Inexpensive Options for Shoulder/Handgrip Rigs

[jrod81]

I know alot of us are talking about the Korean rig on ebay at this link, but wondering if there are others that need mentioning... another thread is going on this similar but has turned into steadicam talk more than rig talk... here is that ebay link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180423638610&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:US:1123#ht_580wt_1068

Ideally I would want a rig with shoulder and handgrips and then room to add FF for now and probably a MB in the future. And of course, it needs to be able to get on and off a tripod quickly!

[jrod81]

1. Spiderbrace (shoulder and handgrips but no tripod release or room for FF):
http://www.spiderbrace.com/#

2. Switronix (no room for FF):
http://www.amazon.com/DSLR-Camera-Shoulder-Stabilizer-Canon/dp/B002SYI364/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=A2V4064T1479HM&s=generic&qid=1255957178&sr=1-2

3. http://www.halfinchrails.com/hir/hir.asp?SiteRan=hir&PageString=hirhome
not sure about FF

4. indifocus stuff, couple choices:
http://indifocus.com/products_indirailsprodslr.htm

[jrod81]

$395 option from Redrock: http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.433/.f

[jrod81]

I am getting fairly close to working full circle back around to where I started, which is the cavision rig here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/637639-REG/Cavision_RS5DM2SET_S_RS5DM2SET_S_DSLR_Shoulder_Mou nt.html

Please someone talk me out of it if need be, but the way I see it is that you get a brand you have heard of and a lens piece for $150 more than the Korean ebay setup... anyone?

[mhood]

I got the Korean ebay setup for $200 + $65 shipping. You're getting the loop for $250. Not bad actually...The Cavision was the first one to catch my eye too.

[jrod81]

okay, the make offer for $200 is not working now... i guess he decided to go up on his price...

i did find another option:

5. IDC product:
http://www.idcphotography.com/kart/
and here is a review of it: http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2009/10/19/new-toys-for-hd-dslr/

[jrod81]

http://www.cameratown.com/articles/DSLR_Cinematography3.cfm

[jrod81]

6. http://www.dvtec.tv/id33.html

[mhood]

7. http://bushhawk.com/

[Jean Dantes]

great find on that Bush Hawk gear mhood. Never seen that stuff before, but looks good and well priced.

I wonder what is more stable though? A gun-stock shoulder mount (like the Bush Hawk stuff), or traditional styled ENG shoulder mount (like the $395 RedRock option a few posts up)...?

[711]

I wonder what is more stable though? A gun-stock shoulder mount (like the Bush Hawk stuff), or traditional styled ENG shoulder mount (like the $395 RedRock option a few posts up)...?

I cannot speak for the Bush Hawk, but I did own the MicroShoulderMount Deluxe.

The Redrock has great build quality, however, in that configuration it was not practical for my 7D. The rig was front heavy and a significant counter weight needs to be added before its optimal for DSLR use.

Eric

[Jean Dantes]

I cannot speak for the Bush Hawk, but I did own the MicroShoulderMount Deluxe.

The Redrock has great build quality, however, in that configuration it was not practical for my 7D. The rig was front heavy and a significant counter weight needs to be added before its optimal for DSLR use.

Eric

I see...

This looks good but is pretty exspensive:

http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.923/.f?sc=2&category=2700

The more I look at the pricing of RedRock and Zacuto gear, the more I'm pushed back towards indiFOCUS gear...

PaPa is rockin' a pretty cool rig which he showed on this thread:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=185335&page=9

Dunno how much it cost him all up though?

[jrod81]

according to some other internet research, most dslr users are not please with this setup... look here for more: http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&p=44440


$395 option from Redrock: http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.433/.f

[jrod81]

Well, I think for me it is going to come down to one of the three:

1. Indifocus DSLR SM for $369 (I assume their FF will work with this setup and I will just hold off on the MB for now)
2. Korean version for a hopeful $265 if he comes down again on price
3. Cavision's shoulder/handgrip combo w/o FF

To be honest, these are all basically equipped the same and have the same layout. I am leaning toward the indifocus simply bc he is USA and is good with phone calls (yes I know he sucks with email). I have heard he is very good about fixing issues with his products and for $100 that is a nice peace of mind. All in all though, this rig does what I am looking for...

[Jean Dantes]

I'm leaning towards the indiFOCUS DSLR SM too, but I'm hoping the indiFOCUS20 will work with the 7D...

http://www.indifocus.com/products_indifocus20.htm

[Jean Dantes]

Or, for $20 more, it says on that page you can get: "Two additional indiFLEXgears. Sized for standard size 35mm SLR lenses."

[mhood]

I don't know about those wire tied gears though...

[jrod81]

here is a nice review that Tim told me about today when I called him (by the way, super nice guy but doesn't use email or the internet much apparently- he was telling me about products not on his website yet)... anyway, enjoy:
http://cameradojo.com/2009/10/07/what-is-a-rail-system/#more-1585

[jrod81]

the guy on ebay doesn't even answer the ebay emails so i highly doubt there will be much support from him after the purchase

[insanityfw]

In case anybody hasn't seen it, here's a link to my gallery of images (from another post) showing the gini rig (Korean rig) as welll as the Bush Hawk and the manfrotto monopod. I use manfrotto quick release/sliding plates to go between all configurations easily.

http://s746.photobucket.com/albums/xx103/insanityfw/

I bought enough of the Korean parts to build 2.5 full rigs if needed, as well as ordering a couple of different riser plates and extra rods and joints.

