Letus and Zacuto rig: Nice lookin'

[Kholi]

Announcement: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=121840

Rig: http://www.zacuto.com/Letus_studio_handheld_kit.htm

[Joseph Stunzi]

Yes. I want someone to get their hands on that foam insert for pelican/storm cases. It looks like it is quite handy with the "secret compartments" and what not.

[ryan brown]

Having never held a Zacuto rig of anykind, I probably shouldn't jump to conclusions...

BUT: $4,427 for this?? I just don't see how you can justify the prices on *most* of their gear.

Everyone knows that prices are jacked up when it comes to film/video gear (sometimes by 100's of percent - literally), and Zacuto's stuff seems [to me] to fall into that category.

I'm not dissing the gear... but I would love an explanation of how they charge into the thousands for equipment which doesn't seem to have a very high production expense.

anyone care to shed some light here?

[Joseph Stunzi]

Ryan,
Keep in mine that $1,200 of that price is for the Letus Extreme and support alone. That system allows for handheld use with external battery power and the use of an external monitor. It allows for balance and the use of the LEX with your camera of choice. It's not just a "rod system" but a complete camera support package.

I think you're mistaken in terms of production expense. Zacuto designs and manufactures all of their equipment. No "copy cat" technology or anything! Everything is highly adjustable and customizable. They come up with ideas that are innovations. Zacuto isn't jacking up their price by 100's of percent. You try designing your own quick release system or articulating arm... then go to a CNC shop and see how much it costs to manufacture 100 units. My guess is, the price per unit would surpass that of Zacuto.

You get what you pay for with Zacuto... and what you get is top notch. I'm a huge Zacuto fan... but as you'll read on DVX, many people have made the switch to Zacuto and couldn't be happier.

[Joseph Stunzi]

I'll fly out and prove it to you if you want.

[myCharlie]

Having never held a Zacuto rig of anykind, I probably shouldn't jump to conclusions...

BUT: $4,427 for this?? I just don't see how you can justify the prices on *most* of their gear.

Everyone knows that prices are jacked up when it comes to film/video gear (sometimes by 100's of percent - literally), and Zacuto's stuff seems [to me] to fall into that category.

I'm not dissing the gear... but I would love an explanation of how they charge into the thousands for equipment which doesn't seem to have a very high production expense.

anyone care to shed some light here?

Ryan, I'm totally agree with you a 100%. Lately I was looking for a handle and a shoulder pad because I already have rail system from IndiRails Pro. I came accross the Zacuta rig showing above. It's ridiculus that the Zacuto rig in the link above cost over $3,000 alone (minus the Letsu35 Extreme adapter). I would like them to justify the three grand for that setup. I just ordered the Cavision single handgrip and shoulder pad for less than $200.

[bwest]

I'm not dissing the gear... but I would love an explanation of how they charge into the thousands for equipment, which doesn't seem to have a very high production expense.



I just ordered the Cavision single handgrip and shoulder pad for less than $200.

I like to know who in the end is going to win the profits war. I already know whom I like.

Niche markets must be very risky business!

[lisa hayse]

"Zacuto" is one of the most inovative gear producers in the market.
They stand by their products. The only reason they charge so much is
because this is such a small market and they have CNC'd top quality gear.
So engineering, manufacturing, marketing, staffing and company expenses have to be financially met to output this type of gears.

Fortunately for us folks looking for more affordable gear there are
those rising above the crowd and designing their own gear and
producing them at a more cost effective cost.

Here is the List of up an coming innovators in our market.

Hysonfilms.com
Cinevate.com
Geardear.com
Indifocus.com
Indiesnap.com
Sgpro.com
silverbackequipment.com
Redrockmicro.com


These are just a few off the top of my head.
If anyone would like to add to the list of fellow inovators
Please do.

[myCharlie]

Lisa_hayse, thanks for that list. I'd appreciated. It certainly help a newbie like me.

[Huy Vu]

Probably want to add the Letus people at adapterplace.com to that list, I received their rod support system today and it's simply excellent.

[USLatin]

I like how they are configuring the adapter so the lens is higher instead of the camera being raised.

