Adapting remote follow focus systems to small prime lenses on Éclair ACL cameras

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2005Follow Focus forum

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

Small C-mount primes like Angenieux, Kinoptic, and Switar can theoretically be fitted with follow focus gears through aftermarket gear adapters, but the lens throw is minimal and limits practical usability
C-mount lenses can rotate within their mounts under pressure, which creates a risk when using mechanical follow focus systems
Aftermarket companies can add gearing to these lenses for approximately one hundred dollars per lens, but since the lenses themselves are often not worth much more than that price, the investment may not be justified
Original Éclair ACL cameras from the early 1970s lack power ports and accessory mounts, making integration of powered follow focus systems difficult without significant retrofitting
Retrofitting a complete motor-driven follow focus system typically costs more than the combined value of an older Éclair ACL camera and its original lenses, making the entire project economically questionable

The discussion concerns older film-era lenses and camera bodies; modern video lens connectors are not compatible with these systems
The actual optical quality of footage from these older camera and lens combinations was noted as inadequate for professional use
No consensus was reached on whether the follow focus adaptation project represents a worthwhile investment of time and money
Specific pricing and availability of aftermarket gear adapters are mentioned but not comprehensively documented