Digital Video - October 2007 - (Page 24)

IN REVIEW FOLLOW FOCUS SHOOTOUT issue we noted was the use of disparate fasteners throughout the design. For instance, the focus gear is attached using a metric Allen head screw, while the vertical riser uses an SAE standard Allen head. While it may seem that we’re nitpicking, non-uniform fasteners realistically means you’ll have extra tools to bring into the field. In conclusion, the IndiFocus is a basic follow focus that performs acceptably in certain specific configurations, obviously considering the price point. However, there are a number of concerns we noted in use with our 35mm adapter system, and the design in general is not very robust. While it may well fit the needs of many shooters, we would not recommend the IndiFocus for use in a professional production environment. Check out video clips of these five follow focus rigs in action. Visit DV online. pop off your lens gear if you happen to be using a lens with some forward travel in it. Flexing is nearly eliminated by dropping the unit to its lowest setting, which of course negates the usefulness of the vertical adjustment option. We noted quite a bit of slop in the gearbox, measuring between 6.5mm and 7.5mm of play inherent in the unit. Gears can be replaced with other optional pitch ratios. This unit also exhibits the tendency to draw focus and lens gears towards each other as you lock the unit down. Leaving extra space between the gears as you mesh them solves this behavior. The white marking ring is not removable, and the metal marking indicator is fixed in place. The focus dial is a grooved hard plastic design with a solid grip surface, and the face of the dial features a proprietary accessory port that only fits the IndiFocus whip. We noted that the extension whip does not lock into the port—instead, it uses a weak magnet to stay connected. The IndiFocus whip, employing a spring-like design, tends to store up and then release tension as you focus, making repeatable movements difficult. Another PETROFF MINI SCORE INDIFOCUS PROS: Vertical riser adjustment. Single knob locks unit to rods. Can be reverse-mounted without removing the unit base from rods. CONS: Weak vertical riser nearly negates its own usefulness. Ships with non-standard focus gear and non-standard accessory port. Focus gear is fixed to one side of gearbox. Excessive amount of gearbox play. BOTTOM LINE: A basic, entry-level follow focus MSRP: $389 ($409 as equipped) CONTACT: www.indifocus.com The Petroff Mini attaches to standard 15mm rods and locks with a side-mounted knob that also controls horizontal slide. The gearbox is not dampened, but is noiseless and smooth and had between 1mm and 1.5mm of play in the gearbox. The standard 0.8/32 pitch focus gear can be mounted on the opposite side of the gearbox, and gears can quickly be replaced with optional pitch ratios. We noticed that when meshing the focus and lens gears the lock knob tended to pull the SCORE R.D. PETROFF, INC. PROS: High-quality construction, quick setup, useful features. Minimal gear play at an affordable price point. CONS: Gray marking ring isn’t as readable as a white ring. BOTTOM LINE: A wellbuilt unit that includes all the necessary standard features and performs reliably. Good bang for buck. MSRP: $900 CONTACT: www.petroff.ws www.dv.com 24 dv october 2007 http://www.dv.com http://www.indifocus.com http://www.petroff.ws http://www.dv.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Digital Video - October 2007

Cover Contents Letters DV Update R&D Fest Circuit Light Brigade Follow Focus Shootout Image Conscious Instant Expert Close-Ups Eastern Europe Exploit Call of the Wild Four Principles of Storage Storage Media Production Diary

Digital Video - October 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.