Premium Members Charles Papert Posted January 1, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 I have two colleagues outside of the Steadicam world who have tried the Viewfactor setup and found it unreliable. They have both moved their allegiances to Preston. There's plenty of anecdotal stories like this. I can't claim my own experience, just passing that on. There are a lot of manufacturers trying to crack the low-budget remote focus nut and finding it harder than they expected. Remember that no matter how fancy or sexy the interface or feature set, the bottom line is; how effectively does it achieve the goal of 1:1 lens pulling (i.e. replicating the experience of a direct mechanical follow focus)? Interference, repeatability, precision, speed of motors, strength of motor, lag, the feel of the knob--these are what really count to the focus puller. After that, ease of operation and certain bells and whistles can make their life easier--the lens mapping feature of the Preston HU3 is something that has taken a while to settle in with a lot of AC's but it's undoubtedly an advantage (every lens "feels" the same, helping with muscle-memory). My vote in your situation would be to bite the bullet and get the Bartech with digital receiver; good bang for the buck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Willert Posted January 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 I have two colleagues outside of the Steadicam world who have tried the Viewfactor setup and found it unreliable. They have both moved their allegiances to Preston. There's plenty of anecdotal stories like this. I can't claim my own experience, just passing that on. Hey Charles! Thanks for passing it on! much appreciated. This kind of information is very valuable, especially when you have no chance of testing the gear yourself first. With the little I understand of things, I think you summed the issue up best. For inexperienced people it seems strange, how such "straight forward" technology such as a transmitter/receiver/motor can pose such a challenge, but the challenge is in the detail, as you said, I imagine it a bit like the difference between a mac and a PC. A mac somehow, even nowadays with the same ingredients as a PC achieves more efficiency, more reliability and more value over time. Why? cause everything harmonizes, software to hardware to usability to design (By the way, Im not a Mac fan, and dont own one, just making observations). So yea, it does certainly make it very clear which route I have to take. Bartech and if one day deemed necessary for prestige, awesome features and comfort? or because of ever more demanding assistants? hehe, a preston/cmotion setup... or if your other predictions come true, one of those techy touch/mouse/mind sync devices... One day you will look like a universal soldier on set... Alright, oh, re motors, any preference? Pedro mentioned coupling the Bartech with a heden. I read somewhere on the forum about someone having an incompatibility issue with the new bartech digi rcvr and a heden? Thnx again, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jens Piotrowski SOC Posted January 2, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 2, 2011 I have two colleagues outside of the Steadicam world who have tried the Viewfactor setup and found it unreliable. They have both moved their allegiances to Preston. There's plenty of anecdotal stories like this. I can't claim my own experience, just passing that on. Hey Charles! Thanks for passing it on! much appreciated. This kind of information is very valuable, especially when you have no chance of testing the gear yourself first. With the little I understand of things, I think you summed the issue up best. For inexperienced people it seems strange, how such "straight forward" technology such as a transmitter/receiver/motor can pose such a challenge, but the challenge is in the detail, as you said, I imagine it a bit like the difference between a mac and a PC. A mac somehow, even nowadays with the same ingredients as a PC achieves more efficiency, more reliability and more value over time. Why? cause everything harmonizes, software to hardware to usability to design (By the way, Im not a Mac fan, and dont own one, just making observations). So yea, it does certainly make it very clear which route I have to take. Bartech and if one day deemed necessary for prestige, awesome features and comfort? or because of ever more demanding assistants? hehe, a preston/cmotion setup... or if your other predictions come true, one of those techy touch/mouse/mind sync devices... One day you will look like a universal soldier on set... Alright, oh, re motors, any preference? Pedro mentioned coupling the Bartech with a heden. I read somewhere on the forum about someone having an incompatibility issue with the new bartech digi rcvr and a heden? Thnx again, David analog bartech receiver uses analog Heden or M1 motors, digital bartech receiver uses digital HEDEN M26VE/M21VE or Preston DM motors....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Willert Posted January 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2011 (edited) analog bartech receiver uses analog Heden or M1 motors, digital bartech receiver uses digital HEDEN M26VE/M21VE or Preston DM motors....... Hi Jens! Thnx for the specifics! cheers, David Edited January 2, 2011 by David Willert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jess Haas SOC Posted January 2, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 2, 2011 I believe there is also a digital M1 motor which would be lots of peoples first choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Peter Hoare Posted January 3, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Hi James and David, Thanks a lot for mentioning the HoFo and the HoFoPro. You are right, the HoFoPro and its new motor wil turn any lens out there, its incredibly strong and fast yet still only uses two moving parts in its drive train, so it is quiet and very reliable. Our system is also Preston compatible, so if you want to use Preston or Heden digital motors in place of ours, we will be selling a setup that does not include a motor, so the user can use our system with whatever motor they choose (we will also be selling our motor separately for people to use with Preston or Cmotion systems etc). Our new system brings other features to the table over the original Hocus Focus, such as auto end stop calibration, camera run/stop and programmable soft stops on the transmitter plus many other features that we have not announced yet. More info on the new system can be seen here, http://www.hocusproducts.com/hofopro.php This page includes a few videos, one of which shows our new drive motor being made. James, you are welcome to come and pay me a visit any time to try the system. We will have a stand at BVE in London in February, where we will have Pro and original HoFo systems on display for anyone to come and look