DIY Follow Focus System for Canon HV20/30/40

**BarteS** · 2011 July 3rd, 12:37

Do you have a ballpark figure on the HVFF Pro?

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 3rd, 14:20

I plan on having all the details squared away today BarteS, and then we'll know for sure. The price for the HVFF pro will be more, but I still have to add up all the costs.

Stay Tuned! I'll get some pics of the HVFF pro up today...

**Almohada** · 2011 July 3rd, 14:40

Okay, cool.

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 3rd, 18:37

Here's some shots of the (now called) HVFF "Pro." (Smiles) I don't know, does it look PRO enough?

IMG_1980.JPG IMG_1981.JPG

This has been in development for some time but I wanted to put out the HVFF 3 first because it's versatility with everything. The hole through added the marker lines up perfect over the white disc- which is a nice glossy surface, perfect for a pencil or no-permannet marker.

I was going to call it the HVFF "S" or "SE" but I really like "Pro." now. Thanks for the input guys- It really does matter, maybe I'll post pics of ALL the "prototypes."

I'm about 85% done with the Pro- I'd like it to be ALL black- still searching for a few "maybe" pieces but i'm very satisfied with it- and the 3.0. It will be tough to choose one or the other- especially if you want to use the whip-(still working on it.)

Let me know what you guys think... ALSO, check out my Franken-handle atop my HV40, and note the HV20.com "landing pad."

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 3rd, 19:24

Since my still cam is working somehow, I figured I'd show you guys some more pics...

IMG_1991.JPG

So, here we see the HVFF Pro in the center, with the current 2.5 model on the left, and the new 3.0 design on the right. Prices and packages have not been figure out yet, but if you are waiting to order- PLEASE PM ME AND I'LL GET YOU GOING!!- I'm trying to have everything in the webstore done tonight..

**Almohada** · 2011 July 3rd, 20:55

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I guess the HVFF 3.0 was the one I was talking about, being too huge. I love the HVFF pro. It's not as big and thick as the 3.0.... it looks VERY PRO. I love the white disc and even the hole in the center with the bolt!!!! It looks so cool on the HV.

I can't even begin to mention the HVFF "helipad" landing pad with the first ever HV20.com T-Shirt. Perfect placement...and I mean PERFECT.

I guess the PRO would be for the ones who don't think they'll need a whip... unless you figure it out for the pro.

Once again, great job darth!!!! Keep in mind I was checking the other pictures on my phone, and now I am back home safe and sound

**drapeama** · 2011 July 3rd, 21:49

Looks nice, really nice!
Quick question: is that "O-rings" that we see all around the "rolling-handle" (I don't know how to tell it)

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 3rd, 21:59

You

Originally Posted by drapeama

is that "O-rings" that we see all around the "rolling-handle"

Good guess Draps, but I'm not giving away any more secrets, MUHAHAH!!

**drapeama** · 2011 July 3rd, 22:02

Originally Posted by darthpaully

You
Good guess Draps, but I'm not giving away any more secrets, MUHAHAH!!

PM them to me then! lol

**Almohada** · 2011 July 6th, 04:25

Any updates?

**cooknTbone** · 2011 July 6th, 10:38

Just joined this forum pretty much to get more info on your HVFF.... like many have said... its way cool. I will be ordering one, but I also have a suggestion.... instead of staying "small time" building this in your garage or whatever.... I suggest a step up to have this item made somewhere... you also REALLY need to advertise.... I had a heck of a time finding this.... I think I know a way to finance not only a large scale build for the unit, but advertising and pretty much everything you need! Interested?

**drapeama** · 2011 July 6th, 10:45

Originally Posted by cooknTbone

... you also REALLY need to advertise...

Maybe Mal could think about adding a banner that links to the thread, could help too.
Other than this, it costs money, and as it's probably not a gold mine yet, I don't think it would be possible for Darth. Other than here I mean.

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 6th, 12:17

Thanks for the insight cooknTbone, but having this made somewhere wouldn't make it work any better, and would only cost me more money. "Small time" is all it really can be- this cam is no longer made. Once i get my hands on a DSLR, and the design could be "universal" for all camera brands, THEN I will consider "stepping it up." As it is, investing in a camera that isn't made anymore is a gamble.

