2013Follow Focus forum
Selecting a follow focus system for a beginner cinematographer
13 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A follow focus system should be chosen for reliability rather than economy, as the assistant camera depends on it functioning consistently during production.
- Bartech systems are recognized as durable, maintain resale value, and are widely accepted on professional sets.
- The Hocus Focus Axis 1 system was emerging as a competitive alternative with good early reviews and comparable pricing to digital Bartech units.
- Renting follow focus equipment on a project basis may be preferable to purchasing an unfamiliar or budget brand system.
- Assistant camera operators prefer working with standard, industry-recognized follow focus systems rather than uncommon brands.
Depends on
- The original poster's experience was limited to observing a Bartech system two years prior; no hands-on operator experience was mentioned.
- Reviews of the Redrock Micro system mentioned in the thread were described as mixed but no specific technical details were provided.
- The Axis 1 system was described as new at the time of discussion with limited long-term performance data available.
- Pricing information was not detailed beyond general cost comparisons.
Gear in this thread
Parts
Same gear or parts
- 2026Steadicam® A-30 lower arm segment stiffness and squeaking after warranty service; bearing ring contact hypothesis.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Reducing voltage drop in standard Steadicam® Zephyr cabling for high-power broadcast cameras.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026First stabilizer purchase: Steadicam® Elite (14 kg payload, integrated Volt 3) versus Rever Evo (higher payload) and used-market strategy.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
- 2026Removing a stuck aircraft pin from a used Steadicam® Zephyr arm connection block and reconfiguring to goofy modeFacebookSteadicam operators group