[Joseph Stunzi]

The Zacuto solution (Z-Riser) actually allows you to raise or lower the lens (not the camera)... depending on your needs

[myCharlie]

Thanks for those posting their list of venders. I'm certainly going to add to my favorites so I don't have to Google all the time.

[Charles Lowthian]

I like how they are configuring the adapter so the lens is higher instead of the camera being raised.

are there benefits of having the lens higher than the camera?
...other than not having to raise the tripod a little more?

i'm a bit concerned for the cameras lens thread with all the weight on it (particularly with longer focal length lenses), so would pressume the lower the lens to the rails, the less strain. :undecided

[Noel Evans]

Im not uderstanding this set up at all for two reasons.

In the current configuration, it seems it may balance out OK but how can I see what I am shooting.

SO, if I configure the shoulder pad back then I am shifting the weight forward and the unit has no balance causing me to basically support all the weight with my arms. One hour of that will see you done.

I have a cheap CAVISION set up which also suffers the same balance issue. I attached additional weight at the back to counter.

[LowDown]

are there benefits of having the lens higher than the camera?
...other than not having to raise the tripod a little more?

i'm a bit concerned for the cameras lens thread with all the weight on it (particularly with longer focal length lenses), so would pressume the lower the lens to the rails, the less strain. :undecided
One of the advantages is that the red on/off button is more visible on top so it reminds you to turn it on.

[Charles Lowthian]

One of the advantages is that the red on/off button is more visible on top so it reminds you to turn it on.

haha i laughed at that cos that is a VERY good point and easy to forget regardless of the vibration/noise!
i suppose the little red light is the digital substitute for having to check the film gate. now we can call out "check the red light" :D

[USLatin]

hehehe checking the GG!!

I am very concerned with a higher center of gravity caused by the flip module. So I was thinking that by having the heavier HVX lower as opposed to the lens which even with an 80-200mm zoom you are only talking about 1.3lbs, and you are only adding the matte box to that, then you are setting most of the mass closer to the rails. The further the mass is away from your rails the heavier it becomes in motion.

I HATE flip modules as much as they are sort of a necessity as Kholi pointed it out for with his help as I am deciding what adapter to get. When you are dealing with clients that may be like "WTF is up with this monitor being upside-down!?" you better just get the flip... I am also a firm believer that if you want to be a good editor you have to be fast just as your "clicks" have to be intuitive as opposed to looking for the button. Well having to flip each clip may not be a big deal, but when you are "in the zone" or just having a good session, flipping is holding you back and shaving a bit off what you will get out of those sessions. Not the end of the world for those with nothing but time for their projects on their hands, but still a nice and significant upside. Also, it seems those with a Brevis basically should get the flip... the spacer that was used on it helped with the edge to edge blur, but the flip acts as a whole lotta spacers and is apparently having a BIG impact on theimage.

Ok,sorry about some of that blah-bery, but for those that have or will get an flip, be it the Letus or not, I think finding ways to make the whole rig as low as possible is a BIG deal... it is not about your gear as much it is about your operation.

[puredrifting]

Hi all:

It all depends on your viewpoint. I would suspect that many of you comlaining about the prices of the Zacuto equipment may not have a lot of experience in shooting film/video for a living?

The Zacuto gear is designed for professionals who may be using relatively cheap cameras like the HVX, EX-1, etc. Many of these users own 35mm film packages, S16 packages and much more expensive F900s, Varicams, etc. If you come from that point of view, a full loaded HVX Zacuto package is a relative bargain. The bottom line is that the Zacuto stuff is built better than the Cavision, IndieFocus, Cinevate stuff so it should cost more. It is all American made, American designed quality stuff.

Now if you come from the hobbiest, low/no budget world, I agree, their stuff is expensive or seems so. Sure, you can get the Cavision mount and shoulder pad for a fraction of the cost. But is it built and engineered as well or built from as good of raw materials? No. Is it built in the U.S.? No.

I am so glad that brands like Zacuto are out there because it is solid professional gear that has properties that people from the film/television industries expect - robust, simple, intelligently engineered, good support and American made. No different than a Fisher Dolly or a Mole Richardson light. And it is designed for relatively cheap camcorders like the HVX, EX-1, etc. that many pros use.

