Tips for pulling focus on dolly?

mentatDUKE

mentatDUKE

Veteran
Hi guys. I'm the proud owner of a homemade skater dolly and a 35mm adapter. I have some questions regarding the logistics of usage during a shoot. How do you guys manage to pull focus when dollying toward a subject?

Do you stand on the side of the track and rack focus while someone does the dolly push? That seems a bit clumsy and would no doubt cause shake. Do you use a follow focus?

I think the fact that most homemade dollies do not support the cameraman's weight is part of the problem. We need to operate the camera/focus, and doing this without being right on the camera is proving tricky. I would love to hear your perspectives on this.

Thanks!
 
yes it is tricky and yes its easy to get shake - you need to practice practice practice. even with a follow focus you can have these issues unless you get skilled with pulling without pulling the camera
 
Electronic remote and manual follow-focus are the two methods you use for this work.

Since electronic remote focus isn't supported on the 100(a), you would attach a follow-focus rig with whip extension. Then it is a simple matter of setting and hitting the marks.

e
 
Quick question. When will your 18/36" whips be available. I am very interested in ordering a whip for my indiFocus. Can you use industry standard whips as well with the indi focus?
 
Ahh I was considering the problems with focusing using a dolly and 35mm adapter too. If possible I'd prefer not to spend any more money! .. I have a rideable dolly so I'm in a slightly better position. I did consider those plastic tie fasteners that you get in packaging etc. If there was one big enough you could fasten it around your focus ring.. and someone could pull of pull the extended cord to change focus.

Anyone got a cheap solution?
 
Ahh I was considering the problems with focusing using a dolly and 35mm adapter too. If possible I'd prefer not to spend any more money! .. I have a rideable dolly so I'm in a slightly better position. I did consider those plastic tie fasteners that you get in packaging etc. If there was one big enough you could fasten it around your focus ring.. and someone could pull of pull the extended cord to change focus.

Anyone got a cheap solution?
 
thats a good shout man! is it practical have you been able to adapt it in any way?
 
It works OK in some situations. A real follow focus would be best, but for ~$10 it's another toy in the kit.

-j
 
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