XFR Follow Focus (DIY)

[XFR]

Well here's the thread guys!

http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus_5.jpg

Since I bought my first camera, the HV20 (hehe), I'm trying to build a nice rig around it.
It was almost complete, but I still needed a follow focus. The only problem was that the ones you can buy are extremely expensive, and the DIY ones... well there are almost none.
So I had to build one myself :hv20-smilie77:

I already had a nice rails, an exact copy of the Cavision rails; bought it from an eBay seller from India. The quality is the same as far as I know, and the lens support is from Cavision because the eBay shop didn't sell those (Rod support @ eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120145008462) / Lens support @ Cavision (http://www.cavision.com/rods/lenssupport.htm))

I ordered the parts for the follow focus at Conrad (http://www.conrad.com/).
Here are the part numbers:

222355 (http://www.conrad.nl/goto/?product=222355) - The gearbox (Conrad UK doesn't have this item I guess, Maplin (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=43541&C=Maplin&U=SearchTop&T=GEARBOX&doy=16m8) does)
219355 (http://www.conrad.nl/goto/?product=219355) - The gear, 25 teeth (Conrad UK, again nothing?)
183504 (http://www.conrad.nl/goto/?product=183504) - The knob

I actually ordered a few larger gears to fit around the lens, but they were actually way to small. But then I saw the smaller gear did fit the teeth on the Nikon lens perfectly. I'm not sure if all Nikon lenses have these teeth, but I guess all manual ones do (Canon should have it too)
Here's a picture of what I mean:

http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus_3.jpg

If your lens itself can't act as a gear, or if you want 'deeper teeth', you can check out this thread @ DVXuser (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=55631)
It's just a simple gear with the middle part cut out, a small part of the ring itself, 2 strips of sheet metal/aluminum, 2 screws and a spring.

The hardest part was mounting it to the rails, so it lines up perfectly with the lens.
In my case, there came 2 rail mounts with my rod support (for the matte box). One adjustable, one fixed. I had the adjustable mounted to my matte box. Tried to get the gearbox to the rails mount with a piece of wood, but I didn't like (although it worked, but wasn't adjustable at all).
And then I remembered I had an adjustable rail mount, so I switched the them :)

http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus_6.jpg

http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus_7.jpg

It still needs some work on the DIY look ;)
The gearbox has 2 mount holes on each side. I cut them of on the top, and removed a few screws.
I had a little piece of aluminum laying around from making my external lcd support, so I cut two holes in it, and mounted it to the rails support.
The screws are actually different in color and size, so I had to cut them of a bit, but you get the idea :hv20-smilie84:

Most of you probably don't have a adjustable rail mount laying around, but it shouldn't be too hard to attach it to the rails. Two metal plates screwed together over the rails, something between the top plate and the gearbox for some height... try to figure it out :)
I also cut of a bit of the backplate on the knob btw, but you can see it in the pictures.
The shaft of the gearbox is 5mm, the small gear/knob are both +/- 6mm but they can be tightened a bit, so if you put some tape on the shaft, and then tighten the gear/knob...

http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus_2.jpg

http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus_1.jpg

It works really smooth. For the full focus range you need approximately a 85/90% turn of the knob, which is about perfect I think :)

Hope this helps some of you.

Edit: forgot to post a movie of the thing in action... click (http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus.mov)!

[duketh]

i want your babies!

[XFR]

i want your babies!
I consider myself too young for kids :hv20-smilie84:

[duketh]

i'd probably just eat them anyway.
thanks for the thread. Trying to find that gear somewhere in the UK at the moment. :hv20-smilie51:

[Ian-T]

XFR...I suspect that you are going to piss a lot of people off (those who paid an arm and a leg for their follow focus).....and make even more happy with this (like myself). Good job.

[Ian Lim]

Four thumbs up! :hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77:

How much total weight is your setup (including HV20)?

Will you consider to make and sell your follow focus to HV20 users? :hv20-smilie09:

[Ian-T]

Four thumbs up! :hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77:

How much total weight is your setup (including HV20)?

Will you consider to make and sell your follow focus to HV20 users? :hv20-smilie09:It must be an Ian thing cause I was going to ask the same question.........

[XFR]

Four thumbs up! :hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77::hv20-smilie77:

How much total weight is your setup (including HV20)?

