Any Solid Handheld Systems for M2?

W

workaholic

Member
I've been searching through forums looking for decent handheld solutions for the HVX and an M2 and I haven't found much. The only real world solution I can find is the Zacuto system which is rather expensive and not readily available at the moment.

Can anyone recommend a moderately priced handheld solution for this set up? I know it's an awkward setup, but I really need to find something that will allow me to be mobile.

I would've posted this in the Redrock forums but they haven't approved my registration yet.
 
moderately priced? I can't think of anything . . .

My Flyer does a real nice job of it (but it's anything but moderately priced).

I think if such a thing exists you would still need someone like the "strong man" from the circus, or arms like a truck driver to manage the HVX and M2 on anything that qualifies as a "hand held" rig.

Good luck.
 
I've been exchanging emails with Danny Natovich over at dvtec and he's recommending a rather inexpensive option that might at least help with what you're trying to do. He's offered the idea of trying out the 'full set' which I believe will give you shoulder support and 2 grips for a little under $500~

If Danny is around maybe he could chime in?
 
I'm interested in this topic as well. I am looking to spend anywhere from $500 - $1,500 on a handheld system but haven't found anything that works. I do know the Mini35 has a shoulder set available but I'm not sure if it would work with the M2. Also, I think the DV Rig Pro or the ENG Rig is recommended for shooting with the Mini35, but again, I have no idea if they are compatible with the M2.

There seems to be an open market for a good M2 shoulder mount. Most solutions I've seen are homemade and a little iffy. I'd love to hear Danny's possible solution.
 
Yes. Some have went handheld with the Cavision hand grips but I think it's a little janky. It is my understanding you have to shim the HVX into an unsafe position so you can place it on your shoulder. Redrock warns not to do it. I'm not sure why. Also, with the HVX shimmed, I don't think you can use the shoulder mount.

I haven't tried it though, so I may be wrong.
 
wartez said:
I've been exchanging emails with Danny Natovich over at dvtec and he's recommending a rather inexpensive option that might at least help with what you're trying to do. He's offered the idea of trying out the 'full set' which I believe will give you shoulder support and 2 grips for a little under $500~

If Danny is around maybe he could chime in?
Click to expand...

Yes, the MultiRig works well with front heavy setups.

Mention it when ordering and I will throw in a bracket to move the pod's support point further to the front.
 
Don't forget to count hands.

I've looked at several setups that looked like promising in terms of supporting the camera, but I ran out of hands when I considered using the camera.

The question is, "if you have one hand on your follow focus (or 35mm lens), and one hand on the HVX record button, where do you get the other hand (or two) to support the camera?"

The alternative, a full steadycam unit with an inverted monitor, batteries, and a remote control follow focus is $$$$.
 
Could you velcro the HVX remote control somewhere near the hand grips? That would give you easy access to the record button.

Danny, do you have any pictures of an HVX with an M2 mounted on the multirig? I imagine counterweights must be placed on the shoulder mount?
 
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Are you looking just for grips, or for a complete package with monitoring and all that? I remember seeing some group in Austria (can't recall the name) which was flipping and adapting Sony BVU viewfinders for that purpose. Looked cool, still a tad pricey though.
 
andy_starbuck said:
Don't forget to count hands.

where do you get the other hand (or two) to support the camera?"
Click to expand...

All our camera supports use the same principal, hands are for operating and framing the camera, the shock absorbing pod is supporting the weight.
 
HowdyDoo said:
Danny, do you have any pictures of an HVX with an M2 mounted on the multirig? I imagine counterweights must be placed on the shoulder mount?
Click to expand...

I do not have M2 set up photos. No counter weights are needed, the support
point is in front of the camera so the camera weight goes to the shoulder.

It is possible to add weight on the acc. plate if you like.
 
Here are some photos simulating a very heavy front load.

Used with the grips and and with both hands operating the camera

The pickle cans are 1.5 Pounds each. altogether 3 Pounds, No back weight needed.

1155642833.jpg

1155642863.jpg

1155643457.jpg

1155642789.jpg
 
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I cant see why the shoulder mount and grips from Cavision wouldnt work. I quite like them for the feel. Any shoulder mount is not like a camera stabilizer but there is a place and time...
 
ncje said:
I cant see why the shoulder mount and grips from Cavision wouldnt work. ...
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With this kind of front weight you absolutely need a support pod, Otherwise you need another 5 to 8 pounds back weight standing out 10-15 inches from your back hitting people or walls with each pan you make.

Its either using your muscles, or Balancing by a counter weight, or supporting the load from below or hanging from a hot air balloon...
 
also interested in such a system so i decided to do it myself, well it might not be as professional as cavision or dvtec one but should work just fine, as soon as i'll get my shim kit i will post pics about this setup. It is build from a fitness accessory :) I should open a topic in the DIY section : 15 $ handheld sytem for hvx and M2 !

if i do not get good results, i will buy one from you guys :)
 
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