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Advice please not expensive follow focus for Epic

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Alexey Datsenko

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Could you please advice not expensive follow focus for Epic for arround 600-700 USD?
ARRI FF4 is good but very expensive.
Maybe RED ROCK MICRO or PETROFF or Genus G-SFOCS Superior Follow Focus?

Thank you
 
I recently upgrade to the RedRock Blue...big improvements over the older models.
 
The Oconnor might be kind of hard to find legitimately for $600-700. The Edelkrone is very solid -- and can be had, even with the focus plus with extension handles can be had within the price range (if acting in the next two days) -- thereafter it's $800. The basic FF is $300 and is designed for one-man band shooting. I used this on occasion and it works well and will last. Worth checking out along with others mentioned.
 
Bought the Edelkrone FocusOnePro - beautifully made; unbeatable for the price? Does NOT seem to be reversible however, which is not an issue for a single-operator/DP.

Stu Aull
SX 199
Alaska
 
Ginirig "I focus" with a proviso it needs mod-ing. Once done I have had quite a few comment on its build quality and functionality & all for under $300.

Edelkrone looks interesting but not sure on how it handles cine glass. ....but similar price range.

Both are well engineered & both have single arm locks. IMO opinion the next one on the shopping list would be O Connor & then Arri with a big increase in price.
 
Cinevate's is premium yummy - and rather low cost. basically no lash - super smooth and buttery
 
I understand you don´t want to spend it or don´t have it at the moment...but...wanting to spend 600 or 700 on a follow focus to an Epic? To me the follow focus is the most important thing after the lenses...I have the shoot 35, the red rock v2, vocas, a pro mkII wireless and finally my favourites...O´connor DM and the CFF-1. It was hard to face the fact I had to buy it, but it is worth every penny....simply the best, not even any of the Arri´s. Superb design, construction and amazing features. All the ones I own and use will do the job 60% of the times. If you want to be only limited by your skills buy it.

List of the ones I own in order of preference

1- O`Connor CFF-!
2- O`Connor DM Cine set
3- Zacuto
4- Shoot 35
5- Red Rock V2
6- Vocas

Good luck
 
The new Letus FF seems to be the best in your price range. I have not used it so can't vouch for it. But seems like it's very similar to the Arri MFF1, even has a Arri style reversible gear.
 
I've just shot a feature film using the Laparte v2... I wasn't expecting big things (and didnt need it to do too much), but damn it performed very well for the price! I'd recommend giving it a try if you're looking for a budget friendly follow focus
 
Here is a strong vote against the Letus. A friend of mine bought one and I don't like it at all. Seems like a good idea on paper, but in practice, it is a real pain. Nothing about it is easy or quick.

I have the OConnor CFF1. Love it. Built like a tank and adjustable in every conceivable way. I also ordered the Edelkrone Focus One Pro for run and gun without an AC. I'm looking forward to seeing how it works.
 
The guy wants an FF for 700. O'Connors and Arris are out. Granted one day he should save the money and get a truly pro FF but did it occur to folks that maybe buying an Epic and all the attendant accessories to get it running doesn't leave him with the 3-4G for an Arri or OC.

Anyway, here's my two cents on the sub 700 FF's. I used the RRocks on a low budget show for several months. Little backlash at first. But eventually it required constant adjustment and we ended up having to send a unit back twice because of gear box issues. The handle on the double sided doesn't come off easily, making it a pain to reconfigure. Also, switching the gear to the other side is also a POA, making dumb side mounting no fun. I also find the tension to stiff. I think it maybe OK for the occasional user. But if you plan to use several days a week on paid work, be warned.

I've used the Genus FF. Simple and well built mini FF. Flipping the gear to the other side is super simple and fast. Machining is quite good. Even though I own an FF4, I'd consider adding this to my kit for when I really need to stripped down Very underrated FF.

The Cinevate Durus is interesting design. Just check to make sure you don't have clearance issues with the chunky gearbox. It's more than your budget but these things to pop up on the used market.

Chosziel 210 is the best of the min FF's IMO. Easily switchable gear. They also sell different sized gears. Small one is great for still lenses and large for PL. I used to own one and sold it (dumb move). Granted it's out of your price range but if you check the forums and ebay you can get lucky like I did. My AC's loved it (which is hugely important). I paid 800 for mine in almost new condition. It's a 1600 FF new. I sold it for 1000.

In short, buy something you can sell pretty easily. Because eventually, you'll want to shell out for a high end FF for client work. We use an FF4 and was one of the best investments we've made. Simple, no learning curve, built for business. We had an OC which was well built but the little knobs in tight positions drove my AC's nuts.
 
Try the Genus FF, it was designed by TLS here in the UK. Its very good value and accurate. Its not an Arri of Chriozsiel but it is is a no frills god FF unit.
 
Larry McKee said:
I also ordered the Edelkrone Focus One Pro for run and gun without an AC. I'm looking forward to seeing how it works.
Click to expand...

Larry do you have a follow-up to this?
 
I have nothing but good things to say about the Edelkrone FocusOnePro; great design, solid build, solid materials and very smooth. Has the added advantage of being very accommodating if the operator has to pull focus on his own. And the price can't be beat!
 
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