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2009Follow Focus forum

M1 follow focus motor producing excessive noise and grinding sounds on initial use

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

What the thread found

  • Excessive noise from an M1 motor when first used, especially on lighter lenses, is normal behavior rather than a malfunction.
  • The M1 uses a brass worm gear meshing with a steel drive gear, and noise levels decrease as the gears wear in through regular use over time.
  • A step-down converter cable can be obtained to reduce power delivery to the M1, which lowers motor speed and noise output, but this increases the electrical load on the driver system.
  • Most focus systems lack sufficient power capacity to reliably operate an M1 with a step-down converter installed.

Depends on

  • The claim about step-down converter cables was presented as incomplete information with uncertainty about compatibility and field performance.
  • Advice was based on anecdotal experience with the M1 motor rather than manufacturer specifications.
  • The suggestion to simply wait for break-in was not universally confirmed as the sole solution.

Parts

Follow Focus

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