I don't own Zacuto gear, but I have been lucky enough to do a shoot with a full Zacuto rig and please believe me, it's a far cry from my own Cavision rig in ergonomics, design and construction. Especially their handheld rigs, they are well balanced and handle and feel like you are shooting with a film camera when shooting with an HVX. Amazing, but yes, pricey.

Now instead of accusing Zacuto of trying to rip us all off, aren't you glad that we do all have choices, from low end to high end? Just like the big cameras and gear.

Just wanted to offer another viewpoint.

Best,

Dan

[Tim Naylor]

The price is fine. Until you can find a manufacturer who makes baseplates, adaptors, etc. that are as well designed, simple to use and built as well, that price is justified. They are the only ones making components of this quality. Of all the gear I see reviewed on this board, Zacuto is perhaps the only one that considers every last detail for professional use. If the other manufacturers did, they'd have some competition.

Usually when I sell a piece of gear it's usually because of design or build failure. I get rid of it before it bites me in the ass on set. I got rid of my RRock follow focus, Brevis, Cartoni Focus to name a few, because of design and quality flaws. Flaws that I could not risk when you use the gear to make a living. Flaws that if you were to tolerate them would end up costing you more in lost time or business.

Take Zacuto's baseplate / Riser. While everyone else is raising the camera for flip modules, they take the simpler and more stable route of raising the adaptor, keeping the camera's CG low (vital for smoother tilts), and absent a platform, structurally more stable and more likely to match the tripods level. The baseplate itself is a wonder in simplicity. SG Pros, Brevis and LE rod and plate systems are far more complicated to adjust. Zacuto just uses two allen keys for x axis and four for the y.

When you use their gear, you get the feeling that it was designed by cameramen not tinkerers. And guess what? It is. Everything's sensibly laid out. The only accessory maker that matches their build and quality would be Chrosziel. It's like tripods. Your Manfrotto may do the job but a good Miller or Sachtler is way more reliable and will get your move in one take - it's reflected in the price. Can't tell you how many Manfrottos I've take apart to get them up and running. That time is money or vacation time.

The money you pay is for the peace of mind that'll it'll work day in and day out with little or no hassle. Can't say that for any of the adaptor makers (which is why I have to own two now) or cheap matte box makers, etc.

[Kholi]

The Letus Rail System is on par with Zacuto quality. Hopefully we'll see more offerings from the Letus camp in modular camera support systems that rival the quality but for less.

Different discussion, but Tim: at the price point you paid for your adapter, just like the sacrifice you made with the HVX200, you can't have it all.

Even the 4k 35mm adapters have their drawbacks (light loss, etc). To throw the adapter developers in the ring like that might not be the best correlation when you consider what you ARE getting for thousands less than the "high end" competitors.

I get what you're saying, trust me. The way that you said it comes off odd, s'all and I don't think you mean to come off that way. If you do, then that's a different story. =P

[Tim Naylor]

I know the adaptor makers are a good deal, but I still feel no special love for them as long they still bring things out to market before designing them properly and fully testing them. I feel like every revision and new release is a big Beta test.

I do love the fact that they make adaptors for 1200 or less. But I also feel that there is a sizable market that would pay up to 3 - 4 grand for an adaptor with near Zacuto like quality and design. My Brevis, SG and LE all have various issues that bit me in the ass at some point. Flaws that could've been solved with thorough testing and more thought out design (another forum entirely).

I feel when Zacuto designs things, they think it out better than any adaptor maker. I'd love to know what their return rate is. And I think some of the adaptor makers who really want to own the market should take a look at how they do business. If they made a GG adaptor for 4 G, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat because I know I'd have so few problems and it'd pay for itself because of that.

I want it all!!

[Kholi]

I know the adaptor makers are a good deal, but I still feel no special love for them as long they still bring things out to market before designing them properly and fully testing them. I feel like every revision and new release is a big Beta test.

