WTB cheap follow focus

[Tonaci Tran]

The Arri FF4 is just way better all around than the mff-1. The performance of the mff-1 just doesn't cut it for me. The chrosziel is the next best thing so I would personally take a good condition used Chrosziel over a brand new mff-1. Keep in mind I am only referring to the studio higher model Chrosziels..not the dv versions. The chrosziels brand new cost nearly as much as a single wheel ff4 kit..so if it were to come to a brand new purchase, I would get an FF-4 over a new chrosziel. just my two cents. The ff-4s cost way more than the mff-1 for a reason.

 

[Chris_Rock]

The Arri FF4 is just way better all around than the mff-1. The performance of the mff-1 just doesn't cut it for me. The chrosziel is the next best thing so I would personally take a good condition used Chrosziel over a brand new mff-1. Keep in mind I am only referring to the studio higher model Chrosziels..not the dv versions. The chrosziels brand new cost nearly as much as a single wheel ff4 kit..so if it were to come to a brand new purchase, I would get an FF-4 over a new chrosziel. just my two cents. The ff-4s cost way more than the mff-1 for a reason.

I am guessing used Arri FF-4's are hard to come by? Never personally seen any in the areas I have looked.

 

[Satsuki Murashige]

Hi everyone,

I use this follow focus (or the studio version) all the time, and it works fine. But my only issue with it is that the hump on the gear box is such that you cannot undersling the gear on 15mm rods with some lenses.

This is an issue because older lenses like Mk2 Superspeeds have very small, closely-spaced witness marks (by modern standards) and often times you cannot see the witness mark at all with the gear in the upright position. That's bad news when you're trying to pull off the lens marks on handheld or walking next to the dolly.

I really wish Chrosziel would do something about this. Arri does not have this problem. With regard to maintenance issues, this is an issue for all follow focus units, even Arri. The problem with a significant amount of play is that it renders the marking disc useless. Now you have to mark the lens which is slower and less precise IMHO. Lesson: You get what you pay for, so get the best FF you can afford.

 

[Shawn R]

The MFF-1 may not be everyone's cup of tea but it will certainly fit and technically function on all your lenses. There are a lot of high level ACs who purchased MFF-1 kits just to keep in their bags to use when going handheld, because they like the small form factor, lightweight design and tilt adjustment on the focus wheel. .

:icon_bs:If you notice Mitch is selling the MFF-1 by telling you it must be good if, "high level ACs" purchase them. Thats like saying if so and so jumped off a bridge would you?

Mitch is right it will "technically function". I guess if it didn't it would be broken.

Bottom line: If you are using short throw lenses like the newer Nikkors don't buy this follow focus. I have one, you get 1/2 out of the knob from min. distance to infinity.:attention9ha:

Just a bit of user experience that only a few here have alluded to and this is actually the first place I've seen people mention it. There are two other threads about follow focuses and not a peep. You will get a lot of, "it's good, it's an Arri.".

I'm not being harsh, I'm just being honest. Considering there is a Nikon mount for the Red I'm surprised that Mitch never metioned that it may not be the best option. Of course you could be like me and find out after you pay.

 

[Mitch Gross]

Shawn, I don't understand why you are on this rampage. This thread did not start with "I need a follow focus that is best tuned to stills lenses with short focus throws." It simply started with "I need a cheap follow focus." The MFF-1 is not cheap in quality but it is low in price. The follow focus could be used for people using PL mount lenses, for which it would be quite appropriate. Some stills lenses would work quite well with it; others you may find are not appropriate.

If you don't like the MFF-1 then you should sell it or return it. There's nothing "wrong" with it; it's just not what you need. But I think the personal attacks are unwarranted.

 

[Shawn R]

Rampage, really, I love the creative writing. Was that a weekend course?

I was looking for a "cheap" or rather "inexpensive" alternative to the higher priced Arri line. I read all the posts and at the time didn't realize the different ratio's a FF could have. When I purchased this there was only two mounts going on the Red, "the PL it comes with" and the "Red Nikon". They weren't personal attacks Mitch. I presented the facts and you replyied with generalized answers.

Sometimes the best info for a product is just the specs. It's not your intention to not include these specs Mitch, I know. I have read many pages or product info on different FF systems and rarely do they list the gear ratio of the FF. I understand that you are a messenger Mitch and you are doing your best.

We all look at issues from different perspectives. I've read a lot about the short comings of still lenses and next to build quality, "short throw" comes in 2nd.

 

[Peter Arnold]

I use the Shoot35 Cinefocus and it performs very well. Haven't used an Arri so far, nor a Redrock or a Cinevate. But for me it does the job. It's market is clearly in the still lenses like Nikon etc. I don't know if it can handle RPP's. It's very well built, with no play at all. I think it's worth a look: Here

Peter

 

[Shawn R]

Peter, not sure of your location. I see the address of Shoot35 is in the UK.
Info from site:
New for 2009/10 is the CINEfocus Follow Focus. This is used as a focusing aid giving precise and accurate control over the focus of your 35mm lenses.
£349
I think the rubber protector band is a good idea, Cinevate has incorporated a different solution to this as well compared to their earlier models.


These lens gears are designed for use with the CINEfocus & third party Follow Focus units. You should purchase one Lens Gear for each of your lenses. The Lens Gears feature standard 0.8 mod cine pitch, fully adjustable for focus rings with a diameter between 50mm - 80mm, and allows full 360 degree travel. Supplied with a black rubber protection band to protect the lenses focus ring from the Lens Gear setscrews.
NOTE: The Lens Gear will not work on lens gears with a focus ring larger than 80mm in diameter.
NOTE: The Lens Gear pack contains the following setscrew sizes: 8x 10mm, 8x 16mm & a 3mm Allen Key.

 

[Shawn R]

There are a lot of similarities between the lower cost follow focus systems now. I have to say that each one has it's advantage. The new Red Rock is cool with the quick release option now. (the little marking pointer on top though looks cheap).

Some good reviews are here:
http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/freshdv/story/freshdv_follow_focus_system_reviews/

The only think to notice about the reviews is they are using either Zeiss or Red for lenses.

 

[Peter Arnold]

I am Swiss.

Cheers

Peter

 

[michael lohmann]

Hi,
I have 2 red rock follow focus for sale call me if interested
310-927-0115
Mike

 

[Brad Crawford]

i just purchased the Cinefocus from Shoot35.com, it's due to arrive tomorrow. Price/performance wise it looks pretty great, i've used Arri's extensively but don't need the size/weight/price that it includes. We'll see how this stands up.

 

[scott william]

went with cinevate. arrives later this week.