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FocusShifter DSLR Follow Focus - User Manual

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Limited Lifetime Warranty
Engineerable LLC warrants that if anything goes wrong with your
FocusShifter due to a manufacturing defect, we will repair or
replace it at no charge to you for parts and labor. You are
responsible for all return shipping costs. This warranty excludes
malfunctions caused by misuse, tampering, unauthorized repairs,
modifications, and accidents, normal wear and tear. It also does
not cover consequential or incidental damages. Engineerable LLC
reserves the right to change or modify the warranty without notice
and disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied.
To obtain warranty service, you must contact:
Engineerable LLC
Attn: FocusShifter
PO Box 277
Scottdale GA 30079
Email: service@focusshifter.com
DSLR Follow Focus
Operating Instructions
Thank you for your purchase of the FocusShifter
Follow Focus for DSLR.
Please visit the website, www.FocusShifter.com,
for tips, instructions, the latest news, and a link
to our Facebook page where you can share
pictures of your FocusShifter setup and videos
of your work.
Liability Disclaimer:
FocusShifter is only for use on camera lenses. It is not intended for any other use. Do not
place over, or wrap around any body parts, including but not limited to arms, legs, fingers,
toes, ears, etc. It is not suitable for children 6 and under due to small parts, and must be used
under adult supervision at all times for children older than 6 years. Engineerable LLC, its
employees, owners or agents or its subsidiaries shall not be held responsible for any misuse
or consequence of misuse of the products supplied to its buyer or customer. Engineerable
LLC shall not be liable for special, indirect, or consequential damages, loss of profits or
production or commercial loss in any way connected with the product, whether such claim
is based in contract, warranty, negligence, or strict liability. Further, in no event shall
liability of Engineerable LLC exceed the individual price of the Product on which liability is
asserted. As Engineerable LLC has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification
or misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By
the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability. If you as the
Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this
Product, you are advised to return this Product immediately in a new and unused condition
to the place of purchase.
Installing the Balance
Counterweight
The Balance Counterweight is used to stabilize lenses that
have a loose focus ring. It balances the weight of the
FocusShifter handle, keeping your shots in perfect focus,
even if you are moving around.
1. The Balance attaches to the FocusShifter belt. Insert
the belt through the slot as shown.
2. The belt is fully inserted when it slides behind the tooth
and becomes captured in the slot.
3. Position the Balance at the opposite end of the belt
from the FocusShifter handle, and place the assembly on
the lens.
Balance
Tooth
Belt
4. To remove the Balance, pull the belt out of the slot by
wiggling it over the retaining tooth.
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Summary

Installing the Balance Counterweight

Attach and Secure Belt

Insert the belt through the slot and ensure it slides behind the tooth.

Position and Remove Balance

Place the assembly on the lens and details on how to remove the balance.

Operating Instructions

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Liability Disclaimer

Installing the Marker Board

Attach Marker Board

Place elastic band around lens and attach marker board foot.

Position Marker Board

Position board next to focus ring, attached by elastic band.

Installing the FocusShifter

Open and Place Belt

Open the FocusShifter counter clockwise to slip belt over lens.

Secure and Adjust Belt

Tighten belt clockwise and adjust tension for preference.

Using the FocusShifter

Marker Board Usage

Position FocusShifter closer to Marker Board when using dry erase pen.

Hard Stop Placement

Attach clips onto marker board edge for focus stop positions.

Overview

The FocusShifter is a DSLR follow focus system designed to assist with precise focus control during video recording and photography. It is compatible with camera lenses and aims to stabilize focus, especially when using lenses with loose focus rings or when the user is moving.

Function Description

The primary function of the FocusShifter is to provide a mechanism for smooth and accurate focus pulling. It achieves this by attaching to the focus ring of a camera lens, allowing the user to adjust focus with a physical handle rather than directly manipulating the lens's focus ring. This system helps maintain sharp focus, even when the camera operator is in motion. The device also supports setting specific focus points, either through visual markers or physical stops, enhancing repeatability and precision in focus transitions.

