How to build your own focus wheel

[12ozLife]

FINISHED:

I have finished building the Focus Wheel and made the Video Tutorial. You can watch them on Youtube:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgOfBGXHXIU
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNf69mLPIVk

DEMO REEL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0CuQhk0T7M

Download Demo Reel:
High Quality - http://hv20.info/yopu/brooke.wmv

Download Demo 2:
This is my last demo for the focus wheel as well as the last over all thing that I am adding to the project. It works the way that I want it to and does very well. This demo was filmed and edited in about 30 mins so it's not perfect and the focus isn't perfect either. But, it shows how smooth, easy, quiet, and well it works. The focus is off some of the time because it's just impossible at times to tell if I am infocus on the HV20's LCD especially with the sun either glaring in my eyes or on the LCD itself... No BS, no filters, no music, and no planning. Just raw footage and audio from the onboard camera mic.

720p HD - http://hv20.info/yopu/FWDemo2.wmv

---------

I am currently working on building a focus wheel/ring for the HV20. I got tired of trying to work with that thing Canon calls a manual focusing tool. I call it a bitch. My goal is to invent a couple of designs for this. The first one is more advanced using more tools and probably a little more money. The other way is really for the average-joe who doesn't have a lot of tools or money to make one.

I am going to document everything and then film instuctions of how to build both versions for the people interested in making one for themselves. I will post the video once it's complete. It should be about 2-3 weeks if everything goes well. I have the designs pretty much done and just working on building them.

Any questions or suggestions let me know...

[neolinski]

that'd be awesome. keep us updated :)

[Worley]

Great idea. Is there a way to lower the wheel so that it won't prevent the LCD from rotating? I think some kind of gear mechanism may be needed.

Keep us posted!

[12ozLife]

Great idea. Is there a way to lower the wheel so that it won't prevent the LCD from rotating? I think some kind of gear mechanism may be needed.

Keep us posted!

Trust me.. I have thought about this a lot.. The way the wheel is located to the focus wheel on the HV20; the LCD should be able to do fairly well without getting in the way.. I have really tried to figure out a way to keep it simple, make the focus wheel accessible without the LCD getting in the way and without the focus wheel getting in the way of the LCD.. Really, they might both get in the way of each other by a little but imo worth having a "real" manual focus controller. At worst the LCD will not be able to rotate fully but it should be able to get a 90 degree angle or close to it (facing upwards and downwards) with the wheel in place.

The design really is to make it easier and not make more of a problem to the HV20.

I want this to be something that anyone can build. I might even make it for people who cannot do it themselves and just pay me for my time, effort and parts (if I do have the time and effort).

The design is made so it's nothing permanent, can be attacked on very quickly, make ZERO alterations to the HV20 itself, easy to make, and costs no more than $20 - $25 in materials. With the design ideas that we have so far.. It can do just that.

[joseph soriano]

awesome 12oz! keep us up to date! i'll buy one(you build it ;)) in a heart beat if all goes well!

[Rikki]

How does this work?

Ah on the big monitor I can see more clearly LOL

[Worley]

Trust me.. I have thought about this a lot.. At worst the LCD will not be able to rotate fully but it should be able to get a 90 degree angle or close to it (facing upwards and downwards) with the wheel in place.

Fantasic! 90 degrees is all I need as often I shoot low shots (children, animals). I would guess that making an attachment is the hardest part...

[africanmarty]

cant wait for the finished project and a video on how to build it :) ...waiting patiently.

[tkmslee]

Sounds very cool! BTW, I agree, the exact and correct word for that focus dial is BITCH.

[Worley]

"My finger's too big to twiddle that little bitch"

Hm. I think I'd better just stick to "focus dial"

:hv20-smilie84:

[tkmslee]

"My finger's too big to twiddle that little bitch"

Hm. I think I'd better just stick to "focus dial"

:hv20-smilie84:

:hv20-smilie87:

Good one!

[12ozLife]

At least JVC did something better... -_-

http://www.gearlive.com/blogimages/jvchdcam.jpg

[12ozLife]

UPDATE:

We came up with a new design today and we think it will work very well. Although, it's a big change to our original ideas; it could be easier to build and cheaper then the other ideas. I have started building the prototype today and took some photos to give you an idea of the design (although not completed and it's just a prototype).

