is it difficult to go handheld?

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dannyg1255

Active member
I have a dvx100b and letus extreme. if i get a redrock micro shoulder mount kit like this one... http://tinyurl.com/yh2azkv will it be difficult to do follow focus with?
Can i one hand it and use the other hand to do my focusing or do i need a focus puller always?
 
I've operated cameras my whole life and pulled focus for other DPs quite a bit, but I still find it extremely difficult to combine the two and pull on a handheld rig with a 35mm adapter. I think most people would agree. There's a reason that there's a focus puller and an operator on the cam. Of course you can make it a little easier with some clever actor blocking and a wide lens, but it'll only help so much.
 
Finnegan said:
I've operated cameras my whole life and pulled focus for other DPs quite a bit, but I still find it extremely difficult to combine the two and pull on a handheld rig with a 35mm adapter. I think most people would agree. There's a reason that there's a focus puller and an operator on the cam. Of course you can make it a little easier with some clever actor blocking and a wide lens, but it'll only help so much.
Click to expand...

Yep there's no way around it, if difficult period. I had to pull focus with a 100mm on a steadicam, shooting 2 on 2 basketball. I was almost just stupid. Wireless is the only way to go with steadicam, but handheld I would say your better off doing it yourself, ultimately it's your eye on the image. The AC just doing his best with very educated guesses. Unless marks are used and are choreographed.
 
I've been doing camera work and pulling focus myself since "cheap" adapters (like redrock), came to business.

Now I own a Blade with flip module and I'm still doing it, curiously with a redrock shoulder kit.

I've tried to keep up with my XH-A1 with all the bits. Remember that you have to trow in a monitor (at least in size 7"), batteries and cables plus the follow focus. That's a lot of weight in your shoulders but then... A 35mm Arri weights more than that.

Nonetheless, I mostly do documentary work with no scheduled paused between takes! Many times I end to get off the camera from my shoulder only to replace tapes, and keeping all that weight on your shoulder for an hour can be VERY painstaking.

That's why I decided to buy a Sony HD HC7. It's a little camera with a fine image and for the weight of the XH-A1 alone I have all the setup ready (camera+FF unit+adapter+lens), less the monitor.

I only use the XH-A1 for fiction films now, which in my case it's almost none (1 in the last 3 years).

So... If you plan to shoot fiction I think you can do it well. I don't know but I think you're not going to make a feature length film like Sokurov's "Russian Ark" with the camera on your shoulder!

If you do Docs though (direct cinema style), I'll look for a lighter camera to trow in your setup.

Hope that helps
 
Well I'm planning as well on getting the redrock micro shoulder mount for my XH-A1+Sgblade+monitor+folllowfocus rig. But I'm probably also gonna buy the following items to make it easier to hold:
-rod extensions
-counterbalance plate+weigts
-the microBrace body pad accessory kit for less weight on the shoulder

all together (with shoulder mount) it's about 800$
 
Handheld is quite difficult to do.

Rigs are heavy.

Pulling Focus takes one hand off the grips so I suggest getting a support pole that is in a belt. It takes the weight off your shoulders and makes pulling focus easier.

Blocking honestly is the best thing you can do, that way you pull focus more accuratley.

Have lots of lights and light the scene properly. Handheld with your lense wide open is stupid, you want to be able to stop down to f4 atleast, that way your image is sharp and you dont have to be spot on since your focus area isnt an inch and a half.
 
Austinv said:
Handheld is quite difficult to do.

Rigs are heavy.

Pulling Focus takes one hand off the grips so I suggest getting a support pole that is in a belt. It takes the weight off your shoulders and makes pulling focus easier.

Blocking honestly is the best thing you can do, that way you pull focus more accuratley.

Have lots of lights and light the scene properly. Handheld with your lense wide open is stupid, you want to be able to stop down to f4 atleast, that way your image is sharp and you dont have to be spot on since your focus area isnt an inch and a half.
Click to expand...

Haha Word.
 
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