SteadiHub
2010Follow Focus forum

BVFF remote focus controller system for budget filmmaking

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

What the thread found

  • A wired remote focus control system was developed with a motor delivering 15 kg/cm torque and 240 degrees of gear rotation, powered by six AA batteries and offering four programmable focus positions.
  • The system was designed to work with cinema lenses and DSLR cameras with limited motor rotation ranges.
  • The motor operates with significant noise, which was identified as a limitation requiring future redesign.
  • The wired version was priced at approximately 700 US dollars, while a radio-controlled variant was planned for around 950 US dollars.
  • The system included features such as gear-limit calibration, speed adjustment, battery low-voltage indication, and manual operation capability.
  • Target users for this low-cost follow focus system included independent filmmakers, television operators, music video production, sports broadcasting, and educational institutions with limited budgets.

Depends on

  • The motor was notably large and produced excessive noise during operation.
  • The control cable length was limited to 5 meters, though it could be extended using standard XLR microphone cables.
  • Motor rotation was constrained to 240 degrees.
  • Development status as of 2010 indicated the radio-controlled version and low-noise motor redesign were still in progress or planned for future delivery.

Parts

Follow Focus

Same gear or parts

  1. 2026Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice
  2. 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  3. 2025LC-1 (Lens Control-1) follow focus system: wired architecture, motors, and early operational experience (1990s).FacebookThe Steadicam Group
  4. 2024Modifications to a Steadicam Scout rig for expanded power distribution and connectivityGeneral Discussion
Read the original threadAsk about this threadThe answer cites the archive