You’re fighting a losing battle with this one. So many people have such a hard on for auto focus. They think that if a camera doesn’t have amazing auto focus it’s automatically trash. For the record I 100% agree with you in this video
Well the problem is more the lenses newbies are using , many have never used a cine lens , they are too expensive , but they are much easier to manual focus ( focus travel aside) than the stills lenses all the mirror less young guns have grown up with . Some of which are just literally unusable as MF lenses for video. IBIS is in the same boat with this group , because they have never used shoulder / hand held cameras , so for them IBIS is golden with a camera held out in front of you. The gear has changed whats important to younger folk.
You’re right, it’s probably a loosing battle, but I believe people are generally using the wrong tool for the job in many cases. Hopefully, this video can remind people that you’re fully capable of controlling your image without the help and influence of technology.
@@matt-porwoll nothing more beautiful and enjoyable than having your camera using a long heavy zoom lens and perfectly balance and using three fingers in your left hand to expose, zoom and focus at the same time.
Great video Matt. You have such a wealth of experience and we are privileged to have you share it with us. A lot of this chimes with how I like to work - it’s easy to question one’s workflow as technology changes and influencer noise gets louder but it’s reassuring to have a voice of reason like yours raising signal against the noise. I think intuition is major part of focus - I guess this relates to your points on body language and practice. I feel so connected to the action when I’m operating focus - I liken it to pointing a directional mic to choose which things to listen to.
Seriously the best video on TH-cam on focusing handheld. When you said, "get rid of your follow focus", I audibly was like, YES!! I have considered getting cine lenses, but photo lenses are much easier to use. Although I say that have using cine lenses only twice. Your videos are the best man! I would love to learn more about how you tackle a verité scene. How you anticipate what's going to happen and go about getting shots to cut to/wides etc. Thanks for all you do! Gonna watch the rest of Catching Lighting tonight.
@matt-porwoll I loved it! The reenactment scenes were filmed well. I liked the variety of the talking head shots. The story was good overall and I definitely didn't expect it. Awesome job to the entire crew.
I’ve found Sony’s eye tracking auto focus exceptional for interviews, but for everything else manual. I often shoot interviews solo, so autofocus frees me.
Totally agreed. When I started some twelve years ago I was taught that autofocus was for amateurs. That is of course no longer the case but it did have the merit of forcing me and others to learn the craft of solid MF with all the mistakes and learning curve involved. Today I see so much TV shot on autofocus and it annoys me. Even the best autofocus tends to pulse between different subject very slightly and often the speed of changes in focus seem completely robotic.
Such a great call to action and mini masterclass, thanks so much! I feel convicted, often I rely on manual with touch auto focus assist on my FX6, it seems like the best of both worlds when I need to pull focus quickly
I agree completely. Something I think is undervalued is actually that manual focus can increase the speed and workflow because you aren't repeating moves again and again until the autofocus gets it right.
Exactly. In docs, you don’t get the opportunity to repeat things because of camera malfunctions. I find it best to remove all variables that will keep you from getting the shot the first time (and only time.)
Very informative - reminds me of when I used to shoot weddings on a Hasselblad 500c with film walking backwards down the aisle with the bride walking towards you - missing focus was not an option.
Great video Matt. Very in depth and thorough, spot on professionally and conceptually. I agree with everything you're saying here aside from the use of a follow focus. This could just be a difference of preference, but I find the gears of a follow focus provide an added level of stability on the focus in preventing undesired micro-jitters while operating, and also give a better hand position for longer focus throws. You're right about the play in the gears, but you can feel the play and move with it so I consider this a pro vs a con when within reason. Again, great video & I appreciate what you're doing with these recent series. Keep up the great work!
Great video Matt! Manual focus with a well designed documentary zoom is waaaaaay better than AF that is mostly reliable but can have a mind of its own in important situations.
Whenever a new camera comes out, people always gush over the autofocus and i never really understood it. 😂 I never rely on it unless on a gimbal or doing a vlog style video. to me, it’s never reliable and most of the time it ruins the shot by hunting. Manual focus is the way to go. its more natural and like u mentioned, you have more control.
