View Full Version : Why the indirailspro mp seems to be an ideal rig...
jrod81
10-13-2009, 08:01 PM
Hey guys,
Been looking at this: http://indifocus.com/products_indirailsprodslr.htm
I have heard mixed reviews on the quality of these products, but never heard one bad thing about Tim (the guy who runs the company). But here are my thoughts, the MP gives 3 things:
1. stablization (with the monopod) to take the place of glidecam 2000
2. shoulder mount for handheld
3. follow focus
I am not sure about attaching it to a tripod and how that would work exactly...
The DSLRsm (on the same link) looks good too but it doesn't have FF (which i am thinking can surely be added in those rods somewhere), but it seems it would lack the steadicam look...
thoughts???
jrod81
10-13-2009, 08:04 PM
I mention this because I was trying to get:
1. Glidecam 2000 w/ body pod
2. A cheap shoulder mount system (like the spiderbrace)
3. however most cheap shoulder mounts did not have rods to add FF if desired...
The MP seems to give the ability for all of that. Now if I can just find out if I can quick release it from a tripod, I think I am set... unless you guys say enough to make me question everything...
Jean Dantes
10-13-2009, 11:17 PM
I'm not sure if the MP can be shoulder mounted? If it could, doesn't look like it'd be very comfortable...otherwise, looks like a pretty good setup, especially for the money.
Glad you started this thread, I've asked about the MP a couple of times here and never heard anything back. So, I'll officially second this, has anyone tried this out? It looks like an ideal HH setup for a relative steal, but I'd definitely like to hear from someone with first-hand experience before committing.
I don't believe that it can be shoulder mounted, but I also doubt it would be at all beneficial to do so. While the DSLRsm looks nice enough, it doesn't really seem practical to have a shoulder-mounted DSLR rig require two hands to stabilize without a follow-focus. I can't really grasp how one could do any effective HH work without focus control, and it seems like letting go of the left grip mid-shot would likely ruin any semblance of balance anyway.
Jean Dantes
10-14-2009, 01:14 AM
HH = hand-held?
SonicStates
10-14-2009, 02:41 AM
One comment I can make is that despite so many people being thrilled about Tim as a guy (and I'm sure he is) I sent multiple requests for information about his products and not 1 response, nada, zip, zilch. I know that others have shared similar experiences. As a potential customer that stops me dead in my tracks; especially because I am an overseas customer. Initial and continuing customer service is key in my opinion (and experience). I know Tim operates with very limited hands on deck (actually I don't know anything except what I've heard through here) but as a suggestion the CS needs a little work and business would be better.
Anyway, enough of that, my only point was I didn't have a good customer experience so just adding info to the pile if that influences your maker selection.
Cheers,
Jean Dantes
10-14-2009, 04:15 AM
One comment I can make is that despite so many people being thrilled about Tim as a guy (and I'm sure he is) I sent multiple requests for information about his products and not 1 response, nada, zip, zilch. I know that others have shared similar experiences. As a potential customer that stops me dead in my tracks; especially because I am an overseas customer. Initial and continuing customer service is key in my opinion (and experience). I know Tim operates with very limited hands on deck (actually I don't know anything except what I've heard through here) but as a suggestion the CS needs a little work and business would be better.
Anyway, enough of that, my only point was I didn't have a good customer experience so just adding info to the pile if that influences your maker selection.
Cheers,
Yeah, I'm sure Tim is a great guy too, but I've sent three emails in the past week with no reply. Being an overseas customer, it kind of put me off a bit too. Perhaps they're just to busy at the moment?
damienthedevil
10-14-2009, 04:24 AM
Well I had the same experience with Tim, send him emails and no response at all. Well If he can't respond to a simple email I might as well bring my purchase to somewhere else. Decided on the Korean Make Dslr 17 HH set-up and i am very pleased : ) ( Thanks Tim ) It cost me only US$200 plus US$65 Shipping to anywhere in the world. Solid built, no regrets.
Jack Daniel Stanley
10-14-2009, 04:36 AM
I know phone calls might not seem like an option to you over seas guys, but I've always had excellent accessibility to Tim via phone. Skype?
SonicStates
10-14-2009, 04:38 AM
. Decided on the Korean Make Dslr 17 HH set-up and i am very pleased Solid built, no regrets.
