The Best Way to Pull Focus on a Shoulder Rig

[@chadwin]

And now the NEW Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro is here! Internal ND filters, a tilting screen, brighter LCD, longer battery life! All the things we've been asking for! Except the EVF.....no one asked for that......haha! What do ya'll think? Is it worth upgrading from the Pocket 4k or 6k?

[@MatthPeder]

My only issue with the new EVF is I don't see a good way of mounting a handle plus cage. And the EVF isn't very functional for handheld rigs. If the Ursa EVF is compatible, that's a different story.

[@lenniejahn1578]

@@MatthPeder tilta got something for that aswell! an EVF extender - could be great!

[@ken9778]

This is genius. The reason I turned my camera into a cinema rig was because I stumbled upon one of your videos. I’ve come a long way now and learned a lot. So thank you and keep up the awesome content!

[@chadwin]

That is seriously awesome man! I’m glad to hear some of my videos helped you rig out your camera. Yeah, it’s seriously the perfect solution for pulling focus on a shoulder rig. Thanks, I’ll keep the vids coming!

[@encoremultimedia3511]

Good tips. I like that you mixed SmallHD and Tilta products, two of my favorite equipment accessory makers.

[@Alecgodwin]

You beat me to it. I was gonna make a video about this. lol. Now ill have to direct them here cos you nailed it. Thats my favorite Tilta accessory cos it is universal. Great Video!

[@chadwin]

Dang man! I always say, inspiration is fluid in the universe, you had the idea before me, then it came to me and I acted haha! Thanks for watching. Still make your video though, I’m sure you have your own unique perspective!

[@Alecgodwin]

@@chadwinThanks. I wasnt goimg to cover that much.

[@scottpollock6549]

This video was so in depth and informative you absolutely earned a sub. Can't wait to see what I can create with these helpful tips!

[@chadwin]

hey thanks so much! i help it was helpful for your own shoulder rig build!! welcome to the channel

[@Matt.Gillard]

Your gear and rigs have come so far! I love it!

[@chadwin]

Thanks! they really have evolved over the years

[@jessetimmmiller1870]

This video is gold! Liked and subscribed.

[@crazypabs1]

You smart silly man! Thank you for making this video and for me finding this year's later.

[@All2jPro]

Great video… great rig…this is the reason we went with the Niceyrig/Camvate accessories And the PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 2+ instead of the tilta… there tooooo many workarounds and things you have to buy to get it to work the way you want… for the same base price… PDM gives you totally wireless powerful motor with clamp on controller and memory with 2 second calibration. Absolutely loving it…

[@chadwin]

that's awesome, sounds like the PDM has been a good option and working well for you! I still need to try that system out.

[@seanhindsbk]

Video is priceless. Great job. I used everything and did it. Works great.

[@chadwin]

That’s awesome! Glad to hear it’s been working well for you. Keep killin it 🤛🏻

[@jimperez2941]

Thanks for the response. Sorry about that I thought maybe the wrong one. But I sent it back to Amazon because I found just the pad by itself and the rods by themself too, which came out to be cheaper. You help me learn about the Tilta handle for Focus pulling. So it's all good.

[@chadwin]

it's all good man! glad you got it figured out and working best for you. it's good you were able to save money on the overall setup as well! yeah, the tilta side focus grip is my favorite!!

[@simbasimsstudios]

This is great. Thank you for sharing. Keep creating great content.

[@AfoteyAnnum]

God tier cinematography DYI

[@chadwin]

😆 😂 the camera rigs have leveled up ⬆️ 🍄

[@AfoteyAnnum]

@@chadwin absolutely!

[@filmmaker_24moviecollection]

Just the video I was looking for. Thanks bruh 🤙🏾

[@chadwin]

Glad I could help! thanks for watching

[@DanielSRosehill]

Thanks! Great video!

[@GogoDesignFilms]

you're a beast bro, thank you

[@chadwin]

Thanks man! Keep rockin 🤘🏻

[@upstreamcolours3422]

First comment 😁♥️ whatever you upload in here,it's awesome ❤️

[@chadwin]

😆 here’s your award 🥇

[@upstreamcolours3422]

Thank You 😁😇❤️

[@leochow6477]

Thanks for your Sharing, very informative.

