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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 :)

Willytec, the perfect follow focus?

Hi Evin,

Ahhh....
I see it now, (I think) you can completly remove the drive unit from the bridge unit. So if you only had one, you could move it from one side to the other.
Clever
Not to be pushy (ok I am) but does anyone know which way is standard to turn the focus knob to go towards infinity?

Thanks,

Chuck
 
chuck colburn said:
From what I understand, the LFF-1 can be reversed by mounting it upsidedown.
Click to expand...

That´s right but this doesn´t mean it can be really switched like the Willytec. Also there are many cameras besides the 235, Arricam LT and Moviecam SL (and smaller S16) that doesn´t allow to place the follow focus upsidedown. As for Bruce statement I believe it´s just the opposite. LFF1 can´t be reversed and it´s gear can be easily changed by taking it off (simple screwdriver) and putting another one on. In fact Arri offers different gear ratios for all the FF to support different lens brands. Angenieux zooms asks for different gear ratios than Zeiss.
 
Rodrigo Lizana said:
That´s right but this doesn´t mean it can be really switched like the Willytec. Also there are many cameras besides the 235, Arricam LT and Moviecam SL (and smaller S16) that doesn´t allow to place the follow focus upsidedown. As for Bruce statement I believe it´s just the opposite. LFF1 can´t be reversed and it´s gear can be easily changed by taking it off (simple screwdriver) and putting another one on. In fact Arri offers different gear ratios for all the FF to support different lens brands. Angenieux zooms asks for different gear ratios than Zeiss.
Click to expand...

Rodrigo,

That's good to know about the interference of the clamping mechanisim. Can't imagine why they would have it on the inside in the first place.

Thanks,

Chuck
 
The LFF-1 sure can be reversed by removing the main drive unit, rotating it 180° and re-mounting with the knob on the other drive shaft, just like the willytec.
ff1.jpg


I would argue that the Normal direction of a FF unit, is when rotating towards the camera operator it should move the focus plane closer etc., at least that how I like it when operating.
 
haha. with the bottom getting closer to the operator? Or the top? It is a circle. Clockwise or anticlockwise?

Normally on the left side the FF turns clockwise toward infinity and anticlockwise toward minimums. But of course you can make it whatever you prefer if you can swao that block...

Thanks Anders for clearing it up, it seemed weird to hire the guy at Arri and then throw out such a large part of his design.

Does anyone have an image of the part/s that turn the LFF-1 into a full sized FF? Is it just the larger handwheel or can you get a double rod mounting bracket also like the Willytec 19mm and 15mm brackets?

If you put it all together would this almost be the same as the Willytec? Is it just missing the double gear knobs? (which I really like)

More questions?

Where'd I put my keys? ;)
 
Anders Holck said:
The LFF-1 sure can be reversed by removing the main drive unit, rotating it 180° and re-mounting with the knob on the other drive shaft, just like the willytec.
ff1.jpg


I would argue that the Normal direction of a FF unit, is when rotating towards the camera operator it should move the focus plane closer etc., at least that how I like it when operating.
Click to expand...

Morning Anders,
Thanks
That's so obvious when you take a good look at the unit. That's what those gibs and ways are for. Clever design. Now how about a design which reverses without having to take any thing apart. And with less parts resulting in less accumulated errors such as from end play and gear mesh etc.
And Dale, your keys are in the fridge.
 
dalemccready said:
Does anyone have an image of the part/s that turn the LFF-1 into a full sized FF? Is it just the larger handwheel or can you get a double rod mounting bracket also like the Willytec 19mm and 15mm brackets?
Is it just missing the double gear knobs? (which I really like)
Click to expand...

I do miss having the transform to change the LFF-1 into a solid studio FF. It would be great to have a "one side bridge with a second knob to attach to the LFF-1" thus converting it into a studio follow focus. Or you could have two LFF-1 and the chance to get the "in between bridge" of course in a promo fashion..."2 for the price of one". Don´t see Arri going that road thought.

As for changing the LFF-1 into reverse mode, I meant it by switching something fast and easy not by removing it and tearing it appart. In my experience, when some piece of equipment delays a production maybe it´s because it´s not the right kind of equipment.

Regards
 
dalemccready said:
haha. with the bottom getting closer to the operator? Or the top? It is a circle. Clockwise or anticlockwise?

Normally on the left side the FF turns clockwise toward infinity and anticlockwise toward minimums. But of course you can make it whatever you prefer if you can swao that block...
Click to expand...

Yeah i prefer to rotate clockwise to get closer and counterclockwise to go towards infinity, at least when pulling focus while operating hand held.
Just seems to make sense inside my head :-)
 
Hey All,

I just noticed this thread, and thought I'd let you know that I have a complete Willytec system for sale. It was over $11K new, and it's barely used, so it's going to be pricey. And yes, it has the dual-ration handwheel. It was my personal system when I was an AC, so it wasn't in full circulation in my rental inventory. My contact info is at www.gearheadcamera.com if you're interested. Max
 
I was doing a search for follow focus systems on Google and came across a company called Donan Camera www.DonanCamera.com. I sent them over an email to get some more information on the system, and found out that it is verry similar to the willytec system.

I was told that it is very modular and will break apart into many individual components and that there is various quick release brackets available so that the drive unit can be mounted above or below the lens. The system operates in both forward and reverse and the drive arm rotates 360 and can be used with nikon lenses.They have also designed at motor that plugs-in to the FF and gives you a remote focus option.

I was told that they are now taking pre-orders and will be shipping, the beginning of Jan and that the price is $2400.00. Not bad for what all that your getting. I went ahead and ordered mine, Ill make another post when it arrives. Steve
 
Evin,

have you tested the RED / Nikkor combo ?

I'm waiting... :)

thanks!
 
Dreamitpictures said:
I was doing a search for follow focus systems on Google and came across a company called Donan Camera www.DonanCamera.com. I sent them over an email to get some more information on the system, and found out that it is verry similar to the willytec system.

I was told that it is very modular and will break apart into many individual components and that there is various quick release brackets available so that the drive unit can be mounted above or below the lens. The system operates in both forward and reverse and the drive arm rotates 360 and can be used with nikon lenses.They have also designed at motor that plugs-in to the FF and gives you a remote focus option.

I was told that they are now taking pre-orders and will be shipping, the beginning of Jan and that the price is $2400.00. Not bad for what all that your getting. I went ahead and ordered mine, Ill make another post when it arrives. Steve
Click to expand...


Very good find Steve, keep us posted.
Thanks
 
there's a used willytec for sale at lee utterbach rental in SF ..

the donancamera FF is suppose to start shipping end of this month ...
donan will show it at cine gear LA
 
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