Whoa! I don’t think I’ve received stats like that. Thank you! And by the way, the RS4 and RS3 Pro are pretty similar. I just got the four and with initial review, sure there are some things that are nice, but the 3 is a solid setup.
Short addendum. I was able to set the endpoints of the focus motor manually with the front wheel (it doesn't work with the focus wheel). Then I put the front wheel back on pan. Now the focus wheel works within the set endpoints.
Great video!! Unfortunately/fortunately it’s more informative than what DJI has for support. One question, what if I want to use two motors? One for focus and one for zoom?
I'm trying to find my place in videography. I shot wedding and corporate photography for 20yrs, took a break for about 4yrs and now I'm back at it. This time around, video has piqued my interest, so I'm trying to learn what I can.
@@normanbrown495 that's a lot of experience -- when you say video has piqued your interest, do you mean continuing in commercial or narrative story telling?
I have to tell you, your videos are without a doubt the best I started pulling my hair out when I first bought it I managed to come across your channel and it made everything come together. It’s the most clear concise you go through things slowly and precisely and explain everything very well thank you thank you thank you thank you
I thought you mentioned where to buy the red lens rings but can’t find it. Would appreciate your help. Lost my strap that came with the RS3 and would like to replace it with something easier to use. Thanks and I really enjoy your videos.
I guess I can attach this small focus wheel also on tethered handle? I really like how you are calm and nice. This is 2022 version? How it will work on zoom ring? Thank you!
Hey, thank you! I’ve never tried on a tethered handle. But you should be able to control zoom if focus motor is doing it. Yes, this video was with the RS Pro 3. But should work with RS4.
Hi! Please forgive the newb question, but I'm just learning to use something like this, but I'm curious if you need the focus motor if your camera has auto focus built in/enabled? What are the benefits of the focus motor? Is it just so I can have manual control over it? Thanks for the vid!!
So i have the rs3 pro and i cannot get the focus wheel to pair with the focus motor that comes with the pro kit i get the solid yellow light saying its ready to be calibrated and if i calibrate it just keeps going and going... when i turn the focus wheel nothing happens... very good video and explanation
Hey! If the calibration is going and going it sounds like you might not have a cinema lens. A photography lens with infinite focus will not work with a follow focus system. Are there hard stops on your focus?
@writedirect yes I am using a photography lens with no hard stops but I should still be able to use the focus wheel to move the motor the same way I can using the handle wheel?
@@shawnmclachlin8976 Yes, right. You can move just not calibrate. The only thing I've seen interfere is having like my front dial mapped to focus which will keep this from working. Have you checked to make sure it's disabled?
@writedirect yes I did check that I was reading on the DJI forum that the new focus motor that comes with the rs3 pro kit isn't compatible with the focus wheel that used to work on the rs2 but then I watched your video and you seemed to have it working so I'm stumped...
@writedirect figured it out just had to fake out the hard stops during calibration of the focus motor then I was able to use the focus wheel. Thank you very much for your help and responses!!! Liked and subscribed!!!
Good guide, thx! But for what situations and how you use this second wheel? If you solo-record in running or just follow for subjects on foot and with heavy gear, isn't this the easyest way to use for focusing a default wheel? Can't imaged situation what I will have a free left hand only for focusing...
You're totally right, you can use the main wheel for focus. However, often I'll have the pan assigned to the front wheel (don't use the joystick for this). Before I got the wheel, I was mounting my iPhone to the gimbal and using the app to pull focus...so that was even more cumbersome and heavy. This small wheel removes app/phone issues, etc.
Great video , you can also use 2 motors at the same time. Abit tricky. But works. . im currently using the 2nd dial for my focus pulling and my front dial for adjusting the a virable nd filter 2-5stops
Right! I personally haven't done that, but super cool. It's so crazy what you can do now as an indie filmmaker. When I first started as an editor, indie flicks were on DVX100's. Everything else was too expensive.
After a phone call to DJI support and trying all the settings, support came to the conclusion that the focus wheel might be defective. I will be sent a new focus wheel shortly. Then I can report more.
Hello, great video. Very informative! I just have a question, do you know of any solution to pull focus / Zoom remotely. I would like the gimbal on a high tripod with a long lens. Yet want to zoom in and out via the phone or game controller. Struggling to find a solution. Thanks
Hey man - the Ronin app allows you to control the focus motor that comes with the RS3 Pro. I've used this a lot to pull focus. However, it will not show you the image, so you're doing it via measurements and such, which is normal 1st AC work. But if you want to see the image as you focus, you'll need to have a remote monitor setup as well. DJI has solutions for that, but it gets pricey. I've also just run a long HDMI cable from the camera to a normal PortKeys monitor. That can work, just not as flexible.
