Vocas Follow Focus MFC-3 User manual

User manual
Follow Focus MFC-3(F
)
System
Version 1.0.
1
www.vocas.com

© Vocas Systems B.V.
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Index:
Introduction..........................................................................................................3
What’s in the box? ...............................................................................................4
MFC-3 follow focus, 0500-0030................................................................................................... 4
MFC-3F follow focus, 0500-0035................................................................................................. 4
Component overview...........................................................................................5
Adjustability:.........................................................................................................6
Reversing the focus direction...................................................................................................... 6
Engaging the lens: ...................................................................................................................... 7
Ergonomics................................................................................................................................. 8
Fine tuning.................................................................................................................................. 9
Accessories:.......................................................................................................10
Available Kits: ....................................................................................................11
MFC-3 follow focus kit, 0500-3030.............................................................................................11
MFC-3F follow focus kit, 0500-3035...........................................................................................11
Contact data:......................................................................................................12

© Vocas Systems B.V.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Vocas product. You are now the owner of a revolutionary follow focus!
More than 25 years of experience are part of MFC-3 ‘design and functionality.
Can you imagine a follow focus system that is 100% playless? The Vocas MFC-3 has no
transmission between the focus knob and the drive gear (ratio 1:1), so we can guarantee a 100%
playless follow focus!
There are 2 versions of the MFC-3, the standard version and the F version. The MFC-3F has one
additional feature over the standard version, namely it has an adjustable friction build in. Rotating
the red dial on the focus knob allows you to fine tune the internal friction of the MFC-3F to your own
preference.
Make your MFC-3(F) even more comfortable with extra accessories.
Before you start to use your new accessory, please read these instructions carefully to enjoy
optimum performance and a longer service life. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
reference.
In the interest of continually improving products, Vocas Systems B.V. reserves the right to update
or modify information contained in this manual.

© Vocas Systems B.V.
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What’s in the box?
Each MFC-3 includes an Vocas flexible gear ring, with 2 movable stops (0500-0295).
For use with cylindrical lenses with a focus barrel diameter between 40 mm and 110 mm.
MFC-3 follow focus, 0500-0030
•MFC-3 follow focus, 0500-0030
•Vocas flexible gear ring, 0500-0295
•This manual
MFC-3F follow focus, 0500-0035
•MFC-3F follow focus, 0500-0035
•Vocas flexible gear ring, 0500-0295
•This manual

© Vocas Systems B.V.
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Component overview
Red dial to adjust
the friction
(not in 0500-0030)
Swiffel lock
15 mm rail lock
Palm support mounting point
Focus knob
Drive gear

© Vocas Systems B.V.
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Adjustability:
Reversing the focus direction
The rotation direction can be reversed. This is easily done by moving the follow focus forward and
backwards to let the gear grip the lens on the left or right side of the drive gear.
1. Loosen the red nut (1) to disengage the MFC-3 from the lens
2. Left side of the gear, turn the knob clockwise and the lens will turn counter clockwise.
In some cases it may be necessary that the knob must be swiveled backwards slightly
3. Right side of the gear, turn the knob clockwise and the lens will turn also clockwise.
2
3
1

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Engaging the lens:
First make sure the 15 mm rails of your camera rig are at a distance of 85 mm to the center of your
lens. The Vocas alignment card can be used for this.
Mount your follow focus on the 15 mm rails by turning the red nut nr. 1 counter clock wise (open).
Now you can adjust your follow focus gear to the lens gear nr. 2.
Turn the red nut clock wise to tighten and lock the bracket.
If the focus knob doesn’t rotate smoothly, the pressure on the lens is too high.
If you feel play it means that you need more pressure on the lens.
2
1
85 mm

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Ergonomics
For better ergonomics, the follow focus knob can be swiveled horizontally pointing more frontwards
or more backwards, this can be done by loosening the red nut (1) and finding the perfect position for
your hand by adjusting a maximum of 40 degrees on both sides.
Example:
1

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Fine tuning
If the focus knob doesn’t rotate smoothly it also can be that the follow focus gear is engaging too
many teeth of the lens (1). The fewer the better. This can be solved by sliding the MFC-3 along the
15 mm rails to the side of the lens teeth (2).
1
2

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Accessories:
Separate right hand rosette 0500-1335
Want to support the camera on both sides without purchasing another bracket for it? We have a
rosette accessory for the right side of the MFC-3 15 mm bracket, which allows you to mount a
handgrip on the same bracket.
MFC-3 palm support, 0500-1330
This palm support for the MFC-3 and MFC-3F makes it possible to focus the lens and support the
camera at the same time! You no longer have to worry about your camera shaking when you switch
from supporting your camera to operating the follow focus.
Flexible gear ring, with 2 movable stops, 0500-0295 (included)
Use this gear ring for lenses without any teeth on the focus barrel. This gear ring has a tooth size of
M0,8.
For all available accessories and compatibilities please check our website: www.vocas.com

© Vocas Systems B.V.
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Available kits:
Vocas composed kits for the MFC-3(F) including the additional accessories, MFC-3(F) palm support
(0500-1330), separate right hand rosette (0500-1335) and the spider handgrip (0830-0031). With
this combination of accessories you will have a complete follow focus and handgrip system in one!
MFC-3 follow focus kit, 0500-3030
•MFC-3 follow focus, 0500-0030
•MFC-3 palm support 0500-1330
•Separate right hand rosette, 0500-1335
•Spider plastic handgrip, 0830-0031
MFC-3F follow focus kit, 0500-3035
•MFC-3F follow focus, 0500-0035
•MFC-3 palm support 0500-1330
•Separate right hand rosette, 0500-1335
•Spider plastic handgrip, 0830-0031

© Vocas Systems B.V.
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Contact data:
Vocas Systems B.V.
Larenseweg 121
1221 CL Hilversum, The Netherlands
T:[phone] F:[phone]
www.vocas.com