What Rig do you Intend to Get

[jrod81]

Hey guys,
I am really eyeing the Cavision rig here:
http://www.cavision.com/rods/dslrsets/dslrsets.htm
I feel I need the follow focus option (though I am kinda thinking buy the one without FF from Cavision and get a cheaper alternative of another FF like indifocus or something). I am just curious what other rigs people are going with or planning to go with. I know Zacuto is top notch, but honestly, I just can't afford it.

[jrod81]

good thread with some options:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=181787

[robmneilson]

I used cavision rigs for my 35mm adapter rig, and I found the grips to be really lacking. They get stripped easily, and aren't the most durable. ALthough with a much much smaller camera like the 7D it won't be as bad.

I'm also not a fan of their shoulder pad at all, I had to do constant repair on it over the last year or so.

[jrod81]

well i will agree with you on the shoulder issue. my letus extreme had the cavision grips and shoulder mount. i was fine with the grips but i never felt comfortable with the shoulder pad!

[jrod81]

how crucial will FF and Mattebox be with the 7D... the reason I ask is because there are cheaper versions that still have shoulder and handgrips but no rods extending to add FF and Matte, such as:
http://www.varizoom.com/products/supports/vzdvtraveler.html
or
http://www.shoppalstores.com/dcgears/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/29875/subcatid/0/id/414339

[Taylor Rudd]

Well, ask yourself if you want to pull focus and get filters that will be in when DSLR rigs are out :)

[boulder]

Actually one of the big reasons I'm getting a DSLR is the stealth aspects so I'm considering not getting a rig. I have a low profile DIY merlin and tripod and I'm kind of thinking thats all I need. I may rig up some kind of DIY shoulder harness but that's it.

[mhood]

How about a monopod with a shoulder brace? I'm considering this Manfrotto brace and the little tilt head with a quick release. Has anyone tried one of these? Can you be fairly steady?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130327087528&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I'm also thinking about this little tripod because it will fit inside my backpack roller carryon case:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230379604235&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IThttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230379604235&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I just hope it can handle the w8...

[Eddy Robinson]

Monopod, shoulder straps, the less stuff the better. I started out crewing on 35mm shoots and and have long since got over any fashion with accessories, I rent the time it takes to 'build the camera' and move it around etc. I don't mind it so much on a soundstage but the beauty of this camera (for me) is be able to do high-quality location shooting without a truck'o'gear.

[jrod81]

what about follow focus... you guys not concerned with that?

[jrod81]

well i think my plan is to go with this as long as I can attach it quick release to a tripod:
http://www.shoppalstores.com/dcgears/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/29875/subcatid/0/id/414339

[ydgmdlu]

You should also consider the Spiderbrace (http://www.spiderbrace.com).

[jrod81]

even cheaper!!! thanks man... by the way, i feel you and i have been all over this 7d section this weekend...

[ydgmdlu]

even cheaper!!! thanks man... by the way, i feel you and i have been all over this 7d section this weekend...
I'm on here WAY too much. I'm always glad to help! :)

[jrod81]

glad you're around...
that spider brace has a 10 pound weight limit... what do you think?
also in the FAQ section it says it cannot attach to a tripod but sometimes a quick release works...

[ydgmdlu]

The camera weighs two pounds. Most lenses that you're going to use will be around a pound or less. So what else would you be using that would add more than seven pounds? I've never used my Spiderbrace with a quick-release plate, so I wouldn't know how well (or with what models) it works. Sorry.

If you'd like some close-up images of the mount on the Spiderbrace, I can post some tomorrow.

[J. Odoms]

I went with the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm, bought a used RedRock Folllow Focus & Gears from a fellow DVXuser. Also purchased a Manhattan LCD viewing monitor as well. Bought a Manfrotto tripod w/501 fluid head.

Its awesome because Tim over at indiSYSTEM let me know their coming soon with not only a MatteBox, which I'll be adding to my setup latter, but they also recently added a articulating arm setup to accompany the system, which he's sending with my package, I'll be a BETA tester for them.

