2009Follow Focus forum
Preston focus control equipment availability, wait times, and motor specifications
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Preston had minimal or no wait times for new orders as of 2009, including motors, MDRs, and HU-3 units.
- The DM-1X motor is an updated version of the DM-1 with a slimmer profile and greater power output, priced around 3250 dollars compared to approximately 2885 dollars for the DM-1 or DM-2.
- The DM-1X calibrates faster than the DM-2 motor.
- Some lenses that did not feel particularly tight could not be turned by the DM-1X even after initial calibration, requiring the manufacturer to increase torque specifications.
- Right-angle connectors for MDR-2 cables reduce cable clutter and organization challenges compared to straight connectors, though having some straight connectors available is practical for tight spaces.
- Color-coded strain reliefs on cables, while useful for organization, can make cable routing more difficult than simple heat shrink alternatives.
- LED lens diffusers on the HU-3 focus ring can fall out during regular use.
- A system ordered in August arrived within a few days.
Depends on
- Pricing information was not verified by the person asking and was based on quotes rather than confirmed list prices.
- The DM-1X experience was limited to one production with specific lens requirements (Angenieux 12:1) and one operator's personal system.
- The motor performance issues and subsequent torque adjustments were specific to one unit and may not represent general product behavior.
- Cable connector preferences depend on individual kit configuration and specific working conditions.
Gear in this thread
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