Assistant Camera Lens Cart Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide
The lens cart functions as the central nervous system for the camera package’s optics and the 1st Assistant Camera’s essential tools. Its objective is to securely house valuable lenses, filters, focus-pulling equipment, camera accessories, and the AC’s personal toolkit (AKS). This ensures everything remains protected, meticulously organized, and instantly accessible for efficient on-set operation. Often, this cart becomes the 1st AC’s primary workstation.
This lesson delves into the practical methodologies and professional insights. All guided by the experience of AC Derek Edwards. While individual Assistant Cameras inevitably develop personal preferences and customizations, the foundational principles of meticulous organization, immediate accessibility, and operational readiness detailed here provide a universal template for success.
STEP 1: INITIAL LOADING OF CORE GEAR
| CONCEPT: Begin by placing the largest and most essential containers and bags onto the cart to establish the main layout.
ACTION: Load the primary lens case(s) onto the top or designated shelf. Add the 1st AC’s AKS bag (often placed underneath), the 2nd AC’s run bag, filter cases/pouches, matte box case/bag, and any other primary containers. RATIONALE: Establishes the main space allocation before organizing smaller items. |
The assembly begins with the initial loading of major cases, bags, and core gear. This foundational step involves strategically placing the largest items onto the cart structure to define the primary layout.
The main lens case (or cases) is typically positioned prominently on the top or a designated main shelf.
Accompanying this are other significant containers:
- 1st AC’s AKS bag (often stored conveniently on a lower shelf or underneath)
- 2nd AC’s run bag
- Filter cases or pouches
- The matte box bag or case
- Potentially bags for FIZ (Focus/Iris/Zoom) units or other substantial accessories
This initial placement establishes the spatial framework around which smaller items will be organized.
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| PRO TIP: Think collaboratively — ensure your lens cart layout incorporates dedicated room for the 2nd AC’s crucial run bag and AKS. |
Integral to this initial phase is a consideration highlighted by experienced ACs: proactively allocating space for the 2nd AC’s run bag. While the lens cart is primarily the 1st AC’s domain, recognizing the collaborative nature of the camera team is key. The 2nd AC’s run bag contains their essential tools and expendables (“AKS” — All Kinds of Stuff).
As a crucial tip for team efficiency: Consciously designing the lens cart layout to include a consistent, easily accessible spot for the 2nd AC’s run bag significantly streamlines the entire team’s workflow by keeping vital items close at hand.
STEP 2: PREPARING THE LENS CASE
| CONCEPT: Open and organize the lenses within their primary case for quick identification and access.
ACTION: Open the lens case (“tip it off”). Ensure lenses are seated correctly, remove any unnecessary transport padding, and arrange them logically (e.g., by focal length). RATIONALE: Lenses should be immediately identifiable and accessible for lens changes. |
With the main containers situated, attention turns to preparing the lens case itself. This involves more than just placing it on the cart. The case is typically opened (“tipped off”), and the lenses within are organized for rapid identification and handling. This might involve ensuring each lens is correctly seated, removing excess transport padding, and arranging them logically, often by focal length, so that lens changes can be performed swiftly and accurately.
STEP 3: MOUNTING THE CAMERA BUILD
| CONCEPT: Create a stable and accessible platform on the cart to place the fully built camera between takes or during setup/transport.
ACTION: Attach a docking bracket or quick-release base plate to the cart. Mount the camera head (if separate) and then click the built camera package onto the dock. Position it at a comfortable working height. RATIONALE: Provides a secure holding place for the camera, facilitates easy access for adjustments, and allows the dolly or other support to be moved independently. |
A major functional aspect of the lens cart is its ability to serve as a temporary dock for the camera. This involves mounting the camera build securely and accessibly. A docking bracket or quick-release base plate system (such as the Arri RBQ mentioned by Derek, or similar dovetail receivers) is typically affixed to the cart surface.
The built camera package, often with the head attached, can then be quickly and securely clicked into this dock. Positioning this dock at a comfortable working height allows the AC to make adjustments, swap accessories, or simply have a safe place for the camera between setups, freeing up the dolly or tripod for repositioning.
STEP 4: STORING TRIPOD HEAD AND LEGS
| CONCEPT: Securely store the primary fluid/geared head and tripod legs (sticks) in their designated cart locations.