Thank you for the video, Matt. Think I am going to have to look into a cheap / DIY Cine Saddle type of thing, since i am 6 foot 3 and if have the camera on a shoulder rig, the only thing I see is the tops of peoples heads. Otherwise, I would have to use a lightweight camera on a gimbal, which then unfortunately leads to relying on autofucs.
Great advice! Currently, I'm mainly shooting with manual focus. However, I often use autofocus during a sit-down interview and have found that it helps lock onto a subject's eyes as they lean forward and backward and shift around the frame. Do you ever use autofocus in the context of sit-down interviews? I'm excited to implement this detailed advice into my camera operating process!
Thanks! Personally, I don’t use auto focus. I don’t use lenses that have it, and even if I was, I still don’t trust the camera to take control, since it won’t be perfect all of the time and I can’t afford to loose a moment. But that’s a personal preference.
Great video. I tried/own all of the tools you showed and mentioned, nothing works as well as just your hands. But start/stop on the right hand, does make a difference. Since I used to shoot with the viewfinder of my Eclair ACL film camera to what I have today (Zacuto GraticalHD) using photo lenses to cine lenses as my Cabrio XK6x20 soon,is never been easy but it is the most instinctive part of camera operation. How do you deal with the use of your glasses? I ended up inserting my prescription glasses (astigmatism) inside the Zacuto EVF. Thanks!
Thanks! I agree having start/stop on the right grip is helpful. The main reason I don’t use it is I need the functionality of my camera grip as well, so don’t want to take the plug for another. For me, it’s easy enough to get the record button on the operator side of the camera. But all depends on what camera you’re using and what you need out of it. As for glasses and my EVF, thankfully I only need glasses for distance, so I don’t shoot with them. But I have from time to time, worn my glasses with the EVF-V70 and haven’t had any issues.
@@matt-porwoll thanks Matt, I do need a special lens in my EVF because of stigmatism but I always find the way. Rigging a camera and finding perfect balance and ergonomic, takes years! Grab a new camera someone else rigged and you are in square one most times
Thanks Matt! I agree, making it simpler is always the way. I’ve never been on the auto focus train. I remember when people first started going crazy for it. I was like what in the world? I just don’t understand why you would give away control of your focus to the camera. I think the same thing when it comes to audio. Letting your camera do automatic levels is just stupid.
Matt, how do you focus with that ballgrip support using only your finger? I mean a cine lens' 270 to 300 degree focus ring means that one finger movement will be okay if your subject is moving a short distance. If however they move enough to use much of that nearly 300 degree ring, it will inevitably introduce a jarring pause while you shift your finger back to the end of the ring to readjust and cover the rest of the focus distance, no?
Of course it all depends on the situation. More often than not, people aren’t moving all that much where controlling with one finger is possible. But if they are moving a lot more or I anticipate them to walk away from camera, I shift to putting my hand on the lens instead. That way I can make a longer rack.
![30 ชั่วโมงคนเดียว บนรถไฟชั้น 3 โซเวียต [Around The World Ep. 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MlE9boAVqDA/mqdefault.jpg)
You’re fighting a losing battle with this one. So many people have such a hard on for auto focus. They think that if a camera doesn’t have amazing auto focus it’s automatically trash.
For the record I 100% agree with you in this video
Well the problem is more the lenses newbies are using , many have never used a cine lens , they are too expensive , but they are much easier to manual focus ( focus travel aside) than the stills lenses all the mirror less young guns have grown up with . Some of which are just literally unusable as MF lenses for video. IBIS is in the same boat with this group , because they have never used shoulder / hand held cameras , so for them IBIS is golden with a camera held out in front of you. The gear has changed whats important to younger folk.
@@robinprobyn1971plenty of cheap cinema lenses out there. Sirui, 7artisans, Rokinon for example.
You’re right, it’s probably a loosing battle, but I believe people are generally using the wrong tool for the job in many cases. Hopefully, this video can remind people that you’re fully capable of controlling your image without the help and influence of technology.
