Arri Follow focus question

[Simon Valderrama]

Hi everyone,

just one quick question.
What are the actual differences between Arri FF-4 and FF-3 besides the fact that FF-4 needs the adapter for going 19MM?

 

[Perry Ho]

The differences between FF3 & FF4 are the rod support,
FF3 is kind of fixed, you need to decide what's kind of rod you gonna use,
but with the FF4 you can swap the adapter to different rang of Rod.

Cheers

 

[Mickey Conway]

Here's a Arri FF-2 looks like a good deal...http://cgi.ebay.com/Arri-FF-2-Studi...0|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[Steve Gal]

Here's a Arri FF-2 looks like a good deal...http://cgi.ebay.com/Arri-FF-2-Studi...0|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

That is not an FF-2. It is a picture of an FF-3. I guess their mistake can be your gain.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

thats keslows follow focus..
it looks like a ff2 with ff3 handwheels

 

[Steve Gal]

FF2 is Black. FF3 is grey. This is an FF3 all around from what I see in the picture. Not just the handwheels.

 

[SF Geek]

The big difference is that the FF4 can snap on where the FF-3 needs to slide on the front of the rods.

 

[Steve Gal]

The big difference is that the FF4 can snap on where the FF-3 needs to slide on the front of the rods.

Not true, I have an FF3 for 19mm that snaps on.

 

[John Logan]

While we're on the subject, sort of, does anyone know if the FF1 will work with a Cooke 20-100?

 

[David Wyatt]

In general the FF4 has slightly less "play" than most FF3's out there, so is more "accurate" with your focus marks. On the other hand the FF3 has the dual speed function which is quite handy if you want to do a quick focus rack from close to far or vice versa. I particularly like the FF4 for its lightness and the ability to go from studio (19mm bars) to handheld (15mm bars) mode quickly.

 

[Harry Clark]

Both snap on to 19mm rods.
The FF3 features a gearing system that lets you select "high" or "low" ratios. In my experience, over time, the rental house FF3s have trouble with wear and tear on this part.
The FF4 features close-spaced 15mm rods (for lightweight support) integrated into the bottom, below which you affix your studio "base" support, either 15mm or 19mm.
I own several FF4s and they have been trouble-free for many years. The flexibility to choose mounting is a plus too in my opinion.
I have some AC friends that feel that a well-maintained FF3 is a better tool than an FF4.
Both are excellent Arri products.
Cheers,
Harry

 

[Steve Gal]

In general the FF4 has slightly less "play" than most FF3's out there, so is more "accurate" with your focus marks. On the other hand the FF3 has the dual speed function which is quite handy if you want to do a quick focus rack from close to far or vice versa.

I never heard of the F3 having more play than an FF4. They have adjustments for play. Also the knob from the FF3 is what makes it dual speed. That knob will fit on an FF4 as well.

 

[david farland]

http://www.arri.com/prod/cam/configuration_overview/manuals/pdfs/CO_680_2008_10_Follow_FocusLFF.pdf

Steve is correct. The FF3 comes with the 2 speed focus knob as standard.
However the 2 speed focus knob can be purchased as the second knob for the FF4.

The Arri pricing is tricky between the FF3 & FF4. The FF3 'basic' unit costs about $1500 more than the FF4 with the same functionality (single speed knobs).
The two speed knob is about $1100 more than the single speed.
Dave,

 

[Harry Clark]

Interesting. I had not seen that combination. But an FF4 with an option of either the original knob or the FF3 knob would really be flexible.
I'm kinda done spending money until the end of the year though...
Cheers,
Harry

 

[David Wyatt]

I never heard of the F3 having more play than an FF4. They have adjustments for play. Also the knob from the FF3 is what makes it dual speed. That knob will fit on an FF4 as well.

I've experienced the loose play many, many times - out of interest how do you adjust the FF3 to get rid of the play? Might come in handy one day...

 

[Steve Gal]

I think if i post it on here, I will be getting alot of calls to fix broken follow focuses.