Using a Tape Measure with Talent...

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DVX100Shooter

Veteran
When assistants measure the distance from the camera to an Actor is that just so they know where the actor should hit their mark and camera placement after they have moved the camera in previous takes? I have seen it done many of times but never really understood why they needed to measure the distance between camera and talent.
 
(having just helped out on a shoot, here is my answer) The AC measures from the talent to the lense (seemed as though they were targeting the back of the lense) so they know what distance to set the lense to. Also if they are pulling focus, they will take multiple measurements and mark them on the white disk on the follow focus wheel. This way as the talent moves in the shot, they can move the lense focus to the proper mark/distance thereby keeping the talent in focus.
 
Often as a doublecheck to the 'open the lens full wide and zoom in' focusing approach. Rarely as the only tool, since the focus indicator rings can slip on a lens over time.
 
Yeah, it's especially used for film cameras where the viewfinder is small and difficult to see if it's in focus or not. It's used for digital as well just to double check.
 
I use a tape measure when Im shooting with my Canon A1. The cam has a perfectly accurate distance reading for focus. I measure the distance, set my focus and its perfect evry time. When I shoot with the M2 I use the distance markers on my lenses for the same purpose. After shooting for a short time my eyes become a bit watery, concentrating and staring a lot does it to me, so I cant trust my eyes. The tape measure is quickest and simplest method to ensure accurate focus.

The DVX doesnt have a distance readout just numbers but p137 of Barrys book there is a conversion table.
 
Last edited:
cyclone said:
Often as a doublecheck to the 'open the lens full wide and zoom in' focusing approach. Rarely as the only tool, since the focus indicator rings can slip on a lens over time.
Click to expand...

not so on Primes. But yea like everyone said, its for Film cameras. usually the viewfinder on film cameras are a little difficult to focus with on the fly. Especially when the motor is running , and the iris set to exposure. And if its Dark.... Forget it. You'll never tell.
 
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