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.”