I hear ya. I know that all of the guys do some beta-testing. The LetusEX even went through user beta-testing (Disjecta, Barry_Green, and Ryan Walters) and look at all the great things that changed? Still a bit more to go, but at the price point y'know. I think they've outdone not only themselves, but everyone. The Cinemek guys spent YEARS on their design, check out the footage.



I do love the fact that they make adaptors for 1200 or less. But I also feel that there is a sizable market that would pay up to 3 - 4 grand for an adaptor with near Zacuto like quality and design. My Brevis, SG and LE all have various issues that bit me in the ass at some point. Flaws that could've been solved with thorough testing and more thought out design (another forum entirely). I'm agreeing here, as well. There's a market for 3-4 grand adapters, just not as large as 1000 - 1300 packages here. You're right, another thread entirely.


I feel when Zacuto designs things, they think it out better than any adaptor maker. I'd love to know what their return rate is. And I think some of the adaptor makers who really want to own the market should take a look at how they do business.I agree. I can see a few of the adapter manufacturers/creators doing exactly this. Turning around how they create something. Cinemek and the Le brothers are prime examples and you can only expect their quality to get better. The Le brothers, on the business front, are THE model company to follow at the moment. That's my thought.


If they made a GG adaptor for 4 G, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat because I know I'd have so few problems and it'd pay for itself because of that.

I want it all!! If one gets released you'll be the one I expect to grab it up first! =P

[USLatin]

hehe... me too!!

but i have nowhere near the same budget as you Tim, yet I agree with you completely... Also, Pure drifting, I feel the same... if you have held a fully decked Arri or looked though a Panavision viewfinder, or panned a Panavision head while being pushed on a Fisher then you understand why they make equipment that good... and you understand why you don't see a lot of the moves on full budget projects, and you appreciate why $4k merely a drop in the bucket of support gear on a full budget half hour TV episode...

now of course it is all related to budget, but like Pure said, please don't insult companies that had the vision to make the pro head that an HVX can be if properly used into a real pro rig which makes some of those aspects of proper operation completely possible...

[puredrifting]

Hi all:

Tim, in regards to what you posted, I totally agree. Four grand isn't a lot of money for a killer 35mm adapter BUT, I suspect that few of the people actually buying all of these adapters are professional DPs. There are a few, like you, Ian and a few others but the majority of the buyers are people who are trying to do everything as cheaply as possible because they have no budget, students, hobbiests, speculators shooting pilots, etc.

I can tell you that I am pretty good friends with 5-6 working professional DPs who shoot big features and popular television shows. When I speak to them and tell them that I just bought a Letus Extreme rig, they don't have a clue as to what I am even talking about. Most of them have never even heard of Letus, Brevis, SG, Red Rock. I think that is a clue. The main market for 35mm adapters are people who are doing low end work and have little or no money. If they have money, they are buying REDs, etc. Sure, we know that Scorsese, etc. have bought HVXs but I don't think many of of them are going to do their next films on the HVX with a Brevis or Letus.

In reality, most of these adapters are Rube Goldberg contraptions that happen to work pretty well, but nonetheless are basically homemade types of products, I think that the market, so far, is from users who cannot drop $4,000.00 on an adapter so the market has gravitated toward "the sweet spot" between $1,000.00 and $1,500.00.

From a marketing standpoint, if Dennis or Wayne or the Le Bros. came out with the "Zacuto Quality Letus", I don't think that they would sell very many of them. To DPs, yes, but not even to many DPs. I think that the casual user/hobbiest will not pay more than what they cost right now. And the massive majority of buyers fall into this casual user category. Even myself, I look at the Letus as an effect, it's great for some things but totally a hindrance for other types of shoots that I do. I would not to be able to do many of the shots I need to do with any 35mm adapter, too bulky and complex but I love it for interviews, tabletop and beauty shots.

You do know that Zacuto has had an adapter in the works for quite a while? I tink I saw somewhere though that it was projected to sell in the $10,000.00 to $15,000.00 range? I could be wrong but I thought I recalled seeing a thread somewhere about this a while ago.

Anyway, I agree with what you are saying but as a business person, I am not sure if there investment in time/testing/resources and machining would pay for them to develop a more high-end adapter. Who knows, if enough of us keep buying Letus Extremes, maybe they will?