Pics to come tomorrow, since FedEx says it'll be be then. Their usually here by 1pm Central Standard time, so I'll build the rig and post pics afterwards. So you guys can see their new setup.

The pics on their site haven't been update, he told me, because the new indiRAILSpro DSLRsm is different, Powder Coated and all.

Obviously this will all be assembled without my 7D, because BestBuy won't get it to me until the 15th, which I'm hoping is a conservative delivery date. I have a deadline for a project I'm in development for thats Nov. 11th and it would really suck to go from production->post and only have 30days.

But I'm up for the challenge.

[Jean Dantes]

J. Odoms, please keep us updated with your experiences with the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm!! :)

[boulder]

what about follow focus... you guys not concerned with that?

For me personally no, the tiny bit I would actually use a FF for wouldn't justify having to get rails and FF. I have read that focusing is controllable through the software on the computer and it might be interesting to see if that can be utilized (no stops or marks though). The AF on the lens is something I'm looking forward to also.

Again I love the low profile aspect to the DSLR's and want people to think I'm just taking stills. People get all uptight if your taking video and I'm a permit avoider. If my talent or crew has "Kiefer" issues then I don't need to be working with them.

[andrew00]

Anyone used a 7d/5d w/a steadicam merlin or equivalent?

I was watching this video - http://www.vimeo.com/6761588 - and the dude's done a simple mod that works well, it seems.

But I'd want to focus the thing.

AFAIK A follow focus would screw up the merlin's stabilisation, making it imposs. Is this true? Would it work with a whip or something?

[boulder]

Anyone used a 7d/5d w/a steadicam merlin or equivalent?

I was watching this video - http://www.vimeo.com/6761588 - and the dude's done a simple mod that works well, it seems.

But I'd want to focus the thing.

AFAIK A follow focus would screw up the merlin's stabilisation, making it imposs. Is this true? Would it work with a whip or something?

I have a DIY Merlin but I can tell you that any touching of the camera or something dangling like a FF cable would definitely screw with your balance. The only thing that could work is if there were a wireless USB that would allow connection to the EOS software on a computer and focus from there.

[editman]

Got the 7D today and assembled it with my mattebox and rods support:

[J. Odoms]

J. Odoms, please keep us updated with your experiences with the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm!! :)

So today I got the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm system, and first impressions were WOW.
I said that because it was a tad intimidating after opening the box and seeing several components but with no directions. It only took me about 20mins to figure out the assembly method, and away I went.

I gave a call over to the support line, and it's awesome to be able to get ahold of someone. Unlike RedRock, it took me 2weeks to get a response via email, and never once got ahold of someone on the line, so indisystems has that going for them. But I called just to make sure that I had assembled it correctly, which I had.

The system is quite sturdy, they have put new securing latches on all their gear, and they work well. They ratchet back and forth, so not only do they allow for the extra clearance when needed, but they also allow for an even tighter lock.

I haven't had the oppurtunity to field test it yet, since I hadn't got the 7D yet but will do in about a week or so.

My only concerns with the rig was with the prototype articulating arm. It is a PRototypic design son erfection isn't expected. But I will be sending some feedback to Tim, over the next 2weeks regarding it's securing process. It's alittle difficult to tighten the screws, which prevent the monitor from swaying on it's axis.

I know this is alot to visualize, so I'll be posting pics over the next few weeks as well. Just subscribe to the thread to stay updated.

[jmtari]

Hi all,

I've just ordered today a Redrock micro rig (shoulder mount + follow focus + mattebox). Should receive it in 1 week hopefully. I will give you my feedback.

Jean-Michel

[andrew00]

Great. I'm interested in run and gun style stuff where stability is key. So I need to be able to pull focus whilst maintaining a stable shot. Hence need a FFocus + something else to keep it stable (no shoulder mounts as need maximum agility). I'll be most interested to see how it all works out.

[jrod81]

can't exactly tell what is going on with this, but if the rod is standard size couldn't we mount FF to this???
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206346-REG/VariZoom_VZ_1SHOOTER_VZ_1SHOOTER_Shoulder_Brace.ht ml

[andrew00]

Anyone know which glidetrak is best for DSLRs?