P.S. I know that it looks like a paperclip but it's actually a welding rod and I shaped it to the HV20 from the aluminum plate (the base). This rod used is actually too thin for what is needed and i'll get the thickness I need soon. But it should be good and strong and give it enough spring to add presure to the focus dial but not be too strong and hard to bend where you have too hard of a time trying shape it while building. The idea is that of the landing gear for a R/C Airplane.

[Worley]

So simple and neat. I like it.

I saw the JVC camcorder in a shop window. Have you seen how small it is? Their focus ring is barely larger than the one on the HV20! I could not use a camera that small.

[tkmslee]

Very innovative! That would even work nicely for an alternative to a follow focus for a 35mm adapter if you got a longer plate to mount the camera on.

[bluegrass]

Now this is the type of enginuity I like to see happen. I for one, really appreciate efforts like this to make the camera even more functional, though the HV20 is a winner to begin with.

I'd be very surpised if Canon doesn't have some of their staff monitoring this forum and take ideas, comments, etc back to the engineers for improvements on future camera designs.

If they don't, they should.

People, you don't have to be a rocket scientest to invent and design things like this. All you need is vision, drive, and a can do attitude. If you see something, and you say to yourself, "there's got to be a better way", there probably is, and you might just be the one to figure out a better way.

[12ozLife]

Maybe you guys can help.. I need to find something online for anyone to be able to buy.. First thing is a 5/64" or very close to 0.077" Aluminum Rod/Wire and also (and I don't know what's called) but a rubber washer only thicker/longer that fits tightly onto the aluminum rod and doesn't move without some effort. It will probably be have the hole designed to fit snug on a 5/64" rod or ANYTHING a little smaller than that can probably work. They use this for R/C airplanes to keep the wheels on because usually their landing gear is just bent metal rods.

Anyways, if you guys find it let me know.. I'll keep looking and working on it!

[Worley]

You're like me - you know what you want, but don't know the name for it. I drive myself mad with my lack of knowledge...

[Erik Bien]

Worley,

I'll recommend two books to you:

The Backstage Handbook (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/091174729X/sr=8-1/qid=1184353294/ref=olp_product_details/105-6864945-8170055) and The Grip Book (http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Book-Third-Michael-Uva/dp/0240852338/ref=sr_1_2/105-6864945-8170055). Both feature extensive line-drawings with NAMES for everything ... so if I can't leave the set and need to send someone for a bag of fender washers, I can SHOW them a PICTURE of what I expect them to return with!

Of course, you'll probably need to note some "American to British translations" in the margins ...

[12ozLife]

You're like me - you know what you want, but don't know the name for it. I drive myself mad with my lack of knowledge...

Well I am actually pretty good with names It's just it's something not very common. Also, the best way to descripe the stuff is it's like a thick rubber straw with a small hole.. Just cut off a chunk you need.. I can probably find the stuff at a hobby shop or what not or find an alternative. My biggest problem is finding a Rod the size I need. If not then we'll have to use slightly bigger rod and drill a bigger hole into the wheel to fit. Which I want to try and avoid if possible since a) people will probably need a drill press and b) it could break the wheel.

I'm sure I'll figure something out.

[trigger]

Well I am actually pretty good with names It's just it's something not very common. Also, the best way to descripe the stuff is it's like a thick rubber straw with a small hole.. Just cut off a chunk you need.. I can probably find the stuff at a hobby shop or what not or find an alternative.

Rubber gasket?

[CBarce]

Maybe you guys can help.. I need to find something online for anyone to be able to buy.. First thing is a 5/64" or very close to 0.077" Aluminum Rod/Wire and also (and I don't know what's called) but a rubber washer only thicker/longer that fits tightly onto the aluminum rod and doesn't move without some effort. It will probably be have the hole designed to fit snug on a 5/64" rod or ANYTHING a little smaller than that can probably work. They use this for R/C airplanes to keep the wheels on because usually their landing gear is just bent metal rods.

Anyways, if you guys find it let me know.. I'll keep looking and working on it!

Surgical tubing ??

[CBarce]

I did this to prove concept, and it actually works pretty good. Needs paint and a little firming up, but this works real nice.

Bought K'Nex 4X Speeders #3 at Toys R Us, for $4.30, because the tire assembly looked promising on the box. Forgive the bad focus on pics

[12ozLife]

I am pretty sure that I have found everything that I need to build it now. I have done a ton of searching on the web to find what I need.

[12ozLife]

UPDATE:

I rebuilt the base plate to fit better and also put it on an old cheap tripod to test it. It works really good. Very smooth and a LOT quicker to focus manually + easier.

