MF tips with Red cameras

[scorsesefan]

I do primarily docs and I've been in the AF world for awhile with FX/canon c cameras. Now that I picked up a Komodo (OG) I'm trying to hone my manual focus skills again. Does anyone have any tips? Which focus tools do you find most useful? Thanks

 

[Dominic Borrelli]

In my opinion most preferable is an EVF but without I'm using just a 5" monitor or the control app in combination with magnification (on camera and / or monitor). Peaking etc. are even helpful but are making difficult to distinguish correctly sharp areas and where they exactly are due to the peaking borders. Further on they distract the image what may can disturb from image composition. Everything depends on how important correct sharpness is and how many time is available for pulling focus.

 

[scorsesefan]

In my opinion most preferable is an EVF but without I'm using just a 5" monitor or the control app in combination with magnification (on camera and / or monitor). Peaking etc. are even helpful but are making difficult to distinguish correctly sharp areas and where they exactly are due to the peaking borders. Further on they distract the image what may can disturb from image composition. Everything depends on how important correct sharpness is and how many time is available for pulling focus.

I'm finding the Focus assist (not peaking) to be the fastest, most accurate and least distracting of the tools...

 

[Dominic Borrelli]

are you talking about the DSMC3 (https://guide.smallhd.com/a/1469678-focus-assist-pagesos-4). This aligns to peaking and as you may see you cannot distinguish the focus in- and out fading areas. Further on details below the markings are difficult to notice.

If it helps you, use it. Every DoP has one's own preferences and may decide depending on one's own workflow, task and time.

 

[scorsesefan]

Just the in camera focus assist tool on the Komodo