Does follow focus really work with servo? at DVinfo.net

Jim Morlino · January 5th, 2007, 08:55 PM

Folks,
Do these machines really work? Can you actually write your start and stop positions on the thing, accurately stop, then back to one, and repeat when your focus is actually being changed by a servo? If yes, then specifically on our XHA-1s - will something like the IndiFocus work?
Happy New Year.
- Jim

Bill Busby · January 5th, 2007, 11:06 PM

What you're speaking of is "focus preset" & is not the same as "follow focus" which is an entirely different thing. And yes, you can preset a focus depth setting, then focus on something else, & at the push of a button, go back to your original focus preset.

Jim Morlino · January 6th, 2007, 08:28 AM

Thanks, Bill.
I'm familiar with the programable focus preset capability on the XHA-1 and for many situations, this might work very well (I have yet to try it on mine) But actually I am speaking of aftermarket follow focus wheels/gears/dials/ rails/whips like the Chroziel and others. I see lots of pictures of great looking pro rigs on cameras that all have servo lenses. Do devices like the IndiFocus actually work with other than manual lenses for racking focus?
- Jim

Bill Busby · January 6th, 2007, 03:28 PM

ooops! I apologize Jim. I just re-read your original post & now it reads differently. Maybe I was zoned out or something. Also I never saw the mention of IndiFocus at 1st read. I guess I skipped the last sentence, DOH!

Matthew Wilson · January 6th, 2007, 05:00 PM

I've used a follow focus on the XL2 20x auto lens and it works, okay, but not as good as using it on a manual lens IMHO. Other folks have mentioned that they are using it on auto lens and it works fine for them. My only beef is that the focus can lag and that they are sometimes overly sensitive and hard to get a perfect feel for. Using it on a small chip DV or HDV cam though is probably fine, since the DOF is usually pretty deep, even at longer lens settings. .

January 5th, 2007, 08:55 PM	#1
Jim Morlino Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Danbury, CT Posts: 43	Does follow focus really work with servo? Folks, Do these machines really work? Can you actually write your start and stop positions on the thing, accurately stop, then back to one, and repeat when your focus is actually being changed by a servo? If yes, then specifically on our XHA-1s - will something like the IndiFocus work? Happy New Year. - Jim

January 6th, 2007, 05:00 PM	#5
Matthew Wilson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 259	I've used a follow focus on the XL2 20x auto lens and it works, okay, but not as good as using it on a manual lens IMHO. Other folks have mentioned that they are using it on auto lens and it works fine for them. My only beef is that the focus can lag and that they are sometimes overly sensitive and hard to get a perfect feel for. Using it on a small chip DV or HDV cam though is probably fine, since the DOF is usually pretty deep, even at longer lens settings. . __________________ MW

January 5th, 2007, 11:06 PM	#2
Bill Busby Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 959	What you're speaking of is "focus preset" & is not the same as "follow focus" which is an entirely different thing. And yes, you can preset a focus depth setting, then focus on something else, & at the push of a button, go back to your original focus preset.

January 6th, 2007, 08:28 AM	#3
Jim Morlino Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Danbury, CT Posts: 43	Thanks, Bill. I'm familiar with the programable focus preset capability on the XHA-1 and for many situations, this might work very well (I have yet to try it on mine) But actually I am speaking of aftermarket follow focus wheels/gears/dials/ rails/whips like the Chroziel and others. I see lots of pictures of great looking pro rigs on cameras that all have servo lenses. Do devices like the IndiFocus actually work with other than manual lenses for racking focus? - Jim

January 6th, 2007, 03:28 PM	#4
Bill Busby Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 959	ooops! I apologize Jim. I just re-read your original post & now it reads differently. Maybe I was zoned out or something. Also I never saw the mention of IndiFocus at 1st read. I guess I skipped the last sentence, DOH!