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Follow Focus

589 threads in the archive

Based on 600 threads · 99 cited

AI draft, not reviewedDraft, written by AI from the archive, every statement linked to its source — not yet reviewed.

Mount the motor on 15mm rods off a rigid plate, because flex in the mounting hardware is the most common cause of accuracy problems 2594. Power it from the sled or a battery-plate P-tap, not the camera's accessory ports, and check the receiver's voltage range first 343536.

The questions 10

Where can I get my follow focus or motor repaired or find replacement gears?25 threads · latest 2022

In short

Heden units go to Sweden, the only service location as of 2017 1. For older Preston units, PLC Electronic Solutions does the repairs 2, and Heden gearings are largely gone, so you source them elsewhere 3.

How the pros do it

  1. Send Heden units to Sweden, which was the only service location in 2017, though licensed US stations were in the works 1. Full service covers the M26-T, M21VE, M21VE-L, M26VE and Carat 1.
  2. Don't count on the M26P or M28VP, because the M26P is end-of-life with only case-by-case repairs 1. The M28VP and early HLC units are no longer supported by the manufacturer 1.
  3. Take older Preston FIZ II and MDR2 units to PLC Electronic Solutions 2. They stock parts, have radio testing, and were much cheaper than Preston's own pricing 2.
  4. For an M-One motor, a repair technician fixed internal mechanical failures such as broken screws for around $250 in 2016 4. A dead encoder is another story, because it is integrated and means a whole new motor assembly 5.
  5. For Heden gears, the 0.8 pitch ring is custom ordered and pricey, so try the manufacturer directly or other suppliers 6. Heden no longer makes replacement gearings, and third-party iris and focus gear makers may fit with minor modifications 3.
  6. If you just need lens gears, a working set is three 32 pitch 0.8 gears, one 48 pitch, three 0.5 and three 0.6 7. Zip-tie gears are a cheap low-profile option that you can reposition in 10-15 seconds 8.
Caution

Opening a unit yourself is a risk, because the Stanton manufacturer recommended against it 11. A connector that fully disconnects can damage the circuit board connections and require soldering 11.

Opinions differ here

Some operators say to send the unit to the manufacturer rather than open it yourself 1011. Others fixed a dead Preston HU3 screen by opening it and reseating a loose ribbon cable without contacting support 12.

What changed

Earlier, in 2015, the Swedish manufacturer offered fast turnaround on M28VP servicing 9, today, as of 2017, the M28VP is no longer supported by the manufacturer 1.

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Which motors work with my follow focus system, like Heden with Preston?24 threads · latest 2019

In short

Heden digital motors like the 26VE and 21VE work with Preston HU1 and MDR1 systems 13. Preston needs digital encoder motors, so analog potentiometer motors are out 13.

How the pros do it

  1. Preston systems need digital motors with encoders, not analog motors with potentiometers 13.
  2. On Preston MDR1, Heden, Scorpio and Hocus Focus HFM-1 motors with 7-pin digital connectors work 14. The Heden M26P and M28-VP analog P-series do not work with Preston 13.
  3. Tilta motors have a Lemo 1B 7-pin that looks right but uses different pinouts and won't run on Preston 13. Heden M26PT and M28VPT also have 7 pins but are analog 13.
  4. On analog Bartech, Loon Video's M-One analog motor works 15. The Heden M26T is a zoom motor and does not function with Bartech 15. CForce motors with 4-pin connectors use a proprietary serial protocol and won't run on standard 7-pin digital drivers 16.
  5. On Digital Bartech, the Heden M21VE-L is described as fast and reliable 17. The Digital Receiver works with Betz BTM motors and the M-One Digital is recommended 18. It does not work with Heden M28VP motors 18.
  6. A Heden M26VE on a Bartech unit can fail to initialize if the supply can't deliver enough current, so test with another power source 19. On Preston, a 24V booster runs motors at roughly twice the speed of 12V operation 20.
Caution

The standard Seitz amplifier lacks the power to drive CP SLD 100 motors, and its output driver will fail if you try 24.

Opinions differ here

One test found M26VE motors lagging on fast racks with an MDR3 while the Preston DM1X showed no delay 22. Another view is that Hedén offers good torque for its size and that Preston's torque edge is rarely a limit in practice 23.

