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Willytec, the perfect follow focus?

Evin Grant

Evin Grant

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I've found a German made/AC designed follow focus called the Willytec that seems to be the ultimate modular follow focus system. It has reversability for Nikon lenses, two speed gear box w/dual knob operation and a totally modular design. I can't seem to find much information on them other than a German website; here.
http://www.willytec.com/-film.html

Does anyone here own one of these? Is it as good as it looks? How much do they run and is there a US distributer? I personaly think this is the perfect unit for a combo Nikkor/Red lens system.

Some pics...
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Willytec, the perfect follow focus?

I tried some time ago to contact the company and had zero response from them. I think the FF has been discontinued.
And the company bought out. So here is what I have. If you have any luck please pass on the info.


Web: http://www.willytec.com/-film.html
Ph: +49 (0)8024-902868-1
Fax: +49 (0)8024-902868-2

Method
 
My Willytec is juicy!

My Willytec is juicy!

Evin,

I have had a Willytec ff for about 7 years. I got it specifically to use with with my Nikon teles. I bought it when I assembled my dream kit and went freelance as a wildlife cameraman. It has performed perfectly over the years. I think I got it through Birns & Sawyer. I believe it cost $5000. Yikes! I decided to get the Nikons and the Willytec instead of the modular Leica teles. Mine has the single 15mm rod mount. It locks into place solidly and is easy to switch around to reverse direction. I can't imaging a follow focus being any better made or working more smoothly. No backlash. I don't know if they are still being made. I would highly recommend it if price is not an object!
 
I used a willytec from clairmont for a couple movies in 99 when i was a focus puller. Very nice, very modular, smooth and easy to use. I highly recomend one if you can find one.
 
very sad, i just made a couple of phone calls to the numbers mentioned on this thread and on the website, but the willytec company does not exist anymore, they have been bought by different companies and they only produce dental products like toothbrush machines, chewing simulators and trephine for dental crowns / coronas ... the guy on the phone did not sound happy at all and he still could remember the days when they manufactured the follow focus Units and he claimed they made the most precise FF with no play at all.

Martin
 
martinnoweck said:
very sad, i just made a couple of phone calls to the numbers mentioned on this thread and on the website, but the willytec company does not exist anymore, they have been bought by different companies and they only produce dental products like toothbrush machines, chewing simulators and trephine for dental crowns / coronas ... the guy on the phone did not sound happy at all and he still could remember the days when they manufactured the follow focus Units and he claimed they made the most precise FF with no play at all.
Click to expand...

I noticed that from their web site... Now it dumps people over to the new company with dental products. I wonder if the design for their FF is available? Might be worth picking up if they'll let it go. :greedy:
 
well done martin!
Maybe if we all emailed them with our interest they would see a business opportunity..
 
I had some similar thoughts on my mind ... they guy on the phone was an employee not the manager.

anyway i will contact them again and try to get to talk to the manager / engineer / etc.

But might also be interesting to know, how many red users will be using Nikon Lenses AND would be interested in having a willytec unit. then we can mass email them and start to put deposits down ;-)
 
The news section http://www.sdm-gmbh.de/EN/Pages/News.html says they're still manufacturing and distributing the FF.

But in case they're really no longer interested in this product, it might be something to acquire by View Factor Curt! :sorcerer:
 
Visual Products had one, I think it cost more than the ARRI's and Chrosziels... probably not the best solution for shooting on a budget but they do look like good units.
 
Doesn't appear to be Dale, looks like they're concentrating on dentistry stuff and all evidence points to it. Not suprising though, must be a lot more profit in dentistry equipment than follow focus'!!!
 
I am really close to pulling the trigger on the Arri LFF-1. Its a really well designed unit. I especially like the racheting mechanism for tightening the rod clamp.

I am tempted to go with a Bartech or Preston most of the time but its always 100% required to have the mechanical back-up on hand.

I really want the Super Grip and Red Motor to show up this summer. Please God let this happen.
 
Yeah I agree, while we'll use an Arri ff in the short term, I'm completely into the idea of Curts' drect link electronic control that can become a wireless FIZ. The last few Features I've operated we had to fight to get a Preston or Arri Wireless unit on for the length of the shoot, but it was completely invaluable.

The direct link electronic idea is perfect to me. ACs can use it as they would normally, yet can walk away from the camera when they require it. Such a good idea.

Interestingly, I'm going to take another look at the LFF-1 now that I can see it's history. It's funny how attaching a personality of the designer to it makes it more appealing to me.
 
The Willytec FF does look good. Red should maybe buy the design!
 
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