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The HV20 comes with a manual focus roller, which is a good thing. However, it is a bit awkward to operate.

Others here and in HV20.com have come up with clever ways to get around this problem. They usually involve larger wheels that are mounted on some assembly. The wheels are designed to touch the roller and turn it by way of friction.

Here is a minimalist friction tool that can be used to accomplish the same task (well, perhaps with enough practice). It is small, portable, cheap, and light-weight.

Enjoy!
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40 Likes
  • Bryan 3 months ago
    I think this is a great idea....Thank You
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  • Jay Boy's Random Cutz 3 months ago
    Nice man! Nice!
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  • BumontheRun 3 months ago
    Thanks, will be making this tomorrow.
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  • bigd1971 3 months ago
    Nice demo.
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  • Rican Joe 3 months ago
    Sweet, its like you are playing a violin!
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  • Stephen Lewis 3 months ago
    This so spectacularly awesome!!
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  • Clan McCloud 3 months ago
    Nice work. Great inexpensive solution. I'll have to give this a try. Looks like the technique needs a bit of practice though.
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  • Brian Boudreau 3 months ago
    cool, inexpensive DIY
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  • Glenn (Avene) 3 months ago
    Nice one.. Might have to give that a try. normally I just run the side of my left index finger up and down there in much the same way. Guess it helps being left handed.
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  • stw254 3 months ago
    Thanks for the comment guys. It does look like playing a violin/cello doesn't it? I was going to name the tool "Skewdivarius." Hope to get some more practice time with it. Please report how you do with your own focusing stick.

    PS: For HV30, use black silicone tubing.
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  • ronniemcbride 3 months ago
    The simplicity makes it so genius!

    I swear the things we come up with when faced with restrictions. It is like we all a bunch of jail birds looking for a way out lol.

    Great stuff!

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  • Bob Toe 3 months ago
    Thanks very much! I was wondering how long until someone came up with something to deal with that awkward dial!
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  • Taylor Gillespie 3 months ago
    This is amazing, thanks for sharing.

    Now I just have to get an HV20...or 30...
    XD
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  • ermitikos 3 months ago
    now thats is called. ..... Brilliant
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  • kruzer 2 months ago
    What kind of software drives that thing :)
  • stw254 2 months ago
    FeatherTouch(tm) v1.2. Versions before that did not have vertical up&down motion and therefore not compatible. For older users like me, you also need the anti-arthritic plugin.
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  • Nowawes 2 months ago
    perfect! thank you very much!!!!
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  • Bill T. 2 months ago
    Cool idea! I just love solutions like that.

    At the start I thought you were going slit the tube and wrap it around the edge of the ruler. That way you would have "marks" to hit for your focus pulls.
  • stw254 2 months ago
    The yellow ruler you see is a 2' metal one and that would be too cumbersome to lug around. A 12" wood ruler might work, though.
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  • MarkB 1 month ago
    Great idea! Gotta make me one of those!
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