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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 :)

WTB cheap follow focus

Stop winning...!!!

Stop winning...!!!

I'm amazed that these AC are pissed or not happy with FF units? Now, if I was a FF person, and I was very good, I would have my own gear like a Arri if that was the case. I think sometime people are spoiled on set then they work on another set, then they moan and grump about the gear they are using. Unbelievable!!! You don't see DP's crying over camera lenses or camera gear...they work with it. Period. Sure, they aren't sometimes happy using say film vs digital...but they work around it and make it work.
 
charlesN said:
I'm amazed that these AC are pissed or not happy with FF units? Now, if I was a FF person, and I was very good, I would have my own gear like a Arri if that was the case. I think sometime people are spoiled on set then they work on another set, then they moan and grump about the gear they are using. Unbelievable!!! You don't see DP's crying over camera lenses or camera gear...they work with it. Period. Sure, they aren't sometimes happy using say film vs digital...but they work around it and make it work.
Click to expand...

I think your typo "stop winning" is Freudian. When you have substandard equipment it makes it that much more difficult to make a high quality - "winning" - project. "Making it work" still means that compromises are made, and sometimes that shows up in the end project.

When you've got the performance you want, timed with the perfect camera move the last thing you want is for your equipment to fail you.

And DPs will definitely cry about lenses or camera gear if what they have makes them unable to get the footage that they require.
 
its the camera package owners responsibility to provide the FF, not the AC..

If you want a first rate package.. get a ff 2 3 4 5 or mff-1 on the cheaper side of things.

I personally dont like Chrosziel too much play and just not as solid feeling as arri
 
In one world ive known a certain AC to own there own preston systems and use it all the time with there own cinetape as they work in conjuction...sometimes it was easier to judge distances from a more profile view...but thats alot to invest i know.

And DP's whine about gear all the time when shooting outa town and suddenly outa their comfort zone. Im doing it now, but not too loud
 
Colin Sheldon said:
I think your typo "stop winning" is Freudian. When you have substandard equipment it makes it that much more difficult to make a high quality - "winning" - project. "Making it work" still means that compromises are made, and sometimes that shows up in the end project.

When you've got the performance you want, timed with the perfect camera move the last thing you want is for your equipment to fail you.

And DPs will definitely cry about lenses or camera gear if what they have makes them unable to get the footage that they require.
Click to expand...

Give me a break...what are you working on Micheal Mann production or a Micheal bay film. Sure, I understand that...but if you know top FF guys have they're own gear much like DP's have their own cameras & lenses and gear. If you're doing the 100 mil project, no excuses but if you are shooting a low budget film...you HAVE TO MAKE IT WORK. Suck...but its true.

I don't have cry babies on set...they can go elsewhere. We are men & professionals...crying is for babies.
 
Zakaree Sandberg said:
its the camera package owners responsibility to provide the FF, not the AC..

If you want a first rate package.. get a ff 2 3 4 5 or mff-1 on the cheaper side of things.

I personally dont like Chrosziel too much play and just not as solid feeling as arri
Click to expand...

Then don't blame the Camera package owner then, they have budget to uphold or Ex. producers/investors bitching why you went over budget. If you want an Arri, rent one yourself...and do the work properly...as you say!!!

Love Arri, makes the best...but sometime you CAN'T afford the best...so you use something else. That's all I'm saying.
 
peter roehsler said:
you may want to have a look at this indian product:
http://dvcity.com/dve/product_info.php?cPath=72&products_id=255
Click to expand...

Zakaree Sandberg said:
YEAhhhh... actually You may NOT want to have a look at that POS..

Do not buy this junk, unless your buying a follow focus to just look like you have a full kit..

this thing is total junk and does not work.. I had one for about 2 days, sent it back.. bit the bullet and bought an arri ff2
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Zakaree I made the mistake myself.

Before I purchased this POS I asked around and couldn't find anyone who had ever used one, so I thought to myself it looks exactly like a Chroziel Studio follow focus how bad can it be.

I can't begin to tell you how worthless this piece of shit is.

I put it on my camera and found it to have solid 3/8" - 1/2" of slop when you pull focus.

It's all a big joke, like when purchasing a DVD from a street vender and finding when you get home that your just watching a movie that someone has video taped from the back of the theatre with their handicam.
 
charlesN said:
Love Arri, makes the best...but sometime you CAN'T afford the best...so you use something else. That's all I'm saying.
Click to expand...

then someone shouldnt buy a RED if they cant afford to set up a good system
(if they want to rent)

its like buying a Bentley (not really but bare with me)
and putting a honda engine in it.
yah it works.. but why the eff would I want that
 
Pietro Impagliazzo said:
Because as we all know, RED is an elitist system.

Starting with the price.
Click to expand...

??

Im not saying must have this.. must have that..
Im stating.. a follow focus is a valuable piece of gear.. its not somewhere you want to skimp..

