Willytec, the perfect follow focus?

[Evin Grant]

I've found a German made/AC designed follow focus called the Willytec that seems to be the ultimate modular follow focus system. It has reversability for Nikon lenses, two speed gear box w/dual knob operation and a totally modular design. I can't seem to find much information on them other than a German website; here.
http://www.willytec.com/-film.html

Does anyone here own one of these? Is it as good as it looks? How much do they run and is there a US distributer? I personaly think this is the perfect unit for a combo Nikkor/Red lens system.

Some pics...
http://www.visualproducts.com/images/store/b932.jpg
http://www.visualproducts.com/images/store/b932b.jpg
http://www.visualproducts.com/images/store/b932c.jpg
http://www.visualproducts.com/images/store/b932q.jpg

[R. Gonzales]

Willytec, the perfect follow focus?

I tried some time ago to contact the company and had zero response from them. I think the FF has been discontinued.
And the company bought out. So here is what I have. If you have any luck please pass on the info.


Web: http://www.willytec.com/-film.html
Ph: +49 (0)8024-902868-1
Fax: +49 (0)8024-902868-2

Method

[Keith Brust]

Evin,

I have had a Willytec ff for about 7 years. I got it specifically to use with with my Nikon teles. I bought it when I assembled my dream kit and went freelance as a wildlife cameraman. It has performed perfectly over the years. I think I got it through Birns & Sawyer. I believe it cost $5000. Yikes! I decided to get the Nikons and the Willytec instead of the modular Leica teles. Mine has the single 15mm rod mount. It locks into place solidly and is easy to switch around to reverse direction. I can't imaging a follow focus being any better made or working more smoothly. No backlash. I don't know if they are still being made. I would highly recommend it if price is not an object!

[Finner]

I used a willytec from clairmont for a couple movies in 99 when i was a focus puller. Very nice, very modular, smooth and easy to use. I highly recomend one if you can find one.

[martinnoweck]

very sad, i just made a couple of phone calls to the numbers mentioned on this thread and on the website, but the willytec company does not exist anymore, they have been bought by different companies and they only produce dental products like toothbrush machines, chewing simulators and trephine for dental crowns / coronas ... the guy on the phone did not sound happy at all and he still could remember the days when they manufactured the follow focus Units and he claimed they made the most precise FF with no play at all.

Martin

[Jeff Kilgroe]

very sad, i just made a couple of phone calls to the numbers mentioned on this thread and on the website, but the willytec company does not exist anymore, they have been bought by different companies and they only produce dental products like toothbrush machines, chewing simulators and trephine for dental crowns / coronas ... the guy on the phone did not sound happy at all and he still could remember the days when they manufactured the follow focus Units and he claimed they made the most precise FF with no play at all.

I noticed that from their web site... Now it dumps people over to the new company with dental products. I wonder if the design for their FF is available? Might be worth picking up if they'll let it go. :greedy:

[Fergus Meiklejohn]

well done martin!
Maybe if we all emailed them with our interest they would see a business opportunity..

[martinnoweck]

I had some similar thoughts on my mind ... they guy on the phone was an employee not the manager.

anyway i will contact them again and try to get to talk to the manager / engineer / etc.

But might also be interesting to know, how many red users will be using Nikon Lenses AND would be interested in having a willytec unit. then we can mass email them and start to put deposits down ;-)

[Adrian T.]

The news section http://www.sdm-gmbh.de/EN/Pages/News.html says they're still manufacturing and distributing the FF.

But in case they're really no longer interested in this product, it might be something to acquire by View Factor Curt! :sorcerer:

[PaulClements]

Visual Products had one, I think it cost more than the ARRI's and Chrosziels... probably not the best solution for shooting on a budget but they do look like good units.

[PaulClements]

I found a link to a page with details about the ff but they'd put a bit of javascript on it that bounced you to another page, so I saved the original and uploaded it to another website for people to look at:

http://www.shayk.com/archive/Willyds/willyds.htm

The original can be found at http://www.mbf.de/Belichten/willyds.htm but if you click on it you will be bounced to the other page. Perhaps this will be of use to people.

[dalemccready]

It does look like a really flash kit

[dalemccready]

Anyone got any ideas if it is still in production?

[PaulClements]

Doesn't appear to be Dale, looks like they're concentrating on dentistry stuff and all evidence points to it. Not suprising though, must be a lot more profit in dentistry equipment than follow focus'!!!

