FAIRBURN 3D CHART

Designed for Precise Setup and Post Processing with a Range of 3D Camera Systems. 
The new  Fairburn 3D Chart was designed by veteran cinematographer B. Sean Fairburn in collaboration with DSC Labs for precise setup and post processing with a range of 3D camera systems. Dimensions of this chart are 24"W x 14.75"H x .125" thickness.

 

Feature tools include:

* Horizontal and Vertical Alignment (White Cross through middle "Superwhite" and small crosses)
* Focus Fans in corners (Maximum contrast for ease of viewing even in Low light)
* Zoom Ring 10" in diameter (to see zoom disparity between cameras focal length) 5 pixels
* Keystone Correction (colored Balls and White rings in corners)
* Horizontal Scale in cm and Inches (to see exact IO offset at Parallel)
* Mini Gray Scale (Swatch at Bottom #1 White, #6 Middle Gray, #11 Black + "Superblack".08)
* 18% Gray Scale Chips (at top of chart on RT and LT)
* Chroma Du Monde Color Reference in Hexagon Shape (which matches Vector Scope orientation)
* RIGHT and LEFT words on white lines used as orientation detectors
* Arrows Up and Right Also used as Orientation detectors (base of Triangle is 40 Pixels)
* Red R and Blue L to show Color and eye reference (Red Right eye-Blue Left eye)
* RED R show image Flip or Flop orientation
* RGB&YCM have been added at highest printable value
* Focus Fans at the Center are for zoomed in focus Aide
* Scale on far R & L to measure Horiz and rotational offset
* Dead Center Cross

3D Test Chart Procedures:
DURING PREP:
It's best to work with Cameras Individually separately first then mount camera lens pairs to Rig at the same time. Set up the Chart on a C Stand with the Mounting Stand. Use Level and tape or laser to measure height of Center Chart match height of Center Lens. Chart should be flat to the image plane so that distance to sides match and top bottom match. Light Chart so no reflections appear on chart. Mount lens to camera snugly, set backfocus on lens. Lenses must track through zoom. Lens Tracking can ONLY be set properly when on the camera that will be shooting that lens. Bench tracking a lens will not track properly on every sensor. Mount lens to camera widen out. Pan & tilt to center the crosshairs on chart, now zoom in and mark location of crosshairs at telephoto. If it is not centered on the chart to the sensor adjustment in tracking must be done by Lens Tech. Once done this lens and Camera are "Married" and should not be separated. Rods and motors lens brackets should all be Set and Snug then kept together. Color Adjustment can also be done and saved as LUT's or Scene Files (You will do this again once mounted to camera rig with beamsplitter). Right Eye Camera should be marked with RED tape (RED RIGHT) on 2nd Rigg (YELLOW RIGHT). Left Eye Camera should be marked with BLUE tape (BLUE LEFT) on 2nd Rigg (GREEN LEFT).
 3D RIGG SETUP:
Begin 3D Camera Setup by Mechanically zeroing out everything from the Tripod, head, rig mount, and camera mounting plates. Level the head, level & plumb both plates. Mount Cameras (with lenses and motors and rods) to Rig so that they are same distance to reflective surface Mirror. If Side by Side insure they match forward or backward. Insure Focus, Iris, Zoom, match and are set the same. Even the best rigs may have some degree of offset between them therefore having an Alignment chart gives a common critical reference point for the 2 Cameras to be brought into Alignment and to match. Rolling on the chart will also give a tool for Post to continue the work or adjust as needed later. If using a Beam Splitter 50/50 Mirror. Best Viewed on a 50/50 Overlay monitor (One Half dissolved between the 2 images). Drive the IO and C to ZERO called  ZERO Inter-ocular . Goal here is to make the cameras see exactly the same thing the same vector on all objects in the shot. They should match exactly in:

1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. Zoom Size
4. Focus Distance
5. Rotation
6. Iris
7. Black/White/Mid/Color
8. Genlock
9. Shutter Sync
10. Equal distant Cables from cameras to Recorders, Switchers and Monitors.
Now the Chart becomes a Reference Tool to see exactly how each camera is aligned and if adjustments need to be made.

 KEY ELEMENT: 
Use a Mini Maglight with the reflector and lens removed to expose just the raw bulb between the chart and the rig as a foreground object. If you see 2 bulbs and 1 chart you are NOT at ZERO IO. If you see 1 bulb and 1 chart you are now at ZERO IO. Final Color Adjustments through the Beamsplitter must also be made to match the color of both cameras with the hexagon CDM on the chart. Save Beamsplitter offset in Lens File or as part of the LUT for Post.

IN THE FIELD:
Measure the distance to the chart and note that distance and focal length. Use the 3-D Chart for morning setup and at the beginning of every scene to give an Alignment and color reference to Post to continue the adjustments if needed. At the head of every Tape or scene. Cover the Left side markings of the chart, Roll the Right Eye only. Cover the Right side markings of the chart, Roll the Left Eye only. Record the chart with both cameras. It would be nice to set convergence to INFINITY first to show your Inter-Ocular distance. Then show the chart converged. Then set the convergence where you want for the scene. Chart distance consistency will be helpful in post when possible. Good habit at the head of a scene first shot. Roll on chart till Speed, then Mark with Sync Slate, begin the Shot. Another good habit is to tail stick every shot as well to look for drift in cameras.

IN POST:
When syncing 2 eyes use the 3-D chart as a reference for H & V, Zoom, Rotation, proper convergence Setting.

The Fairburn 3D Chart is available for purchase at FilmTools in Burbank, CA