What changed

Earlier, in 2007, the Hedén M26VE was described as working with Preston without modification 21, today, as of 2014, older M26VE units need firmware updates to work well with the MDR3 22.

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How do I mount a follow focus motor or receiver on my rig?24 threads · latest 2016

In short

Put 15mm rods on a rigid plate and hang the motor off them, then bolt the receiver to a bracket that matches your plate's hole spacing 2526. Skip Velcro for professional work if you can 26.

How the pros do it

  1. Mount the rods on an XCS plate instead of straight on the dovetail, because it is more rigid and fits Masters sled dovetails 25. Or put a universal baseplate between dovetail and camera, so you can swap between Steadicam® and other supports without recalibrating the motor 27.
  2. Check your hole spacing before you buy a bracket: PRO plates are about 49mm, Glidecam plates 52mm, and Arri-compatible brackets use 60mm and 100mm rod spacing 26. If nothing lines up, add a plate extension and drill your own holes 26.
  3. Place the motor so its gear meets the lens at the top, bottom or side 28. Set the bracket so the tightening lever pushes the motor toward the lens, not away from it 29.
  4. Stop slippage with a 15mm bridge clamp between the motor rod and a second rod 28. A dogbone with independent screws on both ends also helps 28. Line up the cutouts on 19-15mm adapters with the motor rod clamp cutouts 28.
  5. For receivers on a Tiffen rig, Element Technica makes V-lock plates for Preston MDR receivers 30. On an MK-V J Box, use the pre-tapped side holes with a V3 focus mount 31.
  6. Check bottom-mounted 15mm rods on a wide lens, because they can show in frame if they stick out past the camera body 32.
Caution

Velcro on a Tiffen rig depends on cable support for safety during operation 30. Velcro is also less reliable than fixed brackets for professional focus work 26.

What changed

Earlier, in 2004, operators clipped Preston drivers onto camera-mounted dovetail brackets 33, today (2011) they commonly put rods on a separate universal baseplate between dovetail and camera 27.

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How do I power my wireless follow focus from the rig or camera?23 threads · latest 2016

In short

Power it from the sled or a battery-plate P-tap, not the camera's accessory ports, which are often current-limited 3435. Check the receiver's voltage range first, because 12V versus 24V matters 3637.

How the pros do it

  1. A BFD receiver ran from a dedicated 12V Lemo on a sled, sharing one circuit with monitor and level 38. The Glidecam Gold 2-pin accessory connector draws straight from the battery and can supply 3 amps or more, and it keeps the 3-pin camera port free 39.
  2. On a Red One, run the BFD from a P-tap on the battery cradle with a dedicated P-tap to BFD cable 34. An Anton Bauer mount with a P-tap can power a Bartech with the right cable 40.
  3. A Bartech digital receiver takes 10 to 30 volts, but an analog one tops out at 17 volts and 24 volts will damage it 36. A Preston MDR-1 is rated 10.5 to 30 volts and an MDR-2 10 to 48 volts 41. Meter the cable with a multimeter, because a Cinelive sled may default to 12V while an MDR-1 needs 24V 3736.
  4. On a Steadicam® Flyer, run P-tap cables and splitters off the battery paddle 42. Some 12V accessories can be damaged by the 16 volts from professional batteries 42. If the Flyer also feeds the camera, switch on the follow focus receiver before the camera so the startup surge doesn't shut the camera down 43. You can also power the camera from handgrip batteries to avoid voltage drop 43.
  5. The Hirose 1.8A on a Sony F5/55 can trip its fuse when the lens hits stops, so parallel two 1.8A circuits or use a D-Tap adapter 44. The 4-pin Hirose on the back of some cameras blows fuses with multiple accessories 45.
  6. Add up the follow focus plus every other accessory so you don't overload it 40.
Caution

Reverse polarity on a D-tap can make a receiver smoke and die, and D-taps can be forced in backwards 47. A Bartech analog receiver will be damaged by 24 volts 36.

