follow focus

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Wondlan-Rig.

(Above) That's the Wondlan Shoulder Rig, that comes with the shoulder pad, two handles, a swing away Matte Box, Top handle, Side Brackets, etc. You know i'm not even sure if that comes with a follow focus, but you'll find a setup like this going for about $1800+ dollars (see here).

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Konova today posted up their slimmed down version of such a rig (above). Parts are definitely not from Wondlan, and it looks like they have an RJ Matte Box + RJ Follow Focus. Same overall design with one side bracket, top handle, shoulder pad, two long grips, and a rear mounting plate. Some of the pieces I've seen before, and some other ones like the locking handles i've never seen on other rigs. Konova listed this kit for $1100 dollars cheaper than Wondlan's, and there's some additional photos following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Konova Video Shoulder Rig Matte Box Follow Focus Bundle

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New cheap speed crank for follow focus systems just popped up today. These little levers attach to the side of a Follow Focus knob and makes it easier to move from point to point. The 12mm x 12mm on this crank is an industry standard and should fit Most FF systems (not old RJ ones). The image below looks like they have it mounted on a Fotga, but for sure I know it will work on the new Gini iFocus - I measured mine.

Aluminum, black anodized, 12mmx12mm, and the first time i've seen one below $17 dollars. Just had to grab one for myself (found here).

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find-price-button 12x12 Follow Focus Speed Crank Lever

If you guys aren't hip to the Gini Rigs iFocus follow focus, there's some new listings over at the store front (click here).

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find-price-button Gini Rigs Follow Focus Shoulder Rigs DSLR Cages

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Let's face it, most guys won't ever use a Follow Focus system that requires rails to mount, and lens gears to shift around. There's plenty of people who are already happy with something as simple as a Silicone Jar Opener to help move that lens gear around. Especially for some of those Panasonic lenses that seem to rotate forever. Check out the video from Vimeo member Tony Carretti a while back (below).

There's been plenty of DIY ideas based around a little handle around the lens gear, some that mount on the lens ring using zip tie straps, some methods using pipe clamps and bolts. All very effective methods for the filmmaker on a budget. Now if you like the idea, but are concerned about the aesthetics of your gear (maybe to impress your clients), check out the adjustable focus / zoom lever from Sunwayfoto.

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The Focusing lever is precision machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum with an Anodized finish, solid and durable. To maintain a slim profile, they come in about 4 different sizes from small to large depending on the diameter of the lenses you're trying to mount these to. More information on these things following the link (click here).
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find-price-button Adjustable Focus / Zoom Lever SunwayFoto - via eBay

Also available via Amazon (click here)
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find-price-button Sunwayfoto Focus Lens Zoom Lever Handle - via Amazon

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Finally got around to playing with the Jag35 Wireless Follow Focus V2 prototype. First time getting it working (somewhat). There's a procedure you need to do before throwing on something like this on your camera, so i'll need to run through the manual and get things ironed out.

Each motor has a certain amount of rotation, so you have to line up your focus and zoom rings to have enough movement either direction. There's also adjustments that can be made for how much travel will be achieved when spinning the knob for focus or moving the slider for zoom. Not enough time tonight....

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About a year ago I started testing out the Asus WiCast HD Streaming device to see if it can be used with DSLRs. When we visited NAB2011 in April this year (old video above), we found quite a few people using the Asus as a budget means to stream HD Video remotely. We had the chance to check out Jag35's booth and Wireless follow focus system. Hands down the most affordable follow focus system on the market.

Check out the video at 1:42 where Jehu pulls out a Steadicam Merlin with a GH2 streaming HD video to another monitor through an Asus Wicast. The Wireless FF can be controlled remotely while the operator moves around. Very much the set up i'm working on with a larger Steadicam rig. There's one major problem so far, and it's because Jag35 no longer has their Wireless Follow Focus kit available. They have been working on Version 2, which in my eyes means 'better'. Jag35 just sent me this twitter message today, so hopefully i'll get a chance to show the new V2 prototype at work on my WFF Steadicam project.

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I'm pretty excited to test this whole thing out. For more updates like this make sure you're following me on Twitter, and also following Jag35. If you don't require a Wireless Follow Focus, Jag35 also has a handle style remote (which can be mounted to a rig handle) to control the motorized FF. Check out the products at their website https://Jag35.com

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Jag35 Handle Remote and Follow Focus

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There's currently an auction for a Varizoom Wireless Follow Focus VZ-WFF system. Normally priced around $4300-$4600 dollars, this brand new item is on auction for a starting bid price of only $3k + Free Shipping. Not something i'm looking to buy, or your average videographer will buy, but a good deal if you just happen to be in the rental business. I can't seem to find any local rental places with a decent Wireless FF system. Besides the most affordable Jag35 Wireless Follow Focus system (currently unavailable) waiting on V2.0, what else is everyone using? Anyone remember what RedRock may be pricing their unreleased WFF at?

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find-price-button Varizoom VZ-WFF Wireless Follow Focus

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Prices were all over the map earlier this week on Gini's new iFocus Follow Focus, but today there's a few listed as a set BuyItNow price I managed to get my version for. Only 7 listed at this price, but hopefully this will be a permanent set price going forward. Only time will tell. The 7 FFs are listed on his auction page (click here).

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find-price-button Gini DSLR Follow Focus iFocus

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Speaking of DSLR follow focus systems, here's another new one. Looks like the same RJ follow focus with a few upgrades adding in some hard stops. [Thanks Jacob]. This version is also reversible, but the mostly plastic quality will not stand a chance against the new Gini iFocus FF on the market. The hard stops is a nice added feature, but the asking price of this new version RJ follow focus will have it collecting dust on the store shelves. It's about $160 more than the original RJ Follow Focus. Until they do something about pricing, I would definitely skip the 'A/B hard stop' pony trick and check to see if you can get a better deal with the latest Gini version first.

You can check to see what the prices are on these new FFs (click here).

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find-price-button Latest Follow Focus with A/B Hard Stops

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Here's a closer look at the TrusMT DSLR Follow Focus from Vimeo member HDSLR EQUIPMENT REVIEWS [Thanks Joel]. Looks like a solid build with adjustable hard stops, comes with different sized lens gears, an additional focus gear (possibly different pitch size), and the new version is designed with a better quick release 15mm clamp. You can find a variety of TrusMT equipment including cages, rigs, matteboxes, and of course the follow focus following the link (click here)

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find-price-button TrusMT DSLR Cage, Rig, Follow Focus, MatteBox, Gear