DIY Follow Focus System for Canon HV20/30/40

**HueyNRolf** · 2011 January 6th, 21:31

A UV filter doesn't do a hell of lot. It's common practice to stick one on for lens protection. Much more useful is a CPL, but that won't work with this setup, right?

**Almohada** · 2011 January 6th, 22:02

Yeah that's pretty much all I need it for. I always kept my HV lens covered with the UV lens. The CPL would probably work except I don't think there should be a lens hood in front of it.

Check this out, I found a pic of an HV20 with a 52mm step up. Even a 52mm might work...

EDIT:

Just found a better angle of the 52mm step up on the HV20.

I think this is the one!!!!! 58mm is way to tall, this one is PERFECT. It should even be 50mm but I don't think they have those.
This one should work perfectly. I looked at the ring on my HV20 and compared the height of it with this 52mm picture.
This is it. What do you guys think?

**HueyNRolf** · 2011 January 6th, 22:11

The lens hood is the problem because it would (probably) prevent one from rotating the CPL?

**Almohada** · 2011 January 6th, 22:15

Originally Posted by HueyNRolf

The lens hood is the problem because it would (probably) prevent one from rotating the CPL?

I think so. Wouldn't it rotate the lens hood with it? I don't get why they make the lens hods with those slanted threads inside... it would eliminate this whole step up/ step down procedure

**darthpaully** · 2011 January 6th, 23:58

Just got home guys- good work Almo, I think you're right about the 58mm- too tall. The 52 looks pretty good...

If it all works, then the lens hood is not necessary, in fact, it was only there to support the HVFF's clamp. I wonder if the HVFF would fit on the 52 mm ring>Raynox w/out the step-up/step down method. It's looks like it may be too thin- maybe we need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a skinnier clamp. To have the HVFF work on the HVXX in any situation would be best- a la the IRV. I think this is my next move....

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 00:18

You're the team captain. Go for it. Well I think it's better to use a lens hood if they're not going to use a UV lens. This step up/step down is only for ones using a UV lens or a UV lens and lens hood. It's easier just to throw a lens hood on if you're not going to use a UV lens than to have a step up/ down rings on your naked HV... it will look ugly.

What do you think? Should I go ahead and get the 52mm step up and down rings? I wish someone on this forum could take pictures in comparison to the lens hood ring beforehand, but I guess no one is willing to help...

**darthpaully** · 2011 January 7th, 00:58

Originally Posted by Almohada

I guess no one is willing to help...

Haha- It's tough being the innovators isn't it Almo? No one can help us because there is no help!! It's frustrating for sure, but we've done all the hard stuff already- If you can swing the price on the rings then I'd say go for it, it looks like it woill work.

I'd like to see the HVFF used in as many ways as possible. The skinnier clamp would make it possible for you and I and anyone else to do what we want with our accessories. We've fielded too many legitimate questions that we just don't have the answers for and I'd like to be able to just say yes, that will work.

**vince** · 2011 January 7th, 01:25

If the 52 stepup ring is too skinny, add one or two 52-52 extension rings, same price.

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 01:37

I'm not sure if a skinnier clamp will work without any accessories on. If you look at the placement of the HVFF, it's tilted out away from the lens ... or at least mine is. I'm sure there is a way to make it work. The FF mechanism (everything besides the clamp) you came up with should not be touched at all. It is a work of art!!!

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 01:39

Originally Posted by vince

If the 52 stepup ring is too skinny, add one or two 52-52 extension rings, same price.

Good idea! But I'm afraid if it becomes too long, the lens hood will show in frame

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 January 7th, 02:13

So you're saying this would be better than the focus ring, yet we'd have to buy more accessories (Step down rings etc etc). Sounds like the other one works right off the bat... I'd be more inclined to go for one that works right out of the box. Not one I have to fiddle around with for hours...

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 02:27

As of right now, the only accessory you need is a lens hood attached directly onto the HV20. When I had all my parts, it only took me 3 minutes to put it together. Only need to assemble it once. The advantage of this unit is PRICE and the follow focus DESIGN. The focus ring is a RING adjacent to the camera. The follow focus is parallel to the camera. In my opinion, as stated before, the HVFF is the BEST focus unit out there for the HV series. Do you have an IRV focus ring? Darth is willing to swap it out for a brand new (pre-assembled?) HVFF unit so he can see how the HVFF holds up against the IRV.

Trust me, once you start using this thing you never want to take it off your camera!!!!!!!! It's pro!!!

**darthpaully** · 2011 January 7th, 03:05

Originally Posted by Almohada

Good idea! But I'm afraid if it becomes too long, the lens hood will show in frame

Now that you mention it, I remember noticing that when using the lens hood that large amounts of light (usually sunlight) from the side can cause darkness around the frame edges- I noticed it clearly while editing the footage with higher contrast- the more i added, the more it was clear. I'm assuming it's some sort of shadowing because of the small size of the outer rim of the lens hood. So, we definitely can't have it be too long- pics of this would be nice!!

Vince's idea might be a great solution for a bare HVXX though- The size looks right on with the lens hood ring, and it couldn't be any longer than the lens hood... hey Vince, do you have said gear?

**darthpaully** · 2011 January 7th, 03:18

Dangit, you guys posted while I was writing!!

