Solving the Depth-of-Field Challenge with 35mm Lenses

What can be done to give the filmmaker the freedom of shooting their movie on their 1/3" CCD camera AND take advantage of the short Dept of Field they so desperately need? One of the most popular solutions is to use a lens made for a 35mm camera (motion picture or still) and project the image onto a ground glass. The image is then captured by the video camera's lens and recorded. This combination results in the selective focus usually only available on 35mm film and the cost effectiveness of shooting on video.

The new crop of relatively inexpensive HD and HDV cameras suffer from the same long DOF as their SD counterparts because of their relatively small CCDs. However, the "35mm image projected onto the ground glass" solution works for them as well.

An Unexpected Additional Benefit

The images created in this way are a bit softer than images captured directly through the camera's lens. Many filmmakers find this to be beneficial because it saves them from having to add a pro mist or other diffusion filter to eliminate the "video edge" that is associated with many electronically captured images.

About the Author

Having begun his visual arts career twenty-five years ago as a still photographer and through the years evolving into the world of cinema, Larry McKee is a multifaceted communicator. Early in his career, his expertise in setting moods and manipulating emotions through lighting and composition led him to serve as technical lighting advisor on shoots for National Geographic Magazine.

Recently however, he has used the motion in television, film and video as his medium of choice. Mr. McKee possesses an intense awareness of the impact that camera angles and the subtleties of camera movement place on the final image produced during a shoot. Additionally, he understands the tools that technology of today offers to the world of cinematic and visual expression. His ability to combine all of the aspects of this medium sets him apart as a more than effective communicator.

Past projects have taken him from the bright lights and glamour of Hollywood to the most remote regions of Russia. Mr. McKee is no stranger to talent as he has worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Jennifer Lopez, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Antonio Bandaras, three U.S. Presidents and many others. Several credits include PBS, The Discovery Channel, TNN, and The Outlaw Music Channel. He has put his talents to the test on several documentaries, including one on Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr. He has also served as Director of Photography and Producer on three motion pictures including his latest work with Lunatic Fringe Pictures, "Bitters and Other Natural Remedies". Currently, Mr. McKee acts as producer and resident Director of Photography for the aforementioned Lunatic Fringe Pictures and is a guiding light and focus to any project he takes on.

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