Opinions differ here

Some reported success powering follow focus from the RED P-tap, while others had consistent problems 35. On the DSR-450, a D-Tap powered a transmitter and one motor in one test, but nobody verified two motors 45. Whether an F900 D-tap has enough capacity for a Preston MDR2 stayed unsettled 46.

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Why is my follow focus motor twitching, spinning out of control, or noisy?21 threads · latest 2014

In short

Twitching usually comes from RF interference, weak power or a worn potentiometer 484950. Runaway spinning usually points to a bad cable, connector or slipped potentiometer gear 5152, and noise to potentiometer wear, a too-tight clamp or a new M1 535455.

How the pros do it

  1. Swap the motor cable first and move the motor to a different channel on the control unit 51. A partly pushed-in cable or connector can send the motor to full speed 51.
  2. Check for pushed-in Lemo pins if the knob goes dead while the handset still works 49. Tapping the motor or reseating the cable can bring it back temporarily 49.
  3. For twitching, change the wireless channel and keep motor cables away from other cables 48. Sound stages make RF worse because signals bounce off the walls 48. Also check the receiver antenna and get the manufacturer's receiver software update 48.
  4. Check your power. An undersized AC supply can make a motor twitch, most noticeably with a right-angle motor cable, and a battery cures it 49. A status light changing colour instead of staying steady green points to insufficient power 56.
  5. If the motor runs away under load on the lens but works fine off it, test whether the potentiometer shaft turns when the output gear turns 52. If it doesn't, the potentiometer gear has slipped 52. If it chatters at the calibration knob extremes, move the knobs slightly off the end stops to check for a worn potentiometer 56.
  6. For noise, a purr can mean the motor is clamped too tight on the lens gear, and clicking or dragging means it is slipping 54. Check for loose rods or brackets, and cut torque to the minimum the lens needs 54. A new M1 is loud at first, especially on light lenses, and quiets down as the gears wear in 55.
Caution

Plugging a 4-pin Hirose power connector into the motor port instead of the proper FOX analog motor cables can cause complete motor failure 53. Grease inside an FMG.6 motor can damage it beyond repair 59.

Opinions differ here

Operators differ on a slipped potentiometer gear 5257. One source says the friction-fit gear cannot be tightened and has to be replaced 52. Another says tightening it may fix the immediate problem, though the potentiometer may need replacing later 57. A third reports that tightening the friction clutch on an FMG.6 restored tracking and stopped the drift 58.

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Why am I losing wireless follow focus signal or getting interference?18 threads · latest 2017

In short

Most of the time it's RF from other wireless gear near your receiver, or a hardware or firmware fault that looks like interference 4860. Rule out the battery, antenna and software first, then sort out channels and placement 614862.

How the pros do it

  1. Rule out the battery first, because low voltage makes a BFD motor oscillate in a way that gets mistaken for interference 61. Voltage up to 18 volts is not the cause of twitching 48.
  2. Move your video transmitter away from the follow focus receiver, since a 900 MHz sender close to a BFD receiver can overload it and kill reception 63. If you run a BFD, a 2.4 or 2.5 GHz video system is the recommended pairing 63.
  3. Change channels and check what's around you 48. On Preston gear the HU-3 shows which channels are in use nearby, and with several systems on one set you pair them on odd and even channels 6462.
  4. Keep the Modulus away from the BFD, keep the tape tubes above the mattebox, and use Modulus channels 30 or higher 65. Check the receiver antenna for damaged threads and isolate the motor cables from other cables, because they can act as antennas 48.
  5. In a nasty RF location, hardwire it 66. The direct-connect cable powers down the RF receiver as soon as it's plugged in 66.
  6. If it keeps happening, suspect the unit itself: outdated firmware, a faulty MDR2 transceiver board and a bad radio module have each caused dropouts that looked like interference 626067.

Opinions differ here

Operators don't agree on how bad the interference is 6166. Some report BFD motors stuttering near sound department wireless mics, while others ran BFDs next to several wireless mics and transmitters with no trouble 61. Times Square reports were the same: some had problems and others had reliable operation in the same spot 66.

What changed

Earlier, in 2007, the advice was to move video to 2.4 or 2.5 GHz to stay clear of a 900 MHz BFD 63, today, as of 2014, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz gear can still bleed into each other, so you keep a Bolt and a Heden receiver far apart on the rig 68.

