***The OConnor O-Focus DM Cine and Photo Sets***OFFICIAL THREAD!!!

[Eric J. Johnston]

Hi everyone- we have been receiving a large number of questions on this new follow focus system so here is the “official” thread.

The OConnor O-Focus Dual Mini is a compact, double-sided direct drive follow focus unit optimized for both still and cine-style camera lenses. This is accomplished by changing the handwheels which affects the final transmission output.

The precision gear drive of the main bridge is designed with a gear ratio of 1:0.75 so that 360 degrees of input (rotation of the handwheel) results in 270 degrees of output (rotation of the drive gear).

There are two versions of the O-Focus DM, the Photo Set and the Cine Set; these utilize two different handwheels to optimize the transmission output depending on the type of lens used.

C1242-0001
O-Focus DM Photo Set with Hard Stop Handwheel:

C1242-0002
O-Focus DM Cine Set with offset Studio Handwheel:

The Photo Set utilizes a new Hard Stop Handwheel, which has a transmission ratio of 1:1 (inpututput). When coupled with the O-Focus Main Bridge, it yields a follow focus industry first; a 1:0.75 transmission ratio. This translates to longer, more exacting focus pulls when using short throw still lenses for digital cinematography. The hard stops enable the operator to set minimum and maximum focus points for lenses with unlimited rotation and to carry out hard focus stop pulls. The unique single-hand operated
hard stop on/off switch allows for instantaneous disengagement of the end stops for critical adjustments even during the shot.

The Cine Set utilizes the existing CFF-1 Studio Handwheel and has a transmission ratio of 1:1.8 (inpututput). When coupled with the O-Focus Bridge it yields a 1:1.4 output transmission ratio well suited for cine lenses with expanded focus scales. The Studio Handwheel is offset, meaning it has 360 degree rotation for optimum placement and view of lens witness marks, and allows the camera to be set on the ground without the rig weight resting on the handwheel.

The modular design of the O-Focus DM enables operators who want to transition between Photo and Cine lenses to optimize the transmission ratio to suit simply by swapping out the handwheel(s) – no tools required and no need to carry around two follow focus units.

Both versions of the O-Focus DM feature extremely low profiles, which allow use with large diameter lenses. The sliding dovetail design provides adjustment for various lens sizes, even those with very large lens barrel diameters. Additionally, tapered flank couplings (pioneered with the OConnor CFF-1) eliminate play between the handwheel and bridge connection.

The O-Focus DM integrates seamlessly with existing follow focus accessories including whips, cranks and gears. It also shares many of the OConnor CFF-1 accessories, such as the Marking Discs, Handwheel Extension and Studio 15/19mm Bridge. The new Toothless Friction Driver, for the use of still lenses, eliminates much of the need for additional toothed gear rings. The 15mm LWS Bridge is compatible with 3rd party 19/15mm Studio Rod Adapters.


***PLEASE NO PM's...Feel free to email me @ the address below Thanks!***

 

[Paulo Kobayashi]

I got one of those after returning a GENUS Superior. In my case I wanted something that I could use for both my EF mount lenses and my PL mount lenses in my Scarlet, but the Genus was falling apart with my RPPs.

What I ended up doing was to buy the Photo Set and added the CFF-1 Studio Handwheel.
This way I have the option to change the handweel as I change my mount or to have them both at the same time and choose if I want more throw or less.
Also is cheaper that way, at least if you get them together with discount at Abelcine.

Here is my take on it. AWESOME.

The O-Focus bridge allows for big lenses like the RPP 18mm to fit (it is a tight fit though, as tight as the Genus was, but the diference is that I still can change lenses without having to remove the O-Focus) and the hard stop is great for my Canon L lenses.

I noticed that the replaceable gears are made of some kind of plastic. I got a little worried but now I think I understand the reasoning. I noticed that, because it's soft, it gets "reshaped" depending of the lens. Maybe it is to protect the lens, once it would be much cheaper to get new gears for the FF instead of having to change it on the lens.