Will you consider to make and sell your follow focus to HV20 users? :hv20-smilie09:
It's about 2kg, that's the camera/lens/rails/matte box.
With my external monitor and steadicam it's probably 4,5kg (my biceps knows it's a lot :hv20-smilie15:)

And making it... well this one only applies to my setup. Something universal will be a lot harder because of different rails/lenses.
But it's so easy to make... it basically consists of 3 basic parts, and something to mount it to your rails, that's all.
I don't have the right tools anyway and besides, I'm going to college in two weeks, something I need to 'focus' on ;)

[ForwardLooker]

Good work XFR, Excellent!!

[duketh]

Now someone find us a 25 tooth gear in britain!!!

[ForwardLooker]

Now someone find us a 25 tooth gear in britain!!!

Do you think any of these are the write size?? definetly 25 tooth.

http://www.fusionhobbies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TA50477&click=2

http://www.fusionhobbies.com/photos/TA50477-2.jpg

http://goldstarstockists.net/live/catalog/product_info.php?language=en&currency=GBP&products_id=9721

http://goldstarstockists.net/live/catalog/images/53922.jpg?osCsid=00b8da8b5101aeb9aedcd1a24721766d

I hope so!!:hv20-smilie02:

XFR what is the outter diameter of your gear?

thanks

[duketh]

i think the one from fusion hobbies looks better but i have no idea obviously. Did you email them asking for dimensions and the like?

i'm going to want your babies now

[vibrations]

sweet!
any problems with 16:9 capture using this 4:3 mattebox?

[XFR]

XFR what is the outter diameter of your gear?
It's 27 mm :)


sweet!
any problems with 16:9 capture using this 4:3 mattebox?
Haven't had any problems yet... but most shots won't need a matte box anyway.

[Tomtebo]

:( i want that to... thats just beutiful :)

[ForwardLooker]

Thanks XFR,


Did you email them asking for dimensions and the like?


I have emailed them now asking what the outter diamter is and what size shaft does it fit.

I'm gonna be making this follow focus to attach to my manfrotto tele lens support so if anyonelse is trying to do the same lets bounce some ideas around on how this can be acheived.
I pressume most people are mountting with rails or a manfrotto 293.

http://images.marketworks.com/hi/48/47901/man-293-support-040429c.jpg

the main thing i've considered is that it needs to be adjustable for different size lenes. I'm just not sure what could be used for this at the moment.

[Jonpalle@internet.is]

I knew the force was with you..... well done

[ForwardLooker]

Do you think any of these are the write size?? definetly 25 tooth.

http://www.fusionhobbies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TA50477&click=2

http://www.fusionhobbies.com/photos/TA50477-2.jpg



Got a reply back about the above and its no good :(

outter diamter is 16.1mm and the diameter of the shaft is 3.16mm , very small!

Anyone else having any luck??

The search continues............:hv20-smilie122:

[duketh]

Anybody had any luck finding gears in UK? Or is it just me and foward looker that seem to be holding back from exploding with cheap excitment?

[ForwardLooker]

Anybody had any luck finding gears in UK? Or is it just me and foward looker that seem to be holding back from exploding with cheap excitment?

LOL :hv20-smilie81: I guess its just me and you duketh!!

I'm finding it very hard finding the right parts :hv20-smilie36:, I've got my gearbox i just need the right gears. I've decided to have a gear with the middle cut out to strap round my lens as well, so i know it will work with different types of lenses. like this guy made :

http://www.stickypod.com/videos/data/500/ifocus_35mm_top_800_.jpg

He used this which i think is 70 tooth and 70mm :

http://www.rcbiler.dk/shop/images/tlb3420.jpg

But again i'm still finding it hard to find the right gears!!!! AAARRRGGHH :hv20-smilie36: why is the uk so crap for getting stuff!!

[duketh]

Yup, same lens, same gear, same problem.
I think it might be time to brave a couple of model shops and start searching on foot instead of from the comfort of my chair.
I can't understand why more people haven't gone crazy over this.

[ForwardLooker]

Yup, same lens, same gear, same problem.
I think it might be time to brave a couple of model shops and start searching on foot instead of from the comfort of my chair.
I can't understand why more people haven't gone crazy over this.

