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

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

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.

What is the DSC card?

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.

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.

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 :)

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.

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

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!

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