OConnor CFF-1 vs Arri FF-5

[Carl Dieker]

Yeah, pretty much like the title says:

OConnor CFF-1 vs Arri FF-5

Any opinions?

[Kemalettin Sert]

oconnor Cff1 is very complicated for me i prefer Arri FF5..never had any problem with FF5 but having problem with CFF1.handwheel lock positions on CF11 is very disturbing and gears loosen after using it very much.
FF5 is plain simple..

[Evin Grant]

FF4 FTW

[Yaque Silva-Doyle]

Yeah, pretty much like the title says:

OConnor CFF-1 vs Arri FF-5

Any opions?

I have been won over by the CFF-1, it is very modular. but you can always leave it all pieced together. if you prefer the simpler approach, plus
its rock solid.

[Tim Bradley]

The CFF1 is very versatile and can be rigged in different ways than the FF5.

[Carl Dieker]

Yes, the CFF1 looks great, very, very modular, but not so good if "gears loosen after using it very much", as Kemalettin writes. Anyone else had this problem with the CFF1?

[Brigham Edgar]

As always, depends if it's for yourself or others to use. If its your own kit you always tend to look over any subtle differences or quirks and go with it, I do. I love kit with quirks:) But AC's are one of the most fussy (sometimes just a pain in the ass) people that like a certain standard of kit and a certain familiarity, and for many good justifiable reasons. No matter how good another make of FF is, a top tiered AC is always going to want the industry standard...and that's an ARRI unit. And more so if you are renting and it's between two kits, the one with these accessories will win it...9/10 times.

[Yaque Silva-Doyle]

Yes, the CFF1 looks great, very, very modular, but not so good if "gears loosen after using it very much", as Kemalettin writes. Anyone else had this problem with the CFF1?

I have had experience with several different versions and the gears did not loosen up on me. I really doubt you are going to go wrong with OConnor they have been the industry gold standard for a very long time in camera support and have brought this quality to their accessories as well.

[Ryan De Franco]

I've heard from several sources that the FF-5 has a much longer swing arm that makes it difficult, usually impossible, to position the arm/gear beneath the lens. This blocks the witness marks for focal distance. For good reason, your AC should be able to work with the witness marks on the lens. A talented AC over the age of 22 will have learned to pull focus using marks and the lens distance witness marks--as opposed to hunting with a monitor.

[Jay Kim]

I've heard from several sources that the FF-5 has a much longer swing arm that makes it difficult, usually impossible, to position the arm/gear beneath the lens.

I think Arri makes two versions of FF-5 and the one with the longer swing arm is FF-5 HD. FF-5 Cine has a shorter swing arm. Both FF-5 and CFF-1 are the best follow focus systems available right now but I chose CFF-1 since I can easily adapt it to LWS, 15mm Studio or centered, and 19mm studio rod system and 15mm & 19mm studio use same bracket so I don't need to buy another rod adapter.