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
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
- 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