Arri MFF-1 vs. Zacuto Z-Focus?

[Tim Morten]

Any opinions (Mitch perhaps, since you carry both)? I know Arri seems to get the default endorsement based on their reputation, but I'd be interested in first-hand opinions based on use...

I like that the Arri is reversable gearing, to work with my Nikon glass. I like that the Zacuto is less expensive, and is made to work with 19mm rods out of the box.

I'm not renting my kit, and I'm not a pro shooter, so I don't need to impress anyone with brand names . That said, if the Arri is genuinely a better FF, that's the way I'll go.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[Mitch Gross]

The Arri is a better follow focus but is also more expensive. I consider it worth the expense. For the price the Zacuto is an excellent unit. I like the Arri but then again i is not my money. ;-)

 

[Ronald Reddick]

I have used both,
Have the Z brand on my Sony and it works very well, went with the Arri for my Red. I think you would be pleased with the Zacuto, and the people give good support.

And in regards to Abel - If you are going to go with the Arri, they are great to work with also. Have taken very good care of me and my needs.

Ron

 

[Shawn R]

Don't buy the Arri MFF1 for still lenses. The ratio knob to gear is 1:2. This is the exact opposite of what you want. Lets say your lens only has a focus rotation of 45 degrees, you put on the arri and now you have a focus rotation of 22.5 degrees. Not much control.

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

Don't buy the Arri MFF1 for still lenses. The ratio knob to gear is 1:2. This is the exact opposite of what you want. Lets say your lens only has a focus rotation of 45 degrees, you put on the arri and now you have a focus rotation of 22.5 degrees. Not much control.

You can buy all ARRI available gear pitch sizes/diameter and attach to MFF1 that means can work with many sort of lenses, either still photo, ENG or cine.

Arri MFF1 is a versatile FF...

 

[MichaelHalsell]

The Arri product is well made, IMO worth extra dollar.

 

[Justin Machacek]

I just returned a zacuto FF unit and ordered an Arri... We're shooting Cine lenses so I bought the Arri-FF4. Are you sure you're saving that much? I only paid $500 more for he FF4 kit from Abel Cine. After you put everything on the Zac its more expensive than you think. Also, the 19mm adapter's nob is right on the bottom in a very inconvenient location. Poor design on that one. Otherwise the Zac is smooth. Much better than the Red Rock.

 

[martinnoweck]

the mff-1 is a great piece of gear - worth every penny! i use it with all kind of lenses and have a 15mm to 19mm rod adapter made by chrosziel to go 19mm rods.

best wishes,
martin

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

Arri gets the rental..
its a professional name.. people will want to see that name.

 

[Shawn R]

I have the Arri MFF1 and it has one of the smallest gears, Gear 2. Sure its well made. Lets do a bit of math. This is a standard gear. You turn the knob half a turn, the gear turns one full rotation. That is a 2:1 ratio.
The Gear is "Gear 2 - Prime Lenses" 35 tooth. So half a turn of the FF knob is 35. My Nikon VR 70-200 has a large Cinveate Gear on it. It takes aprox. 36 teeth to travel from min. distance to infinity.
1/2 turn = 36 teeth
Am I doing the math wrong here or what?

I am all for the Arri FF4. The MFF1 was design specific with the EX3 I believe.

I am not saying the Arri MFF1 isn't designed well. I am just saying it is not good with still lenses that have a limited focus throw.

 

[Shawn R]

I was blinded by the oooo aaaaa of the Arri brand and jumped on this one.

 

[Shawn R]

But for those that love it by all means buy mine for what I paid for it. Hey it's an Arri right.