The iDC Follow-Focus (Patent Pending)
Most Follow-Focus rigs are overkill for use with a tidy little camera like the 5D MK II. The gear-driven versions I've tried are generally cumbersome and far too complex. And expensive!
Gears need to be purchased and installed and alignment is a time-consuming process. These over-sized and overly-complex focusing systems might look butch but they effectively waste the stealthy advantages of a compact capture device like the Canon 5D MK II…
When I see a problem like this, I’m compelled to find an elegant solution and I feel that I have.
Introducing the Follow-Focus by iDC!
This rod-less follow-focus assembly has been designed as a companion piece for our very successful iDC Viewfinder. Bolt them together and they form a unit we call the iDC Gun & Run Module. If you already have one of our iDC Viewfinders, installation is a quick two-screw operation.
Our Follow-Focus is also compatible with the latest generation U-Boat Commander baseplates. A new Quick Release Baseplate for the U-Boat Commander is now available and ideally suited for docking the iDC Gun & Run Module when external monitors or audio accessories are desired.
The iDC Follow-Focus requires either the iDC Viewfinder or the iDC U-Boat Commander for mounting – it is not a “stand-alone” unit.
Based upon the simple principles of a rubber-on-rubber friction drive, the iDC Follow-Focus is compact, easy to adjust, and – best of all - encourages instant lens changes when the mood strikes.
When combined with the iDC Viewfinder, the iDC Follow-Focus will work with the following Canon Lenses: 24mm f1.4 L, 35mm f1.4 L, 50mm f1.2 L, 85mm f1.2 L, 100mm f2.8 Macro, 135mm f2 L, 200mm f2.8 L, 16-35mm f2.8 L, 24-70mm f.28 IS L, and 24-105mm f4 IS L only.
When the Follow-Focus is mounted on an fixed U-Boat baseplate, the short primes aren't compatible due to interference caused by the close proximity of the U-Boat handles. The 16-35mm f2.8 L, 24-70mm f2.8 L, 24-105mm f4 L, 100mm f2.8 Macro, and the 135mm f2 L are fine but not the short primes. For the most versatilty, stick with the QR version of the U-Boat Commander and the dock the Gun & Run when you need a cage. A dedicated baseplate for non-"L" primes is being considered...
While most gear-driven follow-focus assemblies require an intermediate gear to allow intuitive operation, the iDC Follow-Focus just plain works. Twist the friction wheel counter-clockwise - away from the camera - to move the plane of focus towards infinity. Rotate the wheel clockwise - back towards the camera – to bring the plane of focus towards the camera. Operation is simple, quick, and intuitive! Witness marks are included for both the solo operator and those with the luxury of a camera assistant. Sweet! Watch the quick video introduction at the top of this post to learn more!
There's a longer-lens version coming too. The iDC Follow-Focus XL will accommodate all of the Canon 70-200mm zoom variants along with the very sharp 24-105mm f4 IS. No short lenses with this set-up – mid-range zooms only. As a special treat, the iDC Follow-Focus XL will include a second friction wheel for zoom control, too!
