HVX Camera Jib Advice?

[Matthew Fox]

Looking for any advice about camera jibs for HVX200. I've seen some DIY jibs and I don't want to go that route. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[eureka]

Try Kesslercrane.com

[hunter richards]

Try the Vance jib if you have a little extra cash, its worth the extra for the fast set-up time and the compactness.

[puredrifting]

I use the Losmandy PortaJib Traveler with my HVX, it is superb. The construction quality is one of the best on the market, it's built better than most other jibs available. It is a short, "operate from the front by hand" kind of jib, not set up for remotes and remote heads. That's that I like about, I use it more like a Steadicam.

http://www.portajib.com/traveller.htm



Dan

[taormina]

Any opinions on the EZFX?

[Noel Evans]

Libec

http://www.libecsales.com/

[Ducatimark]

I have a 3-9' extendable jib and Pan/tilt head from http://www.cameraturret.com/ and I mount it on a Manfrotto/Bogen 526XB tripod.

Great because it can do small studio work (like an exercise video or music video "over the drummer" stuff) or can be used to get some great height shots indoors or out. The whole thing breaks down and fits in the back seat or trunk easily and is very well made. I added the montitor tray and adjustable height lock.

Mark

[Bill Nelson]

The ProMax Cobra Crane is in use here at Nelson Media to good effect. It's inexpensive, easy to move around, and offers some nice tilt control thru a novel 'use your tripod head' idea to keep things interesting. We purchased the extender for some longer shots, but rarely use it. The HVX200 is at the outside edge, weight-wise, but our clients love it!

[Erik Olson]

We use the EZFX with the HVX all the time. We have the VariZoom MC100 remote head on it. Slower set-up time (than VanceJib or Seven), but the EZFX jib handles cameras between 25 - 50lbs depending on your desired length.

Their heavy-duty pedestal with 100mm bowl is highly recommended when using the extension kits.

e

[Tom Plapper]

Check out the Advantajib also.

[puredrifting]

When I was researching jibs, I almost bought the EZFX, it seemed like a good deal. The only thing that held me back was that I think that they are located in Florida. I largely bought the Losmandy because they are just a hop, skip and jump away from me over in Hollywood. Same with the AdvantaJib. Really looked nice but they are in Canada, major hassle if there is a problem and you have to ship it back and forth.

Best,

Dan

[Matthew Fox]

Saw an ad in DV about the Type-S Jib. Anybody have one that can give me feedback?

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Check out the Advantajib also.

Yep...

[MyGoodEye]

The issue with the manufacturer being in Canada is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. John (the inventor) could give lessons to nearly everyone about how to handle customer service.

Besides that, the jib is light, sturdy and awesome.

You're going to need a good tripod - he has recommendations.

And from my experience, you'll want the hard case as opposed to the soft case.

Great, great product.

[Ted Spencer]

The issue with the manufacturer being in Canada is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. John (the inventor) could give lessons to nearly everyone about how to handle customer service.

Agreed


Besides that, the jib is light, sturdy and awesome.

Ditto, but I find there's a significant learning curve for complex compound jib/head moves. The fact you can do it at all at this price point is awesome, but it takes some practice. I'm getting better, but more skill will help. I'm curious how others have found this aspect of it. Maybe I'm trying too many complicated "torture test" moves in my practicing with it so far (no actual on-set shoots yet). Maybe I should cut it (and myself) some slack : )


You're going to need a good tripod - he has recommendations.

I have a Cartoni Focus (with a separate Bogen ball head for the jib) and thus far with the 7' reach (62.5 lb CW with a bare HVX200) it's working great. I've only used it with the legs at minimum height though. I know the Cartoni is rated for about 85 lbs, so with legs extended it will be close, and it would presumably be insufficient for the 9' reach. It might still be ok with legs unextended though. I also added a $250 Bogen tripod dolly (#3198 IIRC), which is invaluable for repositioning. No good for moving shots though, unless you're on a super smooth floor. I'm going to try the jib on my Indie-Dolly soon. I bet it will be great.


And from my experience, you'll want the hard case as opposed to the soft case.

Funny...yeah. I have the soft case and it's *unbelieveably* cheesy looking. Like something PBS would give away for a $25 donation. It's divided by, and holds its shape via, corrugated cardboard! I was apalled when I first saw it. However - it is *very* light and *very* compact, and if you handle it carefully (like I plan to) it has its merits. If I end up with the Pelican case I'm pretty sure I'll be regretting the $55 I spent on the soft one. We'll see. IMO this is the only really weird thing about the kit.


Great, great product.

Yep!

[CinemaElectronika]

I use the Losmandy PortaJib Traveler with my HVX, it is superb. The construction quality is one of the best on the market, it's built better than most other jibs available. It is a short, "operate from the front by hand" kind of jib, not set up for remotes and remote heads. That's that I like about, I use it more like a Steadicam.


Dan,

I'm almost sold with the Porta-Jib Traveller... Just a question for you:

What tripod are you using for this jib? ...and how high can you go with the HVX?

I do have a Cartoni Focus F100 Head with a Cartoni T622/2 Alu-Carbon 2-Stage Tripod which supports to 132 Lbs (very similar to the L501 US Version- see the link). This kit rocks! My tripod maximun height is 62" with the mid-level spreader and maybe a little more with the ground-level spreader -already on its way!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/188653-REG/Cartoni_L501_L501_Aluminum_1_Stage_Tripod.html

If the Traveller really has an extended max reach of 55" and a boom of 68" means that I could as high as 96" or more... would that be possible?

Thanks,

Henry

[TedRR]

Great info guys. Now that we aren't using our Beta Cam much I'm planning on picking up a new "lighter" jib at NAB this year.

