Pixiq

Follow focus is a method for controlling the focus of a lens so that the focus stays on a moving subject. There are a few devices in the marketplace that will attach to your camera that are made specifically for this purpose. You can buy whatever you like, but I like to find my own solutions.

The idea of shelling out my good money for something I may use only once in awhile, is something I am not eager to do. Especially if it is for a task that should be very simple to solve. Sometimes it seems you just have to bite the bullet. Unless of course you can find a simple, hopefully free or nearly free solution. For me, it is even better if that same solution can be used for more than one purpose.

A few months back, after a consuming a grande coffee at Starbucks, I had an idea to look for a device to help remove camera filters. I knew there might be a very inexpensive way to dislodge stuck filters from a camera lens and realized the solution might be at one of those dollar stores. There, I found what I was looking for in a wild looking rubber thingy that was originally designed to remove difficult jar lids and bottle tops. I figured that if it could remove a stuck lid from a jelly jar, it just might remove a filter. The grip was such that it created an even force around the filter. It worked so well; I posted an article on this site. I have since found several other ways to make use of this unusual gizmo! One of the more interesting is using one as a follow focus arm on my camera lenses. 

The best thing about these strange looking gadgets is that they only cost a buck each to purchase at a dollar store. The oblong shape allows it to adapt to most lenses. It slips easily into place around the focusing ring. The soft gear like teeth allow it to firmly grip the lens while the other end serves as a handle. The extension of which allows for a very smooth transition from one focus point to another. The whole thing is as easy to remove, as it is to slip on. In addition, it fits easily in your pocket or camera bag and the soft rubber will not scratch your lens barrel.

I have found that you can also use it to create smooth zoom transitions during those digital video shoots. In which case, you would mount it onto the zoom ring.

You might want to buy two. One for the focus collar and one for the zoom ring. The ones I have seen come in a variety of funky colors. The product name is Grip Tite and normally sells for around $5.00 US online.

Personally, I think it looks kind of cool on my camera! It might be an interesting icebreaker on the street or at your local coffee joint or pub.

 

Article and all photographs © John Neel

 

Shown in photo is an Olympus EP1 with a 14 - 42 mm lens. The image was shot using a Tamron 17 - 50 mm mounted to a Pentax K7. 

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