20Aug Fotga DP500II Dampened Follow Focus A/B hard stop
Reader Zygimantis writes in and shares a link to the Fotga DP500II Follow Focus which is an updated version of the DP500. Like the DP500 it sports the marking disc, two adjustable hard stops, and reversible gear. The new DP500II (version 2) sports an improved gearbox with which they say has very minimal baclash, and an adjustment button for different levels of tension. [Thanks Zygimantis]
You can find more images and information about the Fotga DP500II Following the link via eBay (Click Here).
Fotga DP500II Follow Focus A/B Hard Stops
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August 20th, 2012 at 10:44 am
Looks good
August 20th, 2012 at 11:16 am
I love my gini follow focus but the lack of hard stops is tough to over come. On a few shoots I found myself pushing or pulling to far.
August 20th, 2012 at 11:45 am
Interested to hear more feedback on this. Very little in the form of reviews online.
August 20th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
I’ve actually been planning a follow focus system for a while now, and thought this might be a good reason to start doing so. I have a cowboy studio shoulder “rig”. I’ll need the rods, and the follow focus system. Anyone with recommendation?
August 20th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
jeez… these cheapies are starting to look better and better!
August 20th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
I have the original DP500 and i was impressed with the quality. It’s rock solid, It also has a very little play between internal gears, but it’s not a problem for me, because it does the job well. Only problem I encounter on focus pulling is lack of hard stops on mine FF and it also doesn’t have a reversible gear. It cost me arround 110 bucks.
Now DP500 V2 has a reversible gear witch is very good for side switching on dslr rig (you can mount it facing left or right side), wich could be useful if mounting two FF on rig. And it also can help in situations like those when you try to mount very short lenses on your camera. So it’s really a good improvement.
Moreover version2 comes in two options: one with had stops and the other without. But my advice would be take the one with hard stops, because you will find situations where you need those badly. And its price is 155 bucks on ebay.
So if you are looking for first follow focus, you can choose the DP500 v2 and never regret buying it, cuz it has everything you need, its quality is impressive and really comparable with more expensive ones as zacuto and etc. And of course the price talks for itself:)
August 20th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
I’ve only used a FF from Cowboy studios and it was pretty bad. My concerns are somewhat the same for this product. How much play is there on the main knob vs the gearing? I assume this “play” is due to poor machining tolerances.
Also, I do not like the adjustable flexible gear-belts as the loose end can jamb into something while you turn. Yes I know getting a variety of gears which fit is a pain too.
August 20th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
I just got mine, and I’m quite impressed. A bit more play in the gearbox than a Cinevate Durus or an Arri FF4, but worlds better than the original RedRock Micro or any of the several other Chinese FFs I’ve played with. Very sturdy construction. I just hope the adjustable dampening stands up to lots of use! In short, I’d say it is, in my experience, the best follow focus under $1,000.
August 20th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Recently purchased a Follow focus V2, a brandless hard-stops follow focus. Wasn’t astonished by the product but for the 140$ I threw in it. The Fotga kinda looks like it… but actually better. I kinda like Fotga products for their value. You still got a very good built for a more than decent price, I would say the next option a bit more expensive would be Lanparte.
But be careful, Fotga products are not problems free. I purchased a quick release baseplate with Rod system even being pretty well built, I broke several nails trying to remove the baseplate which is obviously not working as it should.
I would say, worth giving a try, will probably work really well but still won’t be some Edelkrone.
Cheers!
August 20th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Anyone used one of these AND an iFocus from Gini? Thought?
August 20th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
would love to see a video review for this!
August 21st, 2012 at 3:08 am
there are some videos, but only for old version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3upqTR-mJak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZYt5JMl5JY
http://cheesycam.com/first-look-fotga-follow-focus/
August 21st, 2012 at 3:50 am
Hello,
May I ask a noob question? I’d like to setup my own rig but don’t need it to be too elaborate. I’m guessing just a setup that is able to mount on my shoulder AND tripod, has follow focus, and a hand grip. Am I right to say that I only need the following?
1. Cowboy shoulder rig AND tripod
2. Follow focus as reviewed here
3. 15mm rod support system (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DP500-DSLR-rail-15mm-rod-support-system-f-mattebox-5D-2-/200636971232?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&
)
4. Hand grip (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DP500-DSLR-rig-hand-grip-support-follow-focus-5d-II-/180705214477
)
Are those the only things I need? Mind my noob-ness… :$
August 21st, 2012 at 3:25 pm
@Noob You would also need a shoulder mount, check one of Emm’s most recent posts, and a counter balance weight on the back.
I was also looking into building one myself, and just buying the parts separately. I ended up buying this Opteka rig, because it seemed to come out to about the same price if not a little cheaper. I’ve been fairly pleased with it so far.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Opteka-CXS-300-SLR-Camera-Camcorder-Video-Shoulder-Stabilizer-Support-System-Rig-/370624984968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564af87788#ht_3592wt_1417
August 21st, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@Noob You did not link the Cowboy Studio shoulder rig. If its the one that Google picks up as (http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Support-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0036NMQ7S
) that is a whole different animal. One comment which concerns me about many of the less expensive rigs is where the handles attach. If they are trying to use 1 tightening knob against a round bar, I am sure this will be a weak point. Your holding force on the handles will probably over time make this connection loose and unable to be tightened.