I've been too antics (model shop) in my town and they dont really seem too have much in the way of large gears, in another forum a guy said to buy a 70mm r/c helicopter gear
so I might go down today to see if they have any today.

[ForwardLooker]

I have found this gear in the uk!

http://www.rcbiler.dk/shop/images/tlb3420.jpg

Item Amount:
£2.45 GBP
Postage:
£2.95 GBP

here:

http://www.sundonmodelshop.co.uk/p495/70T_Spur_Gear,_Low_Gear_(LST/LST2)/product_info.html

[Tosh Layton]

XFR Awesome post, great info and build. Thanks. I just want to say that I find it hilarious that your video of your follow focus has the focus shifting from the rig to the keyboard, I am assuming your camera was set to auto focus. Very funny and ironic.

PEACE

[XFR]

XFR Awesome post, great info and build. Thanks. I just want to say that I find it hilarious that your video of your follow focus has the focus shifting from the rig to the keyboard, I am assuming your camera was set to auto focus. Very funny and ironic.

PEACE
Thanks, yes it was autofocus hehe, shot with my Dimage Z2 (Konica Minolta)

BTW, I built a dolly a few days ago :)
It's pretty hard to move a dolly, move the camera and focus at once I can tell you! Need to start practicing :hv20-smilie84:
http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_dolly1.wmv

[Jonpalle@internet.is]

Well.... tried ordering the parts from Maplin and Conrad and neither of them ship to Iceland.... I was in london on the weekend and found Maplin but the do not sell the gearbox over the counter only on the web. So the question is do you guys know of a similar store that ships worldwide?

JPE

[duketh]

if you want i'd be willing to buy it for you and then ship it over using paypal. Don't know if that makes life easier?

I think me and forward looker should try and get XFR to send us a couple of those gears over because i can't find them for love nor money.

[ForwardLooker]

i think i'm going to try a different size gear which attaches to the gearbox as I only want about a 50% turn from infinity to macro. I pressume getting a larger gear with maybe 50 tooth would do this.

[wolferic]

Well.... tried ordering the parts from Maplin and Conrad and neither of them ship to Iceland.... I was in london on the weekend and found Maplin but the do not sell the gearbox over the counter only on the web. So the question is do you guys know of a similar store that ships worldwide?

JPE

Funny, I'm in Reykjavík as well and have been trying to order these parts; maybe there's a wholesale opportunity for follow-focus gears on this little island! Now, if we can only find a friend at the customs office…

[Jonpalle@internet.is]

So have you had any luck ordering the gearbox and gears... cuz I found the support for the FF on ebay for about 30$ its not the same as used above but with some brackets it would work. Jæjæ alltaf hittir maður íslendinga einhverstaðar... Já málið er að það ekki hægt að fá shipping til íslands í gegnum Maplin og Conrad.. veist þú um einhverja aðrar búllur? Ég var í london um helgina og fór í Maplin en þeir selja þennan gír bara á netinu.

kv
JPE

[Jonpalle@internet.is]

if you want i'd be willing to buy it for you and then ship it over using paypal. Don't know if that makes life easier?

I think me and forward looker should try and get XFR to send us a couple of those gears over because i can't find them for love nor money.

Cheers for that ... I might take you up on that if I cant find it otherwise...

JPE

[wolferic]

Well.... tried ordering the parts from Maplin and Conrad and neither of them ship to Iceland.... I was in london on the weekend and found Maplin but the do not sell the gearbox over the counter only on the web. So the question is do you guys know of a similar store that ships worldwide?

JPE

Jón -

Here is the direct link to the manufacturer of the bevel gearbox:

http://www.mfacomodrills.com/gearboxes/bevel_gearbox.html

they list the price at £19.95

not sure if they ship to Ísland, but I have sent them an email and will update this post when I hear from them.

Still searching for the gears…:hv20-smilie01:

[Jonpalle@internet.is]

Jón -

Here is the direct link to the manufacturer of the bevel gearbox:

http://www.mfacomodrills.com/gearboxes/bevel_gearbox.html

they list the price at £19.95

not sure if they ship to Ísland, but I have sent them an email and will update this post when I hear from them.

