After getting tons of emails and comments about the green tape seen on my gear, I have decided its time I share my uses of gaffer’s tape.
Gaffer’s tape is a strong adhesive tape that does not leave a sticky residue when used. It is also heat resistant. I have come to swear by the stuff, and wanted to share how I use it as a camera operator.
1. Camera Protection
By putting some gaffe tape on the bottom of your camera you can protect it from tripod plate scratches.
I also add a few black pieces on camera edges and corners to keep them from getting damaged (card door, area around hot shoe etc.).
2. Easier Camera Use
Its easy to accidentally bump the settings dial and change it from the manual (the “M”) to another undesirable setting, so I put a very thin strip of green tape that points to manual. That way I can tell I am on the right mode with a simple glance.
By putting bright green tape on the bottom of your camera you can find the 1/4″ tripod hole much easier in dark shooting conditions.
2. Labeling
As you work with other operators, rental gear, and especially other HDSLR shooters, you will find it can be difficult to tell who’s gear is who’s after a long production day. A simple solution to this is picking a color of gaffe tape, and adding it to your gear. In my case green (as is evident from my podcasts).
Its also useful from keeping track of bags and case, just grab a strip of white gaffe tape and use a sharpie.
3. Lens Marking
Many of my lenses have focus marks on the barrel of the lens. So a lot of the time I use gaffe tape to mark off focus points to get more accurate focus pulls (Trick I learn here).
5. Lighting
Gaffe Tape is heat resistant, and we use A LOT of Arri Fresnel kits
6. Cables
Because gaffe tape does not leave a sticky residue like duck tape, you can use it to secure cables to floors, tripods, and sometimes walls without fear of making of mess.
7. Securing Gear
Does that mic look like it is slipping from the stand? Gaffe it. Is that battery pack loose? Gaffe it.
8. Clothing
If you work in the narrative film world, you may have used gaffe tape to adjust the talents wardrobe. If an actors sleeve looks to puffy just take a little gaffe tape and tighten it up.
Get Your Gaffe Tape!
I hope I’ve turned you into a believer. I have only barely touched on a few uses of gaffer’s tape. It is definitely one of the most important tools you can have going into production. That said, you can get your gaffe tape in many colors, sizes, and length via the link below. Happy Gaffing!
Gaffer’s Tape
Purchases via our affiliate links in this article support DSLR Video Shooter at no cost to you. Thank You.
————————————————————————————————————————
QuickTime File: DSLR Video Shooter Episode #015.