Nitze 15mm Follow Focus Kit MF15D - Adjustable Rail and A/B Hard Stops

In this review of the Nitze MF15D follow focus kit the bottom line is simple: it is a compact, mechanically capable follow focus aimed at indie filmmakers and DSLR users who need repeatable focus control without a large rig. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of an adjustable rail that slides 50 mm to match different lenses plus the built-in A/B hard stops and 360 infinity option, which together make consistent pulls and repeatable marks much easier on small to mid sized setups.

Key Features

• Adjustable rail: The rail above the 15mm rod clamp moves up to 50 mm so the unit can be positioned precisely for different lens diameters and focus rings.
• A/B hard stops: Supports preset A and B stops for repeatable focus pulls, and stores the hard stop screws in threaded holes when not in use to avoid loss.
• Reversible drive gears: Includes three reversible 0.8 mod gears (38, 43 and 65 teeth) that mount front or back to match lens gear position and desired throw.
• Snap-on marking disks: Three magnetic marking disks snap on and off for fast marking of focus points and easy swapping between lenses or scenes.
• Crank and belt: The included T006-03 crank speeds hand focusing and the gear ring belt enables use with lenses that lack 0.8 pitch gears.

Who It's For

The Nitze MF15D is best for solo shooters, small production teams and hobbyist cinematographers who work with 15mm rod systems and need reliable mechanical focus control without bulky cage systems. Its adjustable rail and variety of gears make it versatile across a range of prime and zoom lenses used on DSLRs and small mirrorless rigs.

Those who should look elsewhere include operators who need wireless focus motors, electronic follow focus integration or ultra-smooth, high-torque systems for heavy cinema lenses; this is a manual mechanical unit better suited to lighter rigs and hands-on operation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adjustable rail allows precise placement for different lenses, improving ergonomics and alignment.
• Built-in A/B hard stops and 360 infinity option deliver repeatable focus marks for consistent pulls.
• Multiple reversible drive gears and a gear belt provide flexibility for many lens gear sizes and positions.
• Magnetic marking disks and included crank make setup and operation quick during shoots.

Cons

• Manual mechanical design lacks motorized or wireless control expected by some professional rigs.
• The unit is optimized for 15mm rod systems and may require adapters to integrate with nonstandard support setups.

Specifications

Product	Nitze 15mm Follow Focus Kit MF15D
Rod system	15mm rod clamp
Rail adjustment	Adjustable up to 50 mm via red thumbscrew
Drive gears	0.8 Mod: 38T, 43T, 65T (reversible)
Marking disks	Three snap-on magnetic disks
Extras	Crank T006-03 and gear ring belt included
Focus stops	A/B hard stops plus 360 infinity option

Our Verdict

The Nitze MF15D follow focus kit is a practical, value-minded mechanical unit for filmmakers who need precise manual control and repeatable marks on 15mm rod rigs. It combines an adjustable rail, multiple gears and stored hard stop screws for a thoughtful, small-form follow focus that suits indie productions and run-and-gun setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the follow focus be used with lenses that do not have 0.8 pitch gears?
Yes, the kit includes a gear ring belt that wraps around the lens focus ring so it can be used with lenses lacking 0.8 pitch gears.

How are the A/B hard stops stored when not in use?
The unit has built-in threaded holes where you can screw in the A/B hard stop screws to keep them secure and prevent loss.

Are the drive gears reversible and why does that matter?
Yes, the three included 0.8 mod gears are reversible so you can mount them on the front or back side of the follow focus to match different lens gear positions and focusing throws.