I can't see anything that would really go wrong other than a screw getting stripped, but that's hwy I ordered the extra parts.

That said, he's (gini.1980) finally establishing his pricing structure, but even if you can get it for a bit lower than the buy it now price, I still think it's worth it. I've made my kit into about 4 different configurations and I think you can just go crazy. Try to buy some extra parts if you do order and have him include them in one shipping charge.

As a side note, the Bush Hawk is pretty nice. Not too bad. Fairly stable. Here's a link to a video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5txtJPhq_o

Most of the closeup shots are done standing across the room on med-full zoom. Some of the jitter is going to be from Youtube, but you will see some bumps and such because I was zooming and focusing and playing between manual and autofocus. No light in the room made all that a bit tough, but it still gives an idea of what the Bush Hawk is all about.

Best,

Jason

[mhood]

I really like my "Gini Rig". I got an extra gizmo that I couldn't find any use for (I *think* it's for stabilizing big zoom lenses...but I don't know) so I used it to make an accessory plate. I have it covered with velcro hooks on one side and the velcro fuzz on the other. I can stick it in several places on the rig but I like it over my right hand grip. It's perfect for holding the wireless mic receivers in a one man show.

[7DDude]

I'm new here and just learning. I just got a 7D, This is a great froum, and I'm looking forward to watching the growth happen. Just curious, but it seems to me that the video seems soft overall. Do you feel the same?

Leon

[damienthedevil]

I received my Gini Dslr 17 rig yesterday. I am extremely pleased with it. Solid built and very high quality. For US$200 its a steal. Will post pixs soon

[jrod81]

$265 right w/ shipping... please tell me you didn't get it for $200 including shipping or my stomach will be soar and my heart jealous lol

[Anthonyb]

I received my Gini Dslr 17 rig yesterday. I am extremely pleased with it. Solid built and very high quality. For US$200 its a steal. Will post pixs soon


Does it balance well? Do you need to add counter weight to the back? Can a follow focus be attached to this rig? I wish someone would make a FAQ about this rig, it seems to be VERY popular.

[Summy]

Hey, already posted in the gini thread on the gh1 forum but thought id spread the word of this great product.

Got my gini package today, had almost forgot about it since i placed the order the 13th if i recollect correctly. Won this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180414873782&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT) auction for 225$ and added 2 pairs of 10cm rods for 12$ a pair which brought me to a total of 300$ delivered to my door.

As for the product, this stuff is awesome quality nothing to complain about, when you lock something it stays solid and locked in place.

Snapped a shot of the parts fresh out of the bubble-wrap as well as a quick configuration i made which actually works stunningly with 4 points of contact.

[Anthonyb]

Hey, already posted in the gini thread on the gh1 forum but thought id spread the word of this great product.

Got my gini package today, had almost forgot about it since i placed the order the 13th if i recollect correctly. Won this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180414873782&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT) auction for 225$ and added 2 pairs of 10cm rods for 12$ a pair which brought me to a total of 300$ delivered to my door.

As for the product, this stuff is awesome quality nothing to complain about, when you lock something it stays solid and locked in place.

Snapped a shot of the parts fresh out of the bubble-wrap as well as a quick configuration i made which actually works stunningly with 4 points of contact.



The Ebay listing didn't include the 4th contact, was that just a surprise?

I just bought this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/70-1-HIGH-ROD-set-HANDLE-SHULDER_W0QQitemZ180422204132QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFi lm_Cameras?hash=item2a02005ae4#ht_508wt_1167

[mhood]

I don't see the tripod plate on that one. I hope that's not important to you...

[damienthedevil]

$265 right w/ shipping... please tell me you didn't get it for $200 including shipping or my stomach will be soar and my heart jealous lol

I won the bid at US199 and yes inclusive of Shipping worldwide US$264 : )

[Liszön!]

What about this one? Its really cheap!

http://cgi.ebay.com/GLIDERS-Shoulder-support-steadicam-Steady-Rig-for-dv-hd_W0QQitemZ190344685977QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_2?hash=item2c516d6999

Also intresting:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GLIDERS-Shoulder-Support-Rig-Tripod-Stativ-Steady-cam_W0QQitemZ140343272511QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item20ad1c643f

[Anthonyb]

I don't see the tripod plate on that one. I hope that's not important to you...


Yes, wow. That is a total issue, just put in a bid for the tripod plate. Thanks for noticing!

[jrod81]

can't really tell if there is room for FF and MB on those



What about this one? Its really cheap!

http://cgi.ebay.com/GLIDERS-Shoulder-support-steadicam-Steady-Rig-for-dv-hd_W0QQitemZ190344685977QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_2?hash=item2c516d6999

Also intresting:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GLIDERS-Shoulder-Support-Rig-Tripod-Stativ-Steady-cam_W0QQitemZ140343272511QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item20ad1c643f

[Liszön!]

http://www.thecinecity.com/Shoulder%20supports/gliders-shoulderpad.jpg

Well, if a monitor and a rail can be next to each other, i think a FF mounted on the rail + a matte box should be fine.

[longshanks]

I can't find any good deals on a gini rig, they're all from the seller's store at inflated Buy it Now prices. Does anyone know where else I could buy it?

[cap10kirk]

I'm digging that BushHawk gun stock. You put a small rail on top of that thing and you can run and gun...(no pun intended).