Still searching for the gears…:hv20-smilie01:

Hi Wolferic
I found out that Miðbæjarradio is the distributor for Maplins in Iceland ..went down there and ordered the Bevel Gearbox... he says 7 to 14 days delivery ... and kost about 6000 iskr... I did order it anyway he has some knobs there in the shop but i they are 6mm .... so I was thinking ...that I would go to GODI HIRDIRINN and find a printer to cannibalize.. for nobs and such.. so if you want to order ...then he is sending in an order in the end of the week. Anyway nice to meet a fellow Icelander on the net....

JPE

[ForwardLooker]

I have found this gear in the uk!

http://www.rcbiler.dk/shop/images/tlb3420.jpg

Item Amount:
£2.45 GBP
Postage:
£2.95 GBP

here:

http://www.sundonmodelshop.co.uk/p495/70T_Spur_Gear,_Low_Gear_(LST/LST2)/product_info.html


Received the gear today and its the right 1!!! 70tooth 70mm!!

So I will be hacking the insides out this weekend and attching some kind of fastner.

:hv20-smilie77:

[ForwardLooker]

Unfortunetly I couldnt take any pictures with with my HV20 and Adepter set up with it as the HV20 is the only cam I have to take pictures with.

There was nothing actually hard about putting this together. I drilled 2 holes in the front of the manfrotto support to mount the gearbox at different heights, 1 for my 28mm and 1 for the 50mm, then put a nut with a wing nut through to fasten it and it holds well.

Cutting the inside of the gear out was easy to i just hammered around the edge with a chisle and sanded as smooth as i could. I cant remeber what the pully lookn things are called but i found them in the window and door section in wilkinsons. i will get the name if anyone is interested.
I used some velcro to hold the ring on the lens and it hold very well.

The gear that turns the lens is from a model shop its 45tooth and 40mm in diameter.

The rotary knob is from maplin (Knob K7D) (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=YX04E&DOY=2m9). it is made for 7mm shafts (gearbox has is 5mm), i just added tape to the gearbox shaft and its fine. i bought it as its the best i could get localy.

1thing to note is that gears have a thing called pitch which indicate the size of the spur. both the gears i used and XFR's 25tooth gear are 32pitch which seem to be the most common size used for follow focuses.

[ForwardLooker]

Pics of the ring...

[XFR]

Looks very nice/solid ForwardLooker! Have been busy the last two weeks due to my new study :)

If anyone's interested...
I have a few 25T GEARS FOR SALE! :)
Ordered them for duketh and maybe some other UK'ers, but haven't heard anything from him... The price I paid was €4,50 a piece; the shipping costs are €1,50/1,80 Europe/worldwide.
Need the money back people, I'm a poor student now :hv20-smilie84:

[duketh]

ahh i swear i messaged you. i was waiting for a reply. sorry xfr. i'll send you another, if you dont get it just post back here.

sorry mate

[XFR]

Doesn't matter... problem solved already ;)
Still have a few left people!

[duketh]

XFR i pm'd you, if you didnt receive it reply back here.

[XFR]

XFR i pm'd you, if you didnt receive it reply back here.
The last message I received was from the 19th... (telling me the package had arrived) :hv20-smilie03:

[duketh]

The last message I received was from the 19th... (telling me the package had arrived) :hv20-smilie03:

i sent the payment the next day. contact me if any problems. thanks again!

[XFR]

i sent the payment the next day. contact me if any problems. thanks again!
Ah! :hv20-smilie03: Payment was fine :hv20-smilie77:

[duketh]

Ah! :hv20-smilie03: Payment was fine :hv20-smilie77:

whoo! :hv20-smilie77:

[Worley]

I cant remeber what the pully lookn things are called but i found them in the window and door section in wilkinsons. i will get the name if anyone is interested.

It would be great if you could get the name. Otherwise I'll be browsing for hours not really knowing what it is I'm looking for!

Could you also tell us a more about the gear that turns the lens? "The gear that turns the lens is from a model shop its 45tooth and 40mm in diameter." Do you know if it can be mail ordered?

Thank you

[ForwardLooker]

Hey worley, Next time I go into town I will go and find out the name for ya :hv20-smilie77:

The gear that turns the lens is just a small spur gear, i just checked antics website and they dont have any pics for there gears so i cant tell if this 45t gear is the same one as mine, they never state the diameter either.

http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/1579_1_17857.html

Whatever size you end up getting make sure its 32pitch.

