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Arri MFF-1 Vs MFF-2 and MMB-1 Vs MMB-2

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Damian Horan

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Can anyone explain the pros and cons of the Arri MFF-1 vs the MFF-2. Same goes for the Arri MMB-1 vs MMB2?
 
MFF-1 v. MFF-2
MFF-2 has simpler design for rod clamp. Can take alternate knobs from the various ARRI follow focuses, including the FF-3's dual-speed knob. Kitted with a basic wheel it is less expensive than the MFF-1.

MMB-1 v. MMB-2
MMB-2 is a smaller, lighter weight mattebox than MMB-1. Wider angle coverage but less shading from stray light. Can accept side handles. Available in 4x4 or 4x5.65.
 
I'm also about to purchase either the MFF-1, MFF-2 or LFF-1, so I'm doing some research. According to the Arri website the MFF-2 does have the reversing feature for Nikon and Leica lenses. http://tinyurl.com/7t5px5t The MFF-2 does have the hard stop feature, but you have to order that particular knob.

It appears most people are still going with the MFF-1 instead of the MFF-2. Is this true and does anyone know why?
 
I was looking at them today, I would probably go with the MFF-2 as you can modify it. But I am guess a lot of people like the MFF-1 because it comes with 2 hardstops built in for just over $2k.
 
I know that reaching in tight to the mount can be an issue with the MFF-1 sometimes (with short lenses, like a ZF 50mm). It seems like the design of the MFF-2 might put the knob just a smidge farther out that on the mff-1, thus giving you a bit more clearance.

Anyone actually used one?
 
The inter-changeable knobs also open up the possibility of using a FF extension to extend the FF knob further away from the lens. The other thing I like is that I can have both a FF4 and a MFF-2 on a job and use the same knob and gear for both systems.
 
Recently used the MFF-1 on a feature. It's very smooth, I love the quick release clamp, the ability to angle the knob... hated the hard stops. If you're not on a lens that needs them, I find the knobs annoying, and sometimes they get engaged by accident... really excited for the mff-2 to rid myself of that.
 
I own the MFF-1 and used it several times when pulling focus myself on a documentary - i have to admit I have never used the hard stops, because I always forgot how they work when it cames to the point when I want to use them on my own ... shame on me. The hardstops were one of the reasons I bought the MFF-1 ...

Anyway - besides my laziness the MFF-1 is a very good piece of gear, working smooth, hard to break, etc.
You can add a flexible follow focus extension if you need, the knob has the same acceptance as for example the FF3 oder FF4.
Downside of the MFF-1: if you want to change the operating side quickly it doesn't work ...

best wishes and kind regards,
martin
 
There are others who are telling me to go with the O'Connor O-Focus Mini instead of the MFF-2. They say the O-Focus is better for use with still lenses like Nikons because of the 1 to .75 gear ratio. You can supposedly pull a much more accurate focus.

Any input?
 
Andreas Mendritzki said:
Mitch (or anyone esle)

Is the MFF-2 reverseable for Nikon lenses, like the MFF-1? Can't seem to find that info.

thanks
Click to expand...

Yes, I don't see why they would take that feature away. If you look at the product you can tell its easily reversible and adjustable.
 
Jeremy,

The MFF-2 is available with two different gear ratios. MFF-2 Cine has a gear ratio of 1:2 dedicated to the cine lenses and MFF-2 HD with a gear ratio of 1:1 is dedicated for still photo as well as ENG broadcast lenses.
Sometimes camera operators who are pulling focus by their own also prefer the Cine version on still photo and ENG broadcast lenses because the length of the focus pull is not as long as with the HD version and therefore its easier to pull focus while operating the camera.

Philip Vischer
Product Manager
Pro Camera Accessories
ARRI Munich
 
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