Rack focus without camera shake tips?

mentatDUKE

mentatDUKE

Veteran
Hello all. I was wondering if you had any tips regarding minimizing camera shake while racking focus? Looking to improve my footage. Had the camera, rods, M2 35mm adapter and lens on bogen sticks w/ a 503 head. The tripod was on a skater dolly and we were pushing into our subject while racking focus. Found it very hard to get a smooth, locked off shot.

Any ideas on how to clean up our camera work? Do we need to move the rails back a bit so that the adaper is more adjacent to the tripod head?

Thanks!
 
Did you have a follow focus w/a whip? Even a follow focus without one might be better than touching the lens and racking. One thing I've gotten used to doing is using two fingers to "roll" the focal ring to the correct mark; tends to work if you practice it a bit more.

Still no substitute for getting the remainder of the gear.
 
And if you are using a system where the AC/Focus Puller isn't moving directly with the camera, then a fully remote (wired or wireless) FF is the best tool.

If the AC can ride on a dolly or large crane with the camera, then it's easy to use a physically connected FF, but once the camera moves indipendantly of the AC on a skater or Steadicam, for example, a disconnected FF will really help.

- Mikko
 
Yes. I am using a follow focus and whip. Im still noticing some wiggle when turning the whip. Is there a way to get everything to where it won't budge at all? Thanks.
 
It's more than likely being caused by the 503 head in this case.
That's alot of weight hanging out there - and that head isn't all that beefy.

You could definitely try moving the rails back a bit, but you might want to try using another head.

I just looked it up on B&H, and the 503 head supports about 13lbs.
With that entire rig, you're probably getting close to that.
You might want to try something along the lines of the 516 head (if you want to stick with Bogen), which supports 22lbs.

I would suggest for your next shoot, rent another tripod if you have to (or at least another head).
It might still shake, it might not (I'm guessing it won't)

But at least then you'll know for certain if its an issue of the head or not.


If it's not the tripod, and you can't figure anything else out..... I'd get a new AC.
:)
 
Before you prematurly fire your AC, make sure that you are giving her/him the right tools for the job. Check with the AC, they may have some recomendations for this situation too.

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
Before you prematurly fire your AC, make sure that you are giving her/him the right tools for the job. Check with the AC, they may have some recomendations for this situation too.

- Mikko
Click to expand...

Just for the record - I was kidding about getting a new AC.
Definitely take Mikko's advice.
 
Who's follow-focus are you using? Many of the low-end follow-focus units utilize a whip that is much too stiff and heavy. When the whip shaft is too stiff, it introduces lateral motion on the front end of your lens train, where, of course, it is most noticeable.

Weight is your friend, so the recommendation on upgrading the tripod under your DOF rig was a good one. 3066 / 516 / 519 are all more appropriate Bogen choices.

e
 
Wait.. a tripod on a Skater?

I think there may be some confusion of terms here. What dolly are you using?

This is a Skater:
6784_1151597878.jpg

(Image borrowed from Studio Daily)

- Mikko
 
Thanks for the tips guys. I'll look into renting another tripod to see if i get better results. I'm using a fullsize DIY skateboard dolly, not a skater. hehe.
 
I'd suspect the dolly & track in this situation.

Have you tried simple moves without pulling focus (or touching the camera at all) and checking for vibration?

- Mikko
 
Yeah, I think their is a good chance this could be caused by your "DIY" dolly. These setups tend to be very brittle, and on the PVC, all the vibration is sent up to the sticks into the camera. Try using the stock lens at something around an 85mm, and see if you get anything usable. If not, what brand FF are you using?
 
Its possible that the dolly/wheels could be an issue. I do hear a squeek. Maybe I need new wheels or WD-40? using Redrock Micro follow focus
 
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