[Tonaci Tran]

Not sure if you all knew this already, but Arri picked up the guy from WillyTech. Perhaps the LFF-1 is the next best thing. Anyone used this yet?

Original file here:
http://www.cinegearexpo.com/FilmDigTimes_2.pdf

[dalemccready]

Shame, that really looked like a good kit. Funny how if it turned up this year it'd be huge. Timing is everything.

I really liked the two gears being engaged all the time.

[Clayton Harper]

I am really close to pulling the trigger on the Arri LFF-1. Its a really well designed unit. I especially like the racheting mechanism for tightening the rod clamp.

I am tempted to go with a Bartech or Preston most of the time but its always 100% required to have the mechanical back-up on hand.

I really want the Super Grip and Red Motor to show up this summer. Please God let this happen.

[dalemccready]

Yeah I agree, while we'll use an Arri ff in the short term, I'm completely into the idea of Curts' drect link electronic control that can become a wireless FIZ. The last few Features I've operated we had to fight to get a Preston or Arri Wireless unit on for the length of the shoot, but it was completely invaluable.

The direct link electronic idea is perfect to me. ACs can use it as they would normally, yet can walk away from the camera when they require it. Such a good idea.

Interestingly, I'm going to take another look at the LFF-1 now that I can see it's history. It's funny how attaching a personality of the designer to it makes it more appealing to me.

[ericyoung]

The Willytec FF does look good. Red should maybe buy the design!

[Evin Grant]

By the looks of the LFF-1, Arri beat them to it.
http://www.arri.com/prod/cam/lff/prod_img/K0-60021-0-LFF-1-Complete-2.jpg
http://www.visualproducts.com/images/store/b932c.jpg

[dalemccready]

Yeah I think you're dead on there Evin.
But I trawled with Google a bit and it sounds like he's about to do a new version of it according to people on Cinematography.net.

But then I couldn't see Arri giving up the design unless he retained ownership of it. It's a shame that they didn't keep the modularity so that you could build the hand held piece into the main FF like his Willytec kit did.

[chuck colburn]

By the looks of the LFF-1, Arri beat them to it.
http://www.arri.com/prod/cam/lff/prod_img/K0-60021-0-LFF-1-Complete-2.jpg
http://www.visualproducts.com/images/store/b932c.jpg

Good morning Evin,

Do you happen to know what the LFF-1 sells for?

Thanks,

Chuck

[Evin Grant]

Arri's price list for 2006 says 3455 Euros or about $4667.70. Arri may have some better prices in US currency but I haven't been able to find it.

[chuck colburn]

Arri's price list for 2006 says 3455 Euros or about $4667.70. Arri may have some better prices in US currency but I haven't been able to find it.

WOW!
Damn I wish I had a machine shop up here in Orygun. I 've come up with a design for a single sided FF with zero backlash and is reversable without having to mount it upside down that could be sold for less than half that.

Thanks for the info.

Chuck

[martinnoweck]

i talked to a rental house in frankfurt (germany), they want Euro 3.500,- (+tax) for their used Willytec.

martin

[Barend Onneweer]

A Dutch rental house sold one for 800 Euros a month or two ago... Someone just beat me to it.

[Evin Grant]

Is that for the kit martin?

[martinnoweck]

I will check tomorrow evin.

martin

[martinnoweck]

Hi Evin,

the price includes:

Main Drive Unit, Two-Speed Handwheel, Studiobridge, Studioextension,
Lightweight Mount, Handheld Knob, Right Angle Adapter,
3 x Gear Ring (Cooke, Primes, Fujinon Video), Scalerings

+ Aluminium Case

Martin

[JD Holloway]

Fricken expensive but the best in the business. Ultimate one stop FF.

Total versitility.

Costs as much as a good used car.

Not many around...find retireing first ACs.

[JD Holloway]

800 euros

OMG get me two.

[Rodrigo Lizana]

I´ve got the Arri LFF-1. I´m waiting for a little piece to be able to go from studio to hand held with no extra work. I´ve used it for handheld and it is really a fantastic FF with many possibilities. This is a cell photo I sent to Arri to explain my problem so please forgive the poor quality.

[Evin Grant]

The LFF-1 doesn't have the willytech's dual gearing does it?

[Rodrigo Lizana]

The LFF-1 doesn't have the willytech's dual gearing does it?