Originally Posted by Daniel Rutter

I'd be more inclined to go for one that works right out of the box. Not one I have to fiddle around with for hours...

I agree Daniel, and that is the end result- something that works right out of the box. Remember that this thread is a DIY thread though, and everyone that has one so far, (4 or 5 of us) has built them from my cheesy tutorial-although I said i'd be willing to sell a kit if anyone was interested. I'd rather wait until we are fully finished, BUT, what we have now is well built, precise, and fully functional with the lens hood (5-10 min to assemble with all parts) and I PROMISE YOU- it is miles better than a focus aid. Your hand is stationary, and focusing is as fast as you want it to be (nearly 360 degrees in one rotation)

The current status of the HVFF is like that of the Death Star from Return of the Jedi... It aint finished, but it can still whoop some serious butt...

It's a lot cheaper too, not to mention that it's available at all!! Good luck finding a new IRV. I wouldn't pay for a used one. Many people have complained about parts breaking, and not having replacement- UGGH. The HVFF is designed from everyday home depot parts- mostly steel, nylon, and neoprene... pretty mush indestructable, yet not heavy.

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 04:49

Unfortunately Daniel can't build his own HVFF. He's in Australia. I don't think they have Home Depots or Lowes there.
Don't worry I'll make sure you get one

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 January 7th, 05:02

Originally Posted by Almohada

Unfortunately Daniel can't build his own HVFF. He's in Australia. I don't think they have Home Depots or Lowes there.
Don't worry I'll make sure you get one

That, and I completely suck at DIY.

If it's a reasonable cost for postage and item, I'll buy one... just as long as I don't need 40 extra pieces to get it working.

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 05:13

If I were to mail you one, I'd send it to you pre-assembled. The only reason to ship it in parts is if it doesn't fit in the package or whatever and it has to be taken apart. I'm sure you are going to be very satisfied with the HVFF.

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 January 7th, 05:31

Originally Posted by Almohada

If I were to mail you one, I'd send it to you pre-assembled. The only reason to ship it in parts is if it doesn't fit in the package or whatever and it has to be taken apart. I'm sure you are going to be very satisfied with the HVFF.

Excellent. Let me know when you have a final one you're happy with (I do have a lenshood, just one of those cheap square ones off ebay) and I'll paypal the dosh

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 05:38

Yeah those lens hoods will work!!! Let's see first if Darth wants to give you his HVFF since it's ready to go. That one's the first or second one ever made!!!! If not, what the heck...your special order of fresh HVFF from Almohada will be coming right up. I hope my local Home Depot has the clamps now!

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 January 7th, 05:46

Originally Posted by Almohada

Yeah those lens hoods will work!!! Let's see first if Darth wants to give you his HVFF since it's ready to go. That one's the first or second one ever made!!!! If not, what the heck...your special order of fresh HVFF from Almohada will be coming right up. I hope my local Home Depot has the clamps now!

I tell you what mate, if you can get me one before February starts, I'll use it for a music video I'm shooting then

Let me know how much it'll cost, I'll keep the cash handy.

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 05:57

You got it.

I was thinking... maybe I should dump the idea of using a step up and then back down. Maybe it would be better to go to a step up 52mm, then 52mm UV, then 52mm lens hood. This way to ensure I won't get vignetting in frame due to the long length of rings and adapters blah blah blah.

But I just checked ebay for a 52mm lens hood... around 11 bucks, and for black. They don't have silver color, so it won't look very nice on my HV20.
I think I'm just going to go with the 52mm step up, down, 43mm UV, lens hood OR I can do 52mm step up, 52mm UV lens (2 bucks on ebay), step down, lens hood. I guess I can always buy the 52mm UV later if I want to change that setup. But for now I think my best bet is to go with the 52mm step up and down method for only 5 bucks...

**darthpaully** · 2011 January 7th, 12:28

Originally Posted by Daniel Rutter

Let me know how much it'll cost, I'll keep the cash handy.

I'd be honored to have you use the HVFF, Daniel, and Almo is right: I already have a finished one ready to go, plus parts for another. Another Aussie member wanted one too, so maybe I'll see if he's still interested and get em ready. Send me a message with your info, and we'll figure out the shipping. I'll sell it for cost on these 2 that I have. (about $20) If you have the lens hood then there are no aother parts necessary and assembly shouldn't take but 10 minutes or so. I guarantee that its WELL worth it.... I couldn't even imagine using my HV40 without it....

**Almohada** · 2011 January 7th, 15:12

Thanks Darth! Congrats, Daniel!!!!!

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 January 7th, 21:00

Woo

I'm gonna give this baby a work out!

**Almohada** · 2011 January 8th, 03:07

Anyone want to use the 43mm-52mm step up/ down method? Check out this step-up ring on ebay going for $1.77!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ht_1157wt_1116

It's ending REALLY soon. Like one hour from now. Get that one and search for 52mm-43mm step down, and grab the one for $1.78
Total price = $3.55 including shipping for a step up & step down. Oh yeah!

Originally Posted by Daniel Rutter

Woo I'm gonna give this baby a work out!

Can't wait to hear how much you like... I mean love the HVFF!

Thread: DIY Follow Focus System for Canon HV20/30/40

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