Fotga DP3000 (M1) follow focus - Hands-on | PLUS: Modification of the gear box (!)
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
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CAMERA: Still shooting on a "good old" Panasonic GH2.
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LENS: SpeedBooster (C/Y to MFT) + Yashica ML 50mm F1.7
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Thanks for doing this review. My fotga follow focus came a few days ago, and I could not figure out where the squeak was coming from. Helped immensely
Thanks for this great review. I have one question, do you know the difference between FOTGA DP500IIS III & DP3000 M4? Thank you again....
Great review, I really appreciate all the details.
+sean conley THX! Good to hear that the details are helpful ^^.
Hi
I need to know two diameters.
Those inside the wheel.
1- Location of the screw.
2- diameter of the notched axis
Thanks
Sorry - But I don´t have the unit anymore.
(Actually I use my good - super old - Lanparte ^^.)
Fotga seems to have 2 lines of products: high end DP500 & more inexpensive DP3000. On their site they do not mention the DP3000 range at all! Any idea what's the difference between this & the Dp500 as the price is double
Well - The rig parts are normaly all out of metal (at least the parts I know of). But the DP500 variations are coming with metal knobs (which are more stable / rugged) - And the DP3000 are coming with plastic knobs (which are breaking more easily). Beside the knob difference with the rig parts the follow focus units are for example completely out of plastic (the DP3000 ones). Could be nice if you want to save weight - BUT they are overall quality wise at least one class below the DP500 follow focus units (as those are better adjustable - drag and "play" wise - AND they also offer way more features - At least the newest DP500 III and also ther other II and IIS variations).
thanks. i am getting the dp500 as follow focus, but for matte box i am opting for the dp3000. let's wait & see what turns up
About the mattebox you can also check out the Filmcity MB-600 (which is also available in different types and with different names). I bought it in a rig kit (and sold the rest). I think I even got it for free (as from time to time there are auctions starting at a very low price for whole rig kits). ^^
I am still using it (with slight modifications).
Quite ok at it´s low price point (and not too bulky).
PLUS: It´s height-adjustable (according the rod-height).
its a bit more expensive than the fotga one, and does not swing open
With my setup(s) the missing swing open mechanism is not that of a problem -> As I use primes primarily which are quite small and short from scratch on. And with a 501PL or 504PL QR plate system you can move back the camera to change the lenses. At least then it´s not needed (the swing open mechanism). To be honest, the bigger swing open models are a little bit too big and heavy for my taste. ^^
Is it possible to completely separate the rails mounting portion from the gear box support by unscrewing the tightening nut ? I'd like to try a different rail mount. Thanks.
Sure. But if you just want a quick release system instead of a standard-clamp, then go for the DP3000 M3 version (this one and the A/B stock M4 version is coming with a quick release system). Have a nice day. LG
Thanks for the quick reply. As an option, I plan on mounting it using a single rail bracket so that it tilts up at an angle with the focus knob facing upwards and I can reach it from a top handle of my cage.
Here's a mock-up image of the configuration if anyone is curious:
www.friendlyspider.com/fotga_vertical_mount.jpg
Hmm. Keep in mind, that a single rail attachement is always WAY less stable (thats the point why there are not that much single rail follow focus units on the market). It should work though - But keep in mind that you maybe need to press it a little bit against the lens (as otherwise the leverage force is kicking in and you twist the follow focus away). So make the connection as stable as possible ^^. Btw.: You could also try to search for a used Edelkrone FocusOne instead. There you can change the knob direction to any position you like (also upwards). I also saw them go quite cheap already in the past (on Ebay for example) ...
I was looking at the Edelkrone for that very reason, but I didn't like 3 things: the price, looked kinda heavy and the gear was a bit large. I actually plan on ordering my Fotga with the lowest tooth count gear so I can have the greatest sensitivity with my stills lenses. (or I'll get the inexpensive gear package) I also figure I'd probably have the same stability problem with the Edelkrone and at least with the Fotga, I can use it either way. I'm also ordering my first Cine lens - a Rokinon 24mm T1.5 because its cheaper than the equivalent speed Nikon prime. Now if Nikon will just come out with a Sony busting mirrorless ! Yeah, right.
Hi, i don't understand all words.
I have same follow focus, which mondification did u make? Silicon?
Morgan maugeri I only opened up the gearbox and added grease. You can also use silicon based grease - Yes.
I only did it, because it squeaked inside and it´s nicer to use with grease inside - Though that´s not fixing the play in the gearbox. ^^
(It also helps mit modern glass / modern lenses, as they are normaly not greased / dampened well - So a greased follow focus is a good "workaround" for such lenses.)
Thanks! I use a much more expensive follow focus with a metal gearbox and the play on it is terrible! There should not be play on these things!!
Yes. It´s a mess - At least they should give you the option with EVERY model, to adjust it yourself (with a short printed manual and an allen wrench for example already included).
Wouldn´t be THAT of a problem (costs wise) and they could continue to produce with the low quality control (aka the low production costs) they have now ^^. You can be even unlucky with more expensive ones - Yes. Lanparte FF-01 / FF-02 or the TILTA models for example - But with these models they also use at least better designs (which you can adjust by yourself, if you try around a little bit ^^).
Vielleicht solltest Du Deine Videos doch wieder auf deutsch machen ^^
lmao he never even put it on a camera
Well - All follow focus units work the same - The big differences are in the details of the units itself - Not in how good a lens looks together with it (or how well it looks in combo with a whole rigged up system ^^). Btw.: If you search for a better ff unit at a good price point, try to find a used Lanparte FF-01 or FF-02. They have WAY better gear boxes (with gears out of metal) and if you get an 100% play free unit, they are nearly indestructable (I still use my good old FF-02 - And that since years). The Fotga units are ok - But more of a "every buck counts" solution ^^. Btw.: If you have backlash or "play" in the connection to your lenses with ANY follow focus - check the lenses and the ruggedness of your camera connection. Especially lenses often have such issues (not the follow focus units itself). Have fun shooting ^^. LG