Tony Muna Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 I thought this was a silly conversation but I'm sure its all different strokes for different folks. But during a conversation my buddy mentioned that he doesn't understand why one needs to remove the lens during transpo. I told him, during my years of camera assisting, there's so much that can happen. He laughs and says, the operator would put it through more damage then it sitting in a coffin that's padded. I thought, well this is just silly, just remove the lens. simple and safe. I mean as an AC, it would be negligence if anything is to happen during transpo. He's a Gaffer who occasionally operates. I mentioned to only list a few that could possibly go wrong and he still doesn't agree that its necessary if you're careful. Long story short, how would you respond to someone who is so key that it's the same thing having the camera in a coffin and on an Operator's shoulder (during its rough moves)? Hopefully that makes sense. I'm obviously posting to hear the many reasons to better my argument. I'm still going to continue to remove the lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Drysdale Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 I suspect this may depend on the camera format (eg 2/3" v large sensor), the lens (prime v zoom) and the nature of the transportation. For example it's common practice to keep to keep the zoom lens on ENG cameras during the working day while they are being moved from location to location in the camera car, while large sensor cameras will commonly be broken down for these moves. Again, this may vary on documentaries v dramas because of differing set up time requirements.. For air transport/freighting it's good practice to take the lens off on all cameras because the risk of damage inside a system which can result in boxes being dropped, kicked around etc and other actions that can result in large shearing forces on the lens.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Satsuki Murashige Posted June 19, 2015 Premium Member Share Posted June 19, 2015 Your buddy's a gaffer, right? Tell him that you occasionally work as a juicer and that you heard it's perfectly fine to drop a hot 18K off the lift gate... If the camera body is sitting on a hi-hat on the camera truck during a company move, then I would remove the lens. If the camera is strapped in to the front seat of the car, sitting in the AC's lap in the pass van, strapped to a Cinesaddle or in a padded camera bag in the back of the car, then I usually wouldn't bother. I'd be more likely to put away a large zoom lens than a prime, going with the idea that more leverage causes more stress on the camera mount. Obviously for shipping, you should never leave the lens attached since airport baggage handlers love to toss cases around like hay bales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Lavalley Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 In my experience this is particularly important with big heavy zooms like the Optimo 24-290. When we're pushing carts a long way, or over bumpy terrain I always remove the lens. I figure it can't hurt, and eliminates the chances of extra damage should a cart tip, which I have seen happen. I also have a theory that it's just more gentle on the mount and everything else. While there may be valid points against it, and certain circumstances that warrant otherwise, in my opinion it doesn't take much effort and makes you look like a pro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Simon Wyss Posted July 12, 2015 Premium Member Share Posted July 12, 2015 Simon says, do away with heavy lenses. Two-inch triplets are fine. You can leave your hat lens on. No, seriously, camera body and lenses are to be wrapped separately for transport. Even tripod legs have their own box. Light meters, too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Figler Posted July 21, 2015 Share Posted July 21, 2015 This is funny timing, but a DP recently shipped me an ACL2 with lens attached, LA > NYC. When it arrived in NYC, needless to say the lens was no longer attached and the front of the camera had also ripped off..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Gregory Irwin Posted July 22, 2015 Premium Member Share Posted July 22, 2015 This conversation doesn't even make sense to me. NEVER EVER LEAVE A LENS ON A CAMERA EXCEPT WHEN SHOOTING WITH IT. The potential damage to the flange depth or the lens is simply not worth the risk. It's a terrible habit not to remove a lens when the camera isn't working. It's lazy. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Satsuki Murashige Posted August 1, 2015 Premium Member Share Posted August 1, 2015 Hey Greg, Just wanted to say that you've changed my thinking on this subject. I worked about 10 years ago for a 1st AC who would remove the lens after every setup. I thought that was an interesting way of working, have not seen it done since. Makes a lot of sense though for narrative style cinematography. I think with the increase in documentary style shooting we have gotten out of the habit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Tony Brown Posted August 1, 2015 Premium Member Share Posted August 1, 2015 He's a Gaffer who occasionally operates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mei Lewis Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 (edited) There are potential dangers with taking the lens off for transport too, like geting dust on the sensor, which wasn't so much of a problem with film. Edited August 26, 2015 by Mei Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin R Probyn Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 Lens Port cap works well for this.. :) I think the dangers of leaving a lens on far out way the few seconds the camera port is exposed.. or back element of the lens for that matter.. you wouldn't take the lens off in a dusty place either.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Drysdale Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 The danger shouldn't be any different to changing a lens. Just make sure you have a lens port cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michaela Angelique Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 During transpo, remove the lens. Company move, remove the lens. Day's wrap, remove the lens. I work with a gaffer who operates sometimes or somebody who does "everything". I understand the Cam OP is the higher authority than the first AC, but nonetheless, the first AC is in charge of what's on the camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Muna Posted September 14, 2015 Author Share Posted September 14, 2015 Thanks everyone for the input. I know it was stupid to ask but I just needed to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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