 

[Jean Bernard]

I bought the O-Focus DM Cine Set from abel cine and returned it the next day for the CFF1! Although it was light and really good, it lacked the swing arm and I couldn't reach my leica r lenses on the 19mm rods with 15/19 bridge option so I decided to go with the CFF1 instead wich is a lot more expensive, heavier and geared towards larger lenses and studio operation. Otherwise I would've stayed with the DM as it is priced right and does an amazing job and would've been ideal for low profile handheld! But can only invest in one follow focus.

Please design the ultimate follow focus that is truly modular and interchangeable with all of your other gear and please consider making optional bundle packages instead of the a la carte! Otherwise I love the oconnor products & own quiet a few.

 

[Paul Russell]

I like my OFF, especially the rubber wheel that saves me putting cogs gears around the lenses. It's ideal fir the location interview work that I mostly do.

 

[Trevor Meeks]

Got my O-Focus Cine after ditching Redrock Micro's toys. Thank you guys for absolutely ROCKING this... best valued follow focus on the market, hands down.

I'm impressed with how slim the main bridge is, the fact that the unit is dual-sided to begin with (no nickle-and-diming to upgrade it to dual-sided operation!) and the included accessories make it a very full-featured follow focus.... right down to the glow in the dark marking disc (included with the Cine, maybe not with the photo version?.)

The offset wheel is an incredibly useful feature that I use more often than not now, to adjust positioning depending on which variation of my rig I'm using, and in what situation.

Excellent piece of kit. Thanks again.

 

[Phil Holland]

I actually don't own the O-Focus DM, but I tested one out very recently and came very close to purchasing it. It's indeed very smooth and has that extremely responsive feel that you'd be after out of a higher end follow focus unit.

 

[David Lee]

Phil, how does the O-Focus compare with Redrock's new FF?

Jean Bernard, so the O-Focus doesn't reach Leica lenses even with the 15mm LW adapter? Maybe the DM Photo version does. It'd be odd if the photo version can't be used with smaller still lenses! Although one would think lens gears would help.

 

[Phil Holland]

Phil, how does the O-Focus compare with Redrock's new FF?

It's an interesting decision here. If money didn't come into play I'd own an O-Focus DM. I like the movement better on the OConnor and the friction gear works well with all lenses. The hinged "bendable" knob on the rod clamp is the only thing that is weird to me on the design, but I understand why it has been implemented. It is larger and heavier than the Redrock Micro Follow Focus|blue, which is both a good and bad thing depending on your preference.

After a few hours of testing I did find the O-Focus DM really easy to pull with. It's more sensitive than the RRMFF|blue and responds to the slightest movements. Much better on the whip too. The RRMFF|blue has more "resistance" even with a very loose backlash adjustment. Again, this is a user preference thing and depending on how much of that you like it could go either way.

I had to make my choice as my budget for gear that week also included other needed items. I already am a fan and abuser of the OConnor O-Box WM and love their gear. You really can't go wrong with the O-Focus DM.

 

[Trevor Meeks]

Jean Bernard, so the O-Focus doesn't reach Leica lenses even with the 15mm LW adapter? Maybe the DM Photo version does. It'd be odd if the photo version can't be used with smaller still lenses! Although one would think lens gears would help.

The only difference between the photo and cine versions are the knobs... this has nothing to do with the "reach" of the gear, as the gear is attached to the main bridge.

EDIT: You CANNOT use the OConnor Swing Arm on the O-Focus DM. It is Exclusive to the CFF-1.

The OConnor FF is far more flexible and a much more finely-tuned product than the RR Blue, and although the RR is obviously desirable because of the price, when you stack it up against the OConnor, you'll see the OConnor shine in terms of features, performance, and professional quality.

 

[Demetri Zuev]

If you need more "reach" you can use the OConnor Swing Arm — the connection is the same on the DM and the CFF-1.

Ok, I clearly remember Mitch from Abelcine explaining that you cannot use the swing arm on Ofocus DM, this accessory is exclusive to CFF-1. Here's the post on Abelcine Blog.

Look at the very bottom of the comments section:

Barry Cheong

Will the CFF1 swing arm fit onto the O-focus mini? It looks like it could be the same standard rosette type fitting?