Congrats for the great content! One question : is it possible to use the DJI RS3 Pro's focus system to Zoom a zoom lens like the Canon 25-105L? Thank you!
Thanks man! I haven’t done it personally but yes, you could do that. You can even have two focus motors controlled by the gimbal. One could zoom and one could pull focus.
You definitely can run two motors. The RS3 Pro has two ports for that specifically. However, you couldn’t zoom without rebalancing the gimbal. So the ports are typically used for aperture focus - something like that.
Excellent! Just got an RS3 (not Pro) and no matter what I do, there is no connection to the focus wheel via usb-c. I set the menu correctly. Is it necessary to have RavenLight? Is it necessary to connect USB-C to camera as well? I would think the focus wheel would be independent. BTW, I have a Canon R5. Thanks for any help!!
I’m sorry for my late response. No, it’s not necessary to have Raven Eye. But I haven’t tried the focus wheel on that specific gimbal. Make sure you’ve got the cables plug-in to the right spot. No need to plug directly into the camera for this. And also remember my note about the front dial mapping. That can interfere as well.
@@writedirect Thanks for the reply. I wrote focus wheel but meant focus motor. I’m pretty sure the motor is defective as no lights come on even though all connected properly.
I’ve reached out to them via email. It’s Lunar new year now and the whole country pretty much shuts down for 10 days. Expect a reply this week hopefully. The unit is still under warranty so hope that there is no charge.
Thank you for telling about the focus wheel, will consider buying it. Meanwhile I have the issue. I calibrate the focus motor on my Nikon z6II + RS3 combo with no issues. But once I not turn off but simply lock the gimbal, it says the cable disconnected, when unlock - it says the cable connected BUT, the focus motor end points calibration will reset! That's drives me crazy! I eather have to not lock the gimball, or every time re-calibrate end points of the focus motor. Is there a way to avoid that issue?
Interesting...this hasn't happened to me. What I would try first: Replace the cable. If the movement is setting off a bad/damaged cable, maybe that's the reason? Next update firmware on the gimbal. If that doesn't work, reach out to DJI support off the website. They respond pretty fast. I had to send my Ronin RS3 Pro in for board replacement soon after purchase. They handled everything smoothly.
@@writedirect Thank you for your reply and advice. I've tried out to re-balanced it from the, put a Y-shaped support for the lens (I didn't do it before because I don't like that it skratches/rubs the lens even though it is plastic), and re-calibrated. And yeah, it worked and now even if I switch off the camera and gimball completely, the focus calibration remains intact! One more question about that focus wheel. I don't quite like how the basic deal wheel changes the zoom, it is a bit jerky. I played around with the focus motor deal speed ans smoothness (set both to 25), but it doesn't smooth at low speeds. When I turn it quicker, it is smooth, but when I turn it slow and gentle the zoom changes with jerky movements. Did you exerience it with the deal wheel? And is there a big difference? I would go for it not because I need one more deal wheel, but because of the not satisfying smoothness of the basic deal wheel (Nikon z6ii + Nikor F 24-200).
@@writedirect yes, I push it very hard before tightening the screw, so it is tight and secure. Probably the lens itself has tight moving zoom. It doesn’t have a lock but it never zooms out on its own. It is jerky only in a slow lens zooming, when more speed applied it is ok, but on a gentle slow zoom it is jerky.
Hello! It seems like I can directly plug in my camera to my RS3 Pro, and can use the scroll on the gimbal to control the focus electronically. Is there a disadvantage to using that feature as opposed to the physical focus mechanism? I’m not sure if this makes sense but thank you in advance!
thank you very much for the great video! I have the same setup. But would like to use the focus motor on a lens with no start and end points (endless). How do you calibrate such a lens? (Tamron 17-70 on Fuji X-H2S) If I set the front wheel to panorama, for example, as in your example, unfortunately nothing happens with the separately purchased focus wheel. Although it lights up green, the focus motor shows no reaction. The front wheel set to focus motor works. I'm at a loss.
thanks.. i have an issue when using dial and wheel.. On RS2, am used to using dial to use the motor to zoom the lens and the wheel to pull focus that it does directly via camera software. When i upgraded to RS3, all was ok and working the same way until I was forced to upgrade firmware.. then on, the wheel does not work anymore. I have to choose other functions but not combine focus and zoom.. any advice plz?
Interesting. I've only used prime lenses with this so haven't run into what you're describing. But if it was working and changed with a firmware update, I would either factory reset the gimbal or open a ticket with DJI. They are pretty responsive. I had to send my RS3 Pro in for repair and that did a fast turn around.
The focus motor is for cinema lenses. Cinema lenses are all manual focus and designed to work with follow focus rigs that the 1st AC controls on set. These lenses also don't have "infinite" focus rings like a normal photography lens. There are hard stops at either end of the focal field. What type of lens are you using?