[@chadwin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cineformat6298]

As always very informative video, thanks , keep rocking)

[@chadwin]

Hey thanks! Hopefully it’s helpful in some way. Rock on 🤘🏻

[@cineformat6298]

@@chadwin do you remember i was asking your opinion about bmpcc new camera announcement?) there is a new bmpcc 6k pro and i would like to see your review and/or camparison with bmpcc6k)

[@cineformat6298]

@@chadwin do you use Nucleus-Nano Run/Stop Cable for BMPCC 4K/6K? if yes can you share the link for purchase?

[@Clos12310]

I’m sad, it look like the grip is no longer sold. Do you have any recommendations for a replacement? 👀

[@DruMUSIC06]

Nice one man, now time to aave up for those.

[@chadwin]

Thanks man! Yeah, save up and just buy it one part at a time. That’s basically what I’ve done over the years

[@eimead]

Constructive criticism. This shoulder rig has the very fundamental problem in that it still doesn't have the camera's weight over the shoulder, it's in your arms, meaning you can only operate it as long as your arms don't fatigue. Looks like you're using a manfrotto baseplate on the camera. 40 buck will buy you the mount so you can clip the plate directly onto the shoulder pad instead of mounting the pad to the rails. This will place the cameras weight directly on your shoulder. That'll give you more stability and make the whole rig more comfortable.

[@tonythespaceman]

do you have the link of this item?

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

Great video liked, subscribed and shared.

[@chadwin]

hey thanks- appreciate the support!

[@scheduleadmin2759]

You are so smart!!

[@chadwin]

lol, thanks! You're smart for watching!

[@DynamicPhil84]

Awesome video, great explanations! I had no idea these tilta side handles were compatible with the nucleus nano. I was looking at the Nucleus M system and it is way more expensive for not much of an advantage here.

[@chadwin]

thanks! yep, they're totally compatible with the nucleus nano and works very well with it. the nucleus M is better if you need more power for larger lenses.

[@AaronFilmsStuff]

Great idea man! I've been looking into a setup similar to this for my shoulder rig so this was nice to see! Maybe one day we'll run into each other filming stuff here in AZ!

[@chadwin]

thanks man! Yeah, it's a great way to run focus on a shoulder rig. For sure man, I'm always bumping into people when I'm out filming, I'm sure it'll happen eventually!

[@piociuffarella-filmdirecto5180]

Very well, thank you!

[@chadwin]

Thank you too!

[@alantuttphotography]

This is the main reason I never seriously considered using a shoulder rig. Someday, I'll have to look through product catalogs to find out about all these different options.

[@chadwin]

yeah, without having a good way to pull focus on a shoulder rig, they're almost unusable, so I'm happy to share this solution! Hopefully you can build your own out someday.

[@EvilDogFilmsOfficial]

Stop making me wanna buy stuff!!! Looks awesome!

[@chadwin]

😆 😂 sorry!! It was just too cool and convenient not to share!

[@EvilDogFilmsOfficial]

@@chadwin Hell yeah, my rig is heavily based on yours but I used a different dual grip and clamped the focus wheel on it so it seems quite usable and steady, but THIS is next level comfort. Too cool indeed.

[@A1Bokeh]

This is dope!

[@chadwin]

thanks man!

[@ianzhao5693]

What’s wrong with using the tilta nucleus focus handle? It has a better grip and more control customizations.

[@A1Bokeh]

I was just recently thinking about getting a nucleus but I rarely even use my shoulder rig so it'll be a minute

[@Mike-1965]

I prefer a EVF. The Zacuto Kameleon works best for me. When the sun hits that monitor, you can forget focus.

[@chadwin]

yeah, and EVF works great for outdoor shooting in the sun. luckily monitors are getting much brighter. i have some that are 2000 nits brightness now so they're fine in the sun and I usually use a sunhood anyways.

[@WrathChild-NZ]

How come the side focus handle in your link is different to your video? The link one just has a mount on the top rather than the side

[@redakumaproduction]

Amazing videp my freind.thank you verry much !!Do you think it can work with the ronin rs2 focus motor ?

[@bryanbarajasBB]

That Soo cool😎

[@chadwin]

hey thanks!

[@Emiliano-Oseguera]

If I want can I use two motors? One for follow focus and another for zoom range control?

[@chadwin]

Yes, you could use 2 motors but you’d need a focus grip for each. Or the Nucleus M which lets you do both on one handle by switching settings

[@dominostories9844]

I think the ne update of BMPCC 6K Pro Is best Biggest fan of yours ❤️

[@chadwin]

yeah, the new Pro update looks pretty awesome! I'm gonna have to check it out.

