SteadiHub
2010Follow Focus forum

Preston HU3 follow focus lens mapping compatibility issues

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

What the thread found

  • The Arriflex Master Zoom cannot be properly mapped to a Preston HU3 because it features non-linear focus characteristics
  • RED Pro Prime lenses from 18mm to 100mm are incompatible with HU3 mapping
  • A lens can be identified as non-linear during calibration when the six reference marks are accurate but intermediate focus positions are incorrect
  • Some RED Prime lenses can be partially calibrated by adjusting the close focus starting point, though this requires manual adjustment of subsequent marks
  • Panavision G series anamorphic prime lenses up to 100mm require custom marked rings rather than the standard pre-marked HU3 rings
  • Panavision E series 135mm and 180mm anamorphic lenses work correctly with standard pre-marked HU3 rings

Depends on

  • The workaround for RED Primes involves guessing the final calibration mark and may not achieve perfect accuracy at distances closer than the adjusted close focus point
  • This discussion is specific to Preston HU3 follow focus systems
  • No explanation was provided for why specific lens designs cause non-linear focus behavior
  • The status of Preston's investigation into RED Prime compatibility was unresolved at the time of discussion

Gear in this thread

HU3

Parts

Follow Focus

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