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Which wireless follow focus is better: Preston, Bartech, Tilta, or something else?17 threads · latest 2016

In short

The sources name no single winner, but Preston and Bartech are the proven choices 6970. Tilta was still unproven in 2015 70.

How the pros do it

  1. Ask your focus puller first, because buying decisions should follow the preferences of the people who will use the gear 71. Preston has broader industry acceptance and mixes with other operators' gear on set 71.
  2. Preston commands higher daily rental rates than Bartech 69, and a follow focus pays for itself in roughly 100 working days at standard rates 69.
  3. Bartech Digital gives you automatic calibration and 16-bit resolution 72. It runs Heden motors as well as Preston motors 73.
  4. Skip Tilta for now. In 2015 group buyers had no confirmed shipping dates 70, operators doubted the touchscreen's durability 70, and in 2014 Tilta still used proprietary wiring for its digital motors 74.
  5. Test what the system does on power loss, and check handset ergonomics and weight distribution 70. Some designs drive the focus motor to minimum focus distance when power drops 70.
  6. Other options from the sources: the Arri WCU-4 offers lens mapping and reads Cinetape without a converter box 75. Axis1 offers automatic lens torque detection 72. Cmotion Cvolution offers an LCD with depth of field info and RFID lens database readers 71.
Caution

One Aladin report says internal circuit problems could damage camera power supplies 76. Older lenses can draw enough power through an Arri WCU-3 to blow RED camera fuses 77.

Opinions differ here

Operators split on wireless reliability for some brands 7671. Some reported wireless robustness issues with Cmotion while another reported zero issues 71. On the Aladin, some reported dropouts and slow motor response while others called it smooth and reliable 76.

What changed

Earlier, in 2007, some assistants were skeptical of Bartech and preferred Preston 69, today, as of 2015, Bartech digital units are described as reliable with a good reputation among users 70.

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Can I pull focus myself on a Steadicam® without a focus puller?11 threads · latest 2026

In short

Yes, if you put a zoom and focus control on the gimbal handle and plan the shot around it 78. Without motorised focus, you stop down and use wide lenses instead 79.

How the pros do it

  1. Settle the exact lens and camera before the day, and get the matching lens cable with the control 78. The control is generic, but the cable is not 78.
  2. Mount a zoom rocker with a focus wheel underneath it on the same handle, so you can work both without letting go 78. A small focus handwheel beats a grip trigger, which is bulky and shifts the balance point 80.
  3. Pair analog focus motors with a controller like the G-zoom, because digital motors cannot take an external hand controller 81. Check the motor torque against your lens: PDMovie and SmallRig run about 0.5 Nm and struggle with some lenses, the Tilta Nano at D-Tap about 1 Nm, and the Tilta Nucleus-M about 2.5 Nm, enough for most lenses 80.
  4. On a small camera, a LANC adapter lets a simple zoom rocker drive the camera and start or stop it from the rig 78.
  5. With no motors, stop down to f5.6 to f8 and use wide lenses 79. On full-frame DSLRs the sources go to F8 or F11 82. You can also preset hyperfocal distance and block the talent inside that range 83.
  6. Plan the shot knowing you are limited: what you can frame and focus single-handed is less than what an operator plus a focus puller can do 78.
Caution

A grip-mounted controller can collide with the top stage depending on your rig configuration 80.

What changed

Earlier, in 2005, working solo without a focus assistant was seen as a break from professional standards 84, today, in 2026, operators on live and broadcast work are regularly expected to handle focus and zoom themselves 78.

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What affordable follow focus should I buy, and should I own or rent?13 threads · latest 2016

In short

Buy a Bartech BFD with an M-One motor as your budget unit 85, and own at least a basic wireless system as backup 86. Many productions now supply one, so the case for owning depends on the work you do 87.

