FreshDV Reviews the Cinevate Durus Follow Focus
Published by Matthew Jeppsen January 19th, 2010 in Featured Content, FreshDV, Hardware, News, Reviews
Way back in the fall of 2007, FreshDV kicked off a follow focus review series. Our aim was to take a look at the popular units for 35mm adapter and film camera rigs, and to establish a baseline standard for performance testing.
Since then, we’ve added to the series with several new and updated units. To date, we’ve tested and reviewed ten follow focus systems and also created a short instructional video series on the role of a First Assistant Cameraman & Focus Puller.
Today’s new addition to that review list is the Cinevate Durus follow focus, an interesting single-arm design that features one of the most solid gearboxes we’ve tested to date. You can see how the Durus performs in our monster video review playlist here.
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Matt, thanks for posting this review. Just a few points to clarify things you’d mentioned in the review.
1. We do have a larger focus ring coming (4.5″ ID) that is designed for very large lenses including glass like Bill Frake’s rare f2 300mm lenses, 600mm f4 glass etc. These larger gears would also fit onto cameras like the EX1 to allow pulling focus in manual mode. We also have a long lens support introduced for our Proteus DSLR rigs to properly support the big glass.
2. The Durus focus lever you demonstrated now has name. We’re calling it the “Durus Focus Gear Lever” and have it up in our catalog. It’s identical to what you showed, however the bare aluminum is now anodized black. The other parts are all brass to ensure things still good after shoots near/in salt water or other corrosive environments.
Cheers,
Dennis Wood
We have rented many brands of FF, and really love this one, so we bought it. When they say zero lash they mean it. Plastic brands really do affect the quality of motion, this is buttery smooth. It’s also very small and fits easily into out lens case.
Robert, you are a kind fellow indeed as I’ve seen your comments regarding the Durus unit in a few places now. Human nature dictates that complaints get great press, whereas if folks are happy they tend to be less vocal about it. We really appreciate all comments on our gear. The constructive critiques result in product changes and the positive comments provide great motivation for the team.
As promised, our larger focus gears have just arrived. Pics to follow.
Cheers,
Dennis