Yeah I got a couple of bits and pieces from the Korean guy as well and was really blown away by the quality, design, price and speed...not to mention I got replied to ;) Plus if you wait for a bit there are sometimes actual auctions on his stuff so you can get really decent prices...DOF adapter (used for keeping my zooms solid as rocks when using the FF...35 bucks!!! These CNC aluminium machined pieces....beautifully made.
SonicStates
10-14-2009, 05:43 AM
I know phone calls might not seem like an option to you over seas guys, but I've always had excellent accessibility to Tim via phone. Skype?
You are totally right of course BUT it seems kind of strange from a customers point of view to NEVER get a response for an inquiry that could make you money. Next time I'll get on the horn if I need assistance.
Cheers,
Sam.
mhood
10-14-2009, 07:24 AM
Decided on the Korean Make Dslr 17 HH set-up and i am very pleased : ) It cost me only US$200 plus US$65 Shipping to anywhere in the world. Solid built, no regrets.
I found the DSLR-17 listing with a Buy It Now of $330US and a "Make an Offer". Did you offer $200 and they accepted?
jrod81
10-14-2009, 04:32 PM
yeah, tim sucks with email, he has never replied to a single email but on the phone he is just the nicest dude in the world. i hate the lack of email too but i assume being a one man show and getting emails daily would be hard to organize. sorry to hear that you guys had bad luck with him...
i am going to check out this korean option i guess...
jrod81
10-14-2009, 04:34 PM
can't find it on ebay... lil help?
jrod81
10-14-2009, 04:36 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/DSL-17-DSLR-rod-set-HANDLE-SHULDER_W0QQitemZ180418962995QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFi lm_Cameras?hash=item2a01cee633#ht_580wt_1115
J. Odoms
10-14-2009, 06:50 PM
I just put my bid in for $200, and we'll see if they accept it.
J. Odoms
10-14-2009, 06:51 PM
Oh by the way thanks jrod81 for the link. have they responded to your $200 offer.
Oh, also what are you planing on doing for handles.
mhood
10-14-2009, 07:02 PM
I too just placed a $200 offer that expires in 48 hours...we'll see. I'm thinking I'll fashion some handle grips from the rubber grips off my Granddaughter's old Barbie Tricycle.
J. Odoms
10-14-2009, 07:04 PM
I too just placed a $200 offer that expires in 48 hours...we'll see. I'm thinking I'll fashion some handle grips from the rubber grips off my Granddaughter's old Barbie Tricycle.
LOL, well hopefully if they see they keep getting $200 offers then they'll just take the bait, and sell them to us for that. I mean heck an items value is only worth what someone will pay for it. And we're both, or all three or four of us are willing to pay $200+65 shipping so thats what they're worth. Now all he has to do is accept it.
And It's kinda awesome how they look so much like the Zacuto gear at a mere fraction of the cost.
SonicStates
10-14-2009, 07:23 PM
And It's kinda awesome how they look so much like the Zacuto gear at a mere fraction of the cost.
Wait till you get your hands on their stuff. Very high quality, precision gear. Even the tool-less locks are anodized aluminum...
J. Odoms
10-14-2009, 07:28 PM
Wait till you get your hands on their stuff. Very high quality, precision gear. Even the tool-less locks are anodized aluminum...
I know you got me all excited to hear back from my offer. I'm checking my email every 5mins, lol, like has he got it yet. :2vrolijk_08:
How easy does it mount to the tripod?
What did you do about grips, just curious?
mhood
10-14-2009, 07:33 PM
LOL, well hopefully if they see they keep getting $200 offers then they'll just take the bait, and sell them to us for that.
That's exactly what I was thinking. ;-)
I come from your typical ENG background and still have a hard time understanding how a rails rig will balance when you move your left hand to the lens to focus. It seems to me you need both hands on the wheel to drive one of these things but I'm a total noob to this kind of a rig.
J. Odoms
10-14-2009, 08:02 PM
Heck yeah, just got my offer accepted, and I'm about to pay right now. W00T.
jrod81
10-14-2009, 10:43 PM
so its a shoulder mount and it has grips and it can all mount to a tripod and pop off quickly? this is awesome!!! what about FF, is there room to add it on the rails?
good call on the tricycle idea... go to Wal-Mart's bike section, there are all kinds of grip opitons- surely one is bound to fit...
still haven't made an offer yet... wanting to weigh all the options here...
i'd still have to buy a glidecam i think and i was trying to get away without having to do that...
