Introduction: FocusShifter - Lens Mounted Follow Focus for DSLR and Video Cameras

By www.danielbauen.com
About: Daniel Bauen breathes new life into objects that have met their untimely demise in the junk pile.

The Lens/Focus Shifter is a stand-alone follow focus and focus marker board that can be used on any camera lens. No extra equipment is required. This started out as a DIY project, but I discovered that a lot of film makers didn't have the time or resource to make this themselves, so I have put a lot of effort into bringing an affordable follow focus solution to film makers everywhere.  Most follow focuses cost in the hundreds of dollars.  This one can be bought on Kickstarter for $45   I appreciate all the support! Let me know what you think about it.

FOCUS ON PERFECTION
It's perfect for filmmakers, photographers, and anyone wanting to step-up their production capabilities. It gives you professionalism without breaking your budget. 

NAIL YOUR FOCUS
The re-useable Focus Marker allows you to create marks for your focus points using a dry-erase marker. The arrow on the Shifter facilitates quick and easy transition between focus points.

FITS ANY LENS
The Shifter and Focus Marker attach quickly and easily to any lens from small 50 mm 1.8 lenses, to large zoom and wide angle lenses.  It will fit lens diameters from 56mm (2.20in) up to 98mm (3.86in). If you're measuring circumference, distance around the lens, it fits from 176mm (6.93in) to 308mm (12.12in).  In the rare case that you need something larger or smaller than that, pledge at the CUSTOM SHIFTER level and specify the diameter.

SIMPLE TO INSTALL
To attach the Shifter, simply slip it over the lens, onto the focus ring and tighten it down with the ball end. The Focus Marker attaches to the lens with an elastic band, and has over-molded rubber feet to hold it in place.

EASY AND SMOOTH
The Shifter operates on the full dynamic range of the lens. Its design allows you to smoothly pull focus without any jarring starts or stops. The ball design is easy to grasp so you can avoid twisting your hand into uncomfortable positions when pulling focus. For a lens with a narrow focus rings, you can prevent your fingers from falling into the frame, by keeping them at a safe distance.

FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS TOO
Using the Shifter improves manual focus speed and accuracy when taking photographs. It's especially helpful with lenses that have a shallow depth of field, and need fine adjustments. Get another one to use for zoom.

MADE IN USA
Many Shifters and Focus Markers have already been made on our 3-D rapid prototype and precision CNC equipment, and tested by local film makers. We have a fully functioning manufacturing facility for small to medium scale production. Our products are all manufactured in the US in part of our grass-roots effort to bring the builders back, and avoid lost time and cost on long flights to another continent just to kick the vendors in gear. It's a lot more efficient to drive down the road, or fly a few states over to get what you need. The Shifters are made from strong plastic in order to keep them lightweight, so that they don't shift the focus when the camera moves around.  Kick-starting funds will go towards expensive injection molds, molding, CNC machining, and assembly line, for the Focus/Lens Shifters that will be delivered to you.

THANKS!
Thanks to all our supporters, friends and family for making this possible!
Daniel Bauen, (the Engineer), Jake Snowden (the Cinematographer), and Mark McJunkin (the Microfacturer)

Order one for only $45 and support this project on Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/microfacturing/lens-focus-shifter-lens-mounted-follow-focus