldn't be nice, however it's not a deal breaker. I personally would love a reliable AF option for times when I am using my 5DMKII on a steadicam. Yes, I work around it with larger apertures and a preset focus distance,
but a fast, reliable autofocus - as an option - would be ideal.
Okay, so we've estabilished that manual focus is the preferred method for serious videographers, but actually placing your hand around the ring of a lens in
order to change focus points (pull focus) presents its own challenges. First, it would be nearly impossible to rotate the lens more than 360° in one
smooth motion and second, placing your hands around the lens itself introduces camera wobble and shake when trying to turn the focus ring - especially with lenses
that have a 'stickier' focus ring. Enter Follow Focus setups!
A Follow focus unit is an add-on device for camera's with interchangeable lenses. A follow-focus unit allows the operator to more smoothly and conveniently
control the focus of the lens while shooting. They typically work by allowing the operator to turn a large knob, which in turn rotates the focus ring of the lens
by way of a ring that surrounds the lens. The Follow Focus unit sits parallel to the camera making it easier and more comfotable to pull focus. You can read a
more exact definition of Follow Focus over a wikepdia.
Follow Focus units vary widely in price and features. They also need to be attached to a shoulder support or rod system that connects under the camera itself.
Here is a list of many of the more affordable Follow Focus units, along with a description from the manufacturer's website.
D|Focus Version 2
Pricing: $119
The world's first truly affordable follow focus system just got a whole lot better! The new D|Focus Version 2 offers a redesigned gearbox for a more refined look and greatly improved
performance. The original D|Focus made follow focuses available to all film makers, the D|Focus V2 brings pro-level follow focus performance (near zero backlash and user-adjustable
gearbox tension) to all film makers!
The D|Focus is manufactured 100% in the USA using the latest in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) technology. It is constructed using high quality Delrin™
and Aluminum for strength, durability and light weight.
- New tension adjustable gearing allows the user to customize how tightly the miter gears mesh. This allows for almost zero backlash!
- Compatible with industry standard 15 mm Rods
- Compatible with all industry standard 32 pitch (0.8 mod) lens gears including the New D|Focus | JAG35 Pro Lens Gears
- Industry standard accessory port on the knob for whips and cranks
- Comfort grip rubberized knob
- Single point of adjustment and tensioning onto your rail system
- Reversible gearplate â?? Set it up on either side of your camera
- 1:1 reversible gearing â?? Changes the direction of drive gear travel. Great when changing to lenses with reversed focus rings (ie. Canon to Nikon)
- End user serviceable and upgradeable design
- Optional Marking Disc upgrade (sold separately)
- Weight 8.4 oz
- Get More Information
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Cavision RFD15B Basic Mini Single Wheel Follow Focus
Pricing: $399
The Cavision RFD15B is a mini single-wheel follow focus unit designed for compact digital cameras and prosumer models. You can even set it up with a 2nd follow focus unit with
one operating the focus, the other side operating the zoom. This is the least affordable solution that uses a gear system, similar to all the professional and more expensive models
above it.
- Ideal for mini-DV / prosumer cameras
- Horizontal adjustment allows for use on different lens types & sizes
- Entirely geared transmission provides smooth operation and minimal backlash
- Can be used in a dual follow focus setup to control both focus and zoom
- Removable marking plate with spring loaded mechanism
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage and carry
- Most affordable professional quality follow focus on the market
- Get More Information
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Cavision RFD15S Advanced Mini Single Wheel Follow Focus
Pricing: $599
The Cavision RFD15S is a more advanced mini single-wheel follow focus unit also designed for compact digital cameras and prosumer models. This model differs from the RFD15B
by adding a reversible bracket and dual joint mechanism that allows for varied positioning of the gear arm.
- Ideal for mini-DV / prosumer cameras but can also be used on ENG lenses
- Reversible bracket and dual joint mechanism allows for varied positioning of gear arm
- Entirely geared transmission provides smooth operation and minimal backlash
- Removable marking plate with spring loaded mechanism
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage and carry
- Highly affordable
- Get More Information
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indiFOCUS20 Follow Focus
Pricing: $149 + $20 for SLR Lens Gears
- Swiss-made gearbox, smooth, quiet, with plenty of torque to turn the bulkiest of 35mm SLR lenses.
- A comfortable, professional grade knob with marking disc for accurate repeatable focus pulls.
- Solid construction from aircraft-grade aluminum for years of service even in the most demanding of shooting conditions.
- The ability to switch gear driver orientation, front or back, to compensate for short length lenses, ensures that the indiFOCUS20 can work for any lens.
- Features the new indiFLEXgears. An innovative new lens gearing system that allows for fast gearing in industry standard .8mm pitch.
