Focus Pulling For RED

[Shaun]

Hey all, I just started working with a RED One and am very impressed for many reasons. I have heard nightmares about pulling focus since the chipset produces such a sharp image and we're shooting pretty wide open with the RED lens.

I noticed the actor was several inches out of focus even with an exact measurement to the "film plane" mark in a few shots (he did not move towards or away the camera at any time). The majority of measured shots were in focus however. Obviously, this is not a formal lens test and I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem.

Also, If anyone could give any other advice regarding focus on the RED feel free to chime in.

Thanks!

[Raul Gonzo]

I always check with the 1:1 button, that and false color.

[Matt Uhry]

I've noticed on every Red I've used that the mount changes it's focal distance while the camera heats up, so it's good to set it when the camera is hot. Start the camera first thing and it should be fine once you are ready to shoot.

Also your mount or lenses could be out of whack - try seeing if you get the same results with lenses you know to be properly set - probably ones from a reputable rental house would be worth looking at.

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

[Jim Hoffman]

I always check with the 1:1 button, that and false color.

False color to check focus? Did you mean focus assist? (helpful tool)

[Martin Weiss]

I noticed the actor was several inches out of focus even with an exact measurement to the "film plane" mark in a few shots

Did you prior to shooting confirm that the lens markings were accurate?

On a different note, what Circle of Confusion do people use for the R1 in 4k modus? The same as 35mm film?

[Perry Ho]

Well, after many commercial shot, I found that the Red Camera with 35mm Cine Lens, the DOF was even less then the FILM Camera like Arri or Pana, just mine own experienced.

Perry Ho

Dop - Mainland China & Hong Kong

[Etienne Caron]

Well, shooting with Red, with a 75mm, at T2.0, and your subject at 20 feets, you have... few inch !

I dont like the way the focus drop so fast. It make 1st AC nervous and they double check everything (magnify, with tape, magnify for final check). So they take more time to be ready.

It don't make the AC pretty efficient and i end up backinq is work to the producers explaining why it take so long. That the focus on the Red drop pretty fast (just like HD any HD camera).

Also, when you do a master shoot, with caracters that seem to be on the same focus plan, double check with the MAGNIFY if you will have to rack focus, even if their is half feet between the two subjects, it will be slighty off.

A focus puller told me that the only way to do work with Red as with 35mm, is to have around T3,5 on the lens.

[Mark Phelan]

I LOVE the 1:1 feature!

[Steve Sanacore]

Well, after many commercial shot, I found that the Red Camera with 35mm Cine Lens, the DOF was even less then the FILM Camera like Arri or Pana, just mine own experienced.

Perry Ho

Dop - Mainland China & Hong Kong

I don't think this is possible, DOF of the same lens on different cameras can't change. But the higher resolution of the RED sensor over film stocks could make objects out of the range of perfect focus more pronounced. I think film is much more forgiving in this matter.

BTW: When did RED add a one to one feature for focus? That's fantastic!

[Martin Weiss]

I don't think this is possible, DOF of the same lens on different cameras can't change. But the higher resolution of the RED sensor over film stocks could make objects out of the range of perfect focus more pronounced. I think film is much more forgiving in this matter.

BTW: When did RED add a one to one feature for focus? That's fantastic!

Well, the DoF does change in so far as that the CoC changes depending on the camera. Thus a lens on a 16mm camera will have a different DoF than the same lens on a 65mm camera.

1:1 came in build 17, I believe. Currently not working on playback, thus not making it a tool for focus checking after the shot is done... but RED is working on it.