J. Odoms
10-15-2009, 12:47 AM
I would sure hope the follow focus would fit. There is enough room in between the two rods so, yeah. I'll let you know for sure in about a week or so, depending how long it takes him to ship it from Korea, lol.
But considering I almost bought the Zacuto Docu baseplate no more than 8hourss ago, and that was $550 just for the baseplate. And that baseplate can fit a FF then this one, which from the pics is similar in width should as well.
mhood
10-15-2009, 04:38 AM
Heck yeah, just got my offer accepted, and I'm about to pay right now. W00T.
WOOT!!! Me 2! It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Sound off about an affordable (and adjustable) FF and I'm also wondering about that Cavision LCD Loop.
damienthedevil
10-15-2009, 06:51 AM
Yup I bidded for US$200 and i won the bid :)
damienthedevil
10-15-2009, 07:01 AM
Guys, I bought the DSLR 17 from Korea and I bought a proaim V1 mattebox with 72mm adapter ring from India n fits the DSLR beautifully. I am using the Hood loupe ( No budget for Z -finder ). Now I have a awesome looking rig for less than US$500
jonE5
10-15-2009, 07:13 AM
Im going to try to DIY a rig like teddy bear did in the DIY forum, guy is a master, really i dont have much more than $100 for all the materials so well see how it goes.
damienthedevil
10-15-2009, 07:17 AM
Wait till you get your hands on their stuff. Very high quality, precision gear. Even the tool-less locks are anodized aluminum...
Thats was why i bought the DSLR 17 HH, Zacuto look alike that cost US$200. BTW I am not in anyway affliated to the seller, I am a genuine video maker.
SonicStates
10-15-2009, 09:05 PM
Just to be clear, I am running a Redrock Micro Shoulder mount/matte box combo with a couple of the pieces from the Korean maker (tripod adapter and DOF adapter to keep my zooms locked tight even under the torque of the FF a fast rack focus). The pieces that I have are exceptional...I would almost be tempted to say equal to, if not better than, the RR stuff. I'd be interested in hearing people's experiences with the rods. They are threaded for adding attachments, right? Quality I should expect will be great but anyone want to confirm?
7DDude
10-15-2009, 10:58 PM
I tried $185.00 US and they declined it. Then I tried another offer of $200.00 and it was declined also. Oh well looks like the party is over! Hey Guy's I'm a total noob here and in the Video world but I want to learn. I just got my 7D and love it! I'm struggling a little with the acronyms of your world. What is FF, I don't think it means full frame? Could someone explain some of the video terminology?
Thanks,
7DDude
SonicStates
10-15-2009, 11:31 PM
FF= Follow Focus. The torque placed on the zoom lenses from turning the lens gears makes the framing 'flex' so I got the DOF from the Korean maker for alternate duty of giving the zooms a little more support...works like a charm.........one more box checked :)
J. Odoms
10-16-2009, 03:43 AM
Has anyone of us who got our offers accepted yesterday received tracking numbers yet. Cuz as of today I haven't. Not that big of a deal, cuz I figured with the whole 3 of us ordering all within the same week he might be on a rush for parts. Not to mention the auction says it will ship within 5days after payment received so, no worries. I was just curious.
mhood
10-16-2009, 04:19 AM
I haven't yet...but often with ebay sellers I never get any kind of shipping notification.
J. Odoms
10-16-2009, 05:40 AM
LOL, thats cool, we'll just have to wait.
mhood
10-16-2009, 05:50 AM
Sound off if you find an affordable FF that works with this rig. I haven't started looking for that yet but after my 7D gets here (next week), I'm sure I'll be hunting a FF.
I'm a golfer and it looks like a couple of Winn Putter Grips would do nicely for handle grips. ;-)
I also like the fishing rod Eva foam grip idea...
J. Odoms
10-16-2009, 06:17 AM
links for both of those options, please.
And I have the RedRock Micro Follow Focus v1 and will definitely be using it with this rig.
mhood
10-16-2009, 07:13 AM
One store for golf club grips: http://www.golfworks.com/category.asp?c=3&bhcd2=1255702063
One store for fishing rod building supplies (5/8s ID is close to 15mm *I think*): http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/EVA_2/EVA-Foam-Foregrips
Have you ever heard of a simple focus ring handle contraption? The ENG lenses we used to use had a little 2" chrome handle that screwed into the focus ring. I loved it for FF. I imagine something like that would do gr8 because I'm always a one man show...I'll probably never have a focus puller.