[Jerry Lee]

How about This 1:1 Gear Box
http://www.ondrives.com/products.asp?recnumber=20

[Worley]

The gear box I will get from Maplin, and the gear for the lens I'll get from the link ForwardLooker provided earlier. It's just the gear that connects to the one on the lens that I need.

Then I'll have to find a way to attach the entire device to my lens support...

It's just too addictive!

[ForwardLooker]

How about This 1:1 Gear Box
http://www.ondrives.com/products.asp?recnumber=20

That looks like a good gearbox jerry but it has 4mm shafts which might make it difficult when buying a gear, from my experience.
Also moutting it maybe an issue, the gearbox from maplin has mountting holes which make life so much easier.

[sixty_cycle_hum]

I've been looking for the parts to do this in the U.S. and haven't had much luck. Conrad doesn't ship to the states, and Maplin charges a ridiculous export fee.

When I was in Germany a few years ago I went to a Conrad...what a great place for geeks like us.

Anyone find a good gearbox in the states? The only thing I can think of is a Dremel right angle adapter.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1289235&cid=

[wolferic]

hey 60Hz -

Check down the thread a bit: I posted a link to the website of the manufacturer of the bevel gearbox. They DO ship outside the UK, but the cost is kind of high considering the weakness of the $ (blame George Bush).

The gears are a bit harder to come by: haven't found them anywhere online, so I'm having a Dutch friend send them over for me. You might try XFR (the originator/inventor of this thread – bow down in awe) he had a few he was selling for nearly cost.

Good luck.

[sixty_cycle_hum]

hey 60Hz -

They DO ship outside the UK, but the cost is kind of high considering the weakness of the $ (blame George Bush)....



Yeah, I just saw yesterday that the Canadian Looney is now worth more than the almighty USD. Didn't think I'd ever see that day - but considering how thing are being run over here, I shouldn't be suprised.

I'm looking forward to some major political changes in this country in '08. I'm really tired of everyone hating the US. (although I don't blame them)

For now I'm going to find a solution in the states to save me some money. Have so save the extra for good import beer!:hv20-smilie70:

[Rumpelgeist]

BTW, I built a dolly a few days ago :)
Is it a rideable one, from plywood, or a lighter and smaller one, just for the tripod with the camera, sort of like IndieDolly or MicroDolly?

[dr jones]

XFR, i'm sorry, i just have to ask. IF you did sell these, how much would you sell them for?


and when you have a break from school, do you think you could make me one...:hv20-smilie84:

[XFR]

Is it a rideable one, from plywood, or a lighter and smaller one, just for the tripod with the camera, sort of like IndieDolly or MicroDolly?
This one: http://www.digitaljuice.com/djtv/segment_detail.asp?show=this_week&sid=186&set_quality=ultra&sortby=&kwid=0&page=0

Works awesome, but it's very heavy :)

XFR, i'm sorry, i just have to ask. IF you did sell these, how much would you sell them for?

and when you have a break from school, do you think you could make me one...:hv20-smilie84:
I have no idea actually... And breaks, I don't have those unfortunately (university)... I still haven't had time to complete my own camera set-up and start filming stuff :hv20-smilie15:

[maz1989]

how much to make?

[86evolution]

I've been looking for the parts to do this in the U.S. and haven't had much luck. Conrad doesn't ship to the states, and Maplin charges a ridiculous export fee.

When I was in Germany a few years ago I went to a Conrad...what a great place for geeks like us.

Anyone find a good gearbox in the states? The only thing I can think of is a Dremel right angle adapter.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1289235&cid=

I know it's sucks having to get parts from outside the states. I'm attempting to build one using two of the gears from an RC car I have laying around. Wish me luck.

[ForwardLooker]

It would be great if you could get the name.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21aTPKjPvvL._AA160_.jpg

hey worley the little pulley things I used is called a " double roller catch " .
they cost around 69p from wilkinson.

[geckosurlemur]

good work :hv20-smilie77:

I whant to make mine but what's the best size for a the rotary knob?

Diameter 19mm.
Height 12mm.

Diameter 27mm.
Height 16mm.

Diameter 33mm
Height 16mm.

Diameter 45mm
Height 21mm

[Worley]

Thanks, ForwardLooker.

I've got the main gear for the lens, but need to hollow it out ready for mounting. And for that I'll need some tools. What did you use?