How the pros do it

  1. Start with the Bartech BFD and a Palomar M1 motor, which ran around $4500 in 2006 fully assembled with cables and backups 88. The digital BFD can grow to two channels with a separate transmitter and receiver 89, but you calibrate it manually 85.
  2. If the BFD doesn't fit, RT Motion is reported to perform like higher-priced units 89. Single-channel C-Motion is cheaper but can't be expanded 89. Hocus Focus Axis 1 was priced close to digital Bartech in 2013 but had little long-term data 90.
  3. Buy for reliability, not economy 90. ACs prefer standard, recognized systems over uncommon brands 90, and budget wireless units can lack the torque and durability for cinema lenses 91.
  4. Carry redundant cables for every link: sled-to-focus power, motor and camera control 88.
  5. Own if you work live TV, because failures can't be fixed during broadcast 87. Own if you day-play, because you arrive after setup and may not know the production's gear 87. If you mostly meet production-supplied gear, a single-channel backup may be enough 87.
  6. Rent instead of buying an unfamiliar budget brand 90. If you own, rental income can pay the unit off in 35-50 rental days 92.
Caution

Camera-hacking focus solutions like the Viewfactor HDSLR controller may void the camera warranty and stress the camera's internal motors in unintended ways 93.

Opinions differ here

One side says production-supplied systems reduce the need for you to own one 87. The other says a personal wireless focus system is essential backup that has often saved jobs, even though productions rarely reimburse it 86.

What changed

Earlier, in 2011, Steadicam® operators were typically expected to bring their own wireless focus unit 92, while today, as of 2016, many productions include one in the camera package rental 87.

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Why are my focus marks off or my calibration drifting?13 threads · latest 2015

In short

Flex in the motor mounting hardware is the most common cause of accuracy problems 94. Low torque, gear backlash, inconsistent calibration and power or mode changes can also throw marks off 959697.

How the pros do it

  1. Stiffen the mount first 94. Rigid mounting with thicker rods gives better results than thin rods 94. Flexing matte box rods can shift the motor position 95.
  2. Raise the motor torque 98. Play in a follow focus system can be reduced by increasing the torque setting 98. Insufficient torque on the BDR unit is a possible cause of misaligned marks 95.
  3. Calibrate the same way every time 96. Calibrate from the infinity mark to the closest focus mark, not to the physical end stops, and engage the motor with the lens near mid-travel 96. Initial calibration accuracy sets later recall accuracy, especially at infinity 94.
  4. Check the lens by hand 99. Turning the focus ring manually can reveal lens binding that you won't notice with the motor on 99. Calibrate each lens individually, even within the same focal length and brand 94.
  5. Watch power and mode changes 97. On the DVX-100, calibration can shift after battery changes, playback mode, zoom changes or camera setting changes, so recheck your marks before each take 97. Return the lens to infinity before powering down or switching modes 97.
  6. Don't chase a reversal delay 95. The Bartech M-One has a deliberate software delay when you change direction, and marks should realign once it passes 95. If the cause is gear backlash in the transmitter, the unit has to go to the manufacturer 95.
Ask a follow-up