@@matt-porwoll nothing more beautiful and enjoyable than having your camera using a long heavy zoom lens and perfectly balance and using three fingers in your left hand to expose, zoom and focus at the same time.
You’re probably being sarcastic, but I couldn’t agree more with you
Great video Matt. You have such a wealth of experience and we are privileged to have you share it with us.
A lot of this chimes with how I like to work - it’s easy to question one’s workflow as technology changes and influencer noise gets louder but it’s reassuring to have a voice of reason like yours raising signal against the noise. I think intuition is major part of focus - I guess this relates to your points on body language and practice. I feel so connected to the action when I’m operating focus - I liken it to pointing a directional mic to choose which things to listen to.
this is tuition of the very highest order
Seriously the best video on TH-cam on focusing handheld. When you said, "get rid of your follow focus", I audibly was like, YES!! I have considered getting cine lenses, but photo lenses are much easier to use. Although I say that have using cine lenses only twice. Your videos are the best man! I would love to learn more about how you tackle a verité scene. How you anticipate what's going to happen and go about getting shots to cut to/wides etc. Thanks for all you do! Gonna watch the rest of Catching Lighting tonight.
Thanks so much! How’d you like the rest of Catching Lightning? We had a blast making that show :)
@matt-porwoll I loved it! The reenactment scenes were filmed well. I liked the variety of the talking head shots. The story was good overall and I definitely didn't expect it. Awesome job to the entire crew.
@matt-porwoll I also emailed you a question about a consultation call. I know you are busy and sometimes emails get buried. Thanks Matt!
@@BryceDocherty Yes, I saw it. Looks like I got back to you right after your message. Let me know if you have issues finding it.
@@matt-porwoll I can't find the email in Gmail or Outlook. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Congrats. Exactly what I do and the first time I find tips like this, about no follow focus.
Just another video with more useful information than we get at university, thank you Mr. Porwoll🙏
Glad it was helpful!
lighting and focus pulling is all about that logarithmic curve 💪💪
I’ve found Sony’s eye tracking auto focus exceptional for interviews, but for everything else manual. I often shoot interviews solo, so autofocus frees me.
Totally agreed. When I started some twelve years ago I was taught that autofocus was for amateurs. That is of course no longer the case but it did have the merit of forcing me and others to learn the craft of solid MF with all the mistakes and learning curve involved.
Today I see so much TV shot on autofocus and it annoys me. Even the best autofocus tends to pulse between different subject very slightly and often the speed of changes in focus seem completely robotic.
I absolutely love how detailed and nuanced these videos are. I've learned so much. Keep up the amazing work.
Thank you!
Such a great call to action and mini masterclass, thanks so much! I feel convicted, often I rely on manual with touch auto focus assist on my FX6, it seems like the best of both worlds when I need to pull focus quickly
I agree completely. Something I think is undervalued is actually that manual focus can increase the speed and workflow because you aren't repeating moves again and again until the autofocus gets it right.
Exactly. In docs, you don’t get the opportunity to repeat things because of camera malfunctions. I find it best to remove all variables that will keep you from getting the shot the first time (and only time.)
Just amazing content on this channel. better than film school in many respects. Gonna pull out some cine primes and practice this weekend.
Always love your way of getting straight to the point with reasonable Arguments! Another Great Video 😊
Thank you!
WONDERFUL advise!❤❤❤
Very informative - reminds me of when I used to shoot weddings on a Hasselblad 500c with film walking backwards down the aisle with the bride walking towards you - missing focus was not an option.
Great video Matt. Very in depth and thorough, spot on professionally and conceptually. I agree with everything you're saying here aside from the use of a follow focus. This could just be a difference of preference, but I find the gears of a follow focus provide an added level of stability on the focus in preventing undesired micro-jitters while operating, and also give a better hand position for longer focus throws. You're right about the play in the gears, but you can feel the play and move with it so I consider this a pro vs a con when within reason.