You mean the reverse mode ?...If so I haven´t look at that cause we only have Zeiss lenses, bit I think not.

[Bruce Allen]

LFF-1 can be reversed. The question (I think) is, can you have different gear ratios? And we think the answer is no.

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com

[Finner]

Gear ratios are simple. All ARRI FF units accept different size gear rings that can be mounted on both the front and the rear of the swing arm. So the ratio can easily be changed by just changing the diameter size of the gear ring. I have not ever seen an ARRI FF with a reverse spin system though. I have not worked with the LFF-1 but if it can be set to spin in reverse it would be the only ARRI FF I know of that does it.

Bruce are you sure it does reverse? Are you maybe thinking reverse as switching the FF to the dummy side? If you truely know that you can switch it to spin in reverse though that would be a handy option.

[chuck colburn]

From what I understand, the LFF-1 can be reversed by mounting it upsidedown. I would think you could change the ratio by using a different size final drive gear. I don't know if Arri offers these or not but anything can be made and probally most of it out of stock componet catalogs.
I've been tossing some ideas around in my head about the design of a light weight single sided reversable follow focus unit and I have a question. Not being a shooter, I was wondering if someone could tell me which way you turn the FF knob to reach infinity focus. As in towards the subject or towards the camera.

Thanks,

Chuck

[Evin Grant]

That was one of the neatest things about the Willytech. It had dual drive gearing, one regual and one fine focus.
See the two knobs...
http://www.visualproducts.com/images/store/b932b.jpg

[chuck colburn]

Hi Evin,

Nice looking unit. I take it that you've used it before. The two knob thingy looks a bit scary though. Seems it would be awfully easy to grab the wrong one espically if your wearing gloves. Is there a lockout so only one will turn at a time? What are the two levers on the lower front for? Are they part of the gear box unit to change ratios or are they the change over to reverse direction?

Thanks,

Chuck

[Evin Grant]

I've never used one but from the reading I've done I've picked ups some of it's funtionality. I doubt the two knobs are a problem for a good AC. I think the knobs are just for securing the spacers.

[chuck colburn]

Hi Evin,

Ahhh....
I see it now, (I think) you can completly remove the drive unit from the bridge unit. So if you only had one, you could move it from one side to the other.
Clever
Not to be pushy (ok I am) but does anyone know which way is standard to turn the focus knob to go towards infinity?

Thanks,

Chuck

[Rodrigo Lizana]

From what I understand, the LFF-1 can be reversed by mounting it upsidedown.

That´s right but this doesn´t mean it can be really switched like the Willytec. Also there are many cameras besides the 235, Arricam LT and Moviecam SL (and smaller S16) that doesn´t allow to place the follow focus upsidedown. As for Bruce statement I believe it´s just the opposite. LFF1 can´t be reversed and it´s gear can be easily changed by taking it off (simple screwdriver) and putting another one on. In fact Arri offers different gear ratios for all the FF to support different lens brands. Angenieux zooms asks for different gear ratios than Zeiss.

[chuck colburn]

That´s right but this doesn´t mean it can be really switched like the Willytec. Also there are many cameras besides the 235, Arricam LT and Moviecam SL (and smaller S16) that doesn´t allow to place the follow focus upsidedown. As for Bruce statement I believe it´s just the opposite. LFF1 can´t be reversed and it´s gear can be easily changed by taking it off (simple screwdriver) and putting another one on. In fact Arri offers different gear ratios for all the FF to support different lens brands. Angenieux zooms asks for different gear ratios than Zeiss.

Rodrigo,

That's good to know about the interference of the clamping mechanisim. Can't imagine why they would have it on the inside in the first place.

Thanks,

Chuck

[Anders Holck]

The LFF-1 sure can be reversed by removing the main drive unit, rotating it 180° and re-mounting with the knob on the other drive shaft, just like the willytec.
http://holckowen.com/stuff/ff1.jpg

I would argue that the Normal direction of a FF unit, is when rotating towards the camera operator it should move the focus plane closer etc., at least that how I like it when operating.

[dalemccready]

haha. with the bottom getting closer to the operator? Or the top? It is a circle. Clockwise or anticlockwise?

Normally on the left side the FF turns clockwise toward infinity and anticlockwise toward minimums. But of course you can make it whatever you prefer if you can swao that block...

Thanks Anders for clearing it up, it seemed weird to hire the guy at Arri and then throw out such a large part of his design.

