Anybody used Kessler Cranes?

C

clayllama

New member
I am looking into different options for a budget dv camera crane. I have looked at quite few models and plans to build your own, and the cranes offered by www.kesslercrane.com looked interesting for the price.

Has anybody used them or have any comments about how they appear?

Thank you.
 
I too am considering the Kessler. They advertise/auction on e-bay also. Would appreciate any feedback from users. Thanks.
 
They seem effective enough. I am curious about why they use 2 different methods of controlloing the tilt of the camera. The one on the 8 ft crane looks more controlled than the 12 ft, which seems to swing freely below the arm. It's possible that either way is an option, and the video shows one option per crane.

The price seems good for what appears to be quality construction. HOpefully someone here has actually used one.
 
I can't tell if it seats on top of a tripod or has the pivot point built in. Their claim that cable drive cranes suck is nonsense. How much time does it take to set this up?
 
Pooh, I tend to agree with your statement about the cable drive cranes. Like everything else, they take practice. Frankly, the shot they show of the 8 ft crane in action isn't terribly smooth. I realize the camera doesn't tilt in that shot, but it brings to bear the point that it's more about your skill than your gear.
 
What's the difference between this crane, and a $1000-$2000 jib? Cobra crane also looks good, but I'm wondering what the expensive cranes have that these don't?
 
I'm impressed with it, no bending at all. the shots you can get are fantastic.
It would be nice to be able to lock the camera down in one position for certain shots rather than have to hold the tilt arm and hope it doesn't move but I suppose the basket screws could be tightened. You can pu this together in 20 minutes of less.
 
Kesseler Crane revisited....

I am also very interested in the 8 ft version.
An possibly mounting a self leveling remote control head..

If anyone can please post some videos and comments on the Kessler would be really appreciated.
 
Howdy folks, Bob Jones here from Skycrane.com

Just stopped by this forum to say hello and answer any question you folks might have about jibs in general.

Cheers...
Bob Jones
 
welcome, Bob.

I'm the gal who bought a crane from you in late December. I go "barefoot" ( use the skycrane jr. without even a monitor) now. I added a leveling head and quick release plate--they have really picked up the pace. My setup is less than 7 minutes now, by myself. Smooth as silk, when the operator doesn't screw up:).

a
 
Hello bob!

i love my skycrane jr.

nice simple design with just the right balance between simple to use yet sturdy and solid.

matthew
 
Yup, here's another big fat thanks for the skycrane jr.

Last summer I had to do a long slow shot that started in an actor's face and pulled up and away to full crane height over the course of about 30 seconds. Some pros were present and sort of laughed at me when I said I was doing it with this jib. They said there was no way I was gonna pull that shot off and keep it smooth and steady -- but they soon learned otherwise. I ended up with a beautiful move that was ultimately used as the closing shot for that feature.
 
Kessler in action

Kessler in action

I have a 12' Kessler... Very happy with it. Here is a link to a Fundraising video we did for Saint Patrick's Cathedral in NYC. About 50 percent of the crane footage here is a Kessler with the DVX100 ( mostly statues and the smaller chapel) the other Crane footage where you can see it is obviously using a motorized head was a 50 foot jib with a Sony 500. The overall video is about 50/50 Sony and DVX all worked seamlessly together.

Plus if you buy the 12 foot you can use it as an 8 foot option. Assembles in 10 minutes.

http://www.actinggym.com/#_fundraise



Russ
 
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