I am wondering why do you need this huge battery and top handle in this setup?) have tried to shoot with this? What is your back’s opinion?) and what the director says: how the sound is recorded?
The battery and top handle are incredible. The handle allows me to quickly grab the gimbal and move it around. The battery pack is small and out of the way -- Genius design from SmallRig. Have I shot with this? Oh yes. Quite a bit. Works beautifully. And I'm shooting narrative film. You always record sound to a field recorder on film sets. Never to camera.
Love this video! Very informative! Curious question, which cage are you using? I just got a Falcam cage, but I cannot utilize the DJI items for the Follow Focus. Any thoughts on how to get around that?
Hi. Set up the focus motor. One problem: the focus ring makes a rumble noise when the motor gear wheels rotates the lens which the camera shoe mic picks up. Is this because it is not designed for video recording?
Typically you’re using a mic & field recorder to get your production sound. Or running a mic to the camera. If you’re using this for run and gun documentary type stuff, I would mount an external shotgun to the camera cage and position as far forward as you can. But most follow focus systems that are motorized are going to make some type of noise. The assumption for filmmaking is that you’re not positioning the mic by camera.
that's a nice setup, i still have a few questions tho: 1. This only works with the Pro version, since the normal one doesn't have connectors on the side right? 2. is there a way to use the dji follow focus on a handheld rig for example (trying to save some money :D) 3. Do you perhaps know any Grips that have a wheel for the FF installed that are compatible with both the gimbal and any other FF system if the DJI one doesn't work?
Hey! Here you go... 1. Yes, you need the Pro version. If you don't have that, I'd map the front dial to focus pulling. If you've got the gimbal set to pan follow mode, then you can control side to side that way. 2. You can control the follow focus with the DJI app on any iOS device (and prob android but haven't tried that) but you obviously can't see what you're focusing on. But you could have a remote monitor. DJI also has RAVEN EYE which is a higher cost solution that looks pretty slick. 3. If you check accessories with SmallRig or Tilta, one of chose companies will probably have something that will do what you're after.
Make sure it’s fully connected. Make sure your front dial isn’t mapped to the focus motor in your menu. Disconnect the Ronin app from the gimbal. And make sure your firmware updated. Those are the four things I would try.
Hello, I don't have any luck making this work with my rs3 (with the latest 2022 motor). My focus wheel won't even turn green. Could you please let me know how you managed to get the Wheel working with rs3 ?
If you have something else mapped to the focus motor, the wheel will not work. So check that and I'd just update firmware to make sure there isn't an odd bug there.
I can’t find a way for the focus motor not to jump the gear of the lens. Even though the focus and the lens are firm and tight, the motor keeps on stuttering. Have you experienced the same problem?
I haven’t had that problem. But make sure you calibrate the end points of the focus motor. You can access that in the settings. I do know a difference between the RS3 and RS4 is that you can set the focus motor torque. I don’t think you could do that in the RS3.
@@writedirect I have calibrated the points. It’s just sometimes the motor doesn’t grip well the gear and it jumps and pushes the camera. It doesn’t seem to be smooth even though I’ve tried everything to keep both, lens and motor firm and tight.
@@ajrc1987 I would put on a larger focus ring then. I’ve never had that problem unless I just didn’t have it tight enough. It’s always silky smooth for me. The site has good slip on ones: followfocusgears.com
If you want to drop the money for one, sure. But a lot of indie filmmakers don't have the cash to dump in every direction. I just finished a film where I was directing and running camera on the gimbal. Pulled focus myself...totally doable when you need to.
Hello, being disabled I can't zoom directly on my camera, the only solution for me is to do it on my iPhone. I would really like to do like on the video, what exactly do I need to be able to do it? Thank you very much 🙏🏼
You need a focus motor. One comes with the Ronan RS3 Pro. You can also buy them from Tilta (camera cages) if you’re not using a gimbal. But once you attach them and install the app on your phone, it’s pretty straightforward. You’ll also need to have a cinema lens or a focus motor ring added to your lens so that the gear can turn the lens.
@@writedirect It's no true. If you have a infinite focus lens you just must use original DJI strap-on focus ring from your RS3 pro box. And system will fix end point where will be a connector of this "ring" (truly say it's not a "ring" it's a "tape" with locker) and fix a start point at the other side of this locker
@@thebuhaka hey!! I totally didn't know you could do that, but it makes sense. You're creating your own stop and end points with the add on strap they give you. Thanks for this info. Good to know you can pull that off without a cine lens.
Yes, I used the RS2 is the same way minus the add-on focus motor. But I'm pretty sure it works with the RS2 as well. When I was using the RS2 Pro, my focus pulling was via the phone and app route. Got tired of that though.
