OConnor announces O-Focus DM follow focus unit

 

Press release:

OConnor O-Focus DM Photo and Cine Sets; One Solution for Two Applications

Burbank, USA: February 9, 2012 – OConnor, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, announces the O-Focus Dual Mini, a compact, double-sided direct drive follow focus unit optimized for both still and cine-style camera lenses, to meet the exacting needs of professional camera operators and assistants.

The precision gear drive of the main bridge is designed with a gear ratio of 1:0.75 so that 360 degrees of input results in 270 degrees of output (i.e. rotation on the drive gear).

There are two versions of the O-Focus DM, the Photo Set and the Cine Set, each with its own unique transmission ratio. The difference is accomplished by the use of two different types of handwheels that interface with the main bridge to generate optimized transmission output. Changing the transmission ratio is as easy as changing a lens. Without requiring tools, the handwheel(s) can be easily swapped out and the user is ready to shoot!

The Photo Set utilizes a new Hard Stop Handwheel, which has a transmission ratio of 1:1 (input: output). When coupled with the O-Focus Bridge, it yields a follow focus industry first; a 1:0.75 transmission ratio. This translates to longer, more exacting focus pulls when using limited barrel rotation still lenses for digital cinematography, and allows more precise lens control than has previously been available for these camera configurations. In addition, the hard stops enable the operator to set minimum and maximum focus points for lenses with unlimited rotation and to carry out hard focus stop pulls. To allow the focus-puller to react to unexpected movements, the unique single-hand-operated hard stop on/off switch, allows for instantaneous disengagement of the end stops for critical adjustments even during the shot.

The Cine Set utilizes the existing CFF-1 Studio Handwheel; and has a transmission ratio of 1:1.8 (input:output). When coupled with the O-Focus Bridge it yields a 1:1.4 output transmission ratio well suited for cine lenses with an expanded focus scale. The Studio Handwheel is offset; meaning it has 360 degree rotation for optimum placement and view of lens witness marks, and allows the camera to be set on the ground without the rig weight resting on the handwheel.

Both versions of the O-Focus DM feature extremely low profiles, which allow use with large diameter lenses. The sliding dovetail design provides adjustment for various lens sizes, even those with very large lens barrel diameters. Additionally, tapered flank couplings (pioneered with the OConnor CFF-1) eliminate play between the handwheel and bridge connection.

The O-Focus DM integrates seamlessly with existing follow focus accessories including whips, cranks and gears. It also shares many of the OConnor CFF-1 accessories, such as the Studio Handwheel and Marking Discs, Handwheel Extension and Studio 15/19mm Bridge. The new Toothless Friction Driver, for the use of still lenses, eliminates much of the need for additional toothed gear rings.

The O-Focus DM Cine Set and O-Focus DM Photo Set are both available now and join OConnor’s fast growing array of lens and camera accessories, which features the CFF-1 Follow Focus and award-winning O-Box WM Mattebox and O-Grip Handgrip combination.

For more information, please go to www.ocon.com

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New OConnor 1030 fluid heads used in filming endangered tigers

New OConnor 1030 fluid heads used in filming endangered tigers

Indian cinematographer Sabyasachi Patra films tigers and relies on the smooth panning of OConnor's 1030HDs fluid head during filming. © Sabyasachi Patra / www.indiawilds.com

 

PRESS RELEASE

TIGER DOCUMENTARY IN INDIA

OConnor 1030 Helps Capture Rare Shots in the Rainforest

Burbank, January 2012 – Indian cinematographer Sabyasachi Patra is a passionate animal rights and environmental activist. He campaigns, in particular, for the rescue of tigers and the conservation of their habitat. For this reason he founded the website India Wilds (www.indiawilds.com) where, as a nature and wilderness photographer, he contributes to the protection of this threatened species by providing spectacular pictures and information. A blog and a member forum supplement the website and offer a platform on which more than 1,800 people discuss environmental protection in India. In addition, Sabyasachi films adventurous documentaries. During the making of his newest film "A Call in the Rainforest", he worked with the 1030HDs fluid head from OConnor, a Vitec Group brand, for the first time.

Equipped with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, the OConnor 1030HDs fluid head, and large telephoto lenses, he set off for the Anamalai Tiger reservation in the Western Ghats to shoot his film. Deep in the rainforest where the endangered Macaca Silenus tigers live, Sabyasachi documents the reasons for their threatened existence: in particular the fast growth of the nearby city of Valparai. Tea plantations, increasing tourism, and street construction are destroying the rain forest and, consequently, the natural habitat of the tigers.

Reliable support in adverse conditions
Filming was done in intense sunlight as well as during heavy rainfall. "Despite the frequent fog and light drizzle in the rain forest, the fluid head worked flawlessly in every situation," says Sabyasachi. "Filming in the wilderness also means struggling on difficult-to-access terrain. That's why I prefer light DSLR cameras to save space. In contrast to many products the OConnor fluid head is perfectly suited for use with light camera set-ups. This makes it an ideal companion for me." Featuring a counterbalance of 0 to 18.6 kg (0 to 41 lbs), the 1030 range of products offer maximum versatility for filming with a wide variety of lenses, cameras and accessories.

Smooth movement thanks to professional camera support
The quality of the camera support is absolutely crucial for capturing clean shots. "At the beginning of my career I often worked with photo tripods. However, after filming more and more often with large and heavy telephoto lenses on DSLR cameras, I discovered the lenses were too heavy for conventional photo tripods and I couldn’t achieve the smooth movement I required. With the OConnor 1030HDs, I am now able to use larger lenses to follow a tiger walking stealthily through the rain forest. While doing so I can perform completely smooth pans horizontally and vertically with the OConnor," says Sabyasachi. "The robust construction and the solid legs of the tripod complement the precision work of the head perfectly."

The investment has paid off for Sabyasachi: "OConnor allows for the best shots at an optimal price/performance ratio," says the cinematographer when summing up his first project with OConnor.

For more information, go to www.ocon.com

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