Remote control of a zoom with a follow focus. at DVinfo.net

David W. Taylor · May 17th, 2010, 07:11 AM

I'm shooting 'moving subjects' (aviation) and my main rig is a 5D2 with Canon 70-200 IS plus 2X converter.
I have a couple of D Focus follow focus units on 15mm rails. One of the follow focus's is doing the zoom. Currently I have a speed crank on this zoom FF but would love to get something fixed to my tripod pan bar to make using the zoom less of a 'groping for a handle' operation. Things that were easy on a 'proper video camera' can become challenging on a 5D2!
The FreshDV review of follow focus's
ProVideo Coalition.com: VIDEO: FRESHDV by Matthew Jeppsen & Kendal Miller
has a section called 'accessories' that reviews a Cinetech whip that mounts on a panbar...just the thing.
I remember that this was how my TV cameramen collegues worked on their studio TV cameras years ago.
Alas I can't find this item on the Cinetech website...one of those poorly layed out websites that still abound.
Anyone know of any whip that I can use on my pan bar to do what I want?

David

aviation video blog: Focal Planes

Robert Bobson · August 31st, 2011, 06:51 AM

I'm looking for the same thing. I've been thinking of making a DIY manual zoom crank - with a low gear ratio to get a really slow zoom in. anyone have any links to similar projects?

May 17th, 2010, 07:11 AM	#1
David W. Taylor Regular Crew Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pinewood Film Studios, Bucks, United Kingdom Posts: 80	Remote control of a zoom with a follow focus. I'm shooting 'moving subjects' (aviation) and my main rig is a 5D2 with Canon 70-200 IS plus 2X converter. I have a couple of D Focus follow focus units on 15mm rails. One of the follow focus's is doing the zoom. Currently I have a speed crank on this zoom FF but would love to get something fixed to my tripod pan bar to make using the zoom less of a 'groping for a handle' operation. Things that were easy on a 'proper video camera' can become challenging on a 5D2! The FreshDV review of follow focus's ProVideo Coalition.com: VIDEO: FRESHDV by Matthew Jeppsen & Kendal Miller has a section called 'accessories' that reviews a Cinetech whip that mounts on a panbar...just the thing. I remember that this was how my TV cameramen collegues worked on their studio TV cameras years ago. Alas I can't find this item on the Cinetech website...one of those poorly layed out websites that still abound. Anyone know of any whip that I can use on my pan bar to do what I want? David aviation video blog: Focal Planes

August 31st, 2011, 06:51 AM	#2
Robert Bobson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 585	Re: Remote control of a zoom with a follow focus. I'm looking for the same thing. I've been thinking of making a DIY manual zoom crank - with a low gear ratio to get a really slow zoom in. anyone have any links to similar projects?