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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

View Factor DFF + Bonus

Wow,
thanks.
You know, Curt, can't wait to buy "all" of your stuff (no, not your shirts too...).
 
I want I want I want !
Aloha
-A
 
is it me or does the FF look way too small.
The wheel is tiny "2 finger" operation... not good on a production.

Will VF be making a professional size FF?
 
When are they coming..............
 
roryhinds said:
is it me or does the FF look way too small.
The wheel is tiny "2 finger" operation... not good on a production.

Will VF be making a professional size FF?
Click to expand...
As we said in the video, its a prototype. A prototype is a functional although experimental version of a final product. We wanted to show you guys what was in the works...the motor and knob we just posted are a couple generations behind what we are shipping in April.

I know that a lot of you are familiar with 60mm diameter knobs(like on Arri's), they're on conventional mechanical follow focus systems and its something that everyone is used to. The final product will be something that you should feel right at home with.
 
That looks awesome. I know it's a prototype, so don't take any of this the wrong way.

I agree that the knob should be bigger... it should also have that little square port in the middle [don't know what it's called] for hooking up a whip.

The mount [for hooking the FF to a rod] should span between both rods. The rod adapter [the part that the rods go through...] should be removable [so it can work with different rod standards], but having the mount work with both rods is key. Lightweight follow focuses [that work on one rod instead of two] often slip off of the gears. While this one obviously can't slip off of the gears, the slipping would still affect the knob. This rod adapter should be clip-on rather than slide-on.

Are those Hirose connectors? Are they as weak as the ones I've used in the past on other products? You might consider Fisher or Lemo connectors... even if it increases the cost slightly. Unless it's some industry standard connector that I've just never paid attention to.

Adjustable friction/drag on the knob would be great. Also adjustable 'sensitivity" [the knob turn: lens turn ratio] is key.

I dig the design. How big is that motor? Looks heftier than most... but I could be wrong.

I'm quite impressed.

When you're working up the final designs, rent an Arri FF4 [which I'm sure you've done before] and try to figure out the ABS compounds, rubber and finish that they use on it. Dense, sturdy design makes a huge difference.

Can't wait to play with it.
 
Only two questions. . .

Only two questions. . .

. . . how soon?

. . . and how much?

Please let us know right away!

Stephen
 
april sound good.. how long for wireless ?
Aloha
-A
 
Brook Willard said:
That looks awesome. I know it's a prototype, so don't take any of this the wrong way.
Click to expand...
I love criticism... it makes our products better.

Brook Willard said:
I agree that the knob should be bigger... it should also have that little square port in the middle [don't know what it's called] for hooking up a whip.
Click to expand...
Correct me if I'm wrong here... The point behind the square port is to be able to rotate the knob from farther away and not accidentally bump the camera. When you use the whip it adds flex and results in less control of the knob. Why wouldn't you just change out the short cable for a longer cable? If its something where its a feel thing then I understand.

Brook Willard said:
The mount [for hooking the FF to a rod] should span between both rods. The rod adapter [the part that the rods go through...] should be removable [so it can work with different rod standards], but having the mount work with both rods is key. Lightweight follow focuses [that work on one rod instead of two] often slip off of the gears. While this one obviously can't slip off of the gears, the slipping would still affect the knob. This rod adapter should be clip-on rather than slide-on.
Click to expand...
Got it. Thanks for the heads up on that.

Brook Willard said:
Are those Hirose connectors? Are they as weak as the ones I've used in the past on other products? You might consider Fisher or Lemo connectors... even if it increases the cost slightly. Unless it's some industry standard connector that I've just never paid attention to.
Click to expand...
They are Hirose... and yes, they suck. Its just what I had laying around when it came time to wire things. The final design has Lemo connectors.

Brook Willard said:
Adjustable friction/drag on the knob would be great. Also adjustable 'sensitivity" [the knob turn: lens turn ratio] is key.
Click to expand...
Got that covered in the final design. There is a bad ass adjustment knob to tweak the friction. The ratio for the knob to motor is user definable to whatever you like... its very flexible.

Brook Willard said:
I dig the design. How big is that motor? Looks heftier than most... but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Its hefty but very flexible... we've mounted three motors on the 18-50mm. Pays to have a flexible camera :) (See ATTACHED DIMS)

Brook Willard said:
When you're working up the final designs, rent an Arri FF4 [which I'm sure you've done before] and try to figure out the ABS compounds, rubber and finish that they use on it. Dense, sturdy design makes a huge difference.
Click to expand...
We've had a lot of help from Eric over at Indie Rentals and Michael over at HD Camera Rentals... Had a ton of face time with the FF4. We'll have a few options that I think will work well.

Stephen Pruitt said:
. . . how soon?
. . . and how much?
Please let us know right away!
Stephen
Click to expand...
We will be taking orders for Inclino (the motor) and Impero (the knob) in a couple weeks. Deliveries will start at the end of April. Price for the Inclino is $900. Impero is $350. Cables are TBD, we're working on some very attractive pricing but won't know until we get a few more quotes back. You will need a power cable for the motor (uses aux port on the camera) and a shorter control cable for the FF knob.

Poi Boy said:
april sound good.. how long for wireless ?
Aloha
-A
Click to expand...
Wireless will lag by a month or so... We should have protos at NAB... Hopefully we'll be able to grab a booth - we waited until the last minute :) Worst case we'll be at all the reduser parties showing stuff off.
 
fantastic Curt, can't wait.
-A
 
Good evening Curt,

I agree with Brook on most of his suggestions. But I see no reason why the unit can't be a single side mount if you choose to make it that way. A properly designed and manufactured split clamp for either 15 or 19mm rods is more the capable of holding the unit in place. And it gets the other side open for mounting the motor units for the zoom and iris functions. So far as a clip on as opposed to a slide on type I don't see the reason for that.
 
Yeah, Chuck makes a good point... having both a single rod attachment and a double rod attachment [clip on for the double... maybe a Speedy Clamp for the single] would be good. They don't all have to come with the kit, but having all the options out there would be great.

The square focus whip port thing is more of a feel feature. Yes, pulling the FF off of the camera is a better idea... but I guarantee you ACs will complain about not being able to plug in a whip.

Don't forget to have a "witness mark" that marks on the disc line up with... an adjustable one if possible. Many ACs don't mark on the disc, but those that do will need an adjustable witness mark. Also consider a wedge ring [that is viewable from in front of or behind the FF]. If you've used Indie Rentals' FF4, you've seen the wedge ring. It may not be called a wedge ring, but I'm no AC.

I'll keep thinking. I'll ask a few ACs as well. If you ever need anybody to test your toys... *cough* :wink: :)
 
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