2004Follow Focus forum
Evaluating a used Seitz follow focus system for purchase
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Seitz follow focus is an older but reliable and accurate system that has been used successfully on professional productions.
- A complete Seitz setup requires not only the follow focus unit but also at least one motor with gears, special cables, and lens-specific gear sets for both film and video cameras.
- The manufacturer still provides support including batteries and accessories, and can advise on fair pricing for used units.
- Calibration of the Seitz system is moderately difficult but manageable with some effort.
- The Seitz performs adequately for video work and smaller independent film productions but becomes limited when working with demanding 35mm cinema lenses.
- Cable and accessory availability and cost should be factored into the total investment when acquiring a used Seitz system.
- Experienced focus pullers may prefer more advanced systems like Preston or Scorpio for major productions, but the Seitz remains viable for independent and small-market work.
Depends on
- The discussion centers on a specific eBay auction from 2004, so availability and current market values may differ significantly.
- No independent testing or comparison data is provided in the thread.
- The thread does not address newer follow focus systems or how the Seitz compares technologically to modern alternatives.
- The assessment of the Seitz's suitability depends heavily on the type and scale of productions planned.
Gear in this thread
Parts
Same gear or parts
- 2026Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice
- 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2025History of wireless focus and lens control systems for Steadicam®: from cable-based Cinema Products and Seitz to Preston digital, and European solutions by Chrosziel, cmotion, and ARRI.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2025LC-1 (Lens Control-1) follow focus system: wired architecture, motors, and early operational experience (1990s).FacebookThe Steadicam Group