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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Looking for a particular Follow Focus

Jason Ano

Jason Ano

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Any suggestions for a minimal/sleek, moderately priced follow focus unit that does not get in the way of a matte box? Pictures with your setup would be super awesome :thumbsup:
 
Used the MFF-1 for the first time on a shoot last weekend and was really quite surprised that it had more backlash than my old V2 Shoot35 Follow Focus and comparable amounts to the $90 Kamerar follow focus. Compared to the perfection of the Arri FF5 I was really quite surprised.

Really looking forward to the new V3 Shoot35 FF because finally it has the 2 things I need - swing away arm and quick release rail adapter - along with hopefully the same or better operation and mechanics. But at a massively sub Arri pricepoint.
 
I enjoy my Lanparte FF. Good value for money, it's a nice "middle of the road" type FF. Very durable.
 
I also just got the Fotga Dp-500 from ebay and it's so good for the price, you cant beat it. Zero play/backlash. And make sure to get one with the Quick Release bracket!
 
Sorry but the Fotga follow focus is junk... No matter how hard to tighten the part that locks the gear against the focus ring, the whole thing still rocks back and forth adding perceived play...
 
The Shoot35 v3 one is outstanding. Would absolutely recommend that one. I'd caution against follow focus units that attach to only one rail - we've had so many headaches with those (Cinevate, Arri, all of them) because they will always eventually slip off the gears.
 
Reversible,front or back for gear, left or right,quick relaese, large focus throw, no backlash, no Tools, light and strong. Adapted by Zacutto but the original is perfect and less expensive. Highly recommended for Nikon glass and others tiny photo lenses as well: Petroff MFF-R
petroff-b1374d.jpg
 
I recently bought a used Arri MFF-1 and was shocked by how much play it had. I'm currently trying to return to the seller. I spoke with an Arri representative at BVE and he told me that it shouldn't have play, but it can occur over extended usage, and that I should sent it to Arri to have it repaired. The shoot35 v2 is great (I have it since 2011), and I also had the chance to check the v3 at BVE, seemed great at a first glance. I also have the Edelkrone which was dirt cheap, less than $200, and is reversible and light, but I wouldn't recommend it for larger productions, it looks and feels fragile while there is no dampening whatsoever.
 
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Picked up a Fotga 500 II S. Absolutely love it. No play. Three gear sizes. Great build. You may read some reviews saying it's junk, keep in mind, for whatever reason, Fotga still has the previous models still for sale. The 500 II looks identical to the IIs but isn't the same performer. If you get one, make sure it's the IIs. I took it to my TV job to show the AC's. They were blown away. And we use use FF4's and Prestons on this job.
 
Ben Scott said:
Really looking forward to the new V3 Shoot35 FF because finally it has the 2 things I need - swing away arm and quick release rail adapter - along with hopefully the same or better operation and mechanics. But at a massively sub Arri pricepoint.
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Brian M Lynch said:
The Shoot35 v3 one is outstanding. Would absolutely recommend that one.
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Jason Mavrokefalos said:
The shoot35 v2 is great (I have it since 2011), and I also had the chance to check the v3 at BVE, seemed great at a first glance.
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Thanks to everyone for all their input throughout this thread! I've really been waffling back and forth on what unit to purchase, and because of the above comments, I figured I'd pull the trigger on the new Shoot35 cinefocus. Just got it in the mail yesterday and so far I've been very impressed with the build and quality. I definitely recommend it. I can't wait to really put it to the test out in the field, but I feel pretty confident I can rely on this piece of equipment.

Thanks again, guys!
 
Brian M Lynch said:
The Shoot35 v3 one is outstanding. Would absolutely recommend that one. I'd caution against follow focus units that attach to only one rail - we've had so many headaches with those (Cinevate, Arri, all of them) because they will always eventually slip off the gears.
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Hello Brian, I'm looking into buy a new follow focus and I was considering shoot35 v3, how well it is the performance with cine lenses like canon cn or cp2? More information would be much appreciated.

Regards Carlos.
 
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