Follow Focus

GraphicPlanet

GraphicPlanet

Well-known member
I'm about to shoot a run and gun doc about a marathon. And I'm trying to find some better solutions for focusing more accurately. I just ordered an on camera monitor which should help, and I was wondering if a focus focus would help even though I won't have time to measure out focus. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated! Thanks!
P.S. I'm also thinking of picking up a Canon HV20 for a B camera. Any thoughts of this? Will the footage mix well with and HVX? Smart idea? Stupid Idea?
 
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The follow focus is a nice improvement ergonomically for focusing, whether your able to measure focus or not. I prefer shooting with one over not doing so, when it's appropriate for the subject matter. For a strictly run and gun shoot (handheld?), with an onboard (?) monitor- it may be overly heavy and cumbersome. If you're on sticks it's alot more do-able.
 
Thanks for the help! I will be using a Cavision Shoulder Dual Grip http://www.cavision.com/rods/RS1580.htm and I was thinking of using the FigRig since it is a slow race I figured it would help smooth things out a bit. Would both the foxi & the varizoom work with these? It looks like the Varizoom adds Zoom and Rec. Hmmmm.
 
i personally, just dont care for the feel of the varizoom stuff. its fine gear and will work great, its just a personal taste thing. what i use is a combo of the foxifocus and the zoe dvxl. zoom and start/stop controlled by the zoe and focus by the foxi.

these would be GREAT on a fig rig. not so good on the cavision. as those goofy handles are oddly shaped and wont accept the bebob mounts as smoothly (if at all).

have you bought the cavision yet? have you tried it? i demoed it about 6 months ago and hated it. you want slick? look into the zacuto stuff. its way more expensive but WAY worth it in the long run!
 
BTW what monitor did you order? if its not speced as an HD monitor its likely wont be of much help in the focusing department.

i had an old ikan v7000 SD monitor and it was so fuzzy it wasnt helpful at all in focusing the HVX. but after upgrading to thier 8000HD all my focus issues were resolved.

oh, and conversationally an actual "follow focus" wont do you much good in a one man run and gun situation. you generally need a second set of hands to control that and rails to attach it to. i cant imagine running a shoulder mounted rails system, framing a shot, controlling zoom and an external follow focus control. that would be too much for one guy to do well - especially if hes moving!

if the shot is locked down on a tripod you CAN do it yourself. but generally this is the job of the focus puller
 
yes a FF will help, its easier to run the focus with it, wether you know the exact focus or not. it allows for smoother action, and it also helps avoid shaking the camera, and "i've seen it happen" having a nice shot of your hand, where your subject should be.

i have the indifocus and in the short time I've had it, it has made my life so much easier.

Jason
 
Liking the Zoe eh?

Liking the Zoe eh?

wgzn said:
i... what i use is a combo of the foxifocus and the zoe dvxl. zoom and start/stop controlled by the zoe and focus by the foxi.
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I've only used Varizooms, and it takes a bit of finesse to pull off a smooth start and stop on a zoom.

It sounds like the ramping into and out of the zoom is better with the Zoe? Could you elaborate a bit ? I've been eyeing these for a couple of years, but had no place to try one out.

Thanks
 
When I do run and gun and documentary work I hate to have any extra weight on the camera. Weight is your enemy, it will fatigue your hands, arms, neck, and back. If I have a soundman I make him carry the wireless receivers. If I have a pa I'll get him to hold a battery light, it looks much better to have the light off axis. When your shooting documentary you don't have time to screw around or you'll miss the shot. You have to focus on the fly. Sometimes you can't avoid mounting stuff on the camera but less is more.

I would reccommend you test out any rig your considiering before you purchase. It make look cool but does it really make your images look better.
 
Bucknfl said:
When I do run and gun and documentary work I hate to have any extra weight on the camera. Weight is your enemy, it will fatigue your hands, arms, neck, and back. If I have a soundman I make him carry the wireless receivers. If I have a pa I'll get him to hold a battery light, it looks much better to have the light off axis. When your shooting documentary you don't have time to screw around or you'll miss the shot. You have to focus on the fly. Sometimes you can't avoid mounting stuff on the camera but less is more.

I would reccommend you test out any rig your considiering before you purchase. It make look cool but does it really make your images look better.
Click to expand...

well said!
 
GraphicPlanet said:
I'm about to shoot a run and gun doc about a marathon. And I'm trying to find some better solutions for focusing more accurately. I just ordered an on camera monitor which should help, and I was wondering if a focus focus would help even though I won't have time to measure out focus. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated! Thanks!
P.S. I'm also thinking of picking up a Canon HV20 for a B camera. Any thoughts of this? Will the footage mix well with and HVX? Smart idea? Stupid Idea?
Click to expand...

If I were you I'd buy a HV20 either used (real cheap) or from a dealer that would take it back.

I've be VERY dissapointed with the HV20 for run and gun type shots. I think you will find the camera really isn't well suited for that type of operation. IMHO, the HV20 is best suited for talking head type shots. i.e. the vids are supurb in a locked-down configuration.

Regards
JohnG
 
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