HDSLR Camera Video Capture: Simple Manual Focus-Assist Solutions

As we are seeing, HDSLRs are indeed evolving with the inclusion continuous AF in video mode being offered as a feature in several recently announced models. While this addresses an often cited drawback to using HDSLRs, there are still users who may prefer to manually adjust and fine tune focus and/or circumstances under which manual focus is the most appropriate option. As many of you know, most of what we see in the movies and on television is shot using manual focus and with follow-focus devices. Think of a follow-focus as an intermediary between you and the lens, which allows precise movement of the lens to achieve focus without your hand physically having to touch the lens barrel. And as many who have been shooting video with HDSLRs can attest, the less you have to touch the camera and/or lens while shooting video, the less likely you will experience shaky footage.


Although they are available at several price points, many follow-focus devices need specialized equipment such as rails to be mounted to the camera, which can add expense and to the amount of equipment you have to carry. There are some models available that are self-contained units and do not require rails for additional support, but these units also tend to run a couple of hundred dollars.

For the person looking for a less expensive and space efficient focus-assist solution, you may want to look at the focus handles intended for use with medium format manual focus lenses. They can often be found in the “Used Department” of camera stores. They are generally priced between $6 and $30. These handles were made to fit around the focus ring of camera lenses and allowed the photographer to adjust the focus by moving the handle without touching the lens barrel. Guess what? Some of these work beautifully on some HDSLR lens focus rings. I find that the plastic models, such as the Lynn Handles “A” and “B”, are pliable enough to fit the focus ring of my lenses, and can be secured with the supplied screw or by twist-tie if necessary (the Canon 50 1.2L, 24-105L, and 70-200 2.8 IS are the three lenses I have used these handles on).




If you want functionality similar to that offered by the medium format focus handle, with greater certainty of fit for a wide variety of lenses, Cinevate, the Canadian-based manufacturer of camera and video accessories offers the Durus Focus Lever which can be

paired with various sized focus gear rings to offers a custom fit solution for each of your lenses. The MSRP for the Duras Focus Lever and the Durus Gear Rings are $69 and $37- $42, respectively. For more information on Cinevate products click here.

Redrock Micro offers the Nano Focus +Zoom Lever which when paired with their micro Lens Gears offers a degree of focus control.

The Redrock Micro Nano Focus+Zoom Lever and micro Lens Gear B mounted to a Nikon 35mm F1.8 Lens.
For more information on Redrock Micro products click here.

I do not want to imply that the focus handle/lever is a replacement for the traditional follow-focus. The precision offered by follow-focus gear adjustments is unmatched by the handle/lever solution. The handle solution does however offer a significant advantage over direct adjustment of the focus ring by hand. With a gentle touch, patience, and practice, you may find focus handles/levers of value in your relentless pursuit of motion!

As always, I remind you to check out the e-Book Beyond Stills as well as the Interactive Resource Guide embedded below:

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