Pulling focus with manual lenses on a DSLR

[pmk396]

Hi all,
I didn't know where to ask about this so I thought I'd ask here. I have recently finished shooting a short film which I shot entirely my Panasonic GH1 using two Canon FD lenses; the 50mm 1.4 and the 28mm 2.8. I have to say that some of the footage looks great. There is one thing that I found difficult using these manual focus lenses; the concept of pulling focus to keep the subject in focus while either he or she are moving towards or away from the camera. It's so difficult! Pulling focus from one fixed subject to another fixed subject isn't a problem at all. The difficulty is trying to keep a subject smoothly in focus while they are moving towards the camera or away from the camera. Any suggestions on how this is achieved or made any easier?

 

[David W. Jones]

Measure and set focus marks which match where your talent will be both on the follow focus and on the floor for example. Different color tape for each mark. Block your shots and practice with your focus puller.

 

[gonzo_entertainment]

Yep, it's a skill and an art, and why good 1st AC/focus pullers are a prized commodity.
Use a follow focus, practice, use marks as suggested.

 

[kylevant]

Besides the mentioned marks, it's important to note that each focus puller develops their own methods for "on the fly" pulling. Practice a bit and you'll pick up on what works for you. Personally I just get a feel for the lenses (the tension in the rings) and then remember that when my subject walk towards me then I rack the FF forward. They go backwards, I pull back (with Canon lenses, I believe it's the opposite with Nikon). Believe me, you'll become really good after some time. I manged to rack 30 second tracking shots flawlessly in my last film.