Dan

[USLatin]

I seriously doubt they will ever put out a 10-15k adapter... however I do believe the current companies will put out more refined versions. Less CA, better edge to edge consistency, and what have yous that I don't know enough about but they will barely go up in price if they do at all.
They are only worth it if you are going to use still glass right? So as soon as you make the adapter $10-15 you are way to close to the budget for a better camera and a few pieces of glass... so stretch yourself that little bit more...
While these two scenarios are not really overlapping they are in the same gray area... too close...?

Anywho... I really want the Zacuto rails now... I probably will regret getting the Catvision 15mm + 60mm hand grips but at 1/3 of the price it is hard not to, but I doubt I'll regret getting something like the Redrock shoulder pad at all...

[Joseph Stunzi]

I'm with you Roberto on the Zacuto vs. others.
I'm working on finishing up my Zacuto rig while at the same time working on a second rig. That Redrockmicro shoulder pad looks pretty cumfy. Maybe it will have memory foam!

[Tim Naylor]

re: PureDrifting
You got a point. At 4G, the market narrows drastically. The issues I have with the current crop of adaptors are not major fixes and would perhaps cost an additional 500 or so. ie) The LE lack of pressure plates/shoes for it's Allen screws and a way to center on HVX's, etc.; better dust seals on the Brevis; a sturdier shaft on the GG spinner on the SG and lose the plastic knobs; a lower cost front riser in place of Z risers; easy collimation; etc.

Otherwise, I think they're fantastic and blow away the high end PS mini at 1/5 the cost. I guess I'm getting picky because like Phillip Bloom, I find myself using the adaptors all the time for jobs I'd previously never used consider them. The more you use it, the more you demand from it.

You're right about alot of DP's being clueless about them. If you're strictly shooting film (commercial / feature guys), it never quite enters your world. But for those of us who straddle both worlds and never quite accepted the 1/3 inch blues, they're a god send.

I doubt Zacuto will ever get their adaptor to market since it gets you in RED territory. It's like SC's "Cineporter". Good idea. Too late.

Here's the big question though. I still can't come to terms spending a few G on a handheld set-up. So who out there can give first hand reports about the Cavision HH brace. Is it any good?

I spent a hundred bucks on the "Steady Stick". Unbelievable. I will not do behind the scenes work or interviews with out it. You can still get something cool for a 100 bucks. Just wondering if C visions HHeld set up is a deal.

[USLatin]

Tim, what brace is that? I went looking for what you were talking about but couldn't find it.
Also, where is that "Steady Stick" you mentioned?

I am looking at these hand grips as they are a bit wider which is much better for tilt and they would also work on 19mm rails.

http://www.cavision.com/rods/RS15HD105.htm
http://www.cavision.com/rods/RS15HD105.jpg

[Charles Lowthian]

Anyway, I agree with what you are saying but as a business person, I am not sure if there investment in time/testing/resources and machining would pay for them to develop a more high-end adapter.


In any business, releasing a product that is not finished (ie: a "beta" version) without stating to the buyer that it is a "trial", is not how you do business!

In essence, it seems a lot of the 35mm adapters in this market (ie: users on this forum), are trials. all the offcentre issues being reported is evidence that these adapters have not been crafted for their targeted, and stated cameras (eg: hvx200, hv20).

I see your point about "higher end" adapters, but i think the higher end aspects should relate to the image quality, the clarity of the glass, etc... NOT the alignment being completely off - resulting in zooming and loosing/cropping a great deal of any lens attached.

For a $2K adapter on a $5K camera, should we expect the same image as a $20K adapter on a $500K camera = NO.

BUT for any price, as a consumer or a proffessional buyer you should get a finished product.

It's not like Sony, releasing new models every week (exageration). The model you buy last week will be a finished camera. It will not have errors (unless recalled), instead, the only difference from that and a newer model will be perhaps the newer model produces a better image than the older one. Better being to do with new advancements in technology, and NOT due to them redesigning the lens to be in alignment with the image sensor.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x81/charleslowthian/adaptercropping.jpg

Be it Sony, or a small independent company, they are both selling products that have expectations to be met. They should be actual versions, and not beta/trials that consumers/professionals (like us) are spending their money on, which inturn is merely providing the manufacturer with testing for a newer model to be released at the buyers expence.