Hey Kyler, have you ever had issue with the front dial being unresponsive with the focus motor? I have sent my gimbal to DJI three times and they have not fixed the issue for me (video reference I send to them to understand: ua-cam.com/users/shortsZXaGnu9Ndx0 - the focus calibration is unresponsive here too). Unless I am being a fool, do you have any suggestions what is wrong? DJI now is telling me I need to be using two USB cables, one that also goes into the camera, to be able to use the focus motor. Really frustrated with them, but I hope I am not overlooking anything.
For manual control of the focus motor from the gimbal, you don’t need two cables. Just one cable going from the focus motor to the gimbal. And I have not experienced what you’re talking about. Regarding DJI: remove any confusing component for them. So take the problem down to the minimum. And make them fix it. The focus motor is a very basic operation for that gimbal. It shouldn’t have an issue. Do you send the focus motor in with the gimbal? I’d include both in case it’s some weird issue with that component.
Whenever someone tries to do something good in the world, they're met with gratitude and also hecklers. Thank you for verifying that I'm doing something good for independent filmmakers!
The tutorial I'm looking for from decades !! Thank for sharing and demagogic quality of your explanation .
Right on! Thanks for your kind words. Glad it helped out.
Excellent pace and deliberate explanations! In a sea of terrible how-to videos yours is the lighthouse.
Thank you. Love the analogy!!! Much appreciated.
Excellent video, so clear and calming. You gave me everything I needed to know.
Awesome. Thank you! Glad it helped.
Man !!! you are Amazing !!! Video Score: 10/10 Explanation: 1000/1000 hahaha Good Job my friend
Whoa! I don’t think I’ve received stats like that. Thank you! And by the way, the RS4 and RS3 Pro are pretty similar. I just got the four and with initial review, sure there are some things that are nice, but the 3 is a solid setup.
Great video, dude. Lovely, calm, easy to follow dialogue. Nice job.
Thanks man! Appreciate that.
Absolutely brilliant video. Thanks so much 🙏
Very kind. Thank you!!!
Another great instructional video. Excellent!
Much appreciated!
Short addendum. I was able to set the endpoints of the focus motor manually with the front wheel (it doesn't work with the focus wheel). Then I put the front wheel back on pan. Now the focus wheel works within the set endpoints.
Thanks man! Good to know.
Great video!! Unfortunately/fortunately it’s more informative than what DJI has for support. One question, what if I want to use two motors? One for focus and one for zoom?
Thanks man! You can use two motors. You just have to purchase a second motor and cable.
I had problems getting the RS3 motor to work with the Ronin-S focus wheel too. Just updated the firmware and it all works!!
Cool! Good to know. Thank you.
quite useful ! thanks!
what I still can not figure out what my record button does not work... anymore as soon as I attached irix lens to my canon r5
Weird. So it works with another lens but not that lens? Or did it just completely stop once mounting that lens regardless of what you do afterwards?
Great demo! Hard to find informative videos like this. So many are just wishy-washy reviews. Thanks!
I hear you. Thanks for watching!
The most thorough setup and explanation of the focus system yet... thanks for the great video
Hey man! Thanks, appreciate your comment. Do you do narrative film?
I'm trying to find my place in videography. I shot wedding and corporate photography for 20yrs, took a break for about 4yrs and now I'm back at it. This time around, video has piqued my interest, so I'm trying to learn what I can.
@@normanbrown495 that's a lot of experience -- when you say video has piqued your interest, do you mean continuing in commercial or narrative story telling?
Definitely narrative/storytelling, it seems more purposeful and rewarding. Its more than just a check, it's the fulfillment I get from creating
@@normanbrown495 nothing else to say...freaking love that. It is rewarding.
Thanks for the easy step by step! Very clear and concise.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching. Glad it helped. Now make movies!
I have to tell you, your videos are without a doubt the best I started pulling my hair out when I first bought it I managed to come across your channel and it made everything come together. It’s the most clear concise you go through things slowly and precisely and explain everything very well thank you thank you thank you thank you
Really appreciate your words! Thank you. And happy this helped with the RS3.
I thought you mentioned where to buy the red lens rings but can’t find it. Would appreciate your help. Lost my strap that came with the RS3 and would like to replace it with something easier to use. Thanks and I really enjoy your videos.
Hey, sorry for the late response. Here’s the place: followfocusgears.com/
Nice. I ordered a focus wheel for RS3 !
@gorrdiito looks like I need to get the pro instead. Assumed the normal rs3 you could add that also 😩
@carlostheinevitable Ah bummer! I only have the pro. Good to know.
Thanks for the tip on the focus ring
Right on. Love them. Thx!
