Getting Focus Marks: Which Measuring Tool Will Work in Your Favor?

If a camera assistant wants to keep a shot in focus, getting distance marks plays a very crucial role. That is the reason why people exploit plenty of different tools to accomplish the required task at hand. Ask a pro who’s meticulously involved in measuring the distance with dynamism why they have a soft tape, a hard tape, and a laser measuring device, and you will get your answer. As mentioned above, these tools serve the same purpose, but a pro will use them all in different ways.

So, when are you likely to use the soft tape and not the laser one? And what is the advantage to using these tapes? Let’s find out.

Soft Tape

Twisted in a spool, a soft tape is made of fiberglass. This tape measure is referred to as soft tape because of the reason that it seems adaptable and hangs loose. In fact, this tape seems the actual tool of the old school camera assistant or focus puller. In general, this tool is deemed to be the best for getting accurate measurements.

In order to use the soft tape, there’s a hook of some type on the camera at the film plane that the soft tape is attached to. You walk out with the reel until you measure the desired distance. Because you walk along with the tape measure to pull it tight, it can give you very precise measurements you look forward to.

Make sure you use soft tape when required. This tool must be used in certain situations when there’s very little depth-of-field. Also, it’s also seems to be a perfect choice for those situation in which you need to get numerous marks. However, there are times when the soft tape does not seem right. No matter it can go up to 50 feet, it takes its own time to wind it back into the reel.

Hard Tape

Hard tape is undoubtedly the good old steel tape measure. This is probably the tool that everyone’s aware of how to use. This is because they have those memories lending a helping hand to Dad when it came to measuring stuff as a little child.

Keep in mind that the cheap tapes are not strong so you must avoid buying a flimsy tool. It will not do you any good. Moreover, the locking mechanism breaks down and they won’t even go that far as you expect. A hard tape is an ideal choice when working fast. It’ll allow you to stand by your camera and to pull it out and have it placed near the eye of an actor.

Once in a while actors, the trained ones are kind enough to grab the end of this tool and hold it up to their eyes to provide one much needed assistance. This tape always works to one’s advantage to use in a situation where you need a precise mark in no time. Be careful not to hit anybody with this tool. Don’t you forget you’re holding it against the film plane mark on the camera?

Laser Tape Measure

Wondering why we said hard tape is a perfect option for rapid, precise measurements? Did we talk about the laser tape? Well, it is complex. Laser tapes are those tools which are fast and very precise. But there’s a whole point in question of shooting a laser around the set. This is because it can be diverting attention for the actors. Also, it’s not a cakewalk to shine a laser at their forehead without the risk of shining the laser in their eyes.

Using a laser tape is suitable in those situations where you have a great amount of depth-of-field. Having said that, this tool is very precise if you have a keen interest in measuring accurately on the subject.

If you’re thinking that laser tape measures are effective only for rapid, dirty close marks, think again. If truth be told, these tools really work well in those situations that require a long distance or a remote location.

For example, if you are on the shore of a lake and shooting two characters on a boat which is 100 feet away from the shore. It will be impossible for the soft tape as well as the hard tape to reach there, but using the right laser tape measure will work to your advantage. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about hitting actors at their eyes, instead go for their chest. The few inches at that distance will be within agreeable focus with the depth-of-field.

Final Thoughts

Soft tape is the most precise measurement that can effortlessly be obtained because of the way it’s used. A focus puller or an AC has to pull out and measure. That’s not all! This tool is also able to acquire multiple marks. But don’t forget that using this tool can be clumsy when it comes to measuring anything preceding 15 feet.

Talking about the hard tape, it suddenly seems so clear why this tape is precise. But it remains faster when compared to soft tape. One can use this tape from beside the camera.

Laser tape is the best choice for rapid approximate close distance measurements, but this tool is right for long distance measurements. Ensure that this tape is used considering the preventative measures when shining at a person so as to avoid hitting their eyes.

“There are three tools that measure distance, including soft tape, hard tape, and laser tape. Even though they serve the common purpose i.e., getting distance marks, they do so in ways that are nothing like each other. Some seem more appropriate for certain situations than others. When you’re a good camera assistant or follow focus puller, it’s like being loaded with the right tools and knowing when to use them.”

How to Control Remote Lens Using a Silencer Gimbal?

Ever thought why you need lens control?

For all one knows, the easiest way to wreak havoc on any scene is by losing focus. When you lose focus, it jumps the audience, breaks the trust and makes you look like a layperson. You need to make sure you everything you can to prevent from pulling poor focus. It literally damages a shot. Nobody seems delighted and the film you worked on turns out to be nothing but garbage.

So why not think about doing yourself and your 1st AC a big favor? Make a purchase of remote lens control system that will truly get the desired job accomplished.

Here at 24shots we have the silencer gimbal which we’ll throw light on as we proceed further.

Some imperative features for a remote lens control system you need to know:

Precision - Every time the focus puller puts the control wheel in motion to a witness mark (no matter pulling focus in or throwing focus out), make sure it matches the mark on the lens every time.

Consistency - Well, this can be pretty tough to forecast. This is because  electronics of all types, caliber and quality break down from time to time. And this seems the perfect reason why most 1st AC’s (1st Assistant Camera) express their loyalty to one brand of remote lens control system.

They consistently remain with what has benefited them and their associates in the most reliable manner in the times gone by:

Speed - While some lenses have smooth focus and iris rings, others have sticky lenses, especially the older ones. It’s important for you to know that the motor of your system should have enough torque as well as power to be able to move every lens in the set in real time as though you were turning the lens ring with your hand on the lens itself manually.

Size/Weight - In the gimbal world, every bit of weight on your rig makes a difference, especially on those long one shot shoots that are required by numerous directors.

Range - Is the signal lost between the transmitter (tx) and receiver (rx) of your system? If so, then the system is futile. Avoid counting on what your system’s spec sheet states, as the manufacturer has perhaps listed a best case scheme range which you may never get to experience.

Look for a volunteer who can assist you in range testing your system prior to your shoot in all the diverse plots you may get up close and personal with on your shoot.

Do try testing in a jam-packed downtown area where cell phone towers and radio signals fill the air. How about testing near water where signals unevenly bounce back? Do give a shot testing through different types of walls - cement, sheet rock, brick and so on.

What to Know About Silencer Gimbal?

Have a silencer pro? Want to upgrade to the Pro-Gimbal kit?

If you answer is ‘yes’ to both questions above, then this is right choice for you.

A “gimbal” is an incredible tool but it restricts the efficiency if there’s no method to focus or zoom. It’s time you release the Gimbal benefits with the Silencer Trigger controlled follow focus.

Here’s a list of items included with Gimbal upgrade kit:

Gear Drive
Shoe Mount
Pro 19mm Short Motor Rail
Extra 6” Rail
19 - 15mm rail carrier
19mm tensioner pulley mount
XL belt pack
2’ extension cable

This “Silencer Gimbal Upgrade Kit” is available for $275.00 with 24shots.

Focusing on your own with the Silencer AIR was never so easy. This new lens control system is literally wireless and connects to the 24shots app to boost ground as well as aerial photography. The silencer is the only trigger controlled follow focus that means you can keep both hands on the rig to acquire the best stable shot.