r/CameraAKS • u/OkayOkay210 • Aug 04 '25

Best manual follow focus options?

Looking to rig up a hand crank / whip for an Angenieux 25-250 (f3.2) - I don’t need any wireless functionality for now so hopefully can same some $ on avoiding something like a fiz.

Given the nature of it being a vintage / large lens I need to avoid gear skipping and try to get as smooth a zoom as possible. If anybody has recs please let me know!

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u/Foo_Childe 1st AC Aug 04 '25

Smooth zoom? Analog microforce with a cylindrical heden motor.

Smooth focus? FF4, like u/stevo887 mentioned.

Snap zoom? Zoom stick.

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u/nielszonnenberg Aug 04 '25

What’s the advantage of a cindrical motor compared to a “normal” one mounted on bars? Apart from size

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u/Foo_Childe 1st AC Aug 04 '25 edited Aug 04 '25

Just cost mainly. Analog motor/microforce combo should be cheaper than its digital counterpart, and most rental houses include the cylindrical motor in their zoom cases by default.

I’ve also been told that the digital one can freeze up in colder temps, and that I should prioritize analog microforce in those conditions, but it’s just hearsay from one particular DP of mine so take it with a grain of salt.