Mitch_Gross

Sorry, no. While it would thread in, there is no clamp to hold the angle of the swing arm in place. It would attach but just flop around. This is one of the key differences between the two models.

I too was thinking that I can get the DM and then just slap the swing arm on it.

In fact, the fixed gear position is the only thing that makes be debate the decision to get Ofocus DM. You won't have problems with "fat" PL glass, but I plan on using sinevised Zeiss ZF and don't wan't to mess with risers and other stuff.

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

Thank you to everyone from the OConnor Team for your great reviews of the O-Focus!

I would just like to clarify a few points:

- The swing arm of the CFF-1 is NOT compatible with the O-Focus
- Small photo lenses like the Zeiss ZF are no problem to interface
- Very small lenses like the Leica’s do not interface with the direct drive mechanism; you would need a CFF-1 with a swing arm for this
- The O-Focus can be adapted to both 15mm/ 19mm studio rods
- The O-Focus is compatible with 3rd party reversing gears

 

[Peter Plevritis]

A specific config question:

How well does the 0-Focus on a 15mm LWS setup work with the Red 17-50mm? Enough clearance underneath?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

It works great! No clearance issues...

 

[Stephen Mick]

I got my O-Focus DM Photo set a few weeks back from our friends at B&H. While I absolutely love the unit itself, when it arrived, it was obvious that it had been sold, returned, and then re-sold to me. The box was held together with scotch tape, the FF gears were in a small ziploc bag, and the friction gear itself was missing. Naturally B&H has passed off the responsibility for the part to O'Connor, and hopefully I'll get it soon, but this is just another in a long, painful line of bad experiences I've had with B&H. Trust me…I'd have gotten it from Abel, but they said they were out of stock when I needed it.

My take? Get the O-Focus. And get it somewhere other than B&H.

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

To further clarify some questions people have been having here is the O-Focus DM with BOTH a Hard Stop Handwheel mounted on one side and an offset CFF-1 Studio Handwheel on the other.

The follow focus has been adapted from 15mm LWS rods to 19mm Studio rods via the Abel Cine AB-1519 Universal Rod Adapter.

 

[Trevor Meeks]

Ok, I clearly remember Mitch from Abelcine explaining that you cannot use the swing arm on Ofocus DM, this accessory is exclusive to CFF-1. Here's the post on Abelcine Blog.

Dang! Sorry man. Great to know for sure though!

 

[David Lee]

Thanks for such vital information guys. Phil, your relating your experience is much appreciated.

 

[Jean Bernard]

Phil, how does the O-Focus compare with Redrock's new FF?

Jean Bernard, so the O-Focus doesn't reach Leica lenses even with the 15mm LW adapter? Maybe the DM Photo version does. It'd be odd if the photo version can't be used with smaller still lenses! Although one would think lens gears would help.

I didn't have the LW adapter to test it with it, maybe it will reach from the bottom as the leica r are thin lenses! Best to try it out before you buy it. I wish it had the swing arm though as I would've kept mine.

 

[Ryan De Franco]

One thing that can help greatly with small lenses is large lens gears. While they make packing the lenses away more difficult, large gears give you more rotation. As far as the FF is concerned, the lens is physically bigger:

In this case, they will probably allow a tiny Leica to work well with the excellent OConnor DM.

 

[Jean Bernard]

Thank you to everyone from the OConnor Team for your great reviews of the O-Focus!

I would just like to clarify a few points:

- The swing arm of the CFF-1 is NOT compatible with the O-Focus
- Small photo lenses like the Zeiss ZF are no problem to interface
- Very small lenses like the Leica’s do not interface with the direct drive mechanism; you would need a CFF-1 with a swing arm for this
- The O-Focus can be adapted to both 15mm/ 19mm studio rods
- The O-Focus is compatible with 3rd party reversing gears

Hey Eric,

Is the O-Focus's photo handwheel interchangeable with CFF1? Would love to have the hard stop limiter for some still lens as an option. Also, any plans to release more accessories in the likes of speed crank & whips?

Thanks
-JB