Sources 99

  1. 1Service availability for Heden follow focus devices in the United StatesFollow Focus forum · 2017
  2. 2Repair options for discontinued Preston FIZ II and MDR2 follow focus unitsFollow Focus forum · 2016
  3. 3Finding replacement focus gearing for Heden M26p follow focus wheelsFollow Focus forum · 2007
  4. 4Repair options for M-One follow focus motorFollow Focus forum · 2016
  5. 5Repair options and technical challenges for Digital M-One follow focus motorsFollow Focus forum · 2015
  6. 6Sourcing replacement 0.8 pitch gear rings for Heden focus motor follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2014
  7. 7Selecting a complete set of lens drive gears for follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2008
  8. 8Affordable zip-tie based lens gears for follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2011
All 99 sources
  1. 9Service and maintenance options for Heden Motors M28VP follow focus unitsFollow Focus forum · 2015
  2. 10Loose potentiometer on Heden 26P follow focus motorFollow Focus forum · 2004
  3. 11Repairing a loose main cable connector on the Stanton Zoom Focus follow focus unitFollow Focus forum · 2008
  4. 12Preston HU3 follow focus screen not powering onFollow Focus forum · 2014
  5. 13Compatibility between Heden motors and Preston follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2014
  6. 14Compatible motors for Preston UHF follow focus system with MDR1 receiverFollow Focus forum · 2014
  7. 15Availability of analog motors compatible with BarTech follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2015
  8. 16Compatibility between analog Bartech follow focus handsets and digital motor systemsFollow Focus forum · 2018
  9. 17Digital motor options for use with Digital Bartech follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2016
  10. 18BarTech Digital Receiver compatibility with motors and existing follow focus equipmentFollow Focus forum · 2010
  11. 19Bartech wireless follow focus controller not powering Heden M26VE motor properlySteadi-Newbies forum · 2012
  12. 20Preston follow focus system compatibility with digital motors and 24V booster functionalityFollow Focus forum · 2015
  13. 21Compatibility and performance of Hedén M26VE motors with Preston follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2007
  14. 22Compatibility and performance issues between Preston MDR3 follow focus and Heden M26VE motorsFollow Focus forum · 2014Disputed
  15. 23Comparison of Hedén motors versus Preston motors for follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2019
  16. 24Compatibility of CP SLD 100 motors with Seitz follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2004
  17. 25Mounting a BFD M1 follow focus motor to a Masters sledFollow Focus forum · 2009
  18. 26Mounting motor driver receivers to camera support systems with incompatible hole spacingBrackets/Widgets forum · 2007Disputed
  19. 27Mounting options for wireless follow focus systems on Steadicam® rigsFollow Focus forum · 2011
  20. 28Preventing focus motor slippage on 15mm follow focus rodsFollow Focus forum · 2016
  21. 29Mounting instability issues with BFD and M-One follow focus motors on 15mm rod systemsFollow Focus forum · 2010
  22. 30Methods for mounting follow focus receivers and control heads to Tiffen steadicam rigsFollow Focus forum · 2011
  23. 31Mounting an MDR2 follow focus unit to an MK-V J BoxFollow Focus forum · 2011
  24. 32Motor mounting options and rod configurations for Red Epic camerasBrackets/Widgets forum · 2012
  25. 33Preston motorized follow focus mounting options for camera-based attachment instead of rig-based mountingFollow Focus forum · 2004
  26. 34Powering a BFD follow focus receiver from a Red One cameraFollow Focus forum · 2009
  27. 35Powering Preston follow focus equipment with the RED cameraFollow Focus forum · 2008Disputed
  28. 36Powering a Bartech wireless follow focus receiver from an Archer II stabilizer's 3-pin Lemo connectorSteadi-Newbies forum · 2012
  29. 37Preston MDR-1 follow focus not receiving power from Cinelive sledFollow Focus forum · 2014
  30. 38Powering a BFD wireless follow focus receiver from a camera sledFollow Focus forum · 2008
  31. 39Powering BFD wireless follow focus receivers from GLIDECAM GOLD stabilizer 12V outputsFollow Focus forum · 2004
  32. 40Powering wireless follow focus units on stabilized camera rigsSteadi-Newbies forum · 2010Disputed
  33. 41Powering Preston follow focus systems with 12-volt camera rigsFollow Focus forum · 2006
  34. 42Powering multiple wireless and follow-focus accessories from a Steadicam® Flyer batteryOperating forum · 2011
  35. 43Powering and mounting wireless follow focus on a RED camera flying a Steadicam® FlyerFollow Focus forum · 2012
  36. 44Powering BFD follow focus receiver from Sony F5/55 Hirose connectorFollow Focus forum · 2014Disputed
  37. 45Powering follow focus motors and wireless receivers from video camera battery connectorsFollow Focus forum · 2007Disputed
  38. 46Powering Preston follow focus receivers from camera D-tap connections on Sony F900 camerasFollow Focus forum · 2009Disputed
  39. 47D-tap connector polarity damage to Bartech follow focus receiver and motor mounting issuesFollow Focus forum · 2013
  40. 48Random focus motor twitches in Bartech BFD follow focus systemFollow Focus forum · 2006
  41. 49BFD follow focus motor intermittent connection issues and troubleshootingFollow Focus forum · 2009
  42. 50Bartech wireless follow focus motor experiencing random twitching and vibration issuesFollow Focus forum · 2013
  43. 51Preston wireless follow focus motor runaway after extended useFollow Focus forum · 2011
  44. 52Motor spinning uncontrollably on lens under load despite working in isolationFollow Focus forum · 2004
