Camera assistants are the quiet engine of the camera department. The 1st AC pulls focus and builds the camera; the 2nd AC slates, loads and keeps the paperwork alive. They are hard to shop for because they already own the expensive tools. Here is what they will genuinely appreciate.
Things they use every day
- A quality tape measure with a hook that grips a sensor mark.
- Coloured gaffer and paper tape for marks, labels and slates.
- Dry-erase markers and a lens tissue kit – they never have enough.
- A soft pouch or AC belt bag for the bits that live on their hip.
- Good socks and insoles – joke all you want, they will thank you on day 30.
Tees only the camera department gets
Assistants spend all day talking in focus marks and stops, so a shirt in that language lands well:
- Focus Is a Decision – the 1st AC's creed.
- We Fix Focus – for the one who always gets blamed when it is soft.
- Check the Gate – the most suspenseful three seconds on set.
- Shallow Depth – for anyone pulling focus wide open.
See the full Lens & Light collection (also in a women's cut).
For the AC who is about to step up
Many assistants move up to operator. Something from the Steadicam & Motion collection, like I Walk Backwards, is a nice nod to where they are heading.
Quick tips
- Heavyweight, garment-dyed cotton survives camera carts, rain covers and endless washes.
- Buying for the whole camera team? The Crew Deal gives 10% off two or more tees automatically.