The Cine RT System is one of the most popular distance reference tools available to professional focus pullers on the market today and the best ultrasonic cinema rangefinder & transmitter tracking system in its class.
Designed by camera assistants to support the art of pulling focus, the Cine RT satisfies a broad range of working methods and has been widely recognized for its operational flexibility and exceptional performance for use on film and digital cameras. Constructed from pro-grade materials and containing electronics rated to work within an industrial operating temperature range, the components are purpose built to withstand a life on set - from your ditty bag to the most challenging set location. The innovative distribution of ultrasonic transducers across the custom-built wireless component family enables an expansive toolset unique to the Cine RT. Custom-designed and third-party serial protocol outputs deliver fast distance data to lens control systems by ARRI, Preston, c motion, Teradek, and Heden.
Greig Fraser operating on Dune (Warner Brothers) with focus by 1st AC Jake Marcuson, Photo: Chiabella James, chiabellajames.com, "Dune Part One: The Photography"
Base Sensor Features
The lightweight, low-profile ULTRASONIC BASE SENSOR is the computational center of the Cine RT System and the only system component required on the camera, making it ideal for all builds. The BASE acquires 12 ultrasonic readings per second, samples those readings at a rate of 1 million cycles per second, and generates constant distance data in imperial and/or metric. This distance data is shared remotely with the other system components via the 2.4 GHz ISM band at distances of up to 800’ (243.8m). Precision clocking, high sampling rates, and proprietary algorithms work to minimize outlier readings and increase stability like no other ultrasonic rangefinder before.
The laser-targetable rangefinder works from a near minimum distance of 6” (15.2 cm) to 40’ (12.19 m). Set an FPO (Film Plane Offset) easily by measuring from the back of the BASE to your camera film plane, or by eye using focus tracking via your LCS. Customize your rangefinder by selecting a 14°, 24°, or 36° field of view to compensate for different focal lengths and set limits to ignore unwanted foreground, mid-range, or background objects. Track up to four BUG transmitters to multiple subjects from 6” (15.2 cm) to 120’ (36.5 m) with minimal impedance from obstacles.
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Photo: Susie Allnutt, www.susieallnutt.com
Steadicam operated by James Frater, focus by 1st AC Adam Coles.
1st AC Thijs van Geenhuizen collecting focus marks on Naar De Mann music video, Photo: David in den Bosch
Handset Features
Complete your focus station by adding the HANDSET CONTROL UNIT. The HANDSET is the system’s command center and contains a pressure-sensitive touchscreen to display several distance readout VIEW MODES and to access system-wide operational settings. Adjust SENSITIVITY to read larger or smaller objects and/or surface details, or use the tried and true general purpose default developed in the field. Customize your rangefinder range by setting LIMITS to ignore unwanted foreground and background object readings, or engage a LOCKOUT to remove mid-range obstacles. View the Rangefinder and one BUG, or two BUGs simultaneously, in 2X VIEW. Toggle seamlessly between all active distance sources and assign LCS focus tracking rack speeds with the SOURCE SWITCHER.
Did you know the HANDSET doubles as a 120’ (36.5m) invisible tape measure to quickly collect and store focus marks without pulling a physical tape or targeting a point laser? When using the ARRI Focusbug License your collected marks will appear automatically on the Hi-5. Marks can also be collected directly with the rangefinder or BUG transmitters. Use the MARKS EDITOR to compensate for last-minute subject or camera repositions without needing to remeasure or calculate new marks. Use the headphone jack to hear your mark cues in real time with FOCUS WHISPER, or see your marks in real time on a graphical distance display in MARKS VIEW.
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Photo Credit: Peter Kramer
1st AC Cory Stambler uses the Handset to grab a focus mark for Billy Crudup.
ARRI Alexa build with Cine RT Base & High-Bright Display, Photo: 1st AC Arthur Chassaing
High-Bright Features
The compact High-Bright LED Display receives data remotely from the BASE and relays that distance info with 0.55" (14mm) ultra-bright LED numbers. Five brightness levels ensure exceptional visibility in all lighting conditions.
Set up multiple HIGH-BRIGHTS to share readouts of the same distance source, or use two HIGH-BRIGHTS to track two different subjects simultaneously while in 2X VIEW. If you have more than one HIGH-BRIGHT in your Cine RT System, or are viewing distance information on your HANDSET or LCS, give one to a Steadicam operator, dolly grip, crane boom op, picture car driver or visual effects supervisor - this unique opportunity to share critical live distance information can assist other crew members in the communal effort of shot creation.
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Photo credit: Arthur Chassaing
A very complete focus station including HIGH-BRIGHT and HANDSET by 1st AC Arthur Chassaing.
1st AC David Churchyard bugging Jamie Dornan on A Private War (Universal)
Bug Features
The miniature ULTRASONIC BUG TRANSMITTER is milled from rugged ABS, weighs virtually nothing and can be easily hidden under most fabrics. BUGs can only receive RF commands and thus output no RF emissions. BUGs work by sending 12 ultrasonic pulses per second directly to the BASE to distances of up to 120' (36.5m). BUGs perform best within line of sight of the BASE and can operate effectively up to 90 degrees off-axis within a massive 160 degree field of view (relative to the BASE). Imagine your BUG as a tiny silent speaker that only the BASE can hear. If they are positioned well and not covered too aggressively, they are extremely effective with exceptional accuracy.
Track and toggle between up to four active BUGS at one time. Use the BUGs on lens charts to aid with lens tests, give them to your 2nd AC to assist you in the collection of focus marks, place in a stand-in's pocket for constant live distance data during set-ups, and conceal them on actors for fast readings while shooting.
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Photo Credit: Neffi Kristensen
1st AC Neffi Kristensen uses the BUG to speed up lens tests.
1st AC Dennis Kuhnel surrounded by gear including the Cine RT Base & Handset, Photo: unknown