Customer Reviews

Optics and Focus for Camera Assistants: Art, Science and Zen

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.