[@-ifcomedia6490]

Can these accessories be added to a camera 6k pro ? And thanks for this great video

[@TheAverageJoeBro]

Question… could you flip it for thumb focus vs. index finger?

[@JimRobinson-colors]

Some kind of grip that works like a motorcycle grip for acceleration. Don't know of one, but that would be ideal.

[@chadwin]

wow! that's really cool-never seen that before. Very unique design. www.adorama.com/zcztrn.html?

[@JimRobinson-colors]

@@chadwin There ya go. That looks easier to me.

[@felipevece]

Just grabing the camera with the side focus handler how much weight do you think it can take?

[@chadwin]

yes, the focus grip has a strong connection with the arri rosette. it can support the weight of the rig!

[@felipevece]

Where did you get that Micro usb cable to micro usb cable for the nano, look very much long than the one that comes with the tilta N

[@Patrick-jj5nh]

nucleus does do a start stop cable for the bmpcc 4k and 6k but it goes into the usbc port so u cant record on ur ssd at the same time

[@chano_banano]

Aaahhh I am just gonna go ahead and copy your set up loool

[@chadwin]

haha right on! good luck with your rig!

[@NovellWay]

The links don't work. Awesome vid, by the way

[@chadwin]

Most of them should be working! the nucleus Nano one is out of stock, so that link is broken. Thanks, I’ll try to see if I can update any broken links

[@JoelRiveraMD]

Links: EVF support arm, baseplate, handles and another I can’t remember besides the nucleus nano is not working !

[@chadwin]

Okay, i've gone ahead and fixed all of the links! thanks for the heads up. It's some dumb technical problem, basically i copy and pasted all of the links in and they didn't work so I manually put the exact same links in again, and now they all work! makes no sense, come on youtube!! haha

[@Raiendrops]

I'm using the Smallrig MagicFiz, I thought about the Tilta Nucleus V2 but I don't like where the rosette is located on the grip handle. It's just annoying Smallrig went with the Canon LP batts vs. Sony's

[@thehowiewang]

I just wish they used a different port instead of micro usb. The nano has a range all the way from 5.5-18v. The max you’re getting out of micro usb connection is 8v. With that being said though, has this setup been okay for you? I just worry the nano is not drawing enough power to throw around lenses with stiffer focus rings.

[@sundersquare]

What do you use for storage solution for this rig and how long do you get from it without changing battery/storage? Love the setup!

[@chadwin]

Typically when I have it this built out, I just have to put in the backseat fully rigged. If I’m traveling far, I’ll break it all down in Pelicans and then rebuild on site. There are some nice Tenba bags though that are big enough for some shoulder rigs. The battery lasts me at least 3-4 hrs, just depends on how long I’m filming continuously. Thanks for watching!

[@kipkipful]

@@chadwin pretty sure he was refering to media storage

[@TonyRush21]

Question. I see that you are using the Type II which is currently unavailable on Amazon, would the Type I work just as well?

[@SantiFox]

My palm kept hitting the focus button and some shots got ruined as it started to recalibrate.

[@danielkeegan7238]

Heya quick question regarding BMPCC6K/4K. Have you tried the rode wireless go system using mini XLR to 3.5mm? I heard the native 3.5mm jack on both models are no good as they have no pre-amps ? But the XLR has a better pre-amp so would be better for audio?

[@chadwin]

That’s a good question! I actually haven’t tried the rode wireless go mics yet. I heard they work well, but maybe that just with a direct 3.5mm input. Anytime you start using adapters with audio, it can introduce noise/interference or reduce signal level. I don’t typically convert 3.5mm to XLR, but I have before with the rode filmmaker kit without any issues

[@SpaceGhostNZ]

I have the rode wireless go, they have such a good signal that is totally fine to just put them into the 3.5mm Jack

[@OtminBlackClaw]

Aaand BMPCC 6K Pro is out, time to upgrade? =)

[@chadwin]

hahahaha! There's always a new camera right? No matter how many times you but the latest thing they're always working on the next one. Honestly I'm not sure yet.....probably will eventually. It doesn't have any improvements to the image quality really, but the new hardware features are awesome!

