Any thoughts on the Fig Rig?

W

Waldo-6

New member
Hi,
The main disadvantage to me in using my DVX is the instability of handheld shots.
I read up on the Fig Rig developed by Mike Figgis and Manfrotto. It looks cool and I like the fact that it would allow me creative freedom when operating the DVX, but does it work? Is it worth the price? Have you used it or know anyone who has?
Gimme some info, cause the sucker is a bit pricy with all the accessories.

THANKS.
 
I love it. My camera is almost always attached to it. Wouldn't want to not have it.

-GageFX

P.S. SEARCH. There is info galore about it.
 
Thanks for the reply.
I did search using the little search box at the top right corner. There were no results (I am new to this site).
So you are saying that it is stable? Easy to use?
What about the ability to attach a zoom and focus puller to the rig? Is that convenient? Does the DVX have a focus puller? I only found a Zoom controller.

Thanks.
 
I have one too. It's no steadycam, but for 90% of my shots, I use the Fig Rig. I have the zoom controler installed, shotgun mic and light. You get better stability then handheld for sure.
 
ncje,
Stabilty is my main reason for considering it, yes.
In addition I like that it allows for accessory attachments and for creativity in movement for some crazier shots.
Why? Anything better to recomend?

Thanks
 
Just tried it on a different computer. Yep. Getting the same thing.

Search "figrig" - one word.

Dont mean to be a pain, but I answered the questions in about 3 or 4 different threads not too long ago.

-GageFX
 
Waldo-6 said:
ncje,
Stabilty is my main reason for considering it, yes.
In addition I like that it allows for accessory attachments and for creativity in movement for some crazier shots.
Why? Anything better to recomend?

Thanks
Click to expand...


Your right the figrig gives some stability and you can attach just about anything. So if SOME stability is what your after then its perfect. If its picture perfect stability then a gimbled steadicam device like the Merlin is what you want. If you want good stability and the Merlin is a little high in price, you can also try the glidecam which is a much cheaper product. Both of these will allows some but very limited attachements. Like a mic, lav reciever, but not much else, a 35 mm adapter? NO WAY. Anyway choice is your to weigh up for your particular needs.
 
Fig RIg (and Spiderbrace)

Fig RIg (and Spiderbrace)

Newbie reports:

Here are the things I notice about the FigRig (using the HVX):

It's been tricky to find a way to get a good balance, front-to-back. Position on the mounting plate makes the HVX front heavy. I have not used a 100 with the rig.

It gets heavy quickly, and adding extra glass on the front, accessories on the rig, etc., only add to the weight, so it's not for the wimpy

If you want to do a quick head and shoulders-type talking shot, and you are not taller than average, the comfortable, natural positions your arms seek with the rig tend to place the camera lower than optimum... it leaves you kinda looking upwards at your human subject.

I have also got the Spiderbrace 2, which to me provides the same quality of stability, better balance, and a better height position. I haven't had a chance to test it with a zoom control yet, but it appears it would be quite workable.

The Spiderbrace by it's nature has to rest on your shoulder to be effective. The FigRig gives you the most flexibility as far as putting the camera through odd gyrations as you move about with it... you can sweep and swoop around your subject in more varied, fluid ways.

Each device has good points, depending on what you are doing, and how you like to work.
 
i really like how it works i used my DIY one for 6 1/2 hour strait at a convention and would be dead if i didint have it.
 
good to read I am not alone with this dilema. Of the accessories I have been researching ...a support for my 100b has to be number one on the list. As you can see from my avatar, to say I was old school would be an understatment...just don't call me old fashioned. I am hoping that someone in my community has a Fig RIg I can try. Having a large metal box camera nesting on my shoulder with a foot of glass sticking out of the front is what I was used to shooting with when I shot and now I have a hell of a time balancing my DVX100b and sometimes feel like uncle billy and cousin sarahs wedding. I have looked at many of the options and none of them are inexpensive, except maybe the Spiderbrace and the Tiffen steady stick.
The Glidecam/Merlin/Steadicam route is not suited to my everyday needs. I will eventually buy one however.
If you are called to shoot day to day interview material for docs/magazine/news programs etc. shooting quick off the shoulder is usually what is called for. Sticks are usually in the vehicle unless it is standup time..
The DVRIG looks smart for this type of work whereas the fig rig seems like it would be hard on the arms after a while.
My concern with the Spider 2 is the two handles just seems awkward to get to zoom etc. Unless you spring for the remote.
There was a device that flashed on the upper right hand corner of this board but it dissappeared before I could click on it. I appreciate your observations on the fig rig and I may justbuy a Spider since it is so inexpensive and can double as a high hat.
 
Charlie Reilly said:
Newbie reports:

Here are the things I notice about the FigRig (using the HVX):

It's been tricky to find a way to get a good balance, front-to-back. Position on the mounting plate makes the HVX front heavy...
Click to expand...

You should pick up the longer quick-release adapter plate made my Manfrotto than the one that is supplied with the Fig Rig. Then you have about 2 more inches each way to play with for balancing versus the included one. Cost is about $35 - $40.


John G.
 
cinealma said:
You should pick up the longer quick-release adapter plate made my Manfrotto than the one that is supplied with the Fig Rig. Then you have about 2 more inches each way to play with for balancing versus the included one. Cost is about $35 - $40.


John G.
Click to expand...

That is a good idea, but remember, you dont have to put the bracket on until the safety engages. Back it off a little then tighten it down. It will be fine. Just make sure it's tight.

-GageFX
 
Well since my post a while back I have had a chance to use my camera more often and to try out a few of the systms for shoulder support. I must admit for the work I do , I don't find the fig rig of very much use. I have tried the "original" and a couple of home made units. The issue for me remains that I have all of the controls for the camera are built into the camera and non of these devices allow easy use of them meaning the fig rig and the spider brace. The recently released multi rig does not seem to me to be any different. It is a varietal of the others, that requires you to purchase a zoom/focus control,and by the time your are done you have dropped $1k+.
I have decided to spring for a hundred bucks and order the Davis and Sanford Steady Stick.
It at least allows me to use the existing controls on the camera and anchors the camera to my shourder and supports it from my waist.And above all it lets me use the controls that come with the camera! I will let you know how it ranks since I have not been able to find one to try before I buy. And in all fairness I have not been able to try the new Multi Rig either but it does seem to be pretty much the same as the others.
 
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