Good teacher! The tempo is good and no forced i’m funny stuff👍
Haha. My wife mixed that early on the first time I tried it. But yeah, I like to be succinct and to the point. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for sharing. You made it clear and easy to understand
Cool! Happy to help.
This is an immensely helpful video. Thank you so very much.
Nice! Glad it helped.
I guess I can attach this small focus wheel also on tethered handle? I really like how you are calm and nice. This is 2022 version? How it will work on zoom ring? Thank you!
Hey, thank you! I’ve never tried on a tethered handle. But you should be able to control zoom if focus motor is doing it. Yes, this video was with the RS Pro 3. But should work with RS4.
Respect from Romania 💖💖
Hey-Greetings from North Carolina! Thanks for your support. Filmmaker?
Love your style. Great info and presentation, thank you!! Subscribed.
Much appreciated. Thanks for the sub!
Great video! Thank you so mcuh
Right on! Hope it helps you with your filmmaking.
Clear and concise. 🤙🏼
Much appreciated!
Great video! Does the ring work with the new motor with increased torque as well, or only the original one?
I’ve used the ring with the RS2 Pro and the RS3 Pro without issues.
Hi! Please forgive the newb question, but I'm just learning to use something like this, but I'm curious if you need the focus motor if your camera has auto focus built in/enabled? What are the benefits of the focus motor? Is it just so I can have manual control over it? Thanks for the vid!!
All questions are valuable! The focus motor is only for manual cinema lenses. If you’re using auto focus, it doesn’t apply to you.
Hi, can you please tell the product link for that Pink rubber grip on the lens? Thank you in advance
Sure! Here it is: followfocusgears.com/
Hi, could you please tell me what cord you have connected from the SmallRig NP-F Battery plate to the camera (12V port on each)? Many thanks
Here it is: www.smallrig.com/smallrig-dc5525-to-2-pin-charging-cable-for-bmpcc-4k-6k-2920.html
Wow you made a gear video without big blue led strip lights or waving your hands. Maybe youtube isn't doomed after all ✌
Right on man. Thank you! I’ll do my part to teach the craft without the animation and keep UA-cam viable. 😄
So i have the rs3 pro and i cannot get the focus wheel to pair with the focus motor that comes with the pro kit i get the solid yellow light saying its ready to be calibrated and if i calibrate it just keeps going and going... when i turn the focus wheel nothing happens... very good video and explanation
Hey! If the calibration is going and going it sounds like you might not have a cinema lens. A photography lens with infinite focus will not work with a follow focus system. Are there hard stops on your focus?
@writedirect yes I am using a photography lens with no hard stops but I should still be able to use the focus wheel to move the motor the same way I can using the handle wheel?
@@shawnmclachlin8976 Yes, right. You can move just not calibrate. The only thing I've seen interfere is having like my front dial mapped to focus which will keep this from working. Have you checked to make sure it's disabled?
@writedirect yes I did check that I was reading on the DJI forum that the new focus motor that comes with the rs3 pro kit isn't compatible with the focus wheel that used to work on the rs2 but then I watched your video and you seemed to have it working so I'm stumped...
@writedirect figured it out just had to fake out the hard stops during calibration of the focus motor then I was able to use the focus wheel. Thank you very much for your help and responses!!! Liked and subscribed!!!
Good guide, thx!
But for what situations and how you use this second wheel? If you solo-record in running or just follow for subjects on foot and with heavy gear, isn't this the easyest way to use for focusing a default wheel? Can't imaged situation what I will have a free left hand only for focusing...
You're totally right, you can use the main wheel for focus. However, often I'll have the pan assigned to the front wheel (don't use the joystick for this). Before I got the wheel, I was mounting my iPhone to the gimbal and using the app to pull focus...so that was even more cumbersome and heavy. This small wheel removes app/phone issues, etc.
GOOD content. thanks
Thank you! Happy New Year.
Great video , you can also use 2 motors at the same time. Abit tricky. But works. . im currently using the 2nd dial for my focus pulling and my front dial for adjusting the a virable nd filter 2-5stops
Right! I personally haven't done that, but super cool. It's so crazy what you can do now as an indie filmmaker. When I first started as an editor, indie flicks were on DVX100's. Everything else was too expensive.
Amazing work
Thank you!
@writedirect Does DJ allow us to use two focus wheels simultaneously, one for focus (left side), the other for zoom (right side) ?
I've only used one, and kind of doubt two would work. But you can always map focus or zoom to the front dial.
After a phone call to DJI support and trying all the settings, support came to the conclusion that the focus wheel might be defective. I will be sent a new focus wheel shortly. Then I can report more.
Ah...what a pain. But DJI always backs their stuff. Love that about them!