As far as finding the HVFF... Tell me more about having a hard time locating it. I've tried very hard to use the right keywords, tags etc. so that even if you didn't know about the HVFF, a "follow focus for HVXX"" search will take you to all the links. If you HAD heard about the HVFF, then it should be no problem, I think. Please let me know the details- I am very curious.

And as for advertising, once again it comes down to the money. I've tried to remain respectful around here and not abuse the privelage- we don't even have an "official HVFF" thread at HV20.com.

Lastly, this started out as a DIY project (still can be) so my intentions were not really to sell the design. The overwhelming demand for the HVFF is what fueled me selling it... And I am greatful for the fact that people like my design, and for the extra cash. That said, I barely have enough hours in the day to keep production moving, let alone take care of my family.

I'm still open for suggestion though. Just because it's "small time" doesn't mean I want it to stay that way. You do bring up some good points, for sure.

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 6th, 18:17

Lots of news coming in a bit here....

**Almohada** · 2011 July 6th, 18:36

Originally Posted by darthpaully

and would only cost me more money.

and that means jacking up the price... big time!

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 7th, 00:30

OK, I lost my wallet today somehow and have been frantically searching. I realized this right while I was updating the webstore....

Some stuff is up- the whip is there, and the new packages, including the HVFF3 kit and the HVFF PRo, will be up shortly...

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 7th, 02:23

HVFF UPDATE!

The HVFF 3, HVFF PRO, and focus whip are now available- The webstore is all done and updated! It took awhile but I managed to get some decent pics out of my barely-working Canon powershot:

HVFF 3.JPG HVFF PRO.JPG IMG_2022.jpg

**Almohada** · 2011 July 7th, 06:08

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

**tapermark** · 2011 July 7th, 13:00

Hmm. Kinda bummed I just bought one and now this. Will the whip work with mine?

**tapermark** · 2011 July 7th, 13:05

Ok I see it says it's compatible with the 2.5. How does it attach? Is it easy to do on the fly?

**lmbsoares** · 2011 July 7th, 14:44

Hey Darth
Just bought the HVFF Pro! I'm really excited!
It looks brilliant, and will make an excellent addition to my HV40.
I must be the first person in my country to get one of these (we're only 10.5 million though :P)
Keep up the excellent work!

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 7th, 14:59

Originally Posted by tapermark

Ok I see it says it's compatible with the 2.5. How does it attach? Is it easy to do on the fly?

Yes, the whip is compatible with all models (HVFF 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3) except the HVFF PRO, which was only added because of the demand.

It slides onto the end of the HVFF just as the black stepup knob does. I wanted to make sure that it would be compatible with everything so that ANY version would work.

I would also like to make the HVFF 3 knob available since it just slides on, looks pro, and feels NICE! The compatibility of the main grey "post" is a so key with the new designs. I actually have the grey posts attached to the side of my QR base so I can keep the whip and step-ups handy...

BTW- I was checking stats on the webstore- EXTRA HUGE thanks to tapermark for posting a nice review and pics on a different forum- taperssection.com:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?t...932#msg1879932

I didn't realize i had this feature, but the webstore tracks EVERYTHING. Kinda scary actually, I can see whre they came from, searches, links- very cool, and it helps A LOT for getting traffic.

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 7th, 15:06

Originally Posted by lmbsoares

I must be the first person in my country to get one of these (we're only 10.5 million though :P)

I love it! 1 in 10.5 million is pretty cool!

I see you went with the HVFF PRO. I'm glad you guys spoke up and said you wanted it. It does look NICE!

**BarteS** · 2011 July 7th, 15:21

It seems with every refresh on the webshop I get more options. I guess I finally have a use for the auto refresh feature of my internet browser.

**darthpaully** · 2011 July 7th, 15:24

Originally Posted by BarteS

It seems with every refresh on the webshop I get more options. I guess I finally have a use for the auto refresh feature of my internet browser.

LOL! I've been on there all day setting stuff up. It should be all settled now....

How or where did you use the auto refresh? I could use that BIGTIME!

Edit: OK, NOW everything is all good at the webstore!

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