Again, great video & I appreciate what you're doing with these recent series. Keep up the great work!
Thanks!
Who makes that wooden ball aks for your shoulder mount? Great vid!
There’s a link in the description
That body language tip resonated with me as it speaks to being in tune or connector with your character.
Thanks! It’s such an important element that’s generally overlooked!
I like using semi method (auto/manual ) focus which is really great as well. Or trying my best to settle-with manual focus.
Thank you for taking your time sharing your experience on youtube 🤝🏼
My pleasure!
Great video Matt! Manual focus with a well designed documentary zoom is waaaaaay better than AF that is mostly reliable but can have a mind of its own in important situations.
Totally agree!
Whenever a new camera comes out, people always gush over the autofocus and i never really understood it. 😂
I never rely on it unless on a gimbal or doing a vlog style video. to me, it’s never reliable and most of the time it ruins the shot by hunting. Manual focus is the way to go. its more natural and like u mentioned, you have more control.
Thank you for the video, Matt. Think I am going to have to look into a cheap / DIY Cine Saddle type of thing, since i am 6 foot 3 and if have the camera on a shoulder rig, the only thing I see is the tops of peoples heads. Otherwise, I would have to use a lightweight camera on a gimbal, which then unfortunately leads to relying on autofucs.
Yeah, get some kind of a CineSaddle. I use mine all the time to get a lower POV!
Great advice! Currently, I'm mainly shooting with manual focus. However, I often use autofocus during a sit-down interview and have found that it helps lock onto a subject's eyes as they lean forward and backward and shift around the frame. Do you ever use autofocus in the context of sit-down interviews?
I'm excited to implement this detailed advice into my camera operating process!
Thanks! Personally, I don’t use auto focus. I don’t use lenses that have it, and even if I was, I still don’t trust the camera to take control, since it won’t be perfect all of the time and I can’t afford to loose a moment. But that’s a personal preference.
Great video. I tried/own all of the tools you showed and mentioned, nothing works as well as just your hands. But start/stop on the right hand, does make a difference. Since I used to shoot with the viewfinder of my Eclair ACL film camera to what I have today (Zacuto GraticalHD) using photo lenses to cine lenses as my Cabrio XK6x20 soon,is never been easy but it is the most instinctive part of camera operation. How do you deal with the use of your glasses? I ended up inserting my prescription glasses (astigmatism) inside the Zacuto EVF. Thanks!
Thanks! I agree having start/stop on the right grip is helpful. The main reason I don’t use it is I need the functionality of my camera grip as well, so don’t want to take the plug for another. For me, it’s easy enough to get the record button on the operator side of the camera. But all depends on what camera you’re using and what you need out of it.
As for glasses and my EVF, thankfully I only need glasses for distance, so I don’t shoot with them. But I have from time to time, worn my glasses with the EVF-V70 and haven’t had any issues.
@@matt-porwoll thanks Matt, I do need a special lens in my EVF because of stigmatism but I always find the way. Rigging a camera and finding perfect balance and ergonomic, takes years! Grab a new camera someone else rigged and you are in square one most times
Thanks Matt! I agree, making it simpler is always the way. I’ve never been on the auto focus train. I remember when people first started going crazy for it. I was like what in the world? I just don’t understand why you would give away control of your focus to the camera. I think the same thing when it comes to audio. Letting your camera do automatic levels is just stupid.
Couldn’t agree more!
Matt, how do you focus with that ballgrip support using only your finger? I mean a cine lens' 270 to 300 degree focus ring means that one finger movement will be okay if your subject is moving a short distance. If however they move enough to use much of that nearly 300 degree ring, it will inevitably introduce a jarring pause while you shift your finger back to the end of the ring to readjust and cover the rest of the focus distance, no?
Of course it all depends on the situation. More often than not, people aren’t moving all that much where controlling with one finger is possible. But if they are moving a lot more or I anticipate them to walk away from camera, I shift to putting my hand on the lens instead. That way I can make a longer rack.
Always good. Thank you!
Thank you!
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