J. Odoms
10-16-2009, 07:36 AM
LOL, never say never man
vut u could always get a whip crank
ecking
10-16-2009, 08:35 AM
When one of you guys get that Korean stuff in please post some pics and a review I personally use redrock stuff but I'm curious, maybe some of could fill some gaps.
jrod81
10-16-2009, 04:58 PM
i started at $155 and went up in $15 increments... got declined at $200 as well... for now i am just going to wait and see how the 3 of you like it.
i am so on the fence on what all i need buy and what to buy first...
mhood
10-16-2009, 05:25 PM
I've noticed that he has slightly different rigs at slightly different Buy it Now prices (i.e., $330 for the one he accepted my $200 offer on and $375 for others). You might try looking at "seller's other items" and getting a feel for everything he sells. My offer was about 40% off his list.
PS: I just went to My Ebay and took a look at the listing I bought. The seller has updated the Buy it Now price from $330 to $375. I guess we three who got it for $200 might have convinced him that he needed to up the price a bit. I bet 40% of the increase + $200 would buy one...
jrod81
10-17-2009, 09:20 AM
just happened to find another rig setup that looks interesting:
http://www.idcphotography.com/kart/index.php?p=catalog&parent=30&pg=1
he has videos of himself using it on the website too... looks decent to me.
robmneilson
10-17-2009, 10:15 AM
I grabbed the indierails DSLRsm and I'm pretty happy with it. I had to saw a few inches off the of the rails (they showed with my 17mm), and sawed a bit off the connector to the shoulder mount so I can have my back to the wall in a doc shooting situation. I also ditched the heavy handles to loose some weight on the rig. Overall not bad for the price...Id love to have Zacuto, but for that price I can have another 7D.
Jean Dantes
10-17-2009, 03:24 PM
robmneilson, I am also interested in the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm (mainly because I can't afford Redrock gear), but also because it seems decent for the price. My question is:
do you know if a follow-focus can be used on the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm?
J. Odoms
10-17-2009, 05:32 PM
robmneilson, I am also interested in the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm (mainly because I can't afford Redrock gear), but also because it seems decent for the price. My question is:
do you know if a follow-focus can be used on the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm?
Yes it can.
Jean Dantes
10-18-2009, 12:04 AM
Yes it can.
Thanks for the reply J!
Would using the $299 option here ( http://www.indifocus.com/products_indifocuspro.htm ) be sufficient for a Canon 7D and a Sigma 30mm f1.4?
Thanks again! :)
So, has anyone here actually used the indirailspro mp? Any pictures set up with a 7D?
I was already looking to get a monopod and follow focus down the line. I would love to kill two birds with one stone. Now can the rig with ff be detached from the monopod for tripod use?
Thanks
Eric
pix2pixels
10-18-2009, 01:11 AM
I got the korean rig too and the built quality is pretty impressive. I got in a little bit earlier and paid $130 plus postage for it. :-)
This is how it looks like after few changes and adding some handles I bought from a scooter shop:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16746/1255641851.jpg
Their prices are al over the place and it seems that the more popular it gets the higher the prices will go. In a way I feel guilty for it starting this thread (http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16746/1255641851.jpg) a while ago.
jrod81
10-18-2009, 10:49 AM
$130 is amazing! but i notice you do not have the shoulder mount? can that be added???
J. Odoms
10-18-2009, 01:36 PM
Yah that $130 price was indeed a good price but if you uafdnt created this thread many of us would never have known about this place.
mhood
10-18-2009, 03:10 PM
I'm sure glad you talked about it and mine isn't even here yet. I did order some red EVA foam for the handles today.
pix2pixels
10-18-2009, 03:21 PM
Happy to share!
I took their shoulder mount off, and replaced it with my own design I developed it about a year ago for the RED camera I was using while shooting a feature film. For me and the people who used it, it's probably the best and the most comfortable camera shoulder experience ever. It is deceivable simple, can be made by anybody and the cost is minimal. For the lightweight cameras (VDSLR and the likes) it shouldn't be more than $15 with parts that can be bought from any hardware store. I will post some pics later, or I would start a new thread. It is worth it.