[ForwardLooker]

Thanks, ForwardLooker.

I've got the main gear for the lens, but need to hollow it out ready for mounting. And for that I'll need some tools. What did you use?

I used a heavy duty chizzle and hammer. the chizzle is about 12cm in height and its tip is about 1.5cm in width.

I basically hammered around the edge and the middle will just pop out, then sand to smoothn out.

[Worley]

So simple...

[ForwardLooker]

Yep:hv20-smilie77:

[XFR]

good work :hv20-smilie77:

I whant to make mine but what's the best size for a the rotary knob?

Diameter 19mm.
Height 12mm.

Diameter 27mm.
Height 16mm.

Diameter 33mm
Height 16mm.

Diameter 45mm
Height 21mm
I'd say get a big one... so 45mm :)

BTW: From time to time I get PM's about selling this whole thing...
I don't have the time or the equipment to make a universal follow focus, and besides it's the whole point to make one yourself because it's pretty basic and consists of only a few parts (and this 'design' only applies to my rig/lens)
I'm sure you can do a better job than me :hv20-smilie84:

EDIT: http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_cat_720p.mov
Some footage I had laying around of my adapter with achromat (good investment, it was only $7) and me trying to keep our cat in focus, which is pretty hard at such shallow depth of field as you can see...
It's full frame... no vignetting, and little color correction (only curves adjusted)

[Tomtebo]

nice tread xfr I have order the gearbox now, good that conrad is in sweden to :) have to ask, when you but the knob on, is it a 5mm or 7mm, i mean, every knob doesent fit right :P? and where did you find the thing that you have but the gearbox on? so it can stand on the rails.

anyway, nice tread!

[XFR]

The knob has a inner diameter of 6mm, the gearbox pins are 5mm so i put some painters tape around it. The knob has a screw to tighten it, so it fits pretty good :)

The thing it sits on came with my rails, but you can always ask the eBay seller (http://stores.ebay.com/DV-Shop23) if they sell them separately. The same applies for Cavision, they sell this adjustable (http://www.cavision.com/rods/lenssupportfb.htm) thingy, but it's not really what you're looking for. You can also ask them if it's possible to buy only the front bracket of this rod support (http://www.cavision.com/rods/minidv.htm).
I've had a good experience with Cavasion, and shipping costs are low for such a small item (the price of the bracket itself might be high though) :)

And something else... I might be posting a DIY thread on building your own "cheap" 10.6" external HD LCD soon! Because we need something to focus with (not those 480x240 car monitors) :)

[wolferic]

And something else... I might be posting a DIY thread on building your own "cheap" 10.6" external HD LCD soon! Because we need something to focus with (not those 480x240 car monitors) :)

You are planning to use the Samsung screen I imagine? This would be a GREAT thread to start, and not just for HV20 users. I am looking into this as well, and would greatly appreciate hearing about your experiences (i.e. what controller you are going to use, what material for the housing, your supplier, etc.)

Hope you still have time for your studies with all this help you've giving us! :hv20-smilie87:

[XFR]

You are planning to use the Samsung screen I imagine? This would be a GREAT thread to start, and not just for HV20 users. I am looking into this as well, and would greatly appreciate hearing about your experiences (i.e. what controller you are going to use, what material for the housing, your supplier, etc.)

Hope you still have time for your studies with all this help you've giving us! :hv20-smilie87:
Yep, it's the Samsung... it's probably the same stuff as Bruce Allen uses. The casing and buttons won't look as professional as his, but I just need a cheap solution that works :)

And my studies... got an exam tomorrow... Financial Accounting to be precise. Currently looking into statements of cash flow etc.. heavy stuff :hv20-smilie84:

[wolferic]

Cool. When you have some more time and information, lets start a new thread on DIY HD monitors!

[XFR]

Was planning to do that :)
I expect the screen/controller to arrive tomorrow or Saturday, can't wait! :)

[wolferic]

Started a new thread in the Modifications & DIY forum

http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=3448

check it out. I think there's lots of interest in making this thing!

[Tomtebo]

XFR, I'm looking for a good railsupport that fits to hv20. And i see that you have one really good. So tell me, where did you buy your?

