Best affordable/professional Follow Focus

[Bobby Dalsey]

Hey I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a more affordable follow focus that can perform reliably with most cinema lenses. For example, I was trying to use a Redrock micro FF with some stiff CP2s and needed to stop and fix it a few times during the shoot. Stopping to fix the rig is my biggest pet peeve on set. I'm considering just buying Arri and being done with it, but if anyone one knows of a super reliable system that's more affordable I'd love a tip. Thanks!

 

[Jordan Raabe]

I have the OConnor CFF-1, works very well, great build quality, very little play.

 

[Matthew J]

CFF-1, MFF-1 (Arri), or if you can find a used Chrosizel Studio FF would all be great buys.

 

[Ulf Krentz]

+1 for the chrosziel. Get the handwheel with adjustable hard stops.

Cheers, Ulf

 

[Patrick Grossien]

Phil bought the new Redrock micro blue at the time and was very happy with it and positively surprised compared to the old one.

I saw the new ones from F&V at IBC which looked and felt really great. Couldn't try them with any heavy lenses though.
One had adjustable drag/resistance and if the gear ever starts to show play, you can open the gearbox and adjust it.
There is a new model which is not up on the site yet. Will be soon though.

F&V Follow Focus

 

[Chris McKechnie]

Cinevate Durus is a great follow focus system and relatively cheap.

 

[Björn Benckert]

Cinevate Durus is a great follow focus system and relatively cheap.

I had one of those, I ven felt bad when I sold it to a fellow reduser. As I see it it's not possible to use for much. As the thing is quite big and sit close to the lens. For many, or even for most configurations it will not fit on an epic or scarlet. Basically if you use it on the right side of the camera, like for an AC, it's a big chance it will interfere with the side handle or camera body when using normal length lenses. And when being on the left side you will kind of get it in your ear or eye. depending how you have the camera on your shoulder. (if you have it on your shoulder) also the few times I could actually make it work, when having the camera on dolly or tripod or such I found it so big and clumsy that it pretty much covers the sight of the focus marks on the lens. Maybe others feel different about it but for me it was complete trash. The only ones I tested that pretty much work for every lens and every occation when a FF is needed is a full CFF-1 set or Arri. I actually prefer the CFF1 as it's so modular. Both of those are really expansive and the shit thing when actually getting a good FF is that it only makes you realize that what you really need is a really good wireless FF

 

[Jason Comparetto]

+1 FF4 or CFF-1

 

[John Fishburn]

Hey I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a more affordable follow focus that can perform reliably with most cinema lenses. ...Thanks!

Are you looking for dual sided or single sided system? Studio 19mm or mini rod, or both? Your needs and budget could indicate different options.

John Fishburn
Band Pro East
New York NY

 

[Domenic Barbero]

I have a cff1 set up and absolutely love it. And i just picked up the Redrock remote FF and actually im super duper impressed with it. works great with everything ive tried on it so far.