I'll probably upload some test footage soon. An old friend of mine is coming over some time and would be a good test subject to film.

Also, the wheel isn't set yet. I don't have the right size rod + rubber tube to hold the wheel on yet. Good news I know where to get them both and they are cheap. Once I get those I should be close to finish building it and soon.. Redo it all while filming it for the tutorial.

Anyways, something to look at...

[mrob7]

what is the lens hood that you have?

[africanmarty]

bloody brilliant !! looks so good. Will you be selling these ? or will you be making the plans and list of parts to make it, avaliable to the public ?

[12ozLife]

The Lens Hood is a 43mm Fotodiox. You can get them for about $15

I am making a video guide on how to build it for everyone who is interested in making their own. I am not sure if I am going to make it to sell since I would REALLY have to get legal with a terms & conditions since I don't want to have people try and sue me for it damaging their camera or what not. I'll have to think about it. But, really it will be easy to make with some pretty basic tools.

I am basically just waiting to get a good mic and I'll start shooting. I have it finished and the ideas. Good enough to release the plans for everyone to start making their own.

[mrob7]

sweet thanks for the info!

[africanmarty]

sweet cant wait for the plans plus video :) keep us posted !

[12ozLife]

UPDATE: I just got done filming the tutorial video

Working on post-production

[mrob7]

i'm very excited!

[12ozLife]

It was WAY too long so I am re-filming a lot of it. :(

[africanmarty]

man i am so excited to see it !!!! will you be filming it with the hv20 ?

[12ozLife]

man i am so excited to see it !!!! will you be filming it with the hv20 ?

Yeah, which is a pain in the ass since I can't show how it mounts on and shit because I'm filming with it. But, I might do some still photos in the video to help explain some stuff..

I think I can get it finished in the next 3 days or so for everyone to see.. I hope..

[zephyrnoid]

Sometimes film is not better. A sequence of really well shot and well captioned stills is really all you need.just insert two action of shots of the finished wheel in action and maybe a clip of the wheel in use and the image through the finder. That's all really . :hv20-smilie03:

QUOTE=12ozLife;11818]Yeah, which is a pain in the ass since I can't show how it mounts on and shit because I'm filming with it. But, I might do some still photos in the video to help explain some stuff..

I think I can get it finished in the next 3 days or so for everyone to see.. I hope..[/QUOTE]

[IRBSurfer]

I am not sure if I am going to make it to sell since I would REALLY have to get legal with a terms & conditions since I don't want to have people try and sue me for it damaging their camera or what not.

That's what a Limited Liability Company is for. Register your company, get your Tax ID for in-state sales (gotta collect tax for purchases made online within just your own state), open a business savings and checking account with your favorite bank (checking for transactions, savings for taxes), get a paypal account and away you go.

I'll buy one!

[mrob7]

I'm sure you could make plenty of money with it

[12ozLife]

FINISHED:

I have finished building the Focus Wheel and made the Video Tutorial. You can watch them on Youtube:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgOfBGXHXIU
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNf69mLPIVk

Demo Reel coming soon..

[IRBSurfer]

LOL! Great video man. Its as entertaining as it is informing! I think Im gonna have to watch it yet again.
Great work man, your a very creative individual, keep it up.
~Mike

[mpgphoto]

Sweet tutorial!!! I just need to go out and get the parts now...thanks for doing this.

PS: The bloopers at the end of the tape were great! LOL

[12ozLife]

I have finished my demo reel for the focus wheel. It's not a fantastic demo because the irus was open nearly all the way and couldn't get a very good narrow depth of field..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0CuQhk0T7M

Download HQ:
http://hv20.info/yopu/brooke.wmv

[12ozLife]

Demo 2:
This is my last demo for the focus wheel as well as the last over all thing that I am adding to the project. It works the way that I want it to and does very well. This demo was filmed and edited in about 30 mins so it's not perfect and the focus isn't perfect either. But, it shows how smooth, easy, quiet, and well it works. The focus is off some of the time because it's just impossible at times to tell if I am infocus on the HV20's LCD especially with the sun either glaring in my eyes or on the LCD itself... No BS, no filters, no music, and no planning. Just raw footage and audio from the onboard camera mic.

720p HD - http://hv20.info/yopu/FWDemo2.wmv

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/5296/fwdemo2tv1.jpg

[zephyrnoid]

12ozLife/ I can't seem to find any wheels. Any clue where too get them?

