Building a “Feature Quality” Eclair Camera Rig

Building a “Feature Quality” Eclair Camera Rig

These accessory recommendations were gathered from a purely non-scientific survey of professional DPs. You can shoot beautiful film without any of these accessories. However, those listed below would generally be considered base-level requirements on a commercial shoot:

• Super-16 Conversion: Modern productions shoot for HD or 35mm blowup and Super-16 is compatible with these formats. This conversion will have a big impact on your final image quality. (Budget Option: Ultra 16)
• PL Lens Mount Adapter: High-end productions use high-quality cine lenses in order to capture the best images possible. A PL mount adapter allows you to rent and use the highest quality professional lenses on your ACL. (Budget Option: Arri Bayonet mount).
• Video Assist: Without a video assist, only one person at a time can see the frame by looking through the viewfinder. A video assist lets the director and other crew members watch on an external TV monitor. Although this has no effect on your images, most directors would not consider using a camera that did not allow them to see what was going onto the film. (Budget Option: Attach a pinhole CCD camera to the viewfinder)
• Rod Support w/ Matte Box & Follow Focus: A follow-focus unit is used by the 1st AC to keep the images in crisp focus while the camera operator concentrates on the framing. A rod support is needed to mount the follow focus unit. A matte box is used to hold filters in addition to shading the lens from direct light. (Budget Option: Screw-on lens shade and filters)
• Barney: The ACL is generally quiet however in close quarters the sound may interfere with the audio. A barney covers the magazine and reduces the sound level of the camera. (Budget Option: Throw a blanket over the camera)

I’m Sold! Where Can I Buy?

Check out the Equipment For Sale page for more information on where to purchase cameras and gear.