- Get More Information
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RedRock microFollow Focus V2
Pricing: $545 - $825
The microFollowFocus is the first cinema-grade follow focus unit optimized for use with video cameras and still (SLR) 35mm lenses. Designed to be used with standard 0.8 film-pitch gearing and 15mm lightweight rod support (such as the Redrock Micro microSupport system), the microFollowFocus brings control and accuracy to the new world of digital filmmaking at revolutionary prices.
Redrock microFollowFocus v2 Features
- Completely gear-driven design for slip-free, accurate, and repeatable focus movement
- Unique quick release clamp
- 1:1 gear ratio allowing smooth movements for still and motion picture 35mm lenses
- Adjustable slide-mounting mechanism to fit large range of lens diameters, including video camera lenses
- Interchangeable drive gears including 0.8 film pitch and fujinon pitch (for fujinon video lenses)
- Easily switchable to either side of camera
- Optional microLensGears which can be quickly attached to existing 35mm still (SLR) lenses for accurate gearing. (see below for more details)
- 3D marking disk allow focus marks to be easily viewed by operator or assistant
- Standard arri-style accessory port in focus wheel for attaching whip, speed crank, etc.
- Industry-standard 15mm lightweight (60mm spacing) rod mounted (rod support not included with microFollowFocus bundle)
- Optional 19mm rod clamp adapts microFollowFocus for 19mm rods for cameras including the Red ONE
- Optional fujinon 0.6 pitch drive gear for working directly with fujinon lenses
- Optional reversing gear for focusing nikon and pentax lenses the 'correct cinema' direction
- Machined with high quality, machined aircraft-grade aluminum
- Lightweight design
- Sleek Redrock look
- Also works great with DV and HD/V built-in camera lenses**
- Weight 15 oz
- Get More Information
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Cinevate Durus Follow Focus
Pricing: $1050.17 (15mm)
Pricing: $1171.79 (19mm)
The sealed internal gear set and bearing assembly assures effortless movement, near zero lash, and a lifetime of maintenance free use in a commercial environment. The entire unit is computer machined from 3 aluminum billets leaving plastic used only for the dry-erase focus ring and interchangeable (.8 film pitch) drive gear.
The focus marking ring is designed for multi-angle viewing, and is indexed and attached magnetically. Our single rail mount design is rock-solid, incredibly versatile and opens up rail space for other accessories. The unit can be mounted left or right, at any height, with the focussing head angle adjustable to suit your needs. In any configuration, the unit can be used with the drive gear oriented forward or back. Designed to work on any 15mm rails system, you can purchase our 19mm clamp to use the system interchangeably on 19mm rails. The unit ships with three of our aluminum annodized universal focus rings for mounting to any 35mm lens. The current pricing is introductory only!
Get more information
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Zacuto Z-Focus
Pricing:
Z-FF-1 ($1110.00)
Z-FF-1F Lightweight Flippable ($1600.00)
Z-FF-S Studio Flippable ($1600.00)
Z-FF-1DS Lightweight Double-Sided ($2700.00)
Z-FF-SD Studio Double-Sided ($2950.00)
Zacuto's Z-focus is an extremely accurate follow focus that allows the operator or assistant to pull focus. Features include: complete gear driven, no play, multiple gear pitches and more. The Z-focus can come single sided or double sided in studio 15mm or 19mm or in a lightweight configuration. The mechanism utilizes a set of gears that connect to and spin the focus ring or Zacuto zip gear on the camera lens. The white disk allows the focus puller to create distance marked for repeatable focus pulls.
The Zacuto Z-Focus (Follow Focus) includes:
- Completely gear-driven design for slip free, accurate movement.
- Helicel gear adjustment screw to allow user to tighten up gear play
- Interchangeable drive gears
- Magnetic dry erase marking disk
- Standard accessory port for Zacuto, Chrosziel, and Arri follow focus whips and speed cranks.
- Industry-standard 15mm lightweight rod mount
- Lightweight design
- Other drives available in Fuji .6 & Canon .5 pitches
- Get more information
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Part 1 of 3 - LCD Viewfinder Loupes
Part 2 of 3 - Follow Focus Units (x)
Part 3 of 3 - Mobile / Shoulder Supports
Part 4 of 4 - Steadicams / Stabilizers
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The New Nikon D3100 DSLR with 1080p HD Video and 18-55mm VR Lens
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Nikon Coolpix S8000 Camera with 14-Megapixels & 10x Zoom
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Zeikos ZE-CBG7D Battery Power Grip for Canon 7D Camera
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Tascam DR07 Portable Digital Recorder
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Panasonic's New LUMIX DMC-FZ100 with 24x Optical Zoom
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