[XFR]

XFR, I'm looking for a good railsupport that fits to hv20. And i see that you have one really good. So tell me, where did you buy yours?
Link is in the first post actually :)

But here it is...
W/o matte box: http://cgi.ebay.com/Universal-Rod-Support-for-matte-box-XL2-JVC-GY-HD101E_W0QQitemZ120177672490QQihZ002QQcategoryZ838 78QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
With matte box: http://cgi.ebay.com/Matte-box-rod-support-for-XL1-XL2-HVR-Z1E-PD100-V1U_W0QQitemZ120178008813QQihZ002QQcategoryZ83878Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

It's sort of a Cavision replica :)

[Worley]

I finally hollowed out my lens gear, and decided that the easiest way to attach it was using velcro rather than fancy clips.

It it has worked quite well.

Now all I need is a Manfrotto 293 and and a cog to turn the lens...

[Tomtebo]

Link is in the first post actually :)

But here it is...
W/o matte box: http://cgi.ebay.com/Universal-Rod-Support-for-matte-box-XL2-JVC-GY-HD101E_W0QQitemZ120177672490QQihZ002QQcategoryZ838 78QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
With matte box: http://cgi.ebay.com/Matte-box-rod-support-for-XL1-XL2-HVR-Z1E-PD100-V1U_W0QQitemZ120178008813QQihZ002QQcategoryZ83878Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

It's sort of a Cavision replica :)


XFR: How is it to have a 4:3 Aspetced ratio on you mattebox? Hard time to focus or what?

[Duke]

XFR, that is a very elegant and professional job on the follow through. Just the sort of thing we need. (Now I just need to see if I can find similar parts near me.)

Has anyone tried the RC car differentials like this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-NITRO-TC3-Front-Differential_W0QQitemZ160182574439QQihZ006QQcatego ryZ34063QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My thought was that they are designed for much more stress, much higher speed, smoother turning, and reasonably priced ($20-$30), plus they are available in the US. In addition, some models have holes for mounting pre formed.

Duke

[XFR]

XFR: How is it to have a 4:3 Aspetced ratio on you mattebox? Hard time to focus or what?
Haven't had any problems with the 4:3 matte box so far :) No vignetting or whatsoever (as far as I can tell)

[RicanJoe]

Anyone ever considered using a right angle drill attachment like the one below to craft a diy follow focus?

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-49-22-8510-Right-Angle-Attachment/dp/B000BYEJ02/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196225416&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Right-Angle-Drill-Attachment/dp/B0009X4VWG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_8?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196225416&sr=8-8

http://www.amazon.com/Cummins-Industrial-Tools-Right-Attachment/dp/B000FNYSTG/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196225416&sr=8-3

http://www.electromate.com/press_photos/gamdyna-lite.jpg

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Nice!

[drexebo]

XFR I really appreciate you making this thread. What I want is something almost exactly like your setup. Thanks a lot for the inspiration, ideas, and instruction to create an HV20-based beast of my own! :hv20-smilie70:

[The Stevesy]

Anyone know where I can pick up one of these gearboxes Stateside?

[kaimakana]

Hey "XFR" and 'ForwardLooker" your diy FF is not quite there yet. Both of you guys are missing the marking disk. How are you going to mark your focus pulls??? It's a must have.

Oh BTW, what are your backlash on those gearboxes?

[TimeKoder13]

Sweet!!!!

[maz1989]

your camera looks sick now!!!! spray the hv20 black and it will look awesome!!! and a big 7-8" lcd screen ;p

[maz1989]

how much does your whole set up in the picture below weight?

http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/schaft/xf/xfr_follow_focus_1.jpg

[sixty_cycle_hum]

For you guys in the states - I made a very usable follow focus with a right angle adapter made for a Dremel tool. Gear lash is minimal, and it only costs $20. My local ACE didn't stock them, but ordered one in overnight for free.

To mount gears, I used the Dremel chuck and rubber sanding drum holder. My gears are from an R/C car shop.

http://picasaweb.google.com/JoeKirklin/DOFAdapter/photo?authkey=kimEsiLVo9Q#5144419267846280354

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1289235

[Dr. Benway]

Hey XFR, what's that coupler/35mm adaptor, from the Nikkor to the HV20? Cheers.

[Zacatac]

For you guys in the states - I made a very usable follow focus with a right angle adapter made for a Dremel tool. Gear lash is minimal, and it only costs $20. My local ACE didn't stock them, but ordered one in overnight for free.