  45. 53Troubleshooting noise and failure modes in Heden M28VP follow focus motorsFollow Focus forum · 2009
  46. 54Reducing noise from follow focus motor systems on camera rigsFollow Focus forum · 2011
  47. 55M1 follow focus motor producing excessive noise and grinding sounds on initial useFollow Focus forum · 2009
  48. 56Follow Focus system experiencing chattering motor behaviorFollow Focus forum · 2009
  49. 57Motor twitching and erratic behavior when using Master Prime lenses with follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2008
  50. 58Diagnosing and servicing FMG.6 follow focus motors with calibration drift issuesFollow Focus forum · 2011
  51. 59Fixing chattering FMG.6 follow focus motorFollow Focus forum · 2012
  52. 60Bartech wireless follow focus system experiencing signal loss and motor twitching in high-interference urban environmentsFollow Focus forum · 2012
  53. 61Wireless interference between BFD follow focus motors and 900MHz video senders or wireless microphonesFollow Focus forum · 2004Disputed
  54. 62Preston FIZ III wireless communication dropouts between HU3 handset and MDR2 motor control unitFollow Focus forum · 2012
  55. 63Frequency selection for wireless video transmission when using a BFD wireless follow focus systemVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2007
  56. 64MDR wireless follow focus units experience interference when operating multiple units close together or near other wireless equipment on incompatible channelsFollow Focus forum · 2008
  57. 65Bartech follow focus receiver antenna orientation and RF signal interference on Steadicam®Follow Focus forum · 2006
  58. 66RF interference affecting wireless follow focus systems in Times Square, NYCFollow Focus forum · 2006Disputed
  59. 67Bartech digital follow focus losing signal connection intermittentlyFollow Focus forum · 2014
  60. 68Compatibility of Teradek Bolt wireless video transmission with Heden Carat Bluetooth focus control systemsVideo Assist and Video Accessories forum · 2014
  61. 69Professional perception and practical considerations when choosing between Bartech and Preston follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2007
  62. 70Evaluation of TILTA wireless follow focus system and alternatives in professional cinemaFollow Focus forum · 2015
  63. 71Comparing Preston FIZ and Cmotion Cvolution wireless follow focus systems for purchase decisionFollow Focus forum · 2012
  64. 72Comparison of wireless follow focus systems: Bartech Analogue, RTmotion MK3, Bartech Digital, and Axis1Follow Focus forum · 2013
  65. 73Comparison of wireless follow focus systems: VariZoom, BarTech, Hocus Focus, and PrestonFollow Focus forum · 2010
  66. 74Wireless follow focus systems evaluation and comparison, particularly Ikan and Tilta models from 2014Follow Focus forum · 2014
  67. 75Comparison between Preston HU3/MDR series and Arri WCU-4/UMC4 follow focus systems for cinema productionFollow Focus forum · 2014Disputed
  68. 76Comparison of wireless follow focus systems: Aladin, Preston, Bartech, and Scorpio for cinematographyFollow Focus forum · 2004Disputed
  69. 77Comparison of wireless follow focus systems: CVolution versus ARRI WRSFollow Focus forum · 2011
  70. 78Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice forum · 2026
  71. 79Solo steadicam operation for documentary production and capability to manage focus while operatingGeneral Discussion forum · 2014
  72. 80Follow focus motor choice and control ergonomics for Steadicam® focus pulling: small handwheel versus grip trigger, and motor torque requirements.Facebook · Steadicam operators group · 2023
  73. 81Follow focus systems for self-operated manual focus pulling on steadicam rigsFollow Focus forum · 2016
  74. 82Challenges of maintaining focus while operating a Steadicam® gimbal with DSLRs at wide apertures for live event filmingFollow Focus forum · 2010
  75. 83Achieving acceptable focus depth when operating Steadicam® with interchangeable lens cameras on tight single-day shootsFollow Focus forum · 2011
  76. 84Manual focus control options for Steadicam® operationFollow Focus forum · 2005
  77. 85Comparison of wireless follow focus devices for budget under 10,000 dollarsFollow Focus forum · 2010
  78. 86Ownership versus rental of wireless follow focus systems and video transmission equipment for Steadicam® operatorsSteadi-Newbies forum · 2016
  79. 87Whether Steadicam® operators need to own their own wireless follow focus systems in modern production environmentsFollow Focus forum · 2016
  80. 88Selecting and assembling a follow focus system for independent film productionFollow Focus forum · 2006
  81. 89Affordable wireless follow focus systems as alternatives to high-end unitsFollow Focus forum · 2014
  82. 90Selecting a follow focus system for a beginner cinematographerFollow Focus forum · 2013
  83. 91Essential equipment to purchase versus rent when starting a Steadicam® operator careerFollow Focus forum · 2010
  84. 92Wireless follow focus equipment ownership and rental for steadicam operatorsGeneral Discussion forum · 2011
  85. 93Affordable wireless follow focus options for DSLR cameras and jibsFollow Focus forum · 2011
  86. 94Commissioning and calibration accuracy expectations for follow focus systemsFollow Focus forum · 2008
  87. 95Focus marking misalignment on Digital Bartech follow focus system during direction reversalFollow Focus forum · 2011
  88. 96Calibrating follow focus systems for repeatable lens markings across multiple lensesFollow Focus forum · 2005Disputed
  89. 97Motorized follow focus calibration issues on Panasonic DVX-100 cameraFollow Focus forum · 2004
  90. 98Resolving focus tracking inaccuracy in Bartech wireless follow focus systemFollow Focus forum · 2015
  91. 99Follow focus motor gear disengagement at specific lens focus distancesFollow Focus forum · 2005