(He says hoping people say the cheapest, but thinking they probably won't!)

[iniosante]

Anyone know which glidetrak is best for DSLRs?

(He says hoping people say the cheapest, but thinking they probably won't!)

I own the original Glidetrack (standard, 1 meter) and it works great with the 7D. Alistair Brown is awesome to do business with- after ordering the unit I had it in my hands within two days... from England to Texas! He personally answers all your questions and makes a great compact product for indie shooters. Highly recommended.

Ash
www.iniosante.com

[Craig Zarkos]

I went with the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm, bought a used RedRock Folllow Focus & Gears from a fellow DVXuser. Also purchased a Manhattan LCD viewing monitor as well. Bought a Manfrotto tripod w/501 fluid head.

Its awesome because Tim over at indiSYSTEM let me know their coming soon with not only a MatteBox, which I'll be adding to my setup latter, but they also recently added a articulating arm setup to accompany the system, which he's sending with my package, I'll be a BETA tester for them.

Pics to come tomorrow, since FedEx says it'll be be then. Their usually here by 1pm Central Standard time, so I'll build the rig and post pics afterwards. So you guys can see their new setup.

The pics on their site haven't been update, he told me, because the new indiRAILSpro DSLRsm is different, Powder Coated and all.

Obviously this will all be assembled without my 7D, because BestBuy won't get it to me until the 15th, which I'm hoping is a conservative delivery date. I have a deadline for a project I'm in development for thats Nov. 11th and it would really suck to go from production->post and only have 30days.

But I'm up for the challenge.

Please-- post pics when your rig is all put together!

[metimo]

I bought a Redrock rig over the past summer, and it's awesome, except for one thing: It's really, really heavy, especially for a shoulder mount rig. I got the dslr field kit, which is the shoulder mount, follow focus, dslr mount, and support cage, and additionally, I got the mattebox. It's probably about 10 or 12 lbs before the camera and counterweight (which is a must for something that front heavy). All, in all, with the camera in there and the counterweight and an Ikan monitor mounted, it was probably at least 20lbs, which is ridiculous to use for very long (at least for me). It was nearly impossible to hold it one-handed while trying to pull focus myself. Since I recieved steel rods with my kit, it's possible that with their caron fiber rods, it'd be a lot more manageable.

However, I've since reduced the rig to the eyespy deluxe configuration, and while it's loads lighter, it's still a bit on the heavy side. That's great for steadiness--and it is very smooth shooting on there--but I won't be sure how long I could actually go for until I shoot my next narrative in a few weeks. For the price, they make quality stuff, and it feels completely solid and balanced, so for that, I'd recommend it. Plus, it does look pretty official.

[jrod81]

there is another thread about sliders that i started... lets keep this one on topic

[Jean Dantes]

So today I got the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm system, and first impressions were WOW.
I said that because it was a tad intimidating after opening the box and seeing several components but with no directions. It only took me about 20mins to figure out the assembly method, and away I went.

I gave a call over to the support line, and it's awesome to be able to get ahold of someone. Unlike RedRock, it took me 2weeks to get a response via email, and never once got ahold of someone on the line, so indisystems has that going for them. But I called just to make sure that I had assembled it correctly, which I had.

The system is quite sturdy, they have put new securing latches on all their gear, and they work well. They ratchet back and forth, so not only do they allow for the extra clearance when needed, but they also allow for an even tighter lock.

I haven't had the oppurtunity to field test it yet, since I hadn't got the 7D yet but will do in about a week or so.

My only concerns with the rig was with the prototype articulating arm. It is a PRototypic design son erfection isn't expected. But I will be sending some feedback to Tim, over the next 2weeks regarding it's securing process. It's alittle difficult to tighten the screws, which prevent the monitor from swaying on it's axis.

I know this is alot to visualize, so I'll be posting pics over the next few weeks as well. Just subscribe to the thread to stay updated.


Thanks for the update!! Love to see the pics. Got a few questions for ya:

1. Does the counter-balance on the back balance well with the 7D+lens?

2. Can a follow-focus be attached to the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm?

Thanks again!