Spider Dolly + Porta Jib (Losmandy)

A

Andy O'Neil

New member
I remember unearthing a similar topic weeks back but haven't been able to find it since. There seemed to be several posts praising the porta jib, but I guess I'm looking for affirmation as well as insight into the spider dolly. Please forgive the repitition.

Spider Dolly
has anyone used this? is the flextrak versatile and functional? do you like the system?

Porta-Jib
same thing...I'm pretty serious about getting this one, any further thoughts, comments, etc?

Thanks,

Andy
 
I've used it, the Indie Dolly is a better deal. The Micro dolly is the smallest and most compact dolly but also the most expensive. The Cobra Crane works great for $300 plus tripod and will easily support an HVX. The Lomandsy Flex track is neat but is not necessary in most situations. It's also bulky and hard to move around comapred to the Indie or Micro.
 
I have had a Porta-jib for about 8 years, It's built like a tank and works flawlessly. I had an Arri 435 on it last week and the week before that it was my DVX. I highly recommend it if you are ever planning on shooting with a heavier camera or even just staying with the hvx. It does need a beefy tripod or dolly however.
all the best,
Shane.
 
I have a porta-jib and LOVE it, and more importantly, the combination of it on my dolly with a remote pan and tilt head impresses the hell out of my clients.

I've used the spider dolly, and frankly don't care for it. Yes, itcan do things no other fixed track can do, but do you REALLY need it to? I've been a situation that I couldn't make work with the right combination of straight and curved track.

I own Norms industry standard heavy wall tracks - which is the cheapest track you can buy. I bought it after having used nearly every track in the business, and I chose Norms because it was the best value and quality for the money. The only ones I like better are the Canadian aluminum ones, can't remember their name, but they're real expensive - 3 times the cost of Norms.

As for the dolly though, forget about buying one unless you're rich. Build your own out of wood and use Rowe Cine wheels. If you want better then buys Norms for about 1200. Anything else is a waste of money. If you need great then rent a Champman or Fisher.
 
Hi:

I have rented and used both. The spider dolly works as advertised but personally, I thought it was a PITA to build and breakdown. As far as the PortJib, it is the standard in the industry, the best one you can buy without spending BIG bucks. I am buying one later this year after I pay off my Kona 3 and HVX-200 ;-)

Losmandy makes great stuff but I would rent dollies not buy one unless you think you will be using it all of the time. Personally, I like the Steadicam Flyer better, it is much more versatile.

Dan
 
The EZFX standard jib will give you some better features than the Porta Jib, at about the same $. It's better bang for buck. The flex-track from Losmandy is fantastic. However, it works best (fast) on totally flat surfaces.
 
I'm all for the EZFX jib. Works great with big or small cameras, and the guys that make it are really nice too! I've used this jib on numerous short film projects and I'm always impressed with how the shots turn out.
 
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