at, and I will be at NAB in April to show the new system off as well. Thanks a lot, Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Willert Posted January 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Hey Pete! Thnx for the reply. You are based in London? have you got a hofopro unit already at your offices there, thats ready to be tested? cause Im in London Thurs/Fri 13th/14th of Jan. Maybe I can come by and check it out, would be great. Also are you able to give an indication of when to expect the pro on the market? Alright, thnx Pete, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Thomas English Posted January 3, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 (edited) What is interesting. For the UK market; Americans, I would be interested in comment. When I started out I HAD to have my own FF. Just because of the lower budget jobs. The bigger jobs... They ALWAYS have a preston, LCS or C-Motion on the list anyway. It is just there! In the camera truck as standard. To be honest. It is to the point where recently I borrowed a preston and offered production the deal. Bartech is with my kit but if you want a preston (with 2 chanels) it is an extra £140 quid (I.E. 100 included + 140 = 240) . NOT ONCE have I managed to get it onto a job. It is either the Bartech is fine or the Preston is already coming from the facilities house. One day I will buy a FIZ-3 ... but it won't be for any reasons I could explain to a rational business-man. Get a Bartech with whatever analogue motor you can buy second hand. You'll be grateful if your starting out and doing shitty 5d and 7d stuff where the lenses don't have end stops because on the analogue bartech you dial those end stops in yourself. The HoFo is apparently good. Viewfactor... no idea. Edited January 3, 2011 by thomas-english Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Willert Posted January 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Get a Bartech with whatever analogue motor you can buy second hand. You'll be grateful if your starting out and doing shitty 5d and 7d stuff where the lenses don't have end stops because on the analogue bartech you dial those end stops in yourself. Hey Thomas, thnx for your input. Well, you think a used analogue motor makes sense? I guess you can always upgrade. With the new digi receiver, the thing is i cant just buy that, i have to buy the analogue on, and additionally the digital. So maybe it will actually be sufficient for me for now, an analogue setup. Yea, you are right, if you dont rock up with your own ff unit on some of those shoots you mentioned, you will most likely have to do without, every cent counts :). Any input on a video transmitter, from your experience? cheers, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members JimBartell Posted January 3, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 Hi David, We are now selling the BFD transmitter as a separate item. They are $1380 each. So you can buy a BFD transmitter only and a BDR digital receiver by themselves. Best regards, Jim Bartell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members JobScholtze Posted January 3, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 3, 2011 I would think twice before getting just a new on the market follow focus unit. I try'd that once, never again. Now, the bartech, i cant say enough what a real workhorse that is. Its an investment you wont regret, not once. i too live in europe, and its amazing how fast i get a response from jim and taking care of me. Not that i needed him for a faulty unit, becose it just wont break, but i needed a powercable for it. Got my email returned to me within 4 hours with a freaking tracking number. I have 3 units, used them daily on my 2 steadicams, never had a problem at all. I also do a lot of concerts and stuff, where its impossible for the focuspuller to be with me. He sits behind the stage and pulls fom there. its amazing how far the unit keeps working, in fact, within that wireless crazynes ( is that a word? ) it was the only unit working. Cmotion, even a preston didnt work on that distance. I know, its all about whats in the air, but every freaking time the bartech wins on those events. Go for the brand that is well know for many years with a good reputation. My 2 cents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Willert Posted January 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 (edited) Hey Jim, thats great news! I will be in touch within the month. Oh, and from which state are you shipping, do they have VAT there, or how does it work when you send units overseas? Job, thanks a lot for another good insight! I have seen the light or should I say "I can see clearly now..." (pun intended)? Cheers guys, stay sharp! (i just cant stop :) ) David Edited January 4, 2011 by David Willert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members JimBartell Posted January 4, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 4, 2011 Hey Jim, thats great news! I will be in touch within the month. Oh, and from which state are you shipping, do they have VAT there, or how does it work when you send units overseas? Job, thanks a lot for another good insight! I have seen the light or should I say "I can see clearly now..." (pun intended)? Cheers guys, stay sharp! (i just cant stop :) ) David I ship from California and I only have to charge sales tax on sales within that state. Most other countries charge taxes at customs during importation. How much they charge varies. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Peter Hoare Posted January 5, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 Hey Pete! Thnx for the reply. You are based in London? have you got a hofopro unit already at your offices there, thats ready to be tested? cause Im in London Thurs/Fri 13th/14th of Jan. Maybe I can come by and check it out, would be great. Also are you able to give an indication of when to expect the pro on the market? Alright, thnx Pete, David Hi David, Yes we are based just outside London, near High Wycombe and Maidenhead. We are currently building a run of HoFoPro units, and expect to have these ready to show people by the end of January. We will also have a stand at BVE, so you can see the system there if you're attending. Once there we have HoFoPros ready to go, I can let you know and you are welcome to come and have a look and I can demo it to you and you can see what you think. We expect to be taking orders by BVE, and delivering units by NAB. Thanks, Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members William Demeritt Posted January 5, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 Out of curiosity, and sort of related, do you find that low budget productions often try to talk down the rental rate, but then a day later call and ask "by the way, does your kit come with a follow focus?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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