What operators found

Still argued about

  1. 2022Selecting a used Steadicam® rig under 20 lb capacity for RED Komodo with larger lenses and follow focus.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  2. 2021Rigging a RED Komodo on Steadicam®: weight distribution, arm setup, and rig choice for a compact, lightweight camera.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  3. 2016Performance and reliability of DJI Follow Focus system compared to alternatives in the 2000-2500 EUR price rangeFollow Focus

Often in the same threads

Top Stage27, Base Plate22, Zephyr47, HU339, MDR65, Low Mode35, Artemis16, BFD110, FI+Z25, Dovetail Plate18, Master Series14, Modulus17

All threads

  1. 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  2. 2026Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice
  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
  5. 2023Follow focus motor choice and control ergonomics for Steadicam® focus pulling: small handwheel versus grip trigger, and motor torque requirements.FacebookSteadicam operators group
  6. 2022Choosing an affordable, robust training camera for Steadicam® beginners with M-2 sled and Transvideo 8-inch monitor.FacebookThe Steadicam Group
  7. 2022Selecting a used Steadicam® rig under 20 lb capacity for RED Komodo with larger lenses and follow focus.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  8. 2022Finding a service provider for Preston HU3 follow focus refurbishingFollow Focus
  9. 2021Rigging a RED Komodo on Steadicam®: weight distribution, arm setup, and rig choice for a compact, lightweight camera.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  10. 2021Mounting a low mode monitor on Arri Artemis top stageCamera Stage/Donkey Box
  11. 2019Operating a Sony Venice camera on a Zephyr stabilizer rigSteadi-Newbies
  12. 2019Comparison of Hedén motors versus Preston motors for follow focus systemsFollow Focus
  13. 2019Choosing between upgrading to a Steadicam Pilot Sled or using a DJI Ronin gimbal mounted on an existing Steadicam armSteadi-Newbies
  14. 2018Comparison of Aero 30 and Zephyr steadicam rigs for lightweight camera packagesGeneral Discussion
  15. 2018Wireless follow focus system reliability and performance issuesFollow Focus
  16. 2018Choosing a beginner steadicam rig setup with budget constraintsSteadi-Newbies
  17. 2018Priority purchases for a beginning Steadicam operator who rents equipmentSteadi-Newbies
  18. 2018Anton Bauer XT and Titon G90 battery specifications and practical performanceBatteries/Power
  19. 2018Compatibility between analog Bartech follow focus handsets and digital motor systemsFollow Focus
  20. 2018Power requirements and limitations for Alexa LF and Alexa SXT cinema cameras with accessoriesCameras (Film/Video/HD)
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