Back focus confusion at DVinfo.net

Kelly Ziolkoski · June 18th, 2006, 02:36 PM

Hey Cats,

Using the HD 100. I follow the instructions on setting back focus., I use the focus assist and it seems that it's hard to see if that chart is in or out of focus at the wide end, because the star chart ends up being so small in the frame.
Is there a trick to this?

Kelly

Warren Shultz · June 18th, 2006, 04:14 PM

It's a lot easier if you connect an external monitor, for example, use your component out to connect to a large LCD monitor.

Paolo Ciccone · June 19th, 2006, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelly Ziolkoski

... because the star chart ends up being so small in the frame.
Is there a trick to this?

I perform an "intermidiate stop" with the chart framed fully and check the focus at that point. I use the backfocus chart in the back of the DSC card, it creates a "bowtie" effect that is easier to follow. I also use peaking in addition to FA. Crank the peaking all the way up. Use that to check the focus and, every now and then, push the FA button.

K. Forman · June 19th, 2006, 08:33 AM

What is the DSC card?

Joel Aaron · June 19th, 2006, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman

What is the DSC card?

http://www.dsclabs.com/

K. Forman · June 19th, 2006, 03:56 PM

Cool idea. It seems the site doesn't want to give too much info out, so what do these cards run? Oh, and do they have a warm card with the focus chart on the back?

Joel Aaron · June 19th, 2006, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman

Cool idea. It seems the site doesn't want to give too much info out, so what do these cards run? Oh, and do they have a warm card with the focus chart on the back?

It's one of the worst designed sites I can remember seeing recently. I don't think they have warm cards... but hey, with a navigation system like theirs maybe they do. ;-)

Here are the current specials:
http://www.dsclabs.com/current_specials.htm

As to where the prices are, I got lost.

Go to filmtools.com and search for DSC. That'll get you some prices.

K. Forman · June 19th, 2006, 04:10 PM

Joel- They *do* have warm cards, and they have the Superwhite cards with chart on back. However, I'm not sure what else they might have, I got bored with their site. It's as bad as getting one of those catalogs in the mail, where all the prices are marked "Call us for the best price!" Don't even bother to open them up, just pitch them in the can on the way.

K. Forman · June 19th, 2006, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel Aaron

Here are the current specials:
http://www.dsclabs.com/current_specials.htm

Over $1,000 for a card? Is that what I'm seeing? Does it automaticly focus, white balance, and shoot the scene too? Wow...

Paolo Ciccone · June 19th, 2006, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman

Over $1,000 for a card? Is that what I'm seeing? Does it automaticly focus, white balance, and shoot the scene too? Wow...

Keith you can buy the FrontBox HD 16:9 for about $350. It has the backfocus chart in the back. That's what I bought. Contact Abel Cine, they had the best price. And about the question that you were going to ask, yes it's worth every penny :)

K. Forman · June 19th, 2006, 04:29 PM

Paolo... LOL! It's a very fine line between dedicated cinematographer and insanity, isn't it?

Paolo Ciccone · June 19th, 2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman

Paolo... LOL! It's a very fine line between dedicated cinematographer and insanity, isn't it?

Who are you calling insane? ;)
Yes, I would say that it's a requirement.

Brian Drysdale · June 19th, 2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman

Paolo... LOL! It's a very fine line between dedicated cinematographer and insanity, isn't it?

The $1000 DSC jobs are used by on the high end productions. I've used them and they are amazing tools for setting up the F900 type cameras on dramas etc when you're using vectorscopes etc. Paolo is treating the HD 100 the same way as the top HD guys work with the high end cameras.

Try this for setting the back focus. http://www.jvcpro.co.uk/getResource2...t1.pdf?id=6145

K. Forman · June 19th, 2006, 04:52 PM

Ok, Brian... You have obviously worked the higher end. Let me ask you about Back Focus adjustment tools. It seems like I saw one for a top end cam, and it was going for $800-$1000. Isn't this like a screwdriver, or is it that specialised of a tool?

Paolo- So glad you have a sense of humor. Could you loan it to my wife? She isn't finding any of this amusing, like when I talk about spending $400 for a battery, $1,000 for a capture card... If I showed her a focus card for $350, she'd be calling a lawyer or a shrink!

Cher Holm · June 19th, 2006, 04:52 PM

FilmTools in Burbank, California (mailorder) has a June sale on the DSC cards:
http://cinemasupplies.stores.yahoo.net/dsclabs.html

June 18th, 2006, 02:36 PM	#1
Kelly Ziolkoski New Boot Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 18	Back focus confusion Hey Cats, Using the HD 100. I follow the instructions on setting back focus., I use the focus assist and it seems that it's hard to see if that chart is in or out of focus at the wide end, because the star chart ends up being so small in the frame. Is there a trick to this? Kelly

June 19th, 2006, 08:33 AM	#4
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	What is the DSC card? __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

June 19th, 2006, 03:56 PM	#6
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Cool idea. It seems the site doesn't want to give too much info out, so what do these cards run? Oh, and do they have a warm card with the focus chart on the back? __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

June 19th, 2006, 04:10 PM	#8
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Joel- They do have warm cards, and they have the Superwhite cards with chart on back. However, I'm not sure what else they might have, I got bored with their site. It's as bad as getting one of those catalogs in the mail, where all the prices are marked "Call us for the best price!" Don't even bother to open them up, just pitch them in the can on the way. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

June 19th, 2006, 04:29 PM	#11
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Paolo... LOL! It's a very fine line between dedicated cinematographer and insanity, isn't it? __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

June 18th, 2006, 04:14 PM	#2
Warren Shultz Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 248	It's a lot easier if you connect an external monitor, for example, use your component out to connect to a large LCD monitor.

June 19th, 2006, 04:52 PM	#14
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Ok, Brian... You have obviously worked the higher end. Let me ask you about Back Focus adjustment tools. It seems like I saw one for a top end cam, and it was going for $800-$1000. Isn't this like a screwdriver, or is it that specialised of a tool? Paolo- So glad you have a sense of humor. Could you loan it to my wife? She isn't finding any of this amusing, like when I talk about spending $400 for a battery, $1,000 for a capture card... If I showed her a focus card for $350, she'd be calling a lawyer or a shrink! __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

June 19th, 2006, 04:52 PM	#15
Cher Holm New Boot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Francisco, California Posts: 5	FilmTools in Burbank, California (mailorder) has a June sale on the DSC cards: http://cinemasupplies.stores.yahoo.net/dsclabs.html