Follow focus necessary

S

Soldier

Well-known member
I'm a director who wants to get into dslr cinematography. In the past I've worked with DP's who had focus pullers. I've had plenty of experience operating smaller sensor DV and HD cameras like the sony ex3, but haven't often had to adjust focus during a take. I don't ever use auto features (just in case anyone was wondering). I'm not especially fond of racking focus or extremely shallow focus, but would like to be able to keep my talent in focus.

Basically, I want to try shoot my next short with a crew of two... I'll operate camera and I'll have a sound guy. Because I am operating this without a focus puller do I really need a follow focus? I mean I know it will be more difficult to track focus, but will it make it extremely difficult?

Thanks,
 
I'm also kind of new to DSLR cinematography (bought my t2i a few months back), and have recently added a Dfocus v3 to my kit

I also operate the camera and pull focus myself, and this means the follow focus is not as useful as it could be, because I can only use focus marks if the camera is totally stationary during the shot (at least with the Dfocus: maybe with a unit that has a non-flat marking disk and allows you to set the marking tip horizontally... and, even so, still not easy)

so I don't think it's indispensable: you could do very well without it

but it helps

at the very least, it's easier to quickly reach to the focus without taking your eyes out of the picture, especially if you have different lenses with different shapes
and it is easier to remember which way means "further" or "closer" (I know, I know... newbie...)
 
If you're not going to get a follow focus then you're pretty much going to need a loupe. This will keep the camera steadier as it acts as another point of contact with your body, and you'll be able to judge focus more accurately.

However you'll soon be wishing for a follow focus and external monitor if you pull focus like that for any considerable length of time.
 
It can be done - I've used an FF on a dolly or slider, or on a tripod when the talent is moving, and I can hit it using a magnifying loupe. Make sure your takes are good and re-take if needed.

The loupe does give you three points handheld, but I feel like you need one more hand growing out of your side for that to be optimal.

If you're in a situation where you can mark points on the wheel, focus stops work really well. I use those "Spring-clip" paperclip things, the smallest size; hold one over the wheel, braced against the marker rod, and find the focus point, release the clip. Do the same with the other point. You can rack back & forth and the gears will stop at those points (where the clip hits the indicator rod). It's pretty priceless, even for a dedicated puller. Rehearse it and roll.
 
Michael Carter said:
If you're in a situation where you can mark points on the wheel, focus stops work really well. I use those "Spring-clip" paperclip things, the smallest size; hold one over the wheel, braced against the marker rod, and find the focus point, release the clip. Do the same with the other point. You can rack back & forth and the gears will stop at those points (where the clip hits the indicator rod). It's pretty priceless, even for a dedicated puller. Rehearse it and roll.
Click to expand...

Great advice thanks.
 
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