A different approach to dslr rigging

[bluesgeek]

I used one of these and one of these and a couple of these to make this custom rig.

The Manfrotto telephoto lens support uses the same quick release plate and receiver as the Manfrotto 323 quick release, so I use the 434 on my tripods and my monopod support for handheld.

Using the same quick releases makes it easy to just pull the camera off the rig and mount directly on the tripod or monopod, or to swap in a small B cam like my HV30 when I need it.

The Indisystem maxiMOUNT is a cheap, strong component for mounting accessories. It is big enough that I mount my H4N to the camera shoe, which makes it easy to rotate it either to face forward when using the built-in XY stereo micing, or to face backward to display the
H4N LED for the shooter.

Tim at Indisystems was kind enough to custom tool the maxiMOUNT with a notch that fits over the Manrtotto tele support, which functions as the base for my rig. (Be prepared to pay Tim a little extra for the customization.)

When not used to support a long lens, I remove the outer piece of the support. It just requires removing the rubber-head screw.

I made the Cheesycam.com body pod from a monopod. I find this much more comfortable than using a shoulder mount, and a lot more versatile, especially for low-angle and high-angle shots.

A couple of negatives:

There are no rails, so adding a mattebox will probably take some creativity.

The maxiMount bracket I got customized from Tim seems a bit wider than in the Indisystem product photo, which adds to the weight of the rig. However, this can be a plus when mounting heavy accessories. i think if my monitor was to be mounted on top of a thinner bracket, it would wobble under the weight.

I'm probably overtaxing my Velbon DV-7000 tripod, but everything as shown here balances pretty well.

 

[bluesgeek]

More photos

 

[BenMarshall]

good job! I've found that mounted in reverse that manfrotto lens support makes a great shoulder stock.

 

[Fahad]

nice work, man. i like the minimalism.

 

[manglerBMX]

you should switch up that wireless RX so that the antennae is perpendicular to transmitter and not pointing at it, gives it more surface area to pick up the transmission.

 

[bluesgeek]

. . . i like the minimalism.

Yeah, yeah. Compact, but roomy!

At first I was disappointed to see how big the MAXImount was, how much room there was between it and the camera. Then I realized that I could mount things inside of it ~and~ outside. And everything mounted inside has a bit of protection.

 

[bluesgeek]

Just to share a bit about what I was considering when coming up with this. I built it because the rigs that are commercially available each have strengths or unique functionality, but lack in others. I wanted to solve a lot of problems I was seeing. For me it was important to have good ergonomics for high and low angle shooting, while still being able to have good stable handheld functioning, as well as quick adaptability to tripod. The rig can be hung down to the floor, while the shooter is standing. The pod mount allows you to run the camera up the flag pole, so to speak. Works very well with or without external monitor. Everything is quick release. And something which I just ran into while shooting today, one twist-off thumb screw and all of the accessories can be pulled off.

 

[bluesgeek]

you should switch up that wireless RX so that the antennae is perpendicular to transmitter and not pointing at it, gives it more surface area to pick up the transmission.

I wasn't aware of that. I'll mount my receivers on a ballhead. Thanks!

 

[bluesgeek]

Slight Modification

Slight Modification

I have taken the H4N off the shoe and hung it under the maxiMOUNTt. I've also taken manglerBMX's suggestion and mounted the wireless receiver on a ball head and tipped it up for better reception. Side benefit: I can read the LED! I have the H4N tipped down slightly, and can also read and control that unit more easily.

Now the camera can be cleanly and quickly pulled out. And using the finger nut I've mounted the maxiMOUNT with, I can truly remove all accessories with one action.

This rig is really strong, and when handheld on the "bodypod" very steady.

In spite of the increased workflow in post to integrate 2nd system sound, I love the results. T2i's crippled AGC has forced my hand. My standard sound recording is now 4-track using both the built-in XY mics, and a shotgun and/or lavelier. By default I end up with a fantastic-sounding stereo ambiance for whatever the shotgun or lav is getting laid on top of—a truly dimensional effect just sitting there in the timeline waiting to be utilized.

 

[Fahad]

really digging this setup, man.

do you feel you're missing a follow focus?

 

[bluesgeek]

No.

 

[bluesgeek]

<------giggles

I primarily do corporate event and ENG-style doc work, so most of my shooting is fairly run n gun (even when tripod mounted... which is one reason I love the Velbon DV-7000 sleekness*).

Here’s a common experience. I’ve got the Tamron 17-50mm on and have to quickly swap out for the Canon 55-250. I can either pull the camera off the rig and hang the pod rig down from my shoulder while I swap the lens, or I can swap lenses while supporting the camera and pod rig by kind of hugging the pod, with my hands fairly free to work with the camera and lenses. (Both work fine, and each carries it’s own risk. I could drop the camera or lens, or the rig could spin away out of control.)

Having to loosen and readjust a follow-focus in this situation would just add steps and potentially slow down this process.

