The SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System is a fully automatic laser focusing system incorporated directly into the SpaceCam Gyro-Stabilized Camera System. It is the first automatic focus system in the film industry to successfully utilize laser technology for airborne and specialized gyro-stabilized applications.
With the advent of highly stabilized and controllable gyro-stabilized platforms, more and more cinematographers are tempted to use longer lenses. Using longer lenses can, under many circumstances, create focus problems. With many of the lenses used in shots on gyro-stabilized platforms, like SpaceCam, it’s impossible for the focus puller to accurately pull focus. As a result, some of the desired lenses are not usable when performing certain types of shots. In order to expand the creativity of the imagery, an automatic focus system is absolutely necessary. The SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System was developed for this reason.
The SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System incorporates a low power infra-red laser that is certified by government agencies to be totally eye safe even under continuous operating conditions. In the SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System the laser module is precisely bore-sighted 4 inches below the optical center of the film camera lens. The SpaceCam laser module emits pulses of infra-red light through a collimating optic and these pulses are sensed through an infra- red sensor with optics as the subject or target reflects the light back to the laser module. Electronics measure the round trip travel times for each pulse and generate a distance measurement. This signal is then introduced to the SpaceCam computer which in turn causes a precision lens focus motor, specially designed and built by SpaceCam, to drive the film camera lens to the exact focus position requested. The result is continuous and utterly smooth focus tracking. The range of the initial model of the SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System is 600 feet (dependent upon IR reflectivity of target). The SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System is fully integrated into the SpaceCam software and the operator may switch between normal manual, remote manual and Laser Auto Focus with a simple touch of a button.
The SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System will expand the realm of creativity for today’s cinematographer. It enables faster, effortless execution of shots previously considered difficult or even impossible. The system will also provide increased safety and significant cost savings.
The SpaceCam Laser Auto Focus System is tested, perfected and available now.
Examples from our test logs:
Example 1.
Project: EVOLUTION
Page, Arizona December 2000 Camera Operator: Ron Goodman
Jeep @ dusk, w/ dialogue, desert road. 10:1 zoom, shooting stop T3.5, 250mm.
Converging tracking shot helicopter shot 900 ft to 60 ft. +/- 15 feet varying continually.
4 takes. Focus Success Rate: 100%
Example 2.
Project: SWORDFISH
Los Angeles December 2000 Camera Operators: Ron Goodman, Hans Bjerno
Long 250mm study of city bus being carried under Sikorsky Sky Crane Helicopter.
Camera is tilted down at sharp angle and moves from bus to helicopter at 250mm.
Focus Success Rate: 100%.
Example 3.
Project: WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE
Ft. Bening, Georgia March 2001 Camera Operator: Ron Goodman
Helicopter air-to-air 500mm,T 11.6. Head and shoulder shot of Huey helicopter pilot w/dialogue,
distance 60-65 ft. varying. Foreground Huey drops from frame to reveal CU of another Huey
pilot 100 to 120 ft. w/ constantly varying. 8 takes.
Focus Success Rate: 100%.
Example 4.
Project: DON’T SAY A WORD
New York March 2001 Camera Operator: Ron Goodman
Wide aerial est. shot NYC sunny day, East River converging and zooming to 250mm to reveal
vehicle traveling in heavy shade on underdeck of bridge. Shooting stop T16 to T5.6. Final
subject distance 500 to 150 feet. 3 takes.
Focus Success Rate: 100%
Note: SpaceCam Iris Slew feature used to effect 3 stop pull over 6 seconds during shot.