Hello, great video. Very informative! I just have a question, do you know of any solution to pull focus / Zoom remotely. I would like the gimbal on a high tripod with a long lens. Yet want to zoom in and out via the phone or game controller. Struggling to find a solution. Thanks
Hey man - the Ronin app allows you to control the focus motor that comes with the RS3 Pro. I've used this a lot to pull focus. However, it will not show you the image, so you're doing it via measurements and such, which is normal 1st AC work. But if you want to see the image as you focus, you'll need to have a remote monitor setup as well. DJI has solutions for that, but it gets pricey. I've also just run a long HDMI cable from the camera to a normal PortKeys monitor. That can work, just not as flexible.
Congrats for the great content! One question : is it possible to use the DJI RS3 Pro's focus system to Zoom a zoom lens like the Canon 25-105L? Thank you!
Thanks man! I haven’t done it personally but yes, you could do that. You can even have two focus motors controlled by the gimbal. One could zoom and one could pull focus.
@@writedirect Absolutely Great! I'll take the RS3 Pro and the toothed focus rings you recommend! Thanks again.
Is it possible to run 2 motors, 1 for focus and 1 for zoom for instance and toggle between them somehow?
You definitely can run two motors. The RS3 Pro has two ports for that specifically. However, you couldn’t zoom without rebalancing the gimbal. So the ports are typically used for aperture focus - something like that.
Excellent! Just got an RS3 (not Pro) and no matter what I do, there is no connection to the focus wheel via usb-c. I set the menu correctly. Is it necessary to have RavenLight? Is it necessary to connect USB-C to camera as well? I would think the focus wheel would be independent. BTW, I have a Canon R5. Thanks for any help!!
I’m sorry for my late response. No, it’s not necessary to have Raven Eye. But I haven’t tried the focus wheel on that specific gimbal. Make sure you’ve got the cables plug-in to the right spot. No need to plug directly into the camera for this. And also remember my note about the front dial mapping. That can interfere as well.
@@writedirect Thanks for the reply. I wrote focus wheel but meant focus motor. I’m pretty sure the motor is defective as no lights come on even though all connected properly.
@@kenbarnessalisheye546 oh yeah. DJI is pretty responsive. Just open up a case with them off their site.
I’ve reached out to them via email. It’s Lunar new year now and the whole country pretty much shuts down for 10 days. Expect a reply this week hopefully. The unit is still under warranty so hope that there is no charge.
@@kenbarnessalisheye546 i’ve had to send things back to DJI twice under warranty. And they didn’t charge me.
Subbed! Looking forward to browsing your content!
Cool, thank you!
Thank you for telling about the focus wheel, will consider buying it. Meanwhile I have the issue. I calibrate the focus motor on my Nikon z6II + RS3 combo with no issues. But once I not turn off but simply lock the gimbal, it says the cable disconnected, when unlock - it says the cable connected BUT, the focus motor end points calibration will reset! That's drives me crazy! I eather have to not lock the gimball, or every time re-calibrate end points of the focus motor. Is there a way to avoid that issue?
Interesting...this hasn't happened to me. What I would try first: Replace the cable. If the movement is setting off a bad/damaged cable, maybe that's the reason? Next update firmware on the gimbal. If that doesn't work, reach out to DJI support off the website. They respond pretty fast. I had to send my Ronin RS3 Pro in for board replacement soon after purchase. They handled everything smoothly.
@@writedirect Thank you for your reply and advice. I've tried out to re-balanced it from the, put a Y-shaped support for the lens (I didn't do it before because I don't like that it skratches/rubs the lens even though it is plastic), and re-calibrated. And yeah, it worked and now even if I switch off the camera and gimball completely, the focus calibration remains intact!
One more question about that focus wheel. I don't quite like how the basic deal wheel changes the zoom, it is a bit jerky. I played around with the focus motor deal speed ans smoothness (set both to 25), but it doesn't smooth at low speeds. When I turn it quicker, it is smooth, but when I turn it slow and gentle the zoom changes with jerky movements. Did you exerience it with the deal wheel? And is there a big difference? I would go for it not because I need one more deal wheel, but because of the not satisfying smoothness of the basic deal wheel (Nikon z6ii + Nikor F 24-200).
@@vavalexus the wheel has been smooth for me. It’s tight against the lens right? Can’t think of why it would be smooth.
@@writedirect yes, I push it very hard before tightening the screw, so it is tight and secure. Probably the lens itself has tight moving zoom. It doesn’t have a lock but it never zooms out on its own. It is jerky only in a slow lens zooming, when more speed applied it is ok, but on a gentle slow zoom it is jerky.
@@vavalexus that's a pain. I've only used mine for pulling focus, so just can't speak to this directly.
Why ist the focus wheel not compatible with the RS3?? is there a way for an focus wheel on an RS3?
Actually according to Adorama it would work. It I haven’t tested this personally.