I have only been able to try working with a follow-focus one time, and I don’t think that I found any advantage to it for my type of work. While it may be a matter of my lack of experience with one, I think it can even get in the way of my shooting style, for which I rely exclusively on zoom lenses. I am always having to quickly zoom to reframe, refocus, and (for exteriors) adjust my Singh-Ray Vari ND. Playing the lens with an overhand left hand, I use index and middle fingers with thumb for the zoom ring, ring finger on the focus, and pinky on the Vari ND. (At least I’m trying to get that move down.) Right hand is on the camera grip steadying the rig and adjusting cam settings.

So, in a word... no, I don’t think I’m missing a follow-focus, and I created this rig the intention of not using one. (What I am missing is a good lens hood solution that will work with the Vari ND, and would love to hear of some suggestions for that... perhaps that’s for another thread.)

* A bit more about the Velbon. I am really pushing the weight limit of the head (and have already cracked one). But this tripod is so compact that I have been able to do one-man 2-cam shoots, carrying a Velbon-mounted A1 or HV30 in one hand as B cam, and my T2i rig on another Velbon in the other hand as A cam. Running from setup to setup, quickly dropping and framing up the B cam for wide shot or 2nd angle coverage, and then free to play with the T2i. These tripods also work well in a small space where you can get away with barely opening the legs for a small footprint.

 

[Fahad]

thanks for sharing your experience. i can understand why you wouldn't want a follow focus, especially with your shooting style/requirement.

 

[bluesgeek]

Perhaps a couple of clips to illustrate.

Handheld ENG - T2i zoom, focus, vari ND tests

Distance from subject is 15 feet.

Not particularly good work, but I think an exemplary ENG setting to illustrate the challenge of trying to use a zoom lens on a DSLR to zoom and frame up, focus, and control light with a Singh-Ray Vari ND quickly and simultaneously.

T2i, Canon 55-250 4-5.6 IS, Singh-Ray Vari ND, Zoom H4N (3-track recording, stereo mix), Rode NTG2

f5.6

ungraded

(the lav on the subject belongs to another crew)

Vimeo password: dvxuser


link



link

 

[bluesgeek]

I could comment on the sound. Note, that especially the second clip makes use of a mix of the Zoom H4N stereo XY mics and the on camera shotgun (panned slightly right) for a fast and dirty stereo mix.

I think it's also interesting that because the acoustic perspective inherent in the cardioid shotgun pattern is different that of the wider pattern of the H4N mics, there is a nice sense of depth created. The female subject's voice (2nd clip) is heard as more distant than the applauding listeners which are heard as being at a distance equal to the viewer. This is with on-camera micing from a distance of 15 feet, and all adding to the illusion of matching camera/sound perspective.

 

[Jordan Scott Price]

At least he will be the best governor Connecticut ever had!


On a more relevant note, I have to say that is one ingenious setup for run-and-gun, especially for audio. That definitely gives me ideas for some short documentary work I've been doing around town.

(What I am missing is a good lens hood solution that will work with the Vari ND, and would love to hear of some suggestions for that... perhaps that’s for another thread.)

Are you going for just a normal lens hood to snap onto the front of the lens instead of a matte box? I'd assume that's what you're asking, since you mentioned a specific filter, are trying to maintain portability (not that MB's weigh that much), and aren't using a rail setup. In that case, I wouldn't know :/

 

[bluesgeek]

The Vari ND requires easy access to dial it in, so a matte box is not so practical. A bayonet-mount lens hood is out too. A screw-on hood is out, because there is no front filter thread on the narrow version of the Vari ND (which I got for wider focal length without vignetting).

So, I'm thinking of mounting a flag on an arm like this hanging from the top of the MAXImount. Or I could try cutting up my bellows so that I get an open bottom with top and side flag effect, and hanging that. Not sure, and I appreciate you helping me to think it through.

 

[Jordan Scott Price]

Hmmmm.

That arm could work. Do you just need a french flag or two side wings, too? I'd imagine if you're doing a lot of outdoor shooting at various times of day, you'd need the "matte box effect," like you said.

You might be able to DIY and make a flexible arm that connects to the MaxiMount.

We can probably find a solution before you have to butcher your bellows.

Not sure, and I appreciate you helping me to think it through.

No problem

 

[bluesgeek]

Nice alliteration!

 

[bluesgeek]

I am always having to quickly zoom to reframe, refocus, and (for exteriors) adjust my Singh-Ray Vari ND. Playing the lens with an overhand left hand, I use index and middle fingers with thumb for the zoom ring, ring finger on the focus, and pinky on the Vari ND. (At least I’m trying to get that move down.) Right hand is on the camera grip steadying the rig and adjusting cam settings.

Sorry to quote myself here.

This is why I love the one-touch Nikon 80-200 2.8. With practice I can hold focus while zooming. I wish all zoom lenses had a single-ring option (I've a couple of Vivitar's that did.). When combined with camera movement for dynamic zooming and tilting, you get a real feeling for playing the lens like an instrument. And this comes close to what a video cam can do in a context like ENG, sports, or documentary, where zooming is an appropriate aesthetic convention.

Which again goes to Fahad's comment on a follow-focus. Obviously the one-touch lens isn't going to work with one