Important Technical Specifications

The FocusShifter set includes several components:

  • One FocusShifter with adjustable belt: This is the main unit that attaches to the lens's focus ring. The belt is adjustable to fit various lens sizes and can be tightened or loosened by turning a ball mechanism.
  • One Marker Board: A flat board used in conjunction with a dry erase marker to visually mark focus points.
  • One fine tip dry erase marker: For marking focus points on the Marker Board.
  • Two elastic bands: Used to attach the Marker Board to the lens.
  • Two clips: These serve as "hard focus stops," allowing users to set physical limits for focus transitions.
  • One Balance Counterweight: Designed to stabilize lenses, particularly those with loose focus rings, by balancing the weight of the FocusShifter handle.
  • One custom carry pouch: For convenient storage and transport of the entire set.

The FocusShifter is specifically designed for use on camera lenses and is not intended for any other application. It is not suitable for children aged 6 and under due to small parts and requires adult supervision for children older than 6 years.

Usage Features

The FocusShifter offers several features to enhance its usability:

Installation of the Balance Counterweight:

  1. The Balance Counterweight attaches to the FocusShifter belt by inserting the belt through a designated slot.
  2. The belt is fully inserted when it slides behind a tooth and becomes captured in the slot.
  3. The Balance Counterweight should be positioned at the opposite end of the belt from the FocusShifter handle and then placed on the lens.
  4. To remove the Balance Counterweight, the belt is pulled out of the slot by wiggling it over the retaining tooth. This counterweight is crucial for stabilizing lenses with loose focus rings, ensuring consistent focus even during movement.

Installation of the Marker Board:

  1. An elastic band is placed around the lens next to the focus ring.
  2. The elastic band is then pulled away from the lens and placed over the foot of the Marker Board.
  3. The Marker Board is positioned next to the focus ring, attached to the lens by the elastic band. One elastic band is typically sufficient to hold it securely without slipping. The holes at the ends of the marker board are for manufacturing alignment and are not used during setup.

Installation of the FocusShifter:

  1. The FocusShifter is opened by turning the ball at its end counter-clockwise, making the belt loop large enough to slip over the end of the lens.
  2. The FocusShifter is then slipped over and onto the lens's focus ring.
  3. It is positioned so that its arrow overhangs the Marker Board.
  4. The belt is tightened by turning the ball clockwise.
  5. The belt tension can be adjusted to the user's preference for optimal feel and control.

Using the FocusShifter: The device supports two primary methods for setting focus points:

  1. Using the Marker Board with a dry erase pen: For visual marking of focus points, the FocusShifter can be placed closer to the Marker Board. This allows users to draw lines or symbols on the board to indicate specific focus distances or transitions.
  2. Using hard focus stops: The two included clips can be attached to the top edge of the Marker Board at desired focus stop positions. When using these, the Marker Board should be positioned so that only the FocusShifter arrow makes contact with the hard stop, providing tactile feedback and limiting the focus throw between predefined points.

Maintenance Features

The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features in terms of cleaning or routine upkeep. However, it does include a Limited Lifetime Warranty provided by Engineerable LLC.

Limited Lifetime Warranty:

  • Engineerable LLC warrants that if the FocusShifter experiences a manufacturing defect, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge for parts and labor.
  • Users are responsible for all return shipping costs.
  • The warranty specifically excludes malfunctions caused by misuse, tampering, unauthorized repairs, modifications, accidents, and normal wear and tear.
  • It does not cover consequential or incidental damages.
  • Engineerable LLC reserves the right to change or modify the warranty without prior notice and disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied.
  • To obtain warranty service, users must contact Engineerable LLC at the provided mailing address (PO Box 277, Scottdale GA 30079) or via email (service@focusshifter.com).

Liability Disclaimer: The manual includes a comprehensive liability disclaimer, stating that Engineerable LLC, its employees, owners, or agents are not responsible for any misuse or consequences arising from the product. It emphasizes that the company is not liable for special, indirect, or consequential damages, loss of profits, or commercial loss connected with the product. The liability of Engineerable LLC is limited to the individual price of the product. By using, setting up, or assembling the product, the user accepts all resulting liability. If the purchaser or user is not prepared to accept this liability, they are advised to return the product immediately in a new and unused condition to the place of purchase. This disclaimer underscores the importance of using the FocusShifter strictly as intended for camera lenses.

FocusShifter DSLR Follow Focus Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandFocusShifter
ModelDSLR Follow Focus
CategoryCamera Accessories
LanguageEnglish