Someone had a question about Novoflex Follow Focus lenses. Since I have
owned various versions of these lenses here are my opinions:
Advantages:
* light weight, quite portable dissasembled
* optically simple and therefore fairly sharp
* very fast focussing
* excellent close focussing ability with built-in tube (newer versions)
or bellows (older versions)
* excellent support from Novoflex
* modular construction allows for different lens heads including Leica
heads
Disadvantages:
* low speed of 5.6 (6.3 with Leica head) forces you to use 200 or 400 ASA
film
* no internal focussing
* follow focus grip looks like gun (could lead to difficult situations
abroad; Africa, Asia etc.)
* spring loaded grip focussing takes practice and is not eveyones favorite
Possible Compromise (in light of the recent Tamron 2.8/300 debate):
* Try to get the rare Novoflex/Tamron 2.8/300 follow focus which combines
many of the advantages of both systems. Unfortunately they were only
built for about two years (ca. 1989-1991) and cost a much as the Zuiko
2.8/350 (if you can find one).
I am expecting more innovation from Novoflex. Check their Website
(www.novoflex.com, I believe).
I like Novoflex products because they are built by real wildlife and macro
enthusiasts who use their own products. Novoflex can also custom-built
many adapters. Their automatic bellows and macro heads are superb (OM
version still available).
I will have a shootout between my old Novoflex 5.6/300 and my recently
aquired 4.5/300 Zuiko later this spring and will report results to this
list.
Jan
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