ACTION: Place the main tripod head (e.g., O’Connor head) and the set of standard legs into their specific holders, brackets, or mounting points on the cart, often located on the side or integrated into the cart’s structure. RATIONALE: Keeps essential camera support components safely stowed yet accessible, maintaining cart balance and preventing damage during transport. |
With the main cases situated, the next step involves securing the primary camera support system. Place the main tripod head and the standard tripod legs into their designated storage areas on the cart.
Many professional carts feature specific brackets or slots, often along the side, designed to hold these components securely and prevent them from shifting or interfering with other gear during moves. Properly stowing the head and legs ensures they are protected and readily available when needed for setup
STEP 5: INTEGRATING THE HI-HAT
| CONCEPT: Find a secure and practical location for the hi-hat camera mount.
ACTION: Place the hi-hat on the cart. Common options include:
RATIONALE: The hi-hat needs a secure spot where it won’t interfere with other gear but is ready when needed for low-angle shots. |
Next, integrating the hi-hat requires careful consideration. This essential piece of low-angle camera support needs a secure and practical home on the cart. Common placement strategies vary based on AC preference and cart design.
Some carts feature a dedicated lower tray perfectly suited for sliding the hi-hat in securely. Alternatively, some ACs prefer to mount it on the top shelf, occasionally even attaching the camera head to it for a combined travel configuration, though this can make the cart top-heavy. The key is finding a stable location where it is readily available when needed for those crucial low shots, but doesn’t obstruct access to other frequently used gear.
STEP 6: ADDING AN ON-CART BLOCK BATTERY
| CONCEPT: Provide dedicated power to the camera while it’s on the lens cart to keep it running during setup, adjustments, or short moves.
ACTION: Place a block battery on the lens cart (often on the bottom shelf). Run a power cable from this block battery directly to the camera’s power input. RATIONALE: Avoids delays waiting for camera boot-up. Allows settings checks anytime, and keeps the camera powered even when not on set power or an on-board battery. |
To further enhance on-set readiness, many ACs add an on-cart power source specifically for the camera. This usually involves placing a block battery on the lens cart, often secured on a lower shelf, and running a dedicated power cable from this battery to the camera’s power input.
This allows the camera to remain powered on while docked on the cart — during initial setup, lens changes, brief relocations, or while waiting for the next shot. It eliminates delays caused by camera boot-up times. Thus, ensuring the camera is always ready for action.
STEP 7: FINAL ORGANIZATION & TOOL PLACEMENT
| CONCEPT: Arrange all remaining accessories, tools, and personal items (“trinkets,” “doodads”) logically and securely.
ACTION: Organize filters, matte box components, focus pulling tools (FIZ unit, monitor, cables), cleaning supplies, tape measures, markers, etc., within their respective bags or designated spots on the cart. Ensure everything is secure for movement. RATIONALE: A place for everything and everything in its place minimizes time spent searching for tools and ensures gear doesn’t shift or fall during transport. |
The final stage involves the meticulous organization of all remaining tools and accessories.
- Filters need designated slots or pouches
- Matte box components (flags, donuts)
- Focus pulling tools (FIZ hand units, motors, monitors, cables, marking disks)
- Cleaning supplies (air blowers, lens tissues, cleaning solution)
- Tape measures
- Markers
- Various other essential “trinkets,” “doodads,” and personal tools
Everything should have its place. This minimizes time wasted searching and ensures that items do not shift, fall, or get damaged during cart movement.
The Bottom Line: Your Organized Command Center
Building an efficient lens cart is a fundamental skill that transforms it from simple storage into the Assistant Camera’s mobile command center. As we’ve seen, the process involves more than just placing items. It requires strategic planning — from the initial loading of core gear and careful preparation of optics to integrating essential support like tripods and hi-hats, establishing a secure camera workstation with on-cart power, and meticulously organizing every last tool and accessory.
The specific steps and layout detailed here provide a robust framework based on professional experience. Remember that the ultimate goal is to create a system that works seamlessly for you and the demands of the specific production. A well-prepped lens cart directly contributes to a smoother workflow, faster response times on set, better protection for valuable equipment, and overall professionalism within the camera department.
See It In Action: Full Lesson & Course
This breakdown gives you the essential steps for building your lens cart. However, seeing the process demonstrated by an experienced professional like 1st AC Derek Edwards brings invaluable context and nuance.
Ready to master this and other crucial Assistant Camera skills?
- Watch the complete “Battery & Lens Cart” video lesson to see Derek Edwards build these carts step-by-step.
- Access the full “Assistant Camera Prep” course on Filmmakers Academy. Get comprehensive training covering everything you need to know to succeed as an AC.
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