To mount gears, I used the Dremel chuck and rubber sanding drum holder. My gears are from an R/C car shop.

http://picasaweb.google.com/JoeKirklin/DOFAdapter/photo?authkey=kimEsiLVo9Q#5144419267846280354

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1289235

How minimal of a lash is there? 1 degree ? two?

[sixty_cycle_hum]

How minimal of a lash is there? 1 degree ? two?

Probably a degree - I don't keep a protractor near by. :hv20-smilie51:

It's very well built for the price. More than likely, other small gear boxes will have similar gears, if not larger...causing more lash.

Wish I would have taken more pictures of the process. :(

It's very usable in my opinion. The only tricky part is mating a knob to it. Out of the box, it's a square drive shaft. It takes some doing, but you can get that bit out. You're left with a hollow drive shaft that's about 3.9mm ID.

With the help of some JB Weld, you can put almost any knob you like on the end. Mine is a modified cheapo tripod adjustment.

[sixty_cycle_hum]

Edit: Oh yeah - best of all - the ratio is 1:1 on this box

[netrate]

The best price is this one :
http://www.amazon.com/Cummins-Industrial-Tools-Right-Attachment/dp/B000FNYSTG/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196225416&sr=8-3
The main issue is backlash. Some of these gears will have it, some won't - you will have to test and see. Also being able to mount it is a huge issue, that is why the gearboxes from the UK seem so attractive because of the squareness.

[TiE_Shepherd]

I have some of the Huco gearboxes from the UK that were posted earlier in the thread. I haven't finished my FF yet, but the gearboxes seem like they'll work just fine. If there is enough interest I can see about putting together another order from the place I got them from. I think the last price I was quoted was $20 for the gearbox with plastic gears and $30 for the steel geared version. If anyone is interested let me know and I can check on ordering more.

[zcream]

>>>>>

Kai's Design:
http://www.kylestauffer.com/dvx/followfocus.jpg
link:Building A Follow Focus
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=19038


m bass's Design:
http://www.zoomforce.com/dvxuser/photos/images//197103945.jpg
http://www.zoomforce.com/dvxuser/photos/images//197132712.jpg
link: DIY Follow Focus
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=18690


link: What's so hard about a DIY Follow Focus (parts list + 78 pages of discussion)
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=40741

>>>

[PeterC]

>>>>>

link: What's so hard about a DIY Follow Focus (parts list + 78 pages of discussion)
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=40741

>>>

Can you post a link to the post with the parts list? I couldn't make out most of the discussion as it seems to be mostly talking about making a CMOS imaging focus verifier. Also, a lot of the links were inactive due to the thread being so old, I guess. dandiaconu.com doesn't exist anymore and I can't see Cosmin's photos, either. Couldn't find a parts list for the inexpensive FF anywhere.

Any help would be great. Thanks!

[TiE_Shepherd]

Someone just emailed me about getting one of those Huco gearboxes for a follow focus. None of the UK suppliers wanted to ship some to the US, so if anyone else is interested I can check with my friend's company again to see if they can order some more.

The follow focus in this thread was made from a gearbox I got for him....

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=8166

If anyone is interested I can get current prices, but the last time I checked the plastic geared version was 20 bucks and the steel version was 30.

[silverpoundcans]

Ok these are all great working ideas!!! Is there a US source for these parts?

[peremeci]

These items are appropriate for diy follow focus ??
Thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CEN-GST-7-7-FRONT-GEARBOX-DIFFERENTIAL-GEAR-NEMESIS_W0QQitemZ160315096695QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRa dio_Control_Parts_Accessories?hash=item16031509669 5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/MONSTER-GT-8-0-4-60-21-DIFFERENTIAL-DIFF-GEARBOX-MGT_W0QQitemZ390030633800QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRadio_ Control_Parts_Accessories?hash=item390030633800&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318#ebaypho tohosting

[Shigeta]

Anyone still have pics from the XFR follow focus setup? I know alot of folks, including I, could certainly use a good example like this.

[drapeama]

Anyone still have pics from the XFR follow focus setup? I know alot of folks, including I, could certainly use a good example like this.

I'd like it too.

[Shigeta]

Thats part of the reason I try to host here on hv20, because ya never know who will stumble upon it in 2 years...