PetaPixel

Jar Opener as a Cheap Follow Focus

 

Last year we posted a tip on how you can use jar openers to remove stuck lens filters, but have you ever thought of using them as a cheap follow focus? Tony Carretti was shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond when he came across a twist jar opener in the kitchen aisle that he realized could be used on his camera.

Jar Opener as a Cheap Follow Focus jaropener

They cost $2.50 each, and have rubber handles that smooth out the turning of the focus ring. If you don’t need a super precise and fancy professional tool, these could be a thrifty way to have more control over your focus while shooting video on your DSLR.

(via planet5D)

 
 
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  • http://www.bycostello.com bycostello

    if it works it works… but print photo focus widget on it and u could charge $25 rather than $2.5!!

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  • http://profiles.google.com/brent.crosby4029 Brent Crosby

    If you are a film maker, searching for a place to purchase the various film production equipments and accessories, then look no further. Cineultima.com is a film equipment store run by film makers. The service here is both efficient and affordable at the same time. If you have done your own research about this, you would see that there are numerous stores out there, but very few, which deals with quality products.

  • Vjtamer

    great find! thank you!

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  • Fryciasz

    Awesome, that’s exactly what I have in my mind.

  • Fryciasz

    Awesome, that’s exactly what I have in my mind.

  • Fryciasz

    Awesome, that’s exactly what I have in my mind.

  • Fryciasz

    Awesome, that’s exactly what I have in my mind.

  • Jspache

    thank you, that great!

  • Photo Amateur

    UPDATE: Link is http://www.shoptrudeau.com/Twist-Jar-Opener-set-of-3-Blue-Green-Red-p/0999025_0999025_0999025.htm

  • Eleryoxford

    Works swell on zooming ring too…

  • Bob

    Thanks for sharing your find… Great for folks on a buget!

  • Myass

    u find hundreds of videos of same thing… from years earlier…and he try “sell” it like its his own idea lol :D

  • Parula321

    Does not work with 77mm lenses. Bleh.

  • Tomas

    This is terrible as a focus follow.  It doesn’t even fit on some lenses such as the 50mm f/1.8, it’s way too wide.  It fits on my 24mm f/2.2 prime, but slips off constantly, you have to keep readjusting it, no matter how tight it is.  If you’re using it to create yet another “flower vase coming into focus” vimeo, this is perfect for you.  If you’re out in the field, get a real follow focus.

  • http://www.facebook.com/dasBauen Daniel Bauen

    Hi, you may want to check out this: it turns that concept into an actual product which works very well.  It even fits the 50mm f/1.8 narrow ring. 
    http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/microfacturing/lens-focus-shifter-lens-mounted-follow-focus