Comments on: FreshDV Reviews Five Follow Focus Systems

By: Matthew Jeppsen

Matthew Jeppsen — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:27:08 +0000

This is very true, Jason. However, at the time this review was shot we tested the latest model of the IndiFocus, as provided directly from the manufacturer. We have not personally seen the latest model, so will have to take your word on it. Indeed, the word on various forums is that the design has improved over the model we tested. Which of course I am pleased to hear. Many thanks for the heads up.

-Matt Jeppsen

By: jason.adams

jason.adams — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:24:05 +0000

The Indifocus reviewed on here is not the newest one. I have an Indi and the new stuff is cool.

By: Matthew Jeppsen

Matthew Jeppsen — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:40:50 +0000

You are correct, it is NOTHING like the IndiFocus whip. My 18″ Redrock whip bends smoothly in all directions, but has ZERO “give” when you twist it. So it is just as effective as using the Follow Focus with your hand directly on the unit. Like you, I hope that Redrock updates the whips in the future with the addition of an accessory port on the handle. We’ve mentioned this to them, and they are generally quite open to input. Keep your fingers crossed. :-)

I’m not aware of where you would purchase a port. But I suppose it would be possible to glue or attach on to the whip. Sure would look ghetto, but might work.

I’m pretty happy with my 18″ model, but you’d need something shorter to work in Bob Sanchez’s style. The 3″ model would be best for that. I like that I can pull from the camera shooter position with the 18″ if I have to (we can’t always afford a 1st AC now, can we…). But frankly, RR’s whip combo pack is so affordable, you might just get the whole batch.

-Matt

By: Adam

Adam — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:39:01 +0000

Thanks Matt and Kendal. So it is not like the Indiefocus whip at all, where you need to load it first, because I think it is not regid enough?
It’s really a pity it has no accessory port, specially after watching your great video on focus pulling and seeing Bob Sanchez tips with the use of a crank I really miss an accessory port. I think they may have done it that way to keep costs down and it sure worked. You can almost buy their whole bundle with 3 whips for the price you would pay for an Arri or Chrosziel. In any case do you guys know if it’s possible to buy a port somewhere? If so it may be worth it to buy it and to a DIY install on the RR whip.
By the way, if you could only get one of them, which one would you get? I’m thinking the 12″ but there are people who swears by the 3″ one. I think the 18″ is probably the least useful. Thanks again guys!

By: Matthew Jeppsen

Matthew Jeppsen — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 07:04:30 +0000

I second Kendal’s comments, the Redrock whip is a great performer (even though it lacks an accessory port in the handle). I use the long one all the time and couldn’t be more pleased with how it works. I’m surprised at all the FUD that seems to get out about products for no apparent reason…

-Matt Jeppsen

By: Kendal Miller

Kendal Miller — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:33:03 +0000

Not at all I have used the RR whips on a number of different jobs and have ZERO complaints at all, it is almost identical to the cinetch the only difference is there is no accessory port in the end of the whip handle. Actually not sure why we didn’t use it I honestly can’t remember.

By: Adam

Adam — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:12:45 +0000

I wonder why you guys didn’t use the Redrock whip in the review of the Micro FF? I heard their whip is pretty poor, just a notch up from the horrible indiefocus one, but definitely leaves a lot to be desired in comparison to the Cinetech, Chrosziel or Arri. Do you agree?

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:15:59 +0000

Really well done. Great presentation. Thanks so much for the clear info.

By: Matthew Jeppsen

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 05:28:49 +0000

In my opinion, the Redrock really delivers the best bang for buck. Kendal and I both have one, and use them all the time. Given an unlimited budget, I would personally lean towards the Chrosziel as an upgrade. It’s slightly smoother and a bit sexier. Does it work better? I would say only “marginally better”. The upgrade is really in the design and operation of the unit, the simplicity of mounting and unmounting, etc. To sum up, as far as image quality goes, the Redrock is not hindering ME. So it makes the upgrade a bit harder to justify. Hope that helps.

-Matt Jeppsen

By: gpcreative

gpcreative — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:27:47 +0000

So after watching all the reviews, my question to you guys is, which one did you like the most?

By: Tong-Len

Tong-Len — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:17:37 +0000

extremly helpful and well made reviews !

really enjoyed watching them all the way through…

thanks,
silvio

By: Matthew Jeppsen

Matthew Jeppsen — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:06:21 +0000

Thanks for the clarification, E.J.! I agree, it is a very well designed ff unit. Seems to be built rock solid.

-Matt Jeppsen

By: E.J.

E.J. — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 03:49:12 +0000

The Petroff you reviewed is the MFF-02, which is the ‘economy’ version. The MFF-01 is the same unit with a traditional marking disc. I love the simplicity of this unit.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 05:52:25 +0000

Great review Matt (and Kendal)! That is some extremely helpful information you have packed in those videos. I have been looking for a follow focus system and now feel much more comfortable making a decision thanks to all of your hard work. Much appreciated!

By: FreshDV Film School: The Art of Pulling Focus (Part 2) at FreshDV

FreshDV Film School: The Art of Pulling Focus (Part 2) at FreshDV — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:22:48 +0000

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By: FreshDV Film School: The Art of Pulling Focus (Part 1) at FreshDV

FreshDV Film School: The Art of Pulling Focus (Part 1) at FreshDV — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:21:29 +0000

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By: FreshDV Film School: The Art of Pulling Focus (Part 3) at FreshDV

FreshDV Film School: The Art of Pulling Focus (Part 3) at FreshDV — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:18:44 +0000

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