SteadiHub
2009Follow Focus forum

Using still photography lenses with follow focus systems on video cameras

17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • Still photography lenses lack the gear teeth that standard follow focus systems expect, instead featuring smooth focus grips that require workarounds.
  • Applying pressure with mismatched gears can achieve functional focus pulling on still lenses, though the connection may slip and lose calibration.
  • Adding a rubber band around the gear increases friction and can improve grip stability on still lenses.
  • Adhesive gear strips designed to add standard gearing to still lens focus barrels are available as a solution but require sourcing.
  • Wireless follow focus systems generally work better with geared still lenses than traditional wired systems, despite the compressed focus range.
  • Many still lenses have continuously rotating focus barrels with no mechanical end stops, which can complicate precise focus repeatability.
  • Over-torquing gears on still lenses and adapters risks mechanical damage since many 35mm adapter assemblies are not robustly constructed.

Depends on

  • Still lenses with electronic focus linkage rather than mechanical focus barrels offer poor repeatability regardless of follow focus method.
  • The adhesive gear strip solution is mentioned anecdotally without specific sourcing information provided.
  • No detailed specifications given for which gearing options work best with which still lens types.
  • Discussion does not address long-term reliability or calibration stability when using these workarounds.

Parts

Follow Focus

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