Does anyone have an image of the part/s that turn the LFF-1 into a full sized FF? Is it just the larger handwheel or can you get a double rod mounting bracket also like the Willytec 19mm and 15mm brackets?

If you put it all together would this almost be the same as the Willytec? Is it just missing the double gear knobs? (which I really like)

More questions?

Where'd I put my keys? ;)

[chuck colburn]

The LFF-1 sure can be reversed by removing the main drive unit, rotating it 180° and re-mounting with the knob on the other drive shaft, just like the willytec.
http://holckowen.com/stuff/ff1.jpg

I would argue that the Normal direction of a FF unit, is when rotating towards the camera operator it should move the focus plane closer etc., at least that how I like it when operating.

Morning Anders,
Thanks
That's so obvious when you take a good look at the unit. That's what those gibs and ways are for. Clever design. Now how about a design which reverses without having to take any thing apart. And with less parts resulting in less accumulated errors such as from end play and gear mesh etc.
And Dale, your keys are in the fridge.

[Rodrigo Lizana]

Does anyone have an image of the part/s that turn the LFF-1 into a full sized FF? Is it just the larger handwheel or can you get a double rod mounting bracket also like the Willytec 19mm and 15mm brackets?
Is it just missing the double gear knobs? (which I really like)

I do miss having the transform to change the LFF-1 into a solid studio FF. It would be great to have a "one side bridge with a second knob to attach to the LFF-1" thus converting it into a studio follow focus. Or you could have two LFF-1 and the chance to get the "in between bridge" of course in a promo fashion..."2 for the price of one". Don´t see Arri going that road thought.

As for changing the LFF-1 into reverse mode, I meant it by switching something fast and easy not by removing it and tearing it appart. In my experience, when some piece of equipment delays a production maybe it´s because it´s not the right kind of equipment.

Regards

[Anders Holck]

haha. with the bottom getting closer to the operator? Or the top? It is a circle. Clockwise or anticlockwise?

Normally on the left side the FF turns clockwise toward infinity and anticlockwise toward minimums. But of course you can make it whatever you prefer if you can swao that block...

Yeah i prefer to rotate clockwise to get closer and counterclockwise to go towards infinity, at least when pulling focus while operating hand held.
Just seems to make sense inside my head :-)

[Max Fischer]

Hey All,

I just noticed this thread, and thought I'd let you know that I have a complete Willytec system for sale. It was over $11K new, and it's barely used, so it's going to be pricey. And yes, it has the dual-ration handwheel. It was my personal system when I was an AC, so it wasn't in full circulation in my rental inventory. My contact info is at www.gearheadcamera.com if you're interested. Max

[Dreamitpictures]

I was doing a search for follow focus systems on Google and came across a company called Donan Camera www.DonanCamera.com. I sent them over an email to get some more information on the system, and found out that it is verry similar to the willytec system.

I was told that it is very modular and will break apart into many individual components and that there is various quick release brackets available so that the drive unit can be mounted above or below the lens. The system operates in both forward and reverse and the drive arm rotates 360 and can be used with nikon lenses.They have also designed at motor that plugs-in to the FF and gives you a remote focus option.

I was told that they are now taking pre-orders and will be shipping, the beginning of Jan and that the price is $2400.00. Not bad for what all that your getting. I went ahead and ordered mine, Ill make another post when it arrives. Steve

[Antoine Fabi]

Evin,

have you tested the RED / Nikkor combo ?

I'm waiting... :)

thanks!

[albert rudnicki]

I was doing a search for follow focus systems on Google and came across a company called Donan Camera www.DonanCamera.com. I sent them over an email to get some more information on the system, and found out that it is verry similar to the willytec system.

I was told that it is very modular and will break apart into many individual components and that there is various quick release brackets available so that the drive unit can be mounted above or below the lens. The system operates in both forward and reverse and the drive arm rotates 360 and can be used with nikon lenses.They have also designed at motor that plugs-in to the FF and gives you a remote focus option.

I was told that they are now taking pre-orders and will be shipping, the beginning of Jan and that the price is $2400.00. Not bad for what all that your getting. I went ahead and ordered mine, Ill make another post when it arrives. Steve


Very good find Steve, keep us posted.
Thanks

[albert rudnicki]

Has anybody actually got one?

[donatello b]

there's a used willytec for sale at lee utterbach rental in SF ..

the donancamera FF is suppose to start shipping end of this month ...
donan will show it at cine gear LA