Focus w/steadycam

eqwalker

eqwalker

Active member
On the DVD of a movie I have I was watching the making of it and was able to see some of the equipment that was used in the making of it. I noticed a lot of steadycam usage and that brought up a question that I have. I did not see a follow focus setup on the camera that they were using on the steadycam. How is focus handled when you are following a subject with a steadycam (Glidecam, etc)? Are they using an autofocus feature or are they careful to stay the same distance from the subject as they move? Just wanted to ask. Seems like I come up with these strange dumb questions..............Oh, in case anyone was wondering, the movie is "Heartbreakers".
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Probably keeping a constant-ish distance from the subject + stopping down far enough that the DOF will cover minor variations.

That's how I'll do.

Dan
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Infinity Focus is always an option (at least im my GLIDECAM 2000 budget :P ) but the BIG BUDGET PROS use a Remote Follow Focus system such as this.

preston.jpg
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

I always use a deeper depth of field. I don't have the gear or the skills to do it any other way yet.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Actually, you use a follow focus unit with a remote unit attached, along with a wireless video sender. This setup allows the focus puller to work away from the Steadicam Op, adjusting the focus watching a monitor. Without this setup (pro), there's no way for the Op to focus, and as film camera's don't have auto focus, they which wouldn't produce acceptable results for a feature.

Here's the unit I use.

Bartech_Focus_divice.jpg
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Thanks for the response. Ok, just for fun, how much does those remote FF's cost?
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Contrary to popular belief, there are still some camera ops and 1st AC's that can focus by distance rather then by watching a video monitor.

Shocking, yes...but true.

EDIT: Oops, didn't mean that to sound so snooty. I just mean that there are still a ton of AC's out there that use shot bags, markers, chalk, tape, and experience to pull focus rather then using video assist.

All of the steadicam shoots I've been on had a remote focus puller, but no monitor.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

[quote author=J_Barnes link=board=news;num=1099262271;start=0#7 date=11/01/04 at 04:55:17]Contrary to popular belief, there are still some camera ops and 1st AC's that can focus by distance rather then by watching a video monitor.[/quote]

I don't have much choice in the matter...can't see worth a damn.

But I've got a nice 100' cloth tape measure. :)

Dan
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

I must ask about a statement in your post that I find fascinating, "All of the steadicam shoots I've been on had a remote focus puller, but no monitor." how can you pull focus without a reference monitor, you need to "see" what you're focusing on.
The same question is valid for "there are still some camera ops and 1st AC's that can focus by distance", a Steadicam is a dynamic, rather than stationary camera mount. I think you might be slightly mixed up with focus. For a fixed (tripod) shot. then yes tapes are used and the focus puller adjusts based on distances pre determined prior to shooting so no there is no monitor required (but actually used these days).
For a Steadicam shot, a focus puller cannot operate blind (without a monitor), there are too many rariables involved, none the least of which is to expect a Steadicam Op to hit numerous marks perfectly, take after take. In a dolly shot, every take is identical...the tracks are fixed, with a Steadicam, not so lucky.
It simply isn't possible to pull focus without a monitor for a Steadicam shoot.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

No, no confusion. I'm talking about steadicam shots, not tripod shots.

With an AC walking behind the op (or in front of as the case may be), it's rather easy to guage distances using markers, tape or chalk on the stage floor or location.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Amusing, yet incorrect.

I've done shots running up and down stairs, following "random" movements throughout a shot, switching from following one principle to another. Using the methods you describe, you'll be constantly losing focus, no matter how carefully "measured", and thererby, lose your job. A badly framed shot is always going to be preferred to an out of focus shot...one may be salvagable, the other trash.

Sadly, the method you are describing simple introduces a level of "chance" that no one would find acceptable.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

It sounds like j-barnes has either witnessed this, or done it himself. If so, it would appear he has gotten acceptable results.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

A problem Mr Hudson?

Please expand upon the discussion with your experiences with your GLIDECAM 2000.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Posts: 6216, were they all like these?

If you're not interested in adding to the discussion, or providing information showing my points to be incorrect, what are you adding to this thread with your latest comments?

I have pointed out an incorrect understanding of focus pulling (the need for a monitor) with regard to Steadicam operation.

You have whined.
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Pookie, you're barking up the wrong tree there.

I understand that you feel a pressing need to be correct and perhaps there are a few of us here that rub you the wrong way, but I'd suggest that you'd make more allies if you were less forceful in your arguments.

There's room for a lot of opinions here, also room to make friends and enemies. Unlike a lot of user communities, the vast majority of us would like to be friends.

How about we restart this debate with a lighter tone, eh?
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

Fair enough J_Barnes, but I must point out your comments work both ways....

In any event, I've been operating Steadicams for the last fifteen years, with 5 years prior as a Steadicam Op assistant. While I can understand the "measurement" method you refer to, I have never heard of it used in a "pro" environment. Perhaps you are referring to an indie using this method (it certainly would cost less....no monitor, no sender) in which case I could understand (indie budgets usually require searching for pop cans to make ends meet).

If my tone is a bother...sorry. But in the discussions on this forum, I do know Steadicam, you won't find me commenting in lighting, directing, audio....I know only sufficient on those topics for my own use, not enough to offer opinions to others on the best way to accomplish "X".
 
Re: Focus w/steadycam

A little bit of further advice is, unless you are absolutely 100% correct about something then acknowledge it. People come here to learn and exchange ideas and giving incorrect or dismissing various ideas as incorrect doesn't help anybody.

J Barnes is spot on. This is a very mellow community and I have never seen so many people get along so well. IF you are here to exchange ideas then be friends and do it but don't dismiss other peoples opinions as INCORRECT when they are not. There are preferred methods for everything but unfortunatley the lot of us have to rely on creative lo-budget techniques to get the job done.

I can fly to New York in a day but I can hitchike as well. One is the preferred method while the other is not. But they both get the job done.

As far "If you're not interested in adding to the discussion, or providing information showing my points to be incorrect, what are you adding to this thread with your latest comments?" and "You have whined." ?

I'll add whatever I want to any discussion I see fit and I never whine. You'll be whining when I have you 86'd from this forum for being the minority member who just can't get along.

Don't run smack to the Mods man. Now that is a fact.
 
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