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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 :)

Hey Nikon and Zeiss ZF fans......finally........

V

Vance Colvig

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At NAB, a light weight follow focus was unveiled that magically reverses the lens drive gear direction for Nikon and Zeiss ZF lenses if you want it to (and I do!). With a simple rotation of the output gear housing, you can switch between "normal focus rotation lenses", and the "reverse focus" lenses. No tools required, just your thumb and forefinger, and two seconds of your time. Exactly what I have been looking for. Beautifully made. I saw the prototype, and understand that it should be available in about 8 weeks according to Robert Petroff, the manufacturer. The website is www.petroff.ws, but it may be so new that this "magical follow focus" may not be on it yet. Just what I have been looking for, and soon to be available. Oh yeah, can hardly wait!
 
Matthew Duclos said:
Keep in mind, a cheaper, more simple solution...
$350

Nikon reversing gear.
Click to expand...

That's one way to do it. A little awkward when changing lenses as you have to release the follow focus and that idler seperately and then line them up to each lens swap.
 
chuck colburn said:
That's one way to do it. A little awkward when changing lenses as you have to release the follow focus and that idler seperately and then line them up to each lens swap.
Click to expand...

OK, right... who cares for one more second in changing lenses when saves few $$$$...

Matthew thats a good one... bravo!
 
There's also a screw-on reversing gear for the FF4 that has been around for ages. If you've run into a Nikon conversion on set, you've probably found this gear in the case.
 
Matthew Duclos said:
Keep in mind, a cheaper, more simple solution...
$350

Nikon reversing gear.
Click to expand...

Wonderful, Ill put it on next months order wishlist! Although, as much as I hate to admit it, I quite like the direction Nikon focuses. Push the FF away for further, towards for closer. Feels more intuitive to me, but then again I don't have as long a working history with other lenses as others do.
 
That was exactly how I felt when I first entered the business back in the stone age.
 
Hi Andrew,
Although the new Petroff "reversing" follow focus is quite simple and elegant, Matt does have a relitively inexpensive solution for reversing. When you use "cinema" lenses, you can make them focus like your Nikons or Zeiss ZFs. Have it either way. Since I am shopping for a quality light weight follow focus for my Nikons, my money will go for the Petroff when it is released. Now.....if someone will come up with a reversing follow focus with a 2:1 drive reduction, it would make Nikons on a full frame Epic just that much more fun.
 
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