With this new mode of focus pulling, how
are they able to judge distances? I assume there’s been a rehearsal? Yes, that part hasn’t really changed. But, now, instead of running tape measures, they just run through the rehearsal with the second team and they put marks on their dials. They sit in chairs and they just eyeball with these big monitors. We’ve got them big TV Logic 15-inch screens. They increase the contrast on the monitors and when the actors move they just pull focus, looking at the monitor. I’m still not sure how they do it.
So there goes that theory of the need for a three dimensional space to do focus pulling properly?
I was not convinced of this either, especially since I always try to trim camera costs and this system probably added another $2000 a week to my camera package. But now I’m sold. You can’t beat the speed if you want to make a change. I’ve probably seen a tape measure only half a dozen times during the whole season and it’s just as sharp
Why does it add that much money to the
package? What are they getting that they didn’t have before? You need 3 additional monitors, 3 complete Preston FIZ systems, 3 complete sets of lens motors. And then, we also have 3 sets of Cinematography Electronics Cine Tapes.
The Cine Tapes are displaying their readouts next to the monitors?
COMMENTS FROM THE CREW ABOUT THE F55
Michael Price, DP • Cleanest image. • Greatest, useable exposure range (ISO) from any camera (film / digital) I’ve used. (Shot a scene at 3000 ISO with a flashlight, and another with a cell phone screen as a key light) • On-board ND filter wheel • Compact, tiny body • Modular design (4K RAW module) clean simple, integrated design, easily removed as needed. (Sound connection module — can be removed as needed.) (Power distribution module) • XLR external electric connectors are vulnerable to breakage (for all cameras), this module can be easily replace without sending the whole body in for repair. • Amazing price point for an incredible 4K camera. • Approved by TV networks and studios. • Simple and familiar post workflow.
Right, the readout is velcroed to the monitors. Forget about shots being soft ever again. When I was a focus puller, after a take, you were diving for your depth of field wheel, hoping you got it within the circle of confusion, or you had to ask the operator to confirm it was sharp or quickly ask for another take and endure many sleepless nights. [laugh]
52