Chrosziel, arri, are solid..
cheap indian knock offs are not.

it sucks being on set and not having the proper gear to get something done right
 
charlesN said:
if you are shooting a low budget film...you HAVE TO MAKE IT WORK.
Click to expand...

As an ex-1. AC (with too much experience from low budget projects) I have to jump in here with an analogy.

What you are basically saying is that the Grip should be able to make smooth tracks on a chipped track, the DP should be able to light with a lightmeter that doesn't quite show the overexposure, the gaffer should be able to get a nice colour temperature with unmatched lamps, and the costume department should buy their period clothing from H&M?

Without proper tools you cannot work in your craft.

There is simply no way to make a bad follow focus work - other than discarding the whole thing and pulling directly off the lens.
 
Colin Sheldon said:
I think your typo "stop winning" is Freudian. When you have substandard equipment it makes it that much more difficult to make a high quality - "winning" - project. "Making it work" still means that compromises are made, and sometimes that shows up in the end project.

When you've got the performance you want, timed with the perfect camera move the last thing you want is for your equipment to fail you.

And DPs will definitely cry about lenses or camera gear if what they have makes them unable to get the footage that they require.
Click to expand...

So, would you consider REDRock FF v2 unit is "substandard equipment"?

I bet REDRock wouldn't agree with your statement...!!!
 
Zakaree Sandberg said:
then someone shouldnt buy a RED if they cant afford to set up a good system
(if they want to rent)

its like buying a Bentley (not really but bare with me)
and putting a honda engine in it.
yah it works.. but why the eff would I want that
Click to expand...

Why shouldn't they buy RED because they can't AFFORD OR RENT an ARRI FF Unit? That's crazy.

If RED wasn't here...you would be STUCK with ARRI or Panavision cameras...sure, their is Aaton, MovieCam and a few more but those prices are nil because they are pricey too.
 
Zakaree Sandberg said:
??

Im not saying must have this.. must have that..
Im stating.. a follow focus is a valuable piece of gear.. its not somewhere you want to skimp..

it sucks being on set and not having the proper gear to get something done right
Click to expand...

I agree. But sometimes you can't AFFORD to rent the best due to Budget. I presume you know where I'm coming from. Trust me, I love to give the AC, CAM, DP's everything...but sometimes you have to figure out a way to cut. Unfortunately, sometimes its the grip & lighting gear then camera & Lenses?

FF unit are very important piece of the puzzle since I like to have my films in focus but if you can't get the ARRI...you have to get your second or third choice. Again, if I was a top FF operator, that I made my living by making sure focus is bang on. I would buy my own (top) gear...that's me. Plus top FF operator are making top dollar so they can afford the best. That's all I saying.
 
Martin Weiss said:
As an ex-1. AC (with too much experience from low budget projects) I have to jump in here with an analogy.

What you are basically saying is that the Grip should be able to make smooth tracks on a chipped track, the DP should be able to light with a lightmeter that doesn't quite show the overexposure, the gaffer should be able to get a nice colour temperature with unmatched lamps, and the costume department should buy their period clothing from H&M?

Without proper tools you cannot work in your craft.

There is simply no way to make a bad follow focus work - other than discarding the whole thing and pulling directly off the lens.
Click to expand...

Grip - buy PVC pipe and MAKE IT WORK. I'll see ton of film sets using it...again, it looks like crap...but they MAKE IT WORK.

DP - his light-meter is broken? I'm supposed to supply the DP with a Light-meter. Never meet a DP that doesn't have a Light-meter...some don't need it, they know from experience. Brilliant.

Gaffer - Gel the lights to correct color temp. Never done this before!?!

Costume department - "period clothing from H&M?" I don't know what this is? H&M? I don't expect to be doing a "period" film under low budget...but If I have too...go to Costumes warehouse - rent them. Go to Salvation Army. Their seems to be ton of Costumes Rental house in your city. Halloween stores have Period clothing - negotiate a deal - free exposure - for free rental.

Again, Make it work!!!

I'm referring to FF units not "bad follow focus work". I presume the REDRock is a good FF Unit...sure, its not as good as ARRI but you make it work replacing it with another unit or figuring it out. I've seen bad FF work on good units and the best...because the FF operator isn't that good. Human error.
 
charlesN said:
So, would you consider REDRock FF v2 unit is "substandard equipment"?
Click to expand...

I haven't used it. But if, as stated earlier in the thread, it really has 1/4 to 1/2" of play then yes, that is absolutely substandard.

charlesN said:
I bet REDRock wouldn't agree with your statement...!!!
Click to expand...

That's obviously a safe bet, but good luck getting action on your wager.
 
Zakaree Sandberg said:
its the camera package owners responsibility to provide the FF, not the AC..

If you want a first rate package.. get a ff 2 3 4 5 or mff-1 on the cheaper side of things.

I personally dont like Chrosziel too much play and just not as solid feeling as arri
Click to expand...

Where do you recommend to get the best deal on an Arri FF? Been looking around a bit, but would rather get some good spots to shop.
 
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