Jay Massengill
July 22nd, 2016, 01:14 PM
I created a new manual focusing target to use at my annual 3-camera, two-night dance recital video setup. I have full access to the stage before dress rehearsal and before each night's performance, and this new target makes manual focus for the static cameras much easier.
The stand and target are placed at the appropriate depth of the stage for the best guess based on the performance and the particular camera's static framing. The stand is elevated to head height.
I've scanned the drawing I made and it's attached here as a jpg image for printing if anyone wants it.
I drew the original on a spare piece of foamboard. Then I used epoxy to attach a steel fender washer on the back so the target could stay flat for transport and storage (the mounting bracket is separate).
A couple of small magnets connect between the steel washer and a small steel bracket from the junk pile, attached at the top of a lightweight stand.
The venue is very large, with very high stadium seating and a large stage. Having this target to work with has given me a lot more confidence that I've achieved the best manual pre-focus possible while framed for the static shots I want.
The drawing scan, and a few shots of the stand and target with magnetic bracket are attached.
The stand and target are placed at the appropriate depth of the stage for the best guess based on the performance and the particular camera's static framing. The stand is elevated to head height.
I've scanned the drawing I made and it's attached here as a jpg image for printing if anyone wants it.
I drew the original on a spare piece of foamboard. Then I used epoxy to attach a steel fender washer on the back so the target could stay flat for transport and storage (the mounting bracket is separate).
A couple of small magnets connect between the steel washer and a small steel bracket from the junk pile, attached at the top of a lightweight stand.
The venue is very large, with very high stadium seating and a large stage. Having this target to work with has given me a lot more confidence that I've achieved the best manual pre-focus possible while framed for the static shots I want.
The drawing scan, and a few shots of the stand and target with magnetic bracket are attached.