Hello! It seems like I can directly plug in my camera to my RS3 Pro, and can use the scroll on the gimbal to control the focus electronically. Is there a disadvantage to using that feature as opposed to the physical focus mechanism? I’m not sure if this makes sense but thank you in advance!
No disadvantage at all! If you don’t need the front dial for anything specific, then you don’t need the focus wheel.
thank you very much for the great video! I have the same setup. But would like to use the focus motor on a lens with no start and end points (endless). How do you calibrate such a lens? (Tamron 17-70 on Fuji X-H2S) If I set the front wheel to panorama, for example, as in your example, unfortunately nothing happens with the separately purchased focus wheel. Although it lights up green, the focus motor shows no reaction. The front wheel set to focus motor works. I'm at a loss.
Just saw your resolution...nicely done. And thanks, this helps others in your position.
also, my focus motor has 2 usb ports.. any idea why and if it has any use?
I only use one of them, and that's to connect it to the gimbal for control. The 2nd port is a mystery. Don't see a use for it yet.
thanks.. i have an issue when using dial and wheel.. On RS2, am used to using dial to use the motor to zoom the lens and the wheel to pull focus that it does directly via camera software. When i upgraded to RS3, all was ok and working the same way until I was forced to upgrade firmware.. then on, the wheel does not work anymore. I have to choose other functions but not combine focus and zoom.. any advice plz?
Interesting. I've only used prime lenses with this so haven't run into what you're describing. But if it was working and changed with a firmware update, I would either factory reset the gimbal or open a ticket with DJI. They are pretty responsive. I had to send my RS3 Pro in for repair and that did a fast turn around.
Can I also Focus my Nikon Z8 without the focus motor? Is that cable-based focus? What is the advantage of using the focus motor?
The focus motor is for cinema lenses. Cinema lenses are all manual focus and designed to work with follow focus rigs that the 1st AC controls on set. These lenses also don't have "infinite" focus rings like a normal photography lens. There are hard stops at either end of the focal field. What type of lens are you using?
I am wondering why do you need this huge battery and top handle in this setup?) have tried to shoot with this? What is your back’s opinion?) and what the director says: how the sound is recorded?
The battery and top handle are incredible. The handle allows me to quickly grab the gimbal and move it around. The battery pack is small and out of the way -- Genius design from SmallRig. Have I shot with this? Oh yes. Quite a bit. Works beautifully. And I'm shooting narrative film. You always record sound to a field recorder on film sets. Never to camera.
Love this video! Very informative! Curious question, which cage are you using? I just got a Falcam cage, but I cannot utilize the DJI items for the Follow Focus. Any thoughts on how to get around that?
Thanks man! Never used that cage. I’m using SmallRig. Really like their stuff.
Hi. Set up the focus motor. One problem: the focus ring makes a rumble noise when the motor gear wheels rotates the lens which the camera shoe mic picks up. Is this because it is not designed for video recording?
Typically you’re using a mic & field recorder to get your production sound. Or running a mic to the camera. If you’re using this for run and gun documentary type stuff, I would mount an external shotgun to the camera cage and position as far forward as you can. But most follow focus systems that are motorized are going to make some type of noise. The assumption for filmmaking is that you’re not positioning the mic by camera.
that's a nice setup, i still have a few questions tho:
1. This only works with the Pro version, since the normal one doesn't have connectors on the side right?
2. is there a way to use the dji follow focus on a handheld rig for example (trying to save some money :D)
3. Do you perhaps know any Grips that have a wheel for the FF installed that are compatible with both the gimbal and any other FF system if the DJI one doesn't work?
Hey! Here you go...
1. Yes, you need the Pro version. If you don't have that, I'd map the front dial to focus pulling. If you've got the gimbal set to pan follow mode, then you can control side to side that way.
2. You can control the follow focus with the DJI app on any iOS device (and prob android but haven't tried that) but you obviously can't see what you're focusing on. But you could have a remote monitor. DJI also has RAVEN EYE which is a higher cost solution that looks pretty slick.
3. If you check accessories with SmallRig or Tilta, one of chose companies will probably have something that will do what you're after.
My focus wheel keeps blinking red and doesn’t connect. Can you please help me out? Any tips?
Make sure it’s fully connected. Make sure your front dial isn’t mapped to the focus motor in your menu. Disconnect the Ronin app from the gimbal. And make sure your firmware updated. Those are the four things I would try.
Your the man. Ty
Haha. Thanks for watching!
Hello, I don't have any luck making this work with my rs3 (with the latest 2022 motor). My focus wheel won't even turn green. Could you please let me know how you managed to get the Wheel working with rs3 ?
If you have something else mapped to the focus motor, the wheel will not work. So check that and I'd just update firmware to make sure there isn't an odd bug there.
