Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants: Art, Science and Zen [Paperback]

Fritz Hershey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0240802004 | ISBN-13: 978-0240802008

Once camera assistants have learned and practiced the rules of their job, they can then begin to explore and test their limits. Stressing theory as well as hands-on experience, Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants melds technical knowledge and skills with technique and attitude to provide key information on one of the most vital parts of a camera assistant's job: focus. Assistants will learn how to make themselves invaluable on the set by being able to apply theoretical approaches to problem solving, allowing them to extrapolate from theory to any practical situation, as opposed to following cook-book style solutions. The book also stresses enhanced techniques for greater speed and precision in routine equipment-handling procedures.

In addition to covering such important topics as diagnostic optics for use in the field, fundamental and advanced estimating and focus techniques, and depth of field, Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants also offers essential information on how best to be mentally and physically prepared for the job.

Fritz Hershey has been a freelance camera assistant for more than 15 years, working principally on commercials. His feature film credits include Year of the Dragon.

Explains both the art and the science of advanced camera assisting.
Includes diagnostic optics for use in the field.
Discusses fundamental and advanced distance estimating and focus techniques.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In addition to covering such important topics as diagnostic optics for use in the field, fundamental and advanced estimating and focus techniques, and depth of field, Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants also offers essential information on how best to be mentally and physically prepared for the job. Fritz Hershey has been a freelance camera assistant for more than 15 years, working principally on commercials. His feature film credits include Year of the Dragon.

About the Author

Freelance camera assistant

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (August 20, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240802004
• ISBN-13: 978-0240802008
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,240,190 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hershey's book is short on facts and long on opinion., October 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants: Art, Science and Zen (Paperback)

While the title is "Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants" only about half of the book concerns itself with the title subjects. Half of the book is advice on how to eat before a long plane flight, what to wear on a shoot and other fluff. Hershey's writing style is a grating mix of unsupported opinions and mystical asides about "zen" and Carlos Castenedas. The one chapter on focus estimation tricks and lens marking techniques is fair. But I can't say it is worth over $42. If you want a book about optics get "Applied Photographic Optics" by Sidney F. Ray.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating but flawed, June 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants: Art, Science and Zen (Paperback)

The author makes a bold and successful attempt at describing some of the more essential and opaque principals of the physics of optics. However, the editor allows too many mistakes to remain in the book to merit a five star rating. Formulas are occasionally misprinted, and at $40+, that is unfortunate, and very confusing. Another pass under the watchful eye of a technically proficient editor would elevate this book to the level worthy of its author. A revised edition would be appreciated. Still, I haven't seen its equal on the market. Only in a physics class could you find the information contained in the technical chapters and only on set could you gain the wisdom of the sections on diet, dress, and general preparation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any camera assistant's infinity bag!, March 11, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants: Art, Science and Zen (Paperback)

Hershey's book is truly a mix of Zen. It arrives between
Arnheim's "Film as Art" and The "AC Manual, 2nd ed." All the
science behind why and what an AC sees through the lens is
discussed. If you have a Physics phobia, be prepared to put
on your thinking cap. But this book is the best way of
avoiding any optics or physics class and gets to the nitty
gritty. Other techniques such as focus pulling, guerilla
filmmaking and travel are covered. But most importantly is
the focus on the craft and zen of the assistant. This book
goes a long way in achieving that goal.