Does my adapter allow me to emphasize depth of field in my images = YES :)
But there are issues with it that should have been fixed before releasing it to the buyer.

[puredrifting]

I
It's not like Sony, releasing new models every week (exageration). The model you buy last week will be a finished camera. It will not have errors (unless recalled),

Sony EX-1 vignetting debacle, cough, cough...

Dan

[USLatin]

which are the adapters that are not aligned?

I would suspect it must be the slower ones since they are not as fast as the others being that they only use a portion of the light. Sadly this would also use the lens off center which I can't see as a good thing if your lenses have slight problems towards the edges which would make you zoom in even more to avoid them?

Anywho... I just want this conversation to keep going as I am learning from it! :D

[Kholi]

In any business, releasing a product that is not finished (ie: a "beta" version) without stating to the buyer that it is a "trial", is not how you do business!

In essence, it seems a lot of the 35mm adapters in this market (ie: users on this forum), are trials. all the offcentre issues being reported is evidence that these adapters have not been crafted for their targeted, and stated cameras (eg: hvx200, hv20).

I see your point about "higher end" adapters, but i think the higher end aspects should relate to the image quality, the clarity of the glass, etc... NOT the alignment being completely off - resulting in zooming and loosing/cropping a great deal of any lens attached.

For a $2K adapter on a $5K camera, should we expect the same image as a $20K adapter on a $500K camera = NO.

BUT for any price, as a consumer or a proffessional buyer you should get a finished product.

It's not like Sony, releasing new models every week (exageration). The model you buy last week will be a finished camera. It will not have errors (unless recalled), instead, the only difference from that and a newer model will be perhaps the newer model produces a better image than the older one. Better being to do with new advancements in technology, and NOT due to them redesigning the lens to be in alignment with the image sensor.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x81/charleslowthian/adaptercropping.jpg

Be it Sony, or a small independent company, they are both selling products that have expectations to be met. They should be actual versions, and not beta/trials that consumers/professionals (like us) are spending their money on, which inturn is merely providing the manufacturer with testing for a newer model to be released at the buyers expence.


Does my adapter allow me to emphasize depth of field in my images = YES :)
But there are issues with it that should have been fixed before releasing it to the buyer.

Not sure if you can really say that the image being off-center is something that should've been corrected or even could've been corrected flawlessly. Not every HVX200 will have the same offset, nor will any other camera. It's a flaw of the camera, not the adapter design.

The fact that the Adapter guys are offering you a solution to fix that on the adapter side is great. The Letus Extreme is definitely a finished product. There aren't any interchangeable screens because they know what they want to give the customer. There haven't been any revisions to the unit since the beta testers, only additional accessories like Mounts and Rail Systems.

I get what you're saying, but the issue that you outlined has nothing to do with the adapters. Realistically, no matter if they did or did not test for each and every camera, it would only go so far given that the offset is not predictable. The option to adjust on your own is the most reward and flexible for both sides of the camp.

[USLatin]

Which adapter allows for offset adjustments? Is it the Letus only?

[Kholi]

Which adapter allows for offset adjustments? Is it the Letus only?

The Brevis Flip unit has an offset option, I think it works on screw adjustment? The Letus version is a completely different animal and should see the light of day soon. I have no solid information on how the unit works.

[Charles Lowthian]

Not sure if you can really say that the image being off-center is something that should've been corrected or even could've been corrected flawlessly. Not every HVX200 will have the same offset, nor will any other camera. It's a flaw of the camera, not the adapter design.

I agree with you. the offset is due to the camera's zoom (path of 'travel').
My agenda was for the adapter companys to simply inform the potential buyer of the offset and perhaps provide example of how 'subtle' it is. "No vignetting" is not accurately describing the product.


The fact that the Adapter guys are offering you a solution to fix that on the adapter side is great. The Letus Extreme is definitely a finished product.

