2004Follow Focus forum
Motorized follow focus calibration issues on Panasonic DVX-100 camera
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The DVX-100 has an infinite focus wheel that transmits focus digitally to the camera, which can cause recalibration problems during shooting when power states or camera modes change.
- Focus calibration can shift unexpectedly when changing batteries, switching to VCR playback mode, adjusting zoom, or modifying camera settings, requiring rechecking focus marks before each take.
- Syncing the physical focus ring position with the motor transmitter by setting both to infinity and re-engaging can resolve misalignment between lens and transmitter.
- The DVX-100 lens does not maintain consistent focus across the zoom range without manual compensation, a limitation of consumer-grade lens design that autofocus normally handles.
- The infinite nature of the focus ring makes it easy to exceed the actual lens focus travel range, potentially causing the electronic scale to expand beyond intended limits.
- Disabling the camera's automatic standby shutdown and always returning the lens to infinity before powering down or mode switching can improve calibration stability.
- Third-party focus ring attachments are available with different quality levels, including plastic geared versions and precision metal geared options with mechanical travel limiters.
Depends on
- The original poster used a dented focus wheel, which may have contributed to calibration problems.
- Not all experiences may apply equally to both DVX-100 and DVX-100A models, as some participants reported different behavior between versions.
- Whether focus position memory is lost during battery changes versus full power-down is unclear and may vary by camera unit.
- The Century Precision focus ring's mechanical travel limiter may restrict actual lens focus travel if not properly adjusted for each lens.
- One participant's positive experience with a Chroziel external focus system may not be directly comparable to motorized follow focus setups.
- The exact cause of the original poster's recurring calibration shifts was never conclusively determined.
Parts
Same gear or parts
- 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice
- 2025LC-1 (Lens Control-1) follow focus system: wired architecture, motors, and early operational experience (1990s).FacebookThe Steadicam Group
- 2024Modifications to a Steadicam Scout rig for expanded power distribution and connectivityGeneral Discussion