Camera prep is a great time to go over your requested equipment to make sure it’s all there and functioning properly. The Womp Haus recommends you check that all items power up, the camera works, batteries are at full charge, and everything you asked for is present. It’s also the time to ask for any gear you may have forgotten. If you find an item that is damaged or not working the way you expect, we’re happy to swap it out. Camera prep usually takes fifteen minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the order.

To scheduled a time for a camera prep, send an email to filmgear@vassar.edu

Camera

Build out your camera with any accessories, checking the functionality of each. This is the time to check settings, battery level, and to format your camera media.

Camera Support

Setup and balance your tripod! Apply a downward force on the tripod head to make sure none of the stages slip and that lock downs function properly. Build out and test any dollies, jibs and gimbals.

Lenses and Accessories

With zoom lenses, make sure the focus and zoom rings operate smoothly and that focusing modes and image stabilization functions work. To check primes, measure the distance between the focus chart and the focal plane. Set lens focus to this number and confirm it on the camera monitor. If any lenses are not working as expected, ask a staff member to take a look. Take this chance to look at the lenses for dirt or dust and clean them off. If you aren’t sure how to clean a lenses ask a Womp Haus staff member.

Audio

As with prepping your camera, check settings and battery levels on your audio recorder and wireless transmitters and receivers.  Plug in each microphone to make confirm you can see and hear signal.  You can use this time now to label your transmitters and receivers so they don’t get mixed up on location.

Lighting and Grip

Power on each light and make sure dimmers and color temperature controls work.  Any soft boxes and diffusion should be checked for rips or tears. Check that all the lock downs work on fixtures and stands.

For more information about the importance of a thorough camera prep, check out this article by 1st AC Joshua Cote