Best follow focus

[Essor]

Well, which is it.

Or, if you could buy two, which would you?

And would you mess with wireless....

 

[Matthew Rogers]

I've used the ARRI FF4, Chrosziel Studio FF, Cinevate FF, Bartec Wireless FF, and Viewfactor wireless FF. The Arri FF4 is the industry standard at most rental houses. I own a Chrosziel Studio FF because I could find it used and it was cheaper. In my experience, I believe the Chrosziel is just as good as the Arri. I bought my used from a rental house and while it looked scuffed/beat up, it performs perfectly-there is no play in it. The Arri's I've rented before have been pretty good also with basically no play in them. Either the Arri or the Chrosziel will be good. If you are using it on 19mm rods, you'll have to decide if the Arri's snap on approach is better than Chrosziel's slide on approach. It doesn't bother me because I don't take the FF on and off during shoots.

If you do a lot of lens changes, wireless sucks because you have to re-calibrate the FF each time. The viewfactor is really simple to do, but it does take a few seconds. The other thing to consider is that wireless FF's need batteries, so you either have to run off the camera battery or you have add another battery. This also goes for the transmitter.

I would suggest getting a manual FF to start with. The only times you really can't use it is on steadi-cam and jib.

Matthew

 

[David M. Geary]

ARRI FF-4.

 

[Scott Miller]

Take this with the understanding of my limited use of multiple brands...

I have the Zacuto, which is a slide on. Works great, no slack and I love it in use.

BUT... having used the Arri snap on as Matthew mentions, is VERY nice ad allows quick changes. The slide on doesn't really slide, more of an annoying wiggle on.

 

[Colin Sheldon]

The Oconnor is also fantastic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfnvExIyfpQ

 

[Dave Weber]

Partial to the Arri FF-4 because I own one. Also had the FF-5. I Like the 4 better.
I've used quite a few others but love Arri.

 

[Alexander Ibrahim]

The Arri FF-4 is very standard, and for good reasons.

I prefer the Chrosziel dual sided rig... nothing concrete I just like the feel.

That said I'd like to pitch the Cinevate Durus. Its a ton cheaper. It has no play. Its made of solid aluminum- definitely up to production abuse. My 1st actually likes it better than the Chrosziel and Arri FFs... but I think that its really the bezeled "3D" marking ring she really likes.

I think its a great FF, and have been using it as my primary. Even if it isn't good as a primary for you, its definitely a great secondary unit no matter what sort of work you do and what budget level you have.

About $1300 USD gets you a FF, with clamps for 15mm and 19mm.

I'd also like to suggest you check out O'Connor's new FF.

 

[Billy Summers]

FF4
or CFF1

These are hands down the most versatile, durable and with the least amount of play.

 

[Cail Young]

The slide on doesn't really slide, more of an annoying wiggle on.

Add more silicone spray.

 

[Evin Grant]

FF4, we have one of the O'Connors on set here too, but it's getting swapped for an FF4, it's just the most versatile and rugged follow focus you can buy.

 

[JD Holloway]

I'd love to own a well maintained Willytec kit.

 

[Evin Grant]

They're cool but HUGE!

 

[JD Holloway]

Dual speed comes at a price....
Nice to be able to quickly go lightweight, single sided too.

 

[Steven-Marc C.]

Arri FF4 and you won't look back.

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

Arri FF4 and you won't look back.

Unless of course you are using BIG lenses such as the Fujinon 18-85 or anamorphics. We have a CFF-1 out right now on a job in New York using an anamorphic lens that no other studio double sided unit would fit, and they love it.

The CFF-1 also has many unique features not found in the FF-4:

-Very low bridge accommodating BIG lenses
-A removable swing arm that can be mounted on either side of the unit
-A single rod bridge fits 15mm studio and 19mm studio
-Eccentric hand wheels can be rotated 360 degrees
-Follow focus main bridge slides independently of the rod bridge
-Package includes 10 marking disks and 4 driver gears .5, .6, .8 35/43 tooth
-Delivered in die cut foam insert fitted to a Pelican Storm 2200 case

We at OConnor see what the future of mechanical follow focus units are, and a low profile bridge is key.

 

[John "Woody" Glaser]

Arri FF3 is what I use and haven't found a reason to change !

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

Well then...it sounds like we need a good old-fashion FF shoot out to determine the winner!

NYC...any time, any where.

Any takers?

 

[Joe D'Arcy]

Well then...it sounds like we need a good old-fashion FF shoot out to determine the winner!

NYC...any time, any where.

Any takers?

Noon at Times Square. Come alone!

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

Noon at Times Square. Come alone!

I'll be there...packing an OConnor CFF-1!