DIY Follow Focus System for Canon HV20/30/40

**Almohada** · 2011 February 7th, 02:02

Originally Posted by darthpaully

HVFF slogan: As long as you don't go naked- we can help you!

I like it!

**darthpaully** · 2011 February 7th, 16:03

I just got another HVFF order- been averaging about 2 per week since Jan. 1. Thanks a lot to everyone for their orders...

I'd also like to take the time to thank our admins at hv20.com. It doesn't get said enough. Thanks for keeping us going and giving us a platform to expand our knowledge. I'm sure there a days that you'd rather do something else- just so you know, I appreciate YOU!!

**Almohada** · 2011 February 7th, 18:14

Going back to school next week. Not sure how much free time I'll have then, so get your HVFF orders now!!!
Congrats darth!!

**Canon HV30** · 2011 February 8th, 15:53

All right, I'd like to order one please

**darthpaully** · 2011 February 8th, 16:05

Originally Posted by Canon HV30

All right, I'd like to order one please

I PM'd you...

**Almohada** · 2011 February 8th, 22:55

I just got back from a small shoot...I can't say it enough... the HVFF is AWESOME!!!!!!!

**hemy2000** · 2011 February 10th, 07:37

Hey Almohada, Got my HVFF yesterday, must say its not that bad considering what it has to work with. a bit fiddly to get in a good position though, I find i have to have it at an angle or else its too tight against the focus wheel and wont turn or the opposite, only problem I can see is the screw used for the small wheel is to thin for the hole and wobbles a bit, so I'm going to try and find a collar to fit round it, but all in all it works. a bit noisy and stiff at times but little niggles can be worked out. Far better than using your finger on the ridiculously small wheel on the cam though.

**darthpaully** · 2011 February 10th, 11:25

It sounds like you have the idea hemy2000- once you get used to it it will work pretty darn good. I wish I could manufacture all of these parts just for the HVFF.... Sure would be pricey though!!

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 February 10th, 11:36

I got my bag of parts today, I believe I may need to fix up something I kinda messed up when replacing the right though. Once I get it fixed (which will be ASAP considering I need it for a shoot this weekend) I'll be right. I undid the wrong nut (on the actual handle, not the wheel).

**darthpaully** · 2011 February 10th, 11:58

I'm sure you can figure it out Daniel- let me know if I can hellp at all...

Do you like the new knob pieces? Which one do you think I should make the standard for future HVFF's?

Good luck this weekend!

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 February 10th, 12:01

The original one I was given seems to be the best of all the knobs.

**Almohada** · 2011 February 10th, 20:59

Originally Posted by hemy2000

Hey Almohada, Got my HVFF yesterday, must say its not that bad considering what it has to work with. a bit fiddly to get in a good position though, I find i have to have it at an angle or else its too tight against the focus wheel and wont turn or the opposite, only problem I can see is the screw used for the small wheel is to thin for the hole and wobbles a bit, so I'm going to try and find a collar to fit round it, but all in all it works. a bit noisy and stiff at times but little niggles can be worked out. Far better than using your finger on the ridiculously small wheel on the cam though.

For a minute there I thought you were gonzo77...I thought I read that he already received it. I mixed you two up.
Once you get used to placing the HVFF in the right position, you'll do it automatically every time you put it on. You'll get used to it soon...
Also yours is one of the best HVFF I built. It's very very smooth. Glad it didn't take too long to get to you!

Let us know if you find a solution for the small wheel screw

**Almohada** · 2011 February 11th, 06:23

Originally Posted by Daniel Rutter

I undid the wrong nut (on the actual handle, not the wheel).

You mean you unscrewed the nut that is over the long 2" bolt holding the clamps down to the conductor? You would've had to remove that one anyways to get to the small screw that's holding the small wheel... I don't think it should be a problem since the clamps are already molded. If you forget where the parts go you can always check darth's build video or ask us on here

**Almohada** · 2011 February 16th, 23:53

I was planning to make a run to the stores today, but the motor vehicle I have access to has been rendered unsafe for the road.
No brakes + rainy weather... not a good combination. I'll go to the stores ASAP to get parts

**Canon HV30** · 2011 February 18th, 03:48

Just got my HVFF! That piece (circled in red in my picture) really limits it! The clamp could fit with a naked Canon HV but then the wheel wouldn't touch the focus to spin it

It is inconvenient for me to have to attach my wide angle lens, but it is definitely an awesome product

Thank you!

