Camera accessory manufacturer SmallRig has released the modular MagicFIZ wireless Follow Focus system. This new system builds on their previous mini-follow focus unit with all-new features that will appeal to all levels of filmmaker.
SmallRig has designed the new system to be completely scalable so that you can tailor it to your needs depending on the size of the production and shooting situation. Utilising a 100% wireless connection, the compact handle controller, hand wheel controller or combination of both can be attached to a camera rig or used completely separately as there is no need for wires. This enables the focus puller to focus 100% on keeping the subject in focus while the camera operator keeps the subject in frame.
The new system consists of a wireless receiver servo motor that can be mounted to control focus or Iris, or if you have two motors, the handle and hand wheel controllers can be combined so that you can take full creative control of your camera wirelessly.
To ensure minimal latency, the system utilises a 2.4G wireless signal that enables you to control the receiver from a distance of up to 100m/328ft. To ensure minimal interference and maximum security, the system features specialised encryption algorithms, and this comes into play when you need to swap from one motor to another if you’re running a larger production with multiple camera systems.
In total, the system can link to up to 48 motors enabling one transmitter to link the focus and Iris systems of multiple cameras. The robust wireless signal has also been designed to ensure a minimal latency of 50ms.
Taking a closer look at the modules, and the first is the Wireless Handwheel Controller. This has a large, precise focusing wheel and can work in isolation or can be combined with the Wireless handgrip. Doing this enables one person to operate two motors simultaneously; one for the focus and the other for the Iris.
The Wireless Handwheel has a built-in 1400mAh battery that will last up to 20 hours of use and features a simple-to-follow interface. SmallRig has included a power-off memory system feature that enables the system to store the lens travel and A/B marker positions. This means there’s no need to recalibrate every time you power on.
Next up is the Wireless Handgrip. This features a finger-control focusing wheel, which can be connected to the Wireless Handwheel controller. The Wireless handgrip is powered by an LP-E6 battery that supplies up to 40 hours of operating time.
The main driver for the system is the Wireless Reciever Motor. This gains power from V-Mount batteries through its USB-C interface or an NP-F battery that can be clipped onto the quick-release plate. Using an NP-F550 will supply around 3.5 hours of operation. The Wireless Reciever Motor has a torque output of 0.5Nm, more than enough to drive cine lenses.
The SmallRig MagicFiz Wireless Follow Focus System has been designed to complement existing SmallRig products and be a complete ecosystem in its own right.
For more information on the SmallRig MagicFIZ Wireless Follow Focus System, please visit www.smallrig.com.
Wireless Handwheel Controller Features:
1) Large, fine control focusing handwheel
2) Controls Wireless Receiver Motors (focus, iris or zoom control)
3) The 0.96″ OLED screen shows Battery Status, REC Prompt, Channel, Motor Number, Communication Status, A Mark/B Mark Status, and Motor Position (also shows Follow Focus Handgrip status when attached)
4) Can directly attach onto the Follow Focus Handgrip, enabling one person to control two operations simultaneously.
5) Has built-in 1400mAh lithium batteries for up to 20 hours of operation.
6) The USB-C interface can use PD/QC fast charging systems
7) Compatible with 5.0-16.8V power supplies.
8) Customised circuitry offers automatic over-voltage protection.
9) Optional D-Tap to USB-C and DC to USB-C cables can power the Wireless Receiver Motor.
Wireless Handgrip Features:
1) Finger control focusing wheel
2) Controls Wireless Receiver Motors when attached to the Electronic Controller Module(focus, Iris or zoom control)
3) The 0.96″ OLED screen on Electronic Controller shows Power “On” Status, Channel, Motor Number, Communication Status, A Mark/B Mark Status, Motor Position
4) Can be connected to the Wireless Handwheel Controller, enabling one person to control two operations simultaneously.
5) Powered by replaceable LP-E6 lithium-ion battery for up to 40 hours of operation (1950mAh).
6) The USB-C interface can use PD/QC fast charging systems
7) Compatible with 5.0-16.8V power supplies.
8) Customised circuitry offers automatic over-voltage protection.
9) Works as a reverse power supply for powering the Wireless Handwheel Controller or Wireless Receiver Motor.
Wireless Receiver Motor Features:
1) Provides high torque output of 0.5Nm to drive cine lenses easily
2) The 0.52″ OLED screen shows Channel, Motor position, Input voltage, Motor Number
3) Accepts external power from V-Mount batteries through its USB-C interface
4) Can use NP-F series batteries via a quick-release battery plate (up to 3.5 hours of operation with an NP-F550 battery).
5) It can also be powered by the SmallRig Wireless Handwheel Controller or Wireless Handgrip.