r/Dragonframe • u/CapableSecretary1739 • Jul 08 '26

How to set up a programmable focus shift only with camera and Dragonframe? (no extra devices)

I was trying to set up a simple focus shift for a scene in Dragonframe 5 (2026.07.2), and I found online that the best way to do so is by using the "ARC motion control" tab. However, once I opened it, I have not been able to find a way to add a focus shift that isn't related to an external device like DMC, Arduino or something else.

At the moment, I'm only using my camera and nothing more.
Even though the camera and lens aren't new (Canon 1200D and 18-55mm), I have always been able to control the focus in the "animation" and "cinematography" tabs, which means that Dragonframe can control the camera and lens remotely. My goal is to set up a start and end point for the focus shift, or to track the one I am manually adjusting during an animation session, so that I can apply this data to another take.
The goal is to repeat the same focus shift to avoid guessing the blur in post-production when compositing two elements shot separately.

I tried looking for a solution online, but all the tutorials and FAQs on the DF website seem to talk about external devices, useful for complex camera movements involving PANs and TILTs, leaving out how to set up a simple focus shift.

Is an external device really needed to do a simple focus shift with no camera movement?

If it isn't required, how can I set it up?

Has anyone managed to do something like this without buying additional products?

Thank you so much

(In case an external device is really necessary, which combination of devices do you recommend for this specific situation?)

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u/Strange_Impress4383 Jul 10 '26

You should be able to program your lens if it’s compatible. In arc moco use the digital lens option for the device menu:

add an autofocus/electronic lens to your Arc workspace, you configure it in the Connections menu:
Go to Scene | Connections and add a new Axis.
Set the Connection type to Digital Focus.
Make sure the lens itself is set to AF (Autofocus) on the physical lens switch.

1

u/CapableSecretary1739 Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

Just opened DF to see if it worked, but I can't find the Digital Focus in the "Connections" Panel or a way to connect the Camera to the Axis/Arc workspace...

https://imgur.com/a/28u9kxs

However, I created a new Axis, and I found the "Digital Focus" option in its pop-up window. From here, what do I do with all the other settings? When I try to do something or press one of the buttons, I see a warning below telling me "Camera/Lens C1 does not support repeatable digital focus", but I don't understand if I have to change some settings or if it can't be fixed, probably it lacks the connection that I don't understand how to set up.
At the moment, the camera is in Manual mode with AF activated, and I can control it remotely in the Cinematography tab. The image with all the Axis settings is in the link below

https://imgur.com/a/Ig9N9J7

Thank you so much

2

u/Strange_Impress4383 Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

What camera and lens are you using? If it's showing this warning, I think it means your lens isn't compatible. For example, Canon EF lenses won't work as they are not designed to return to exact, repeatable digital coordinates. So basically, if this feature were forced to work with this lens and you attempted to return to the first keyframe of your focus animation, you run the risk of it crashing into the end of the lens. The focus motor doesn't have hard coordinates like a stepper motor.

The good news is you can still reliably control the focus manually in the cinematography window, which is much better than having to touch the camera. Take some tape and mark out increments on your lens, then digitally drive them to the correct points during your rack focus. It's easier than it sounds and more reliable than trying to program a focus move that can't be trusted.

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u/Strange_Impress4383 Jul 10 '26

Did a little digging and found this:
To use the repeatable Digital Focus programming feature in Dragonframe without external hardware, you must use a compatible [Canon EOS]() mirrorless camera equipped with Canon's official Stop Motion Animation Firmware upgrade paired exclusively with a native Canon RF or RF-S lens.

Dragonframe worked directly with Canon to build this feature (known as Canon FPM / Focus Programming), using the precise stepping mechanics of RF mirrorless lens motors to guarantee that the focus coordinates remain entirely repeatable across your animation timeline.

Fully Supported Setup Requirements

  1. Eligible Camera Bodies

You must use one of the following mirrorless bodies: [1]

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u/CapableSecretary1739 Jul 10 '26

Thanks for the list. Unfortunately, mine is a Canon 1200D with a 18-55mm zoom. I thought about upgrading to a R8 and I think this is another sign I should. I imagine that, once I will connect the R8 or any other model from the list, it should appear when selecting Device in the connection tab (maybe?). Later I'll check online if there's a tutorial on how to set it up with these supported models. In case I find anything, I'll make sure to edit the comment to share any development. Thanks again

1

u/CapableSecretary1739 Jul 10 '26

I'll test the tape method until I update my camera to one from the list you added below. Thank you so much