This is great info. But it helps more when you say WHY you like it and what the pros and cons are, rather then I bought it and like it. We've been using a friends jib and dolly this week and it's great, except there is no decent way to fine tune friction on pans and tilts. Makes it a little "wild" for subtle moves.

If I do good enough at the Craps talbes again this year I'll be adding a smaller dolly/track as well. :D

[cheezweezl]

i own a glidecam camcrane 200 which is pretty cool. however i played with a flycam jib at evs the other day and it was pretty badass. it has a manual pan/tilt system run on cables and it was super smooth with an hvx.

[puredrifting]

Dan,

I'm almost sold with the Porta-Jib Traveller... Just a question for you:

What tripod are you using for this jib? ...and how high can you go with the HVX?

I do have a Cartoni Focus F100 Head with a Cartoni T622/2 Alu-Carbon 2-Stage Tripod which supports to 132 Lbs (very similar to the L501 US Version- see the link). This kit rocks! My tripod maximun height is 62" with the mid-level spreader and maybe a little more with the ground-level spreader -already on its way!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/188653-REG/Cartoni_L501_L501_Aluminum_1_Stage_Tripod.html

If the Traveller really has an extended max reach of 55" and a boom of 68" means that I could as high as 96" or more... would that be possible?

Thanks,

Henry

Hi Henry:

We bought the Losmandy legs, the LWT Tripod and adapter. http://www.portajib.com/columns_tripods.htm#lwt Not sure exactly how high we can go but keep in mind that the Traveler is a small and short jib, mainly designed for using indoors under 8' ceilings. If you want more height, you would want to purchase the regular PortaJib, not the Traveler. All of the specs are on the Losmandy website.

It's been a great piece of gear. As stated, the unique thing about it is that it is designed to handle the camera from the front of the jib, much like a Steadicam. Most jibs are designed to operate the camera from the rear. The only other one I have seen that is designed to operate from the front like this is the EZFX.

Best,

Dan

[CinemaElectronika]

Dan,

Thank you so much for your feedback.

I have extensively used both the Standard Porta-Jib and the EZFX since I basically do DP/Camerawork for TV Commercials... these jibs are two different worlds!

We frequently use the Porta-Jib for 35mm on interiors, product shots and sometimes to replace our dolly... As far as specs, there's not much a difference with the Traveller except for the jib weight, portability and support... AND PRICE!

The Traveller is collapsable which is better for constricted interiors... and as I usually handle the camera from the front, I honestly believe it is the best option for my HVX work!

I have used the EZFX with the HVX since it's the only option for low budget we have locally... but believe me, you can even compare!

Thank you again.

Henry.

[puredrifting]

Hi Henry:

I will tell you that my Traveler is great, I have made a lot of nice images with it. It is a superb jib for shooting tabletop. The one thing I discovered though was that the 40lb weight limit is optimistic. I rigged it up with a fully loaded film style Varicam. While it held it okay, the actual main tube on the jib was bending so I would personally not go over about 25lbs with it. With an HVX, it sings.

Enjoy!

Dan

[Wild Imagination Films]

Matthew,
I've used several jibs and each has their strengths and their weaknesses. When I bought the Advanta-Jib lite it was because I liked the array of uses and ways to set it up. I watched the videos on their site and was impressed with what seemed to be a really intuitive device.
What I have learned since it arrived is even more pleasant. The jib attaches to a tripod base (and you need a heavy duty one) with 1 screw. Remove the camera and the counterweights and undo the screw and you can one handed carry it to your next location if it within walking distance. It is quite easy to set up and take down. You can get a hard case for it at Academy Sporting goods. (Or your equivalent)
I reinforced all the cables on mine and got the heavy duty springs as well. We shot "Winter" for Love Fest using the jib for everything from the big "jib shots" to setting it up short and using it for convenience purposes in the library.
It has the RCA cable it the wrap so you only need some short cables to hook up a monitor and the camera.
I'm absolutely thrilled with my jib. I am going to get the under-slung head. Just as soon as the words "I won't need one of those" came out of my mouth, I needed one.
Well worth the money and the guys will call you back when you call them. They are true professionals and very helpful. Listen to their advice and you won't go wrong.

[Matthew Fox]

Wild Imagination Films,

Thanks for your advice. I was looking for one that attaches to a tripod base, and the Advanta-Jib was one that another associate recommended as well. Right now it's between the Advanta-Jib Lite and the Type-S Jib, but I haven't found anyone that has a Type-S Jib that can advise on pros and cons. If you know anyone, send them my way!

Thanks again,

Matthew

[cwpost]

I too own an advanta jib, and I love it. So do my clients. I had one problem with it, I had an early model and it had a part that went defective after about a year, anyway the tech support is great, and they repaired it promptly and for free. I only wish it was able to hold my new hpx500.

[accucomm]

Wild Imagination... You mentioned upgrading the cables and heavy-duty springs on your Advanta-Jib. Can you share a little more detail/sources about these upgrades? Also, what tripod did you end up going with?

cwpost... Can you share what part went defective?

Thanks!

[Steve Laramie]

iv had great results with cobra crane

[Chris Santucci]

Looking for any advice about camera jibs for HVX200. I've seen some DIY jibs and I don't want to go that route. Any suggestions?

Thanks.


Trovato (rock solid)

Vancejib

Advanta-Jib Lite

.

[Noel Evans]

But it helps more when you say WHY you like it and what the pros and cons are

Libec - easy to set up, silky smooth operation. One or two people can operate it.

A touch heavy, must be set perfectly on the tripod bowl when tightened down.