[zephyrnoid]

Special thanks go out to > 12ozLife for this great solution. I built it for myself and it works beautifully. Mounted at the appropriate location of a Bracket-1 . The whole rig is nearly 100% done. I'll post pics soon and of course, be writing the elements up for GearNinja.com feature.
I just want to be sure I give proper credit to 12ozLife. Did you come up with this concept yourself or should I be attributing it to anyone else or an influence etc. Just need to be sure!

[threadhanger]

I've also made a focus wheel pretty much as described on here and it works great. In some ways it's better than a regular focus ring. Mine is attached to the underpart of a custom made handle for my camera.

I got my foam wheels here:

http://www.amazon.com/Foam-Park-Wheels-1-5-2/dp/B000BOBIM4/ref=sr_1_3/002-1461909-0328846?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1193198109&sr=8-3

The gray center matches the HV20 pretty well.

[harkangelproductions]

For those of us who are not as crafty as you, please sell and build. I bought the Poor Man's Steadicam (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/) and I think it would be great if you sold your creation, too!

[zephyrnoid]

I asked for the same thing- Build it For Me. But now that I've done it, I know that the interface step is critical and cannot be done from afar if attaching to anything other than a dedicated bottom plate. That is, you can't properly build a generic bracket if you intend to do as I have for example, attach it to a third party camera bracket. If you are content with an HV20 dedicated bottom plate then yes. It can easily be done.Including one trip to HW store, it took me close to 3 hrs though!


For those of us who are not as crafty as you, please sell and build. I bought the Poor Man's Steadicam (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/) and I think it would be great if you sold your creation, too!

[Dennis Vogel]

(and I don't know what's called) but a rubber washer only thicker/longer that fits tightly onto the aluminum rod and doesn't move without some effort. It will probably be have the hole designed to fit snug on a 5/64" rod or ANYTHING a little smaller than that can probably work. They use this for R/C airplanes to keep the wheels on because usually their landing gear is just bent metal rods.


I believe it's called a bushing.

Good luck.

Dennis

[Dennis Vogel]

Did a parts list and measured drawing ever show up? I may have missed it.

Good luck.

Dennis

[zephyrnoid]

In truth, a measured drawing is hardly necessary.
I literally eyeballed the bends starting at the wheel and continuing till I got to the support plate. So I measured as I was bending. At the end a little tweak bend here and there and viola! done.
Tip: I pirated a low duty pegboard shelf support for the wire
Tip: Needlenose pliers are your friend
Tip: You may need to make a couple of wires till the right one happens.
Tip: If you have access to a vice ( I did not) use it and heat the metal with a propane torch to make the bends easier and not break the corners.
Tip: I used a press-on ball-head nut to terminate the wheel up top.
Tip: I used a piece cut-off of a ballpen to bush or stop the wheel at the first bend (fixed in place with epoxy)
Tip: I used allen-head bolts versus slotted or philips heads for elegance and form-factor
Tip: I tapped the support bracket in addition to locking the two allen bolts. This makes for a sturdier tie-down.
Tip: I sanded the foam wheel to make it flatter
*NOTE they changed the foam wheel design. You cannot get flat wheels anymore - they all have a convex profile- so I used a sanding block to bring mine down to a flatter profile.


Did a parts list and measured drawing ever show up? I may have missed it.

Good luck.

Dennis

[Dennis Vogel]

Thanks for the tips.

I was thinking more of the dimensions of the base plate so it will clear the LCD housing. I was also thinking of the holes in the base plate but I guess they depend on each tripod head and cam base.

Good luck.

Dennis

[Jim Jarmusch]

What do you use as a wheel in construction? I mean, where I can get/buy this detail, maybe in some automobile or work shop... I live in Ukraine, and maybe I can find similar wheel.

[VideJo]

IMHO means: "In My Honest Opinion".

[Jim Jarmusch]

IMHO means: "In My Honest Opinion".

Thank you so much! :hv20-smilie79:

[Thor H]

Wil this home made focus wheel workt at the HV30?

[Cinemacuteo]

Super cool...
Can you put it on Vimeo please, so them we can put it in our filmschool channel (http://www.vimeo.com/filmschool).

[Hunterr]

Wil this home made focus wheel workt at the HV30?

...:( I hope your kidding

[David]

IMHO means: "In My Honest Opinion".


H = Humble

http://everything2.com/title/imho