2004Follow Focus forum
M-One lens drive motor performance with follow focus systems
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The M-One motor is compact and vertically oriented, fitting into tight spaces where larger motors struggle.
- The motor delivers strong pulling power and fast response across a range of lens types and resistance levels.
- The motor successfully operates stiff lenses, including older models, that present difficulty for other drive systems.
- Quick-release gears require no tools and can be swapped instantaneously.
- The potentiometer is positioned directly behind the gear to ensure accuracy but prevents mounting the gear on either side of the motor.
- A five-pin Lemo connector is used, consistent with most analog motors and can be rotated to clear obstructions.
- The motor is significantly heavier than comparable models, approximately 1.5 times the weight of alternative options.
- When vibration and double-mark problems occur during operation, potentiometer failure or power supply inadequacy are possible causes.
- Lens barrel stiffness in cold conditions can exceed the motor's capability, though competing products showed similar limitations under extreme cold.
- The motor package includes all necessary components for immediate setup without additional purchases required.
Depends on
- The design prevents gear mounting on both sides of the motor due to potentiometer placement, though the sliding bracket mitigates this limitation.
- Extreme cold weather can prevent the motor from turning very stiff lenses, though this appears to be a limitation of the technology generally rather than a specific weakness.
- Weight considerations may make it unsuitable as a primary choice for applications where lens stiffness is not a concern.
- Heavy anamorphic lenses with front-mounted supports require careful rigging consideration and potential custom machining solutions.
- Potentiometer-related issues have been reported, though causation between mechanical impact and failure was disputed in one instance.
- Service availability and response time depend on manufacturer contact and repair arrangements.
Gear in this thread
Parts
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