SteadiHub
2011Follow Focus forum

Reducing noise from follow focus motor systems on camera rigs

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

What the thread found

  • A motor that produces a purring sound while engaged may be clamped too tightly against the lens gear, causing it to work harder than necessary.
  • Clicking or dragging noises from a follow focus motor typically indicate the motor is slipping on the lens gear.
  • Single-point camera mounting on small cameras can cause the camera body to twist under high-torque motor forces, leading to increased noise and vibration.
  • Upgrading to a substantial bracket or cage system with multiple bracing points can reduce unwanted vibration and noise compared to basic mounting solutions.
  • Some follow focus motors are inherently louder than others as a design trade-off for increased power and speed.
  • Loose rods or brackets can produce vibrations that may be mistaken for motor noise.
  • Reducing motor torque to the minimum level needed for the specific lens can potentially decrease noise output.
  • Purring noise from a motor that occurs even when spinning freely without contact to lens gears suggests the sound is inherent to the motor design itself.

Depends on

  • The discussion involves stills cameras with autofocus lenses rather than film cameras, which may have different mounting characteristics.
  • No definitive solution was provided for reducing inherent motor noise in this specific model.
  • The comparison to other motor models is based on anecdotal experience rather than systematic testing.
  • It remains unclear whether motor lubrication is a viable noise-reduction approach.

Parts

Follow Focus

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