follow focus

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This morning I woke up and literally slapped myself in the head for finally figuring something out that should have been pretty obvious from the start. A few months ago Gini DSLR Rigs began working on a few prototype follow focus system that attached only to one rail. The first versions were based on a Huco gearbox, which is the same stuff found in old RedRock Micro Follow Focus systems. Gini eventually ditched the Huco gearbox and began working on a second design with a different gearbox.

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Through this process there were unfinished versions so it wasn't clear about the direction this follow focus was heading. Now that there are more recent images of the new Follow Focus, I finally figured out the inspiration for this design! (Slaps ForeHead) The entire time the follow focus was being developed, it was based on the Cinevate Durus Follow Focus system. Single Rail mount, adjustable marking point, the removable marking disc, knob design, and latest gearbox design. In fact the new Gini Lens gears are also a tribute to Cinevates universal lens gears. Here's a side by side on the FFs.

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Cinevate Durus (left) Gini Latest Follow Focus (right)

Hands down, the Cinevate Durus Follow Focus is the best Follow Focus i've used under $1300 dollars. If you want something rock solid, literally ZERO Backlash, and built to last for years don't hesitate on any of Cinevate's equipment. They make the best sliders, Matte Boxes, Follow Focus systems, and more. Customer service behind all their equipment is a big added bonus. Find more of Cinevate products (click here).

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find-price-button Cinevate Durus Follow Focus

From looking at all the other photos, Gini truly appears to have been inspired around the Cinevate Durus, but the question is how closely has the new FF followed in actual design? Gearbox design? You can see all the new additional photos following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Gini i Focus Follow Focus

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Video demo from Vimeo member claire showcases the Wondlan Sniper Rods, BasePlate, and Follow Focus. I still can't get over the color, and the price isn't very competitive with what's on the market currently. I just got news that the RJ Budget Follow Focus is getting a special baseplate mount. This means that the Follow Focus can be used without rails. We'll start seeing that pop up soon, unless someone already knows where to find it.

Wondlan Sniper Follow Focus
find-price-button Wondlan Sniper Follow Focus

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Yeah that's a Gini Follow Focus and of course without the finished anodizing, it looks like a prototype. See something different? Yeah no Huco gearbox. Is Gini making his own metal gears? [Thanks Kenrik]

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Also what looks to be in the works is some new metal lens gears. I don't know about the rest of you, but it would be great to have an option of these new metal lens gears in that sexy Gini red. You can see more images and details following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Gini Rigs Follow Focus and New Lens Gears

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Description:
Light, rugged, versatile and that doesn't factor in the price or quality. A multi-position hand-held, shotgun-style/shoulder mount rig, with thumb controlled follow focus and durable No-Drop French Flag matte-box

Includes:
12" Carbon fiber rods
Height adjustable camera block
Shoulder-mount/shot-gun brace
Front adjustable handles
Thumb controlled friction follow focus
Matte box w/ No-Drop French Flag(TM)

indisystem dslr video rigIndisystem-Airsupport
find-price-button Indisystem AIRsupport DSLR Video Rig with Follow Focus

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A video review from Vimeo member Kenrik March about Gini's latest Follow Focus system. Gini no doubt makes some incredible equipment, but in this FF he's relying on what looks like the Huco gearbox (used in many other FF systems). These aren't the highest end gearboxes, so below is an updated video on approximately how much lash (play) there is in the gearbox.

The best deals on Gini rigs are through the auction bundles, so check back often and see what's on the menu. Something new is the same basic setup for the follow focus, but this time he's dropped the marking disc and pointer, and offers this as a way to control the zoom ring. Some rigs that use Telephoto lenses have one FF for the focus ring, and one to zoom in and out smoothly. You can find Gini Auctions on eBay (click here).

Gini DSLR Rigs
find-price-button Gini DSLR Rigs Follow Focus Kits

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Ok, so Gini wasn't completely off his rocker selling what looked like unfinished versions of a Follow Focus. Now we're starting to see some finished versions of the new Gini DSLR Follow focus. Now in anodized black with Marking disc. Check out the stuff following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Gini Black Follow Focus with marking disc

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Anyone catch the new Follow Focus from Gini? Single rod mount and just swings into position. It's made mostly of aluminum with an unfinished appearance (not a fan of that). I think if he offered this in black anodizing, it would get much more attention. Although the design overall looks good, the gearbox looks pretty similar to most basic Follow focus systems. Very similar to a Huco gearbox (could be?). Nevertheless those gearboxes have been fairly reliable in most of those FFs.

Price is outside of this world for Buy It Now, but that's always been Gini's approach. Usually he has these same high quality items in some type of inexpensive auction along with a rig. In fact there's a few auctions going on right now starting at just $1.00 US dollar, following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Gini Rig New Aluminum Follow Focus

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A quick look around the budget Fotga Follow Focus. This was another one shared on this blog just a few weeks back which has a 'riser' design to make sure it can always hit the lens gear. Sometimes using smaller diameter lenses or tall Battery grips will render some FF's useless. This is not a reversible gear, but of course if can still be mounted either left or right. Definitely looks like quality stuff, not cheap plastic. A great option next to the other FF's on the market. I can't tell if the crank whip notch is standard (a minor issue with RJ's follow focus). A bit of lash like most FF's in this range, but not too shabby for the price. For just a bit more, there's an option for a 'quick release' version in case you're using MatteBoxes and such. [Thanks Eirik]


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find-price-button Fotga DSLR Follow Focus with lens Gear

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follow-focus

While the RJ Follow Focus prices have been inflating, and the orders are on very long waiting lists, another Follow Focus system appears. These auctions appeared to have been listed yesterday, so fairly new stuff here. A smart design using a riser to make sure you're hitting all the right spots on your lens gear unlike the other low profile FF's.

Designed to mount using 15mm (60mm center to center) industry standard rods, which is basically everything under the sun including Gini DSLR Rigs (you'll need a set of rails). The gears 'look' standard, but no mention if it's the same as the RJ. [Update] Someone caught printed on the drive gear: M0.8 – 43T, and that's the most popular standard to turn most lens gears. This is really looking like an FF to get. The design does not look like the gears can be reversible, if that's a big thing for you. So if you've been on the hold for a cheap FF, or want to add a second FF on your rig for the Zoom ring, here's another option. Glad to see more of these budget FF's showing up. More images and information can be found at the store (click here).


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find-price-button Fotga DSLR Follow Focus with lens Gear

Can be mounted on inexpensive Gini DSLR Rigs
Screen shot 2011-05-28 at 5.33.23 PM
find-price-button Gini DSLR Rig Stabilizer Kits