Introducing the shoot35 CINEfocus r3 Follow Focus & 10% Off Offer!

[Samir Patel]

EDIT: Wayne reached out to me immediately and now have a tracking number. Feel much better. Now I guess I wait for the call from UPS regarding customs.

 

[Nick Morrison]

No worries. I'm not one to gush over products non stop but the R3 nails everything I'd like it to do.

Will hopefully get the right hand side unit in a few weeks and will report back on that.

I love mine too. Double sided. My operators are VERY impressed. We flipped it around to use on Nikkor 200 f2. Most likely going to get a second one, as Im a fan of A and B cam matching.

Best.

 

[Ben Scott]

Forgot to say I got my 2nd side for the unit and love it. Only thing that could improve on that is if you could fix/remove it without an allen key but that's maybe something I could sort with an aftermarket replacement bolt.

 

[Doug Beatty]

Anybody ever have to go through an RMA with Shoot35? They are only available to contact via e-mail. Curious about their turnaround and customer service experience if anybody has any insight.

 

[Ben Scott]

I've always found them very helpful and fast to respond.

 

[Malk Kamalko]

Just got dual sided follow focus ... Thanks for so high quality ...

 

[Peter Lan]

Anybody ever have to go through an RMA with Shoot35? They are only available to contact via e-mail. Curious about their turnaround and customer service experience if anybody has any insight.

They have always had excellent customer service. Last time I got into an accident I bent one of the sliding supports on the gearbox of a R2. Emailed Wayne and he quickly sent a replacement part on the house. That is what I call amazing service.

 

[Omid Zoufonoun]

Hello,

This is my first post on RedUser. I just purchased this follow focus used, and it arrived looking flawless, but there is a fair bit of play. How do I adjust this if at all?

Thanks for any insights. I hope my unit isn't faulty or damaged internally.

 

[Ben Scott]

you can adjust the backlash via hex key. i think there's a pdf on the site with pics

 

[Chris Steel]

When I first bought my unit, I emailed them to get a guide how to do it, this is what I received.

Please see attached image 'backlash adjustment setscrew' which shows the location of the backlash adjustment screw. It’s near the etched writing ‘Nikon Reserved’.

Now check attached image 'dampening setscrew'. This shows the location of the dampening setscrew, and also instructions on adjusting the dampening. Please make sure the dampening setscrew is tightened.

Now we need to adjust the backlash. The backlash is adjusted in the same way as the 'Dampening adjustment'. The difference is that you loosen the backlash setscrew instead. Loosen this setscrew with a 2mm Allen key, and adjust the backlash as per the instructions, with the pointer thumbscrew locked.

You will notice that this will change the feel of the unit. If the gears are too tight, you will feel lumps/bumpiness/noise. If too loose, there will start to get too much backlash/play between the gear.

I find that loosening the dampening first, then adjusting backlash gave me the best results. It takes a little bit of time to do but it's worth doing every few months to be sure you're getting the best out of it.
Wish I had the full manual or user guide but I can't find it

Edit---

Also, Ben. Any luck with an aftermarket bolt on the second side? My bolt got torn up so I replaced it with a slotted bolt (I have tonnes of spares now) but wandered if you've found a way of doing it tool-less?

 

[Omid Zoufonoun]

Chris and Ben,

Thanks for the quick replies! However (and this may be because I'm new on here?), I can't see the images you have attached. I see where the hex screw for backlash is next to Nikong Reversal (Or normal on the other side depending on how it's set up), but adjustments to this make no difference and I'm not sure where the dampening adjustment is? Again, probably because I can't see the pictures you've posted.

I also couldn't find a pdf for the manual on their site, but have emailed them.

Thanks,
Omid

 

[Omid Zoufonoun]

Ok, I figured out how to adjust the dampening, but not getting any difference when I adjust the backlash screw. The play is still there regardless of the screw position.

 

[Chris Steel]

I've just had another play with mine to remind myself. Here's my order of operations, you don't have to loosen off the dampening, i just find it easier to find where the biting point is.

1) loosen dampening screw -- No. 2 metric
2) rotate focus marker until the focus knob spins freely (should keep going for a second or two)
3) tighten dampening screw -- No. 2 metric
4) loosen both front bolts (one is next to the arm lock lever, the other one is next to it) -- No. 2.5 Metric
5) Loosen backlash screw -- No. 2 metric
6) rotate marker a full turn, it will feel like you're going over some big bumps or ratchets
7) feel the focus knob,; if its bumpy back off the marker, if it's really loose go the other way about a turn and a half.
8) Move the marker back and forth until you find the point where it only just doesn't feel bumpy or gritty
9) tighten backlash screw -- No. 2 metric
10) tighten both front bolts -- No. 2.5 Metric
11) put dampening back where you like it -- No. 2 metric

 

[Chris Steel]

Finaly got round to putting the video together for my thoughts on this + a demonstration of how to tune the backlash. Hope it's helpful.

 

[Ben Williams]

Just Read through this whole thread. Love seeing smaller companies create quality products. I know this thread was started in 2013, but how has this follow focus faired with you all? Would it be worth it to save for the Bright Tangerine FF?

 

[Chris Steel]

Just Read through this whole thread. Love seeing smaller companies create quality products. I know this thread was started in 2013, but how has this follow focus faired with you all? Would it be worth it to save for the Bright Tangerine FF?

I've only used the tangerine at trade shows so I don't have a huge amount of hands on with it. Seems very nice. If you have the money for it, I'd get that.

However, if you don't have the money or if you need to get other things as well, I'd say this is a fantastic affordable option.

Mines been going strong for two years. Made it's money back for itself within a few months of buying it.
There are problems (which I go over in the video) but they are manageable. The lack of thumb screw for dumb side is the most frustrating. Having to get an alan key out and hoping the screw hasn't worked loose to a point of falling out is tedious. But once it's all together it's great to work with.

I've been on jobs where an FF4 was provided and after 5 minutes I ditched it for my Shoot35 as the FF4 was just too beat up and clunky.

 

[Mark Spraker]

Thanks for that video Chris — I just recently picked up one myself and knowing how to make these adjustments will be helpful in the long run!