So you need a wireless follow focus, but you don't want to spend a fortune.

You can spend thousands upon thousands on high-end wireless follow focus systems from companies like Bartech and Preston, and while those systems are worth it when a lot of money is already being spent, when the production is small and you don't have a lot of money, you need something a little more affordable.

Enter Lenzhound. The affordable open source wireless follow focus made by Motion Dogs was Kickstarted a little over a year ago. Now they've announced that they are taking pre-orders for the final retail version (which required FCC certification), with the very first units shipping January 16th, and the rest shipping in the next month or so. Here's more on the Lenzhound:

The Lenzhound is a flexible, wireless and user-friendly method of extending lens control to an assistant camera operator or "focus puller" enabling professional, cinematic filmmaking. The Lenzhound system is clean, simple and inexpensive, consisting of the handheld remote transmitter unit (RTX-1) and the motor/receiver unit (DB-1) which attaches to the user's camera rig. The DB-1 lens motor is targeted towards DSLR and video cameras employing lenses with manual operation rings, but is applicable for cinema-style lenses with the optional Cine-Standard gear attachment. The system features open source, Arduino compatible firmware which enables the user to program a powerful array of custom settings for other, improvised camera-movement set-ups.

They've posted a number of videos going over the Lenzhound:

The follow focus is available in a number of packages, the first starting at $395, which includes:

RTX-1 Single Axis Controller Unit

DB-1 Receiver Motor Unit

Pulley & Drive Belt (specify size)

Latex Lens Band

MiniUSB Cable

Grease Pencil

The most deluxe package goes up to $755 (with a few in-between the basic and deluxe), and includes:

RTX-1 Single Channel Controller Unit

DB-1 Receiver Motor Unit

Pulley & Full Belt Kit

32 pitch gear system

Latex Lens Band

MiniUSB Cable

Grease Pencil

12v 3800mA Re-chargeable Lithium Battery with cable/charger

Carry Case

Allan Wrench and Screw Driver

Second 12v Re-chargeable Lithium Battery with cable/charger

For more on the Lenzhound, and to order your own, head on over to the Motion Dogs website.