I created that diagram from my Letus Mini.


because they {Letus} know what they want to give the customer.

Despite my views on the offset, I am quite happy with the customer service Letus Direct provide :)


I get what you're saying, but the issue that you outlined has nothing to do with the adapters. Realistically, no matter if they did or did not test for each and every camera, it would only go so far given that the offset is not predictable.

If a company quotes a camera brand and specific model number to sell their product, then YES you should expect the product to be very much catered for that particular camera model.



The option to adjust on your own is the most reward and flexible for both sides of the camp.

I have not tried adjusting the alignment to reduce offset. Is this possible or are you referring to something else?

Regards,

Charles :)

[Kholi]

If a company quotes a camera brand and specific model number to sell their product, then YES you should expect the product to be very much catered for that particular camera model.

Sort-of kind-of on this. The actual adapter is universal. It says it will work for just about any camera, but never once is it mentioned it's specifically for a camera. So, you're right, if it were to be listed specifically for a camera then you would definitely expect it to be a much closer-to-perfect project. None of these adapters are. They can each be adapted to any camera; that includes the Letus Mini.



I have not tried adjusting the alignment to reduce offset. Is this possible or are you referring to something else?

Regards,

Charles :)

The Le brothers are working on an offset correction system that'll be totally different than simple nuts and bolts. Using screws and such to realign a unit can offset a few different factors. I don't know exactly what they have cooking, but rest-assured that it's going to be of Extreme quality; pun intended. xD

I get what you're saying overall. Just that every adapter on the market is universal, thus not camera specific.

[Charles Lowthian]

but never once is it mentioned it's specifically for a camera.

I opted not to name my adapter brand at the beginning, as I don't intend on picking on an individual company. But just for record, the Mini was advertised as "Designed and optimized for smaller cameras, such as the Canon HV20 and...". Anyway, I do look forward to seeing more products from Letus :) My Rails are currently in the mail.

[Charles Lowthian]

Sony EX-1 vignetting debacle, cough, cough...
Dan

haha yeah i know dan. that's why i said "unless recalled". i knew i should have used another brand as example hehe

[waefre]

I really don't have a problem with the smaller companies releasing their products though they may still have some bugs. The fact is they don't usually have the resources to do widespread tests so the first users are the beta testers and provide the feedback to change. At the same time the users reap the benefit of having the newest lowcost items. I'm sure the first redrock users were not complaining about not having to fork over 10K to have the sweet images then only available to the PS technik users, and the Redrocks still loaded with bugs.
There's a lot to be said for Zacuto and the really polished systems, but I'm glad we don't have to wait for everything to reach that point before we can use them. At the end of the day its all about getting the shot, and if my budget allows me to invest in some slightly less polished items that get the job done, then I'm in. I'm also glad they're not Sony, who are constantly releasing new models mainly because they're holding back and not creating a single camera that can do it all. That's why the RED camera is so big, no one is holding anything back. Sure there are bugs to work out but the offering is unparalelled by anything else on the market.

By the way I do own and love the Zacuto stuff.

I also Love My LEX

[philip bloom]

i recently bought the zacuto rails for my letus extreme. it really is superb

[Joseph Stunzi]

Philip,
As an avid reader of your blog, you also have the LEX rail system right? Which do you use more, the LEX or the Zacuto?

[hoarp001]

I just ordered the zacuto Z riser and some 10 inch rods at vast expense. I hope this thing is worth the huge pricetag.

[Joseph Stunzi]

It is trust me!

[hoarp001]

It can safely support about 2kg on the rods without sagging down?

[Joseph Stunzi]

That's roughly 4.5 lbs. Uh... YES! My rig weights about 15lbs right now.

[Tim Naylor]

I've used a myriad of rods and baseplates and the Zacuto is by far the most sturdy. It costs a bit but considering it'll last at least three cameras worth, I can't complain. It's the one piece of gear I have that works day in and day out. I worry all the time about my adaptors going down in the field. It's happened to me three times already. The lens mounts are finicky. I've dismantled and repaired several times and become a whiz at soldering small connections. At least the thing holding it together is rock solid.

