2004Follow Focus forum
C-Motion wireless follow focus system capabilities, compatibility, and field experience
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- The C-Motion system integrates remote focus, iris, and zoom control with an onboard LCD display that shows depth of field and lens position information.
- The system can operate with digital motors from multiple manufacturers including Preston, Scorpio, Heden, Panavision, and Arri models.
- The hand unit is compact and lightweight, and the display can operate independently with its own wireless link separate from the manual control unit.
- The system includes software that calculates depth of field and hyperfocal distance automatically and can memorize lenses by serial number for consistent calibration.
- Some operators reported the system failed to self-calibrate in cold temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit with stiff lenses.
- A newer motor control box version includes a voltage booster to provide sufficient power to motors even when the camera operates on 12 volts.
- One early unit reportedly had internal wiring that did not match the provided wiring diagram, resulting in non-functional equipment.
Depends on
- The system is reported to have had quality control issues in early production units with internal wiring mismatches.
- Cold weather operation presented calibration difficulties in at least one documented case.
- Compatibility with certain lens motors like Panazoom remained problematic at the time of discussion.
- The discussion spans 2004 and later, so current product reliability and compatibility may differ.
- Some feedback about performance issues came secondhand or from isolated incidents rather than systematic testing.
Parts
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