I can’t find a way for the focus motor not to jump the gear of the lens. Even though the focus and the lens are firm and tight, the motor keeps on stuttering. Have you experienced the same problem?
I haven’t had that problem. But make sure you calibrate the end points of the focus motor. You can access that in the settings. I do know a difference between the RS3 and RS4 is that you can set the focus motor torque. I don’t think you could do that in the RS3.
@@writedirect I have calibrated the points. It’s just sometimes the motor doesn’t grip well the gear and it jumps and pushes the camera. It doesn’t seem to be smooth even though I’ve tried everything to keep both, lens and motor firm and tight.
@@ajrc1987 I would put on a larger focus ring then. I’ve never had that problem unless I just didn’t have it tight enough. It’s always silky smooth for me. The site has good slip on ones: followfocusgears.com
How do you keep the focus motor from shaking the rig? Especially on start.
Unlock the axis points and balance it before powering on. Then run a calibration.
Thanks!!!
Hope it helped!
where can I buy that rod mount from?
Hey, sorry for the late response. You can get those from SmallRig. I use SmallRig cages on my Pocket 4Ks.
Hi! Does the focus wheel works with RS3?
Only tried it with the RS3 Pro, but if the RS3 has the side nato ports, it probably would.
And if you are using manual focus lenses with dji rs3 pro… isnt it obvious to use lidar?
If you want to drop the money for one, sure. But a lot of indie filmmakers don't have the cash to dump in every direction. I just finished a film where I was directing and running camera on the gimbal. Pulled focus myself...totally doable when you need to.
Hello, being disabled I can't zoom directly on my camera, the only solution for me is to do it on my iPhone. I would really like to do like on the video, what exactly do I need to be able to do it? Thank you very much 🙏🏼
You need a focus motor. One comes with the Ronan RS3 Pro. You can also buy them from Tilta (camera cages) if you’re not using a gimbal. But once you attach them and install the app on your phone, it’s pretty straightforward. You’ll also need to have a cinema lens or a focus motor ring added to your lens so that the gear can turn the lens.
@@writedirect i just need the rs3 and focus motor? because on dji it says that it doesn't work
@@lucasmoreau5841 if you get the RS3 Pro it has everything you need. Then just download the app to your phone and you can pull focus from there.
@@writedirect Is it possible to show me in a private message? 🙏🏼
@@lucasmoreau5841 I’m out of town right now. But happy to help. Email me: Kyler@writedirect.co
Where can I buy that red focus pulling ring?
This is the place: followfocusgears.com/collections/sirui
So do you calibrate the photography lenses that are infinite? Or is that calibration just for cine lenses?
Good question. Only for cine lenses. The infinite focus of photography lenses will not work with follow focus systems. At least not this one.
@@writedirect It's no true. If you have a infinite focus lens you just must use original DJI strap-on focus ring from your RS3 pro box. And system will fix end point where will be a connector of this "ring" (truly say it's not a "ring" it's a "tape" with locker) and fix a start point at the other side of this locker
@@thebuhaka hey!! I totally didn't know you could do that, but it makes sense. You're creating your own stop and end points with the add on strap they give you. Thanks for this info. Good to know you can pull that off without a cine lens.
You can disable the end points, then it will just spin continuously
1 0000 00000000 likes!!!!!! Thank you!
Hahaha. Thank you!!!
Is this possible with the RS2?
Yes, I used the RS2 is the same way minus the add-on focus motor. But I'm pretty sure it works with the RS2 as well. When I was using the RS2 Pro, my focus pulling was via the phone and app route. Got tired of that though.
Hey Kyler, have you ever had issue with the front dial being unresponsive with the focus motor? I have sent my gimbal to DJI three times and they have not fixed the issue for me (video reference I send to them to understand: ua-cam.com/users/shortsZXaGnu9Ndx0 - the focus calibration is unresponsive here too). Unless I am being a fool, do you have any suggestions what is wrong? DJI now is telling me I need to be using two USB cables, one that also goes into the camera, to be able to use the focus motor. Really frustrated with them, but I hope I am not overlooking anything.
For manual control of the focus motor from the gimbal, you don’t need two cables. Just one cable going from the focus motor to the gimbal. And I have not experienced what you’re talking about. Regarding DJI: remove any confusing component for them. So take the problem down to the minimum. And make them fix it. The focus motor is a very basic operation for that gimbal. It shouldn’t have an issue. Do you send the focus motor in with the gimbal? I’d include both in case it’s some weird issue with that component.
Another bedroom cinematographer… you talking about stuff from users manual like some sacred knowledge
Whenever someone tries to do something good in the world, they're met with gratitude and also hecklers. Thank you for verifying that I'm doing something good for independent filmmakers!