Where you really notice an inferior rod baseplate system is when you pull focus. Any flex will show in you picture when you pull on a long lens. Zacuto is stiff as hell.

I'd really like to see the 2-3 grand adaptor that takes care of all the little snitty issues that plague them all. I figure another 2 g is what it'd take to get better mounts, machining, and adjustability. There is market for that too - value minded free-lancers who won't shell for a PS but find the current crop just short a few items for prime time. I've done loads of PS jobs with just one adaptor - no back up. I'm weary about doing mid budget jobs with any of the three adaptors without a back up unit.

The day I don't feel the need for a back up is the day they make a truly pro product.

[mcgeedigital]

Trust me when I say that the Zacuto gear quality stuff and can take a LOT of weight:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w305/mcgeedigital/VIDEO/Letus4.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w305/mcgeedigital/VIDEO/Letus7.jpg

[Charles Lowthian]

- i'm impressed :)

.... but no follow focus? :D

[Joseph Stunzi]

Argh. I really want a Sachtler tripod. It's pretty much killing me! There's such a noticeable difference between Manny and Sachy! ARGH!

[philip bloom]

have a look at the miller ds20 solo carbon fibre. It's what I have and its amazing

[puredrifting]

Argh. I really want a Sachtler tripod. It's pretty much killing me! There's such a noticeable difference between Manny and Sachy! ARGH!

Joseph:

It's easy. Quit financing every Zacuto employees stock options and profit sharing and save your shekels for a fine Sachtler! ;-)

Dan

[mcgeedigital]

- i'm impressed :)

.... but no follow focus? :D

It was an open house event...I was doing 100 things at once.

[Joseph Stunzi]

Joseph:

It's easy. Quit financing every Zacuto employees stock options and profit sharing and save your shekels for a fine Sachtler! ;-)

Dan


Dan,
You crack me up man! I dunno man. What's a good tripod if you rod system breaks? I know I know... a big waste! I really do wanna decide. I have about 20lbs to support so it'd be nice to get a new tripod with some good repeatability and balance options. –J.S.

[puredrifting]

Dan,
You crack me up man! I dunno man. What's a good tripod if you rod system breaks? I know I know... a big waste! I really do wanna decide. I have about 20lbs to support so it'd be nice to get a new tripod with some good repeatability and balance options. –J.S.

You sound like a candidate for a DV-8 or 12 or a nice used Video 14 or something?

Dan

[Charles Lowthian]

It was an open house event...I was doing 100 things at once.

lol don't worry. i am jealous regardless

[USLatin]

Matt, so do you ever use that rail setup hand held? Does it flex much in either?


it looks like you can fit quite a long lens with the front rails like you have them now. How long is the longest lens you can fit?

[philip bloom]

i have bought the full zacuto handheld rig, two weeks after getting their rails. I have spent almost as much as the full cost of this on inferior versions. Waste of money. So I have bitten the bullet and gone for it!

[Steve Shovlar]

You will never regret it. I have been buying Zacuto for a while and nothing comes close. Plus it will still be in your bag in ten years time. Buying inferior might sound like a bargain in the short term, but paying that bit extra for the best always makes financial sense in the long term.

[mcgeedigital]

Matt, so do you ever use that rail setup hand held? Does it flex much in either?


it looks like you can fit quite a long lens with the front rails like you have them now. How long is the longest lens you can fit?

I am thinking about trying it on my HipCam rig shoulder mounted. The largest lens I have tried,which is the one that is on there now, is the Nikon 135mm f2.0


There isn't MUCH flex, although I may have to put another support on the 135mm so that the follow focus gear stays in place.

[mcgeedigital]

You will never regret it. I have been buying Zacuto for a while and nothing comes close. Plus it will still be in your bag in ten years time. Buying inferior might sound like a bargain in the short term, but paying that bit extra for the best always makes financial sense in the long term.

As my father used to say, you only pay for quality ONCE!

I came into this industry shooting 16mm film, and I can tell you that the Zacuto hardware is every bit as good as any of the Arri support gear.

[hoarp001]

Well your right of course, the riser arrived and it is very very well made. The fact that I spent 200 quid on it dosn't bother me so much now.