British manufacturer specializing in matte box systems, follow focus units, and camera accessories.
Technical Details
Bright Tangerine follow focus systems operate with precise 0.8 pitch gears and offer a 300° rotation range for standard pitch focus rings. The modular matte box systems support filter sizes from 4x4" to 6.6x6.6" and feature stepless adjustability from 15mm to 19mm rod systems. The flagship "Misfit Atom" weighs 680g and provides mechanical focus markings with an accuracy of ±0.02mm. The "Revolvr Atom" series uses CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum with a surface hardness of 60 HRC.
History & Development
Bright Tangerine emerged in 2009 from the frustration of camera assistants with unreliable follow focus equipment on DSLR productions. The initial products targeted the emerging Canon 5D Mark II wave as low-cost cinema productions exploded. In 2012, the company established itself in the professional market with the "Misfit Kick" series. In 2015, the "Atom" product line followed for high-end cameras like ARRI Alexa and RED Epic. The latest "Kasbah" series (2019) integrates wireless follow focus technology with 2.4 GHz transmission and a range of 300 meters.
Practical Application in Film
Bright Tangerine equipment was used on productions such as "The King's Man" (2021), "Wonder Woman 1984" (2020), and the Netflix series "The Crown." The Misfit series is particularly suited for handheld and gimbal work, while the Atom line is preferred for studio setups and Steadicam operations. The modular design allows for quick configuration changes between different camera formats within a shooting day. The magnetic quick-release systems reduce setup times from an average of 8 to 2 minutes.
Comparison & Alternatives
Bright Tangerine directly competes with ARRI, Tilta, and SmallRig in the follow focus segment. While ARRI relies on proven broadcast-ready solutions, Bright Tangerine focuses on innovative hybrid systems between DSLR and cinema cameras. The price positioning is 30-40% lower than comparable ARRI products with similar build quality. For budget productions, SmallRig or Tilta offer more affordable alternatives but do not achieve the mechanical precision of the Bright Tangerine Atom series.