indiSystem Follow Focus Review [including a repeatable focus pull test].
Reviewed by +Serge Batyrshin in December 2012.
Combatively priced, well functioning alternative to the more expensive units from Zacuto and RedRock. Marking disc is a plus, no crank/whip port. Friction-based: no need for ugly lens gears.
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Reviewed by +Serge Batyrshin in December 2012.
Combatively priced, well functioning alternative to the more expensive units from Zacuto and RedRock. Marking disc is a plus, no crank/whip port. Friction-based: no need for ugly lens gears.
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Introduction
In my continuing quest to build the right DSLR cinema rig, I have purchased indiSystem indiFocusSwee Follow Focus. This is my impressions and unofficial review.
First off, I find prices on Follow Focus units are somewhat outrageous. Arri makes a great one, so does Zakuto, RedRock [I used to own one], and Opteka [in that order of quality/price], and many others. They all cost way too much, in my opinion. I was looking for a less expensive unit. This unit had to have gearless design and cost an amount I could afford [99 bucks].
Now, there aren't too many reviews for this unit on the Web, so I figured I'll give it a try and see how it does...
The follow focus I was looking for had specific requirements [if this is what you require then this unit could be for you]:
1. Gearless design. Because the lenses I use for cinematography, I also use for photography, I didn't want to attach any external gear ring to the lens.
2. Has to have a marking disc.
3. Has to utilize 15mm rod system.
4. Good price - 99 bucks!
1. Gearless design. Because the lenses I use for cinematography, I also use for photography, I didn't want to attach any external gear ring to the lens.
2. Has to have a marking disc.
3. Has to utilize 15mm rod system.
4. Good price - 99 bucks!
This unit does not have a slot for a whip or crank. I don't have any use for them anyways, so that wasn't an issue for me. The disc can be positioned on either side of the turn knob, so that's a plus. There's a marking disc on the knob, so I could make my focus marks. Overall, this is everything that I need! Let's move to setting it up and using it.
Beware, that this follow focus doesn't have vertical adjustment, which presents an issue if you're using a camera with built in battery grip, like the D4. I had to add a riser and a set of rails to bring the unit closer to the lens. Also, the clamp design/build is not the best, but workable.
Once on the rig, it worked fine. I was able to achieve repeatable, dependable, and accurate focus pulls. Basically, it worked as advertised. See the video and photos below.
Setup
Beware, that this follow focus doesn't have vertical adjustment, which presents an issue if you're using a camera with built in battery grip, like the D4. I had to add a riser and a set of rails to bring the unit closer to the lens. Also, the clamp design/build is not the best, but workable.
Operation
Once on the rig, it worked fine. I was able to achieve repeatable, dependable, and accurate focus pulls. Basically, it worked as advertised. See the video and photos below.
Conclusion
I'd like to say that it takes some adjustment to operate an inexpensive no gear follow focus, but at the end it works just as well. As for durability - only time will tell. I will write an update in a year to see how this 99 dollar follow focus from indiSystem held up!
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