Steadicams and Pulling Focus

[GHamm]

Anyone have experience with pulling focus/zoom while using a steadicam?

I'm using a DVX with the Verizoom remote control for iris/focus and zoom on a Verizoom Navigator steadicam. Problem is that any cable running from the camera to the steadicam arm creates tension/weight that kills the free-floating balance of the camera sled. Without the remote control, I'm limited to just running full auto focus and staying full wide on the zoom.

Any comments or suggestions?

[mikkowilson]

On true manual lenses, a wireless follow focus is normally used that is controlled by a Camera Assistant. Good systems run between $4,000 and $25,000

For the DVX (B only! and the HVX) there is only one system I know of: The Chroiziel DigiFox. It's a wireless FF that connects to the Focus port on the HVX. - It's brand new and I don't know about prices yet, but rest asured that it will be some few thousand dollars too..

- Mikko

[Cynic821]

I dont think ive ever seen zooming and too much rack focusing on steadicam shots. And you shouldnt have to worry too much with focusing when using the stock lens, even zoomed in a bit, maybe up to Z30 will be fine. I think zooming while being on the steadi cam will be quite funky looking, unless you are going for something specific, i dont think ive ever seen it.

Anyways, you should plan your shots, unless you are going to be shooting news or documentarys, but then i cant imagine a steadicam being very usable in a volitile enviornment where you dont know where you are going. planning is all i can think of.

[filmat11]

Ghamm, that's quite a task to do by yourself.. Mikko is right about the need for a GOOD camera assistant. You will need to get a wireless system, and leave focus and zoom to your assistant.
On the cheap, (for minidv)I have seen people use a Varizoom type zoom controller , which they mounted near the gimbal. I don't advise it..
Use of the Stedicam is such a BIG shot to have in any film, don't dilute the effect of the shot by zooming as well.
Stay wide, and let the movement of the shot make up for lens movement.
A well practised, err.. a well blocked shot, for a long stedicam shot can take quite a while to stage, especially if your going up or down stairs, around people, thru doors and still have to keep all your light stands out of the shot.

[Droog]

Yeah, I think the steadi cam is most effective when you are shooting with a wide angle. Not only would it be a pain to rack while using the rig, you would have to be pretty far zoomed to even need to rack the focus and at that length of lense the steadicam probably would not be that steadi looking. That being said, a good assistant with the Varizoom controller will probably get you as close as you are going to with a DVX. I've done Iris moves while hooked to a steadicam and it worked fine.

Have fun.

[mikkowilson]

Steadicam can look fantastic at all sorts of focal lengthes. In fact the best shots are generally with a slightly longer lens.

Zooming is also common during Steadicam shots. It can be used as a practical means of extending or amplifying a move. Or even just to change focal lenth between two parts of the shot when the rack/zoom is disgused within the shot.

It's all about the requirements of the shot, not what looks best with the gear.

- Mikko

[GHamm]

Thanks for all the input.