A variety of follow focus, iris control and zoom control systems are available for PANAFLEX cameras and lenses.
The Standard Follow Focus unit
The Standard Follow Focus unit, which is supplied with the camera, has a single knob which can normally be operated from the left side of the camera only.
In addition, a follow focus handle, for fine control, and a follow focus extension cable, which may be used on its own or in combination with the handle, are provided to enable the focus assistant to stand a little way back from the camera.
The Standard Follow Focus unit may be operated from the right-hand side of the camera by using the follow focus extension.
It may also be operated by the camera operator’s left thumb.
The Modular Follow Focus unit is intended for use when a PANAFLEX camera is mounted on a tripod, dolly or crane and is an optional accessory which must be specially ordered as needed.
It has two large hand knobs which may be fitted to either or both sides of the camera. Adjustable limit stops make it possible to preset the near and far positions for fast focus pulls. Magnetically attached interchangeable focus disks mean that any number of discs may be marked up in advance to suit various lenses.
The knob on the viewfinder side of the unit may be replaced by a right angle knuckle and an extension knob so that the camera operator may adjust focus while he is looking through the viewfinder.
The knob on the motor side of the unit may be removed or may be replaced by an electric motor unit for remote control by cable or by radio.
Fitting and adjusting follow focus units
Both follow focus units are fitted to the camera by sliding them onto the short rod which protrudes from the camera body below the lens. After fitting, the unit must be pushed upwards to engage with the lens gearing until a spring loaded catch snaps it into position. This catch must be released every time the lens is changed. To release, pull out the flat topped knob at the bottom left hand corner of the left hand side of the camera.
The meshing of the follow focus gears may be adjusted by means of a small set screw situated near the follow focus unit attachment point.
If the lens is fitted with a range extender or a rear anamorphoser unit, either of which will move the lens meshing gears forward, it will be necessary to use the (supplied) spacing unit to make up the difference.
1. Standard follow focus control, 2. Adjusting standard follow focus gear meshing, 3. Follow focus with handle fitted, 4. Follow focus with extension handle fitted, 5. Using a thumb to adjust focus while hand-holding, 6. Changing follow focus lens calibration disks, 7. Modular follow focus system components, 8. Modular follow focus unit, 9. Modular horizontal slide type gear meshing adjustment, 10. Modular right-angle follow focus unit.