German manufacturer of camera accessories since 1948, specializing in follow focus systems, matte boxes, and lens adapters.
Technical Details
The mechanical follow focus systems operate with a 0.8 module gear pitch according to DIN standards and offer a gear ratio from 1:1 to 1:4. Electronic systems like the MagNum achieve a positional accuracy of ±0.02° at operating temperatures from -20°C to +60°C. Standard rod diameters are 15mm and 19mm for aluminum construction. The CDM-Cine.1 wireless systems operate on 2.4 GHz with a range up to 300 meters and support up to 3-axis control (Focus/Iris/Zoom). Matte boxes accommodate filters from 4x4" to 6x6" with bellows extension up to 140mm.
History & Development
In 1975, Christoph Chrosziel and Wolfgang Ziel founded the company initially as a repair shop for film equipment. In 1982, the first proprietary follow focus was launched, developed for Arriflex cameras. The breakthrough came in 1995 with the CDM-1 (Compact Drive Module), the first compact electronic follow focus system. In 2003, the MagNum system revolutionized the industry with its brushless motor and absolute positioning without a reference run. In 2010, Chrosziel introduced wireless multi-axis control, followed in 2018 by the integration of lens metadata transmission for digital workflows.
Practical Use in Film
DoP Roger Deakins used Chrosziel equipment on "Skyfall" (2012) for precise focus pulls in the Shanghai sequences. On "Gravity" (2013), the robust follow focus systems enabled exact focusing during complex camera movements on the gimbal. Typical workflow: mechanical system for simple setups, electronic for remote operation or multi-camera synchronization. The First AC positions themselves up to 300 meters away, while lens distance markings are transmitted digitally. Disadvantages: higher weight than competing products, longer setup time for electronic systems.
Comparison & Alternatives
Chrosziel competes with ARRI (cforce motors), Preston Systems (FIZ systems), and Tilta (more affordable market). While Preston dominates Hollywood productions, Chrosziel scores with European precision and modular design. ARRI systems integrate more seamlessly with their own cameras, while Chrosziel offers more universal compatibility. RT Motion (Bartech) focuses on ultra-compact solutions, Chrosziel on robustness. Mechanical systems are for low-budget and documentary work, electronic systems for feature films with complex camera movements and multi-camera setups.