**darthpaully** · 2011 February 18th, 04:02

Originally Posted by Canon HV30

It is inconvenient for me to have to attach my wide angle lens,

Assuming you're using the 43mm-52mm step-up ring, then get a 52mm UV polarizer- attach it to the step-up ring and attach your HVFF. Now you can take your WA lens off easily without having to remove the HVFF. I'll post more about it in a bit as I'm pretty sure this is THE way to go for function and interchangeability.

It's shortcomings aside... I'm glad you liked your HVFF!!

**Canon HV30** · 2011 February 18th, 04:19

Unfortunately, my 43mm-52mm step up ring is stuck on my wide angle lens >.<

**Almohada** · 2011 February 18th, 04:55

Originally Posted by Canon HV30

Unfortunately, my 43mm-52mm step up ring is stuck on my wide angle lens >.<

Bummer. Maybe if you can carefully get some WD-40 on there it will come off...

**Khaver** · 2011 February 18th, 08:18

Try one of those jar lid openers that have a large rubber band that wraps around the lid. Also try putting the lens and ring in a cold place for a while.

**Steve_Karl** · 2011 February 18th, 12:53

I still have to get a bigger washer for the small washer on mine. It skips for 1/4 of a turn because the large rubber circles aren't stiff enough and they're also not flat. They're slightly warped.
Probably the ideal fix would be to find a metal washer the same size as the large rubber wheels and put it in between them and glue the rubber to the metal. That would make them flat and provide a predictable surface for the small rubber washer to have consistent contact.

I also need to cut up some bicycle inner tube to shim under the hose clamp so the mounting to the camera stays in place and doesn't wobble off.

I also want to discover a more quick release method to replace the screw that closes the hose clamp. Maybe the velcro idea from the original posted by shane_88.

**Almohada** · 2011 February 18th, 19:58

Originally Posted by Steve_Karl

I also need to cut up some bicycle inner tube to shim under the hose clamp so the mounting to the camera stays in place and doesn't wobble off.

Are you using a lens hood? It should never wobble off

Originally Posted by Steve_Karl

I also want to discover a more quick release method to replace the screw that closes the hose clamp. Maybe the velcro idea from the original posted by shane_88.

Yeah that could work, but I don't know if the velcro can hold it down tight enough

**Steve_Karl** · 2011 February 21st, 00:45

Well it doesn't wobble off ... it just comes loose enough to have to be adjusted again and again.
I tried it on both the lens hood and a Raynox 6600 wide angle ... the one with the 43 to 52 step up ring.
The band wants to center on the gap on the WA, so it has very little to connect to,
and it want's to sit on top of the adjustment ring for the lens hood so once again very little to connect to.

The inconsistency of the contact between the small rubber washer and the large rubber wheel is the problem that stops me from using it.

**darthpaully** · 2011 February 21st, 02:14

Originally Posted by Steve_Karl

Well it doesn't wobble off ... it just comes loose enough to have to be adjusted again and again.
I tried it on both the lens hood and a Raynox 6600 wide angle ... the one with the 43 to 52 step up ring.
The band wants to center on the gap on the WA, so it has very little to connect to,
and it want's to sit on top of the adjustment ring for the lens hood so once again very little to connect to.

The inconsistency of the contact between the small rubber washer and the large rubber wheel is the problem that stops me from using it.

Sorry to hear you're having so many issues with the HVFF, Steve. I'm a little concerned about everything being correct on it.

Would you mind sending it back to me and I'll replace it? I could send you out a new one first so you could compare the two and at least be sure it's not a faulty HVFF. I realize and expect that the HVFF will not suit everyone's needs. I guess I'm just curious, if anything, why it works so well for some and not so well for others. I'd like to see if I could bridge that gap somehow.

**Almohada** · 2011 February 21st, 02:38

I don't know why you're having so many problems. I don't think anyone has had such issues with their HVFF...

**Daniel Rutter** · 2011 February 21st, 03:18

My only issue is with replacing that ring/rubber washer... which was a real bitch to remove (and I've warped/loosened something I shouldn't have). I will fix it eventually though!

I'm actually curious to know... is the wheel that has contact with the HV focus dial supposed to be exceptionally loose?

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