August 22nd, 2012 at 8:35 am
Hello!
@Steve V, actually yes, I’m using the same Cowboy Studio shoulder support that you posted. I was hoping that I can attach a 15mm rod support system, a follow focus, and a hand grip on it. Possible? Else, I might just have to spend on Josh’s recommendation…
August 22nd, 2012 at 9:28 am
@Euwing , I’d recommend using Express35 for rails and such for the Cowboy Studio.The have Rig-X kits design for the cowboy. As Emm can testify, you get a great Bang for the buck with Express35
August 22nd, 2012 at 9:30 am
Noob ~ I have setup a Cowboy Studio shoulder rig using P&C new Gearbox. The GB-2 comes with the cage and a set of 15mm rails and mount which will let you add accessories like you mentioned:
http://bit.ly/Q7oLSv
This is high quality, flexible gear at a great price.
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:24 am
@Noob
Check out this video about attaching 15mm rails to the cowboy rig.
http://vimeo.com/18679627
It’s a bit lengthy, but certainly informative.
August 23rd, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Couldn’t pass up on this FF. Hoping for the best.
August 24th, 2012 at 9:26 am
Would this be a lot better than the RJ follow focus? I just sold my RJ, looking to upgrade… am thinking between this and more expensive stuff by Shoot35 or Genus!
August 24th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
I took the plunge… also hoping for the best… might try and do a video review since there are none out there for the DP500II
August 25th, 2012 at 11:07 am
I just picked this up in an ebay auction for $113.50! For that price it’s definitely worth a roll of the dice.
August 26th, 2012 at 8:25 am
Also took the plunge, looks like really good stuff. I got the quick release version with hard stops for 165$. It’s my first FF so I’m hoping for the best! Thx Emm!
September 3rd, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Just received mine in the mail. Quick shipping and packaged well. Very impressed with the build quality and operation. Well worth the price. Only used it for some initial test, so happy it will last a while. Very happy.
September 5th, 2012 at 10:30 am
Received mine yesterday, very very happy with construction quality and features.
September 6th, 2012 at 1:11 am
Any play/backlash in the gearbox? How are the hard stops working? Is it worth getting one? I’ve heard some people having problems with the first version.
September 7th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Mine came in the mail today, exactly 2 weeks after I ordered it (im in NY). Keep in mind that this is my first follow focus, so take what i say with a grain of salt… but i couldnt be happier… solid construction and no noticeable backlash to me (again, im a noob… so take that fwiw)
only complaint is that im not a fan of the lens gear that comes with it, but obviously i plan on buying additional lens gears for all my glass
I LOVE the hard stops, very easy to use… i really couldnt be happier… i dont think it can be beat for the price, hopefully it holds up over time
September 11th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
No backlash at all (or very very slight). Very good construction, sturdy, easy to install / ajust and hardstop is nicely designed. The only thing to keep in mind with hardstops is that it works only if your lens or camera keeps the focus values at an absolute position. Lets say there’s a lag when you pull the focus rapidly, the aboslute position that you want to focus (wich is marked by a hardstop) changes from one time to the other!! I have this issue with the kit lens on my NEX-5n for sure… But it works “okay” when reaching hardstops slowly. It would probably work perfectly with say, a 50mm nikkor lens at manual focus…
September 18th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Just ordered mine tonight! Can’t wait to use it!!!
September 19th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
Found a DP500II review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUfzCFrbRQE
September 20th, 2012 at 1:55 am
It’s actually a brilliant follow focus for the money
I reviewed it with the Samyang 35mm T1.5 in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvmEGDEv_s
September 21st, 2012 at 9:12 pm
I finally received my DP500II FF today. I chose the 174.99$ version with hard stops and the quick-release rod attachment. The quick-release is spring loaded and might come handy sometime. I thought it was worth the extra 20$.
I have to admit, the FF unit is REALLY well made. It feels rock solid! In all honesty, I can’t feel ANY backlash at all… maybe like 0.001″ to be safe? I’m blown away. The hard stops are well made and practical. The screws that are used for the hard stops are kinda small for my big fingers to fiddle around, but still. One thing to note is that the hard stops screws can be removed to use the follow focus for many turns, but it leaves two metal rings floating and rattling around the focus knob which might get anoying. Also, the focus gear can easily be moved from the front to the back of the gearbox, but both sides always turn the same way and aren’t reversible.
I think it’s a very nice follow focus and I’m happy to have gotten my hands on something that good for 165$ (I made a best offer on the original price).
September 25th, 2012 at 11:41 am
I have the Carry Speed Viewfinder. This attaches to the bottom of the camera. The nob has a hole in it to screw it onto a tripod or baseplate. Will this extra lift make it so the FF gear will be unable to attach to the lens?
September 25th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@Logan Zillmer – It doesn’t add much height to the camera, it should be fine.
January 14th, 2013 at 11:13 am
I have both the ifocus from Gini and also the DP500II from Fotga. I have to say I like the Fotga much better. Zero backlash, excellent build. I have the quick-release which I love. I also got the hard stops. I liked it so much that I bought another without hard stops to use as a zoom wheel. These are great, and after years trying several others, this is hands down the best FF for the money…maybe at any price. It’s a great unit. You won’t be disappointed.