AC Tip of the Month

Lens Swaps

The most awkward but the one of the most important things an AC needs to know: The Lens Swap.

If you are lucky enough to only ever work on zoom lenses then a lens swap may not make much sense. But majority of us are working with multiple lenses and depending on the DP you are working with. There will be a bunch of swapping. This will take you through the entire process, assuming you have a 2nd AC with you. If you don’t, just one less step applies.

Lets say you already had a lens up, your DP runs over and says “let's go to the 50mm.”

First thing is first, you will need to take the lens off.

If you don’t know how to mount or dismount PL lenses then stay tuned to next months Newsletter where we can address that.

Once you take the lens off you will need to cover the sensor with the Body Cap.

*AC trick is to put a little velcro on the cap and stick it to the body so you won’t ever stick the cap in your pocket and loose it.

Now comes the tricky part. Here comes your 2nd AC walking the 50mm to you and you are holding the other lens. Instead of awkwardly fumbling around thousands of dollars in lenses.

There is an easy way to hand them off!!

Remember: All of this should be done with NO lens caps off. Just leave them behind in the case. This will save you the mini panic attack you will have when you can't find the caps.

Also a little side note. We just want to mention, the most important thing you can do when carrying the lenses to ALWAYS be sure to use two hands when walking with a lens.

Ok now first thing is first, place the lens face down, with your right hand on the side of the barrel. Your 2nd AC should do the same.

Be sure to grab the barrel and not just the rings (remember, the rings move and with heavy lenses, grabbing the rings will make it WAY easier to just slip out of your hand. Not a good look!

Then place the the lens face down in each others left hand. 

Be sure to always say "Got it!" before letting go of the lens. If you don't have full control of the lens. DO NOT say "got it" and do not let go of the lens.

Mount the lens and then, Viola!

Please remember all you 2nd’s out there. ALWAYS hand the lens of set to infinitely and the F-Stop wide open!!

Another little nugget for you all! To ensure you never loose the caps. Just leave them behind in the case. This will save you the mini panic attack you will have when you can't find the caps.