The Koren mount is very versatile, one can treat it as Leggo piece and getting many configurations
J. Odoms
10-18-2009, 11:40 PM
Just got my tracking info guys and I'm pretty excited about this rig.
Happy to share!
I took their shoulder mount off, and replaced it with my own design I developed it about a year ago for the RED camera I was using while shooting a feature film. For me and the people who used it, it's probably the best and the most comfortable camera shoulder experience ever. It is deceivable simple, can be made by anybody and the cost is minimal. For the lightweight cameras (VDSLR and the likes) it shouldn't be more than $15 with parts that can be bought from any hardware store. I will post some pics later, or I would start a new thread. It is worth it.
The Koren mount is very versatile, one can treat it as Leggo piece and getting many configurations
Very intriguing. I would love to hear more about the shoulder mount you developed!
arroway
10-19-2009, 07:23 PM
Perusing the IndiSYSTEM website you can practically hear the slurping, sucking vacuum created by the almost complete lack of information on its products. Seeing as how people keep reporting a similar communications vacuum with the owner, one can safely assume they have a lot to hide and figure the less information we know, the better.
Three TINY pictures for products you are selling for hundreds of dollars...is ridiculous.
Not specifying tripod compatibility for products you are selling for hundreds of dollars...is ridiculous.
IndiSYSTEM...is ridiculous.
Unfortunately for us, they are hardly the only "rig" company with these problems.
jrod81
10-19-2009, 07:26 PM
i hate to agree with arroway bc i really do think tim is a good guy but honestly, i am a bit disappointed with the website and specs on the products
J. Odoms
10-21-2009, 08:20 AM
the rig just left customs, now it just needs to get to my house, pics and a full review to follow.
***UPDATE***
****Keep in mind that as you read I am not officially reviewing this setup, seeing that I have in all fairness, not spent ample time in the field and outside the field with this rig, nor any rigs referenced within this brief post. I a simply providing my initial OPINIONS and OBSERVATIONS, as it relates to an EXTREMELY LOW BUDGET film student. I am neither for a particular brand of product nor against, I am just a consumer on a tight budget, looking for the best bang for my buck. If you were to heed any of my opinions as spoken word, without performing the research for yourself, and are after purchasing aren't satisfied YOU are at fault and not me. Do your homework, and make the decision that fits your needs best.****
W00T!! The CNC rig just arrived.
First impressions, the quality is surprisingly decent. I mean for $200 I didn't expect forged metal from the Fires of Mordor, but its pretty solid. The quick release knobs make the rig endlessly customizable. Its definitely obvious that CNC received, and i use this term as loosely as linguistically possible, its "INSPIRATION" from Zacuto's gear because not only does it resemble in color scheme it also does in design. The quick release knobs that makes their (Zacuto's) gear popular, CNC seems to have attempted to duplicate. Now whether they are successful, isn't my position to say, as I haven't had very much field time with their gear, but I would only assume, its a knocked down version, at the least.
The metal has a shinny finish, and seems to hold up halfway decent with the adjusting of the rails, but due to the particular coating on them, can make it quite a feat at times, but once again for the price for an entire shoulder rig, can you really complain. I will constantly refer to the price of this rig, because at that price you can't expect the world, but let me place a caveat there CNC doesn't disappoint.
I want to go further but haven't connected all my items together, so the review will continue after that is done.
I did get a chance to briefly attach my RedRock Follow Focus v1, and it seemed to fit quite nicely. I haven't had the chance to attach the camera nor multiple lenses as of yet, but will and report my findings.
Give me a couple more days with the rig, so i can field test it, and i'll post a complete "OPINION" with pics at that time.
ca2504
12-05-2009, 10:40 PM
I've narrowed my options to two:
The indirailspro mp for a total of $425 (shipping included) or the korean rig $275 plus the D Focus (http://www.dfocussystem.com/) with two gears for a grand total of $419.
The shoulder mount for the Korean rig looks very uncomfortable, but so does the indi mp
What do you think is the best choice?
J. Odoms, how are you liking your rig? Can you post some pics with the camera attached and perhaps with you carrying it on the shoulder? I really want to see how it works once you spend an hour carrying it with no pad.
Best.
pix2pixels
12-06-2009, 01:49 AM
The Korean shoulder mount IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. The first first thing I removed and stays away from my rig. Never used or touched it.