What's your favourite filmshooting accessory ?

[doug]

Everyone on this forum probably has their own methods of filming.
Do you have any particular accessory or gadget that makes life easier for you (and possibly others if they only knew about it !) Something that you maybe use all the time, or just on odd occasions, but really appreciate and feel good about...as a worthwhile item for improving your own films.
It could be anything from some weird lens filter or add-on accessory, to a novel jib or dolly. Maybe a cunning aid for animation or sound recording. Perhaps homemade at little cost, or it cost you $$$$$. But ideally something that most of us can obtain or make.
I'll let you know mine a bit later on

[Will2]

Mine has to be the One Man Crew from Red Rock Micro. It's a motorized slider that just goes back and forth in a curve, keeping the subject in focus and the center of the frame as it slides. Perfect for b-cam in interviews and works well for time-lapse of events on the slow setting.



For film it might be colored gaffer tape to match the speed of the film. The color codes are available on Kodak's cine web app. Just a quick and easy way to see film speeds on cans.

[BAC]

The one accessory I always have with me when shooting Double 8mm film is a film changing bag. I never load film without it and It comes in handy when you are shooting and the camera has a glitch. It can also serve as padding for your camera when you are packing it around in a bag or backpack.

[Tscan]

Mine has to be the One Man Crew from Red Rock Micro. It's a motorized slider that just goes back and forth in a curve, keeping the subject in focus and the center of the frame as it slides. Perfect for b-cam in interviews and works well for time-lapse of events on the slow setting.



For film it might be colored gaffer tape to match the speed of the film. The color codes are available on Kodak's cine web app. Just a quick and easy way to see film speeds on cans.

WOW! Can I borrow that? would have come in handy the other day.

[Will2]

Here's one...a pair of kid's scissors that are about an inch and a half long with non-pointy tips. Perfect for making quick, clean cuts with film and doesn't cut up your bag or hand when looking for them in the dark or your pocket.

[nikonr10]

Mine is Nichiban black gaffer tape don't leave home with it ! and a small key ring size micra leatherman /to fix's cut on the fly , and a good camera bag that is not looking like one ,

[BAC]

Mine is Nichiban black gaffer tape don't leave home with it !

You can re-spool a small amount onto a pen or some other small object so it doesn't take up much space in your kit.

[doug]

Well, here's mine.
A small jar of Vaseline. I think it dates from about 1970, perhaps earlier (The price label I can't read but it looks pre-decimal, so probably cost rather less than 50 pence.) I've used about two thirds of the jar sofar !
It's saved me on many occasions. Deleting wires and TV aerials when you're trying to make a period film for example. Also softening certain parts of the image and reducing unwanted contrast. I suppose I should also include the good old Bolex matte box and some sheets of glass.

[Nicholas Kovats]

That is the best post, ever!

Well, here's mine.
A small jar of Vaseline. I think it dates from about 1970, perhaps earlier (The price label I can't read but it looks pre-decimal, so probably cost rather less than 50 pence.) I've used about two thirds of the jar sofar !
It's saved me on many occasions. Deleting wires and TV aerials when you're trying to make a period film for example. Also softening certain parts of the image and reducing unwanted contrast. I suppose I should also include the good old Bolex matte box and some sheets of glass.