[@sylvestrisstudios]

Chadwin or anyone else out there, I'd love to see the benefits if any of this side handle over the nucleus-m side handle as I believe the nucleus-m one is now paired with the nano drive gear. Please help me decide which one to get.

[@chadwin]

Yes. You can use the nucleus m side handle or the nucleus n side grip with the motor! Both work well. The advantage of the nucleus m is it also works with the nucleus m motors incase you upgrade ever. Otherwise there aren’t big differences between the two

[@JayRazor83]

Is there something for zooming?

[@chadwin]

you can added another handle and motor and put it on the zoom ring and Boom you're good! most rigs like this have one handle for zoom and the other handle for focus. some even have another ring for aperture control

[@darlingtonjonesimagery9247]

Good stuff man. Keep it up. Question. How accurate are you at pulling focus using that little wheel when using photo lenses? My friend has the tilta and I was looking at that little wheel and it doesn't give much travel distance when turning the wheel I just can't see how it would be good at nailing focus

[@chadwin]

honestly, I'm able to pull focus with the tilta focus grip just fine. Yes, the wheel doesn't rotate as far as the nucleus nano focus wheel, but you can really finesse it and take it slow. I don't use photo stills lenses much though, only lenses with cinema gears already, so it could be harder to pull focus on them.

[@kevan4724]

What if you want to change the aperture or shutter or iso on the fly in doc situations? Wouldn’t you have to reach to the back of your camera while destabilizing your shot every time?

[@debeeldfabriek]

How you attach the screen on the cage?

[@FabioPansera]

NucleusN link doesn't work! :)

[@chadwin]

It’s out of stock on Amazon so the link broke. I’ll try to find a fix soon, check back later if you still need it

[@FabioPansera]

@@chadwin sure, no sweat, great video as always! :)

[@thepreditor6265]

i need a 7 inch monitor option

[@chadwin]

shinobi 7" or SmallHD Focus 7. both are great!

[@JoelRiveraMD]

Links are not working !!! Amazon links needs to be fixed

[@chadwin]

The nucleus nano is out of stock on Amazon so the link is broken. All other links should be working though! I’ll see if I can find more in stock somewhere and link them

[@JoelRiveraMD]

@@chadwin I clicked on a few links and they were not working. Other people are writing the same.

[@chadwin]

@@JoelRiveraMD thanks I’ll take another look!

[@connectronbuilds9960]

There's also the moza ifocus solution thats way cheaper

[@chadwin]

it is cheaper, but is it better?? honestly, Tilta is Killing it with this focus grip handle

[@connectronbuilds9960]

@@chadwin It has its negatives but also its positives so you could go either way, depends on your preferences. I got it because it was $100 cheaper at the time which allowed me to buy the rest of the shoulder rig. I don't want this to look like a plug but I made a video on it :p

[@MiaogisTeas]

Question: what stool do people recommend for shooting at waist height? Being tall, much of my shooting is done with the camera braced against my chest, using a tripod eliminates the natural slight movement, so the only thing I can do with a shoulder rig is to sit on a low stool.

[@Artfulscience1]

Wow. This is so much more affordable than the nucleus M handle system

[@chadwin]

Yeah, way more affordable and it works just as well! You only need the M if you’re using bigger cinema lenses and need 2 or more motors

[@Artfulscience1]

@@chadwin so glad to hear it! I’m definitely getting this, thanks for posting man!

[@randytate]

The calibration memory wouldn't work because it would require the focus ring to be attached at the exact same position it was in when it was removed.

[@chadwin]

that makes total sense! good call out.

[@gwm-btdbattlesagar.ioandmo9988]

1st ac to the rescue

[@chadwin]

haha! that would be so nice to have one on every shoot.

[@joshdiditt]

Im 6'2. If I am shooting a dialogue scene and the man is 6'3 and the woman is 5'4, how do I use the shoulder rig without shooting over her head?

[@chadwin]

great question! typically for height differences like this, you just have to crouch or spread out your legs a lot to stand lower. it's normal for over the shoulder shots of a short person to only have the shoulder of the other person and not their head at all if they're too tall in comparison to the other talent

[@Xavier_Sc]

I'm still stunned that my Ronin RS2 can focus AND rec a BMPCC via a simple USB cable into the camera. Why all other controllers don't work ? It seems the BMPCC can handle that.

