cpm follow focus review

The first thing I noticed when I got the CPM follow focus is its size. Its a big follow focus and is kinda heavy which I really like. It feels solid and is well built using black anodized aluminum and blue anodized aluminum for the rail support.

The knob is oversized compared to other follow focuses and makes it really nice when shooting with a shoulder mount rig. When you reach for the follow focus to pull focus, the knob is very easy to find and adjust. If using a tripod the oversized knob can be marked with a dry erase marker for your focus points. Both the knob and gear turn smoothly. This follow focus has just a little backlash which is nice for a follow focus in this price range. It performs nicely in this catagory.

It comes with one supplied lens gear which is one of the nicest and easiest ones to put on and take off. The lens gear uses a zip tie method but it can be switch from lens to lens, unlike other zip tie lens gear that are permanent once applied. 

One thing worth mentioning about the CPM follow focus is that the gear isn't reversible. So when you are using smaller prime lenses, if you rack focus with your left hand, the gear is too far forward on the rails to reach the lens. The whole unit has to be switch over to the right side of the rails to reach smaller lenses, which isn't a big deal if you're used to using either hand to pull focus. 


Overall, I'm very pleased with the CPM follow focus. Build quality is what you would except for CPM which is very good, and you'll get great customer support from their team. The CPM follow focus feels and works like a much more expensive unit. If you're in the market for a follow focus I would recommend this one.

http://www.cpmcamerarigs.com/Carbon_Rod_Kit_s/3.htm

If using a shorter prime on the left the gear is too far forward