[@paulkowol2561]

Hello, My setup is: Canon 5DMIV on a shoulder plate on my right shoulder. I will ask you or is any possibility to control ISO and Aperture near the handle? Not only focus but the others thing too... Please let me know:) Thanks

[@chadwin]

sounds like a nice setup! unfortunately no. there aren't many things I can think of that would allow you to control all of those settings. some cameras have mobile apps that allow more control like that, but obv. wouldn't work well on a shoulder rig. you really need something like the C200 to get that kind of control with on of their grips

[@johngeorgo]

How do you feel about the lower voltage compared to the 12/16V dtap? I am especially worried for use with vintage glass

[@chadwin]

it just depends on what you need to power. i always power devices based on their recommended voltage. either way, the battery solution should have zero effect on the lens

[@johngeorgo]

@@chadwin this motor accepts a wide range of voltage from 5 to 18V as stated by Tilta themselves. The effect of the voltage is rather dramatic reaching almost a doubling in torque power when compared from 5V to 18V as stated by Tilta. This has a lot of impications as many have not been able to pull focus with heavy cinema lenses or stiff vintage lenses when using the 8V provided by the tilta handles, I was looking for your personal experience.

[@chadwin]

@@johngeorgo ohhh I apologize. I was thinking we were talking about powering the camera here for some reason. Yes, 5v definitely doesn’t have as much power and I’ve personally had times when the motor ends up skipping off of the teeth of the lens. If you can, the most common max of 16.8v from a d-tap battery is much better! I use a d-tap to micro usb cable for that.

[@jimperez2941]

I like your videos but you kind of messed me up. You linked the wrong shoulder pad, it puts the camera of the Sony Alpha straight in my face instead of having it wity straight rods. I think you put a put a different kind of shoulder thing.

[@chadwin]

Okay gotcha, yeah that’s the correct shoulder pad that I’m using, but what I’m Not using is the 15mm rod offset piece. Just remove that from your rig and come straight out of the shoulder pad with your rails for the whole length of the rig. Hopefully that helps!

[@deividvieiradop]

I’m working A LOT just to have all of that equipment hahahaha

[@chadwin]

well, just work your way up to it over time. you can do A LOT with way less gear and make awesome looking stuff.

[@emanuelllR]

Does anyone know how much the full shoulder rig would cost?

[@RavikantRai21490]

I tried looking right a right hand version of this, and weirdly they just don't sell it. Wtf? You're only supposed to pull focus with only your left hand?

[@nicow2634]

I never understood why using a wireless follow focus, if it is at the same place that a manual follow focus would be.?! It uses batteries, wireless is always prone to failure, it takes up more space and it adds maybe more weight.. So why?

[@codxone]

Instead of using 2 hand grips on the rig, i wonder if it is more comfortable mounting 1 hand grip into the middle. It may be more balanced while using follow focus

[@kepyyy5766]

its just a 250$ handle with a 90$ arm lol no biggie

[@chadwin]

It’s definitely not cheap, but it’s more affordable than many other options from more expensive companies. SmallRig offers some of the cheapest parts in the camera gear industry. Tilta also makes more affordable parts than higher end companies that overcharge

[@kepyyy5766]

@@chadwin Yep that's true, it's still crazy imo, but it's good quality at least

[@julientaylor]

Hey man, false information in your video!!!: to use the run/stop button on the grip, you need to hook-up a second cable from the nano Motor > to the Camera. this is the cable you need: Nucleus-Nano Run/Stop Cable - part number: RS-WLC-T04-USBC

[@chadwin]

You're correct! I misspoke. RS cable goes from motor to cam.

[@RavikantRai21490]

I wish this wasn't the "solution" It basically means you've wasted money on the tilta focus wheel. Now spend couple hundreds more and THEN you get the 'solution'. Sigh, I wish there really truly was a better way.

[@chadwin]

You’re right that it’s not the best, but that’s only if you but the Nucleus nano as a kit. You can actually buy just the motor and the side focus grip by themselves and then pair them. Luckily Tilta is coming out with the new Nucleus Nano II soon and it will come with the grip if you buy the right kit

[@RavikantRai21490]

@@chadwin yeah I made the mistake of buying the nano as a kit. Can't even sell just the wheel now. What a bad mistake. It's also because I relied on youtube for gear advice

[@antdx316]

touch-AF or its not worth

[@petrub27]

he looks like a chad. oh, wait

[@TonyRush21]

Question. I see that you are using the Type II which is currently unavailable on Amazon, would the Type I work just as well?