FS7: Atlas Camera Support on FS7

B

bengiles

Well-known member
Anyone using one of these, please?

I'm interested in using one to relieve strain on day-long handheld shoots.

What kind of impact does it have on the look of the shot? I won't be using a gimbal and I don't want to make stuff look too clinically smooth. Ideally I can keep a bit of natural bounce, but without the muscle strain.

I'm heading out to LA this week and am thinking about picking one up and saving on shipping and import duties. Any recommendations for which model?

Cheers,

Ben.
 
I own a single rod one and used it with the FS7 on the Ronin, helped a lot with the weight but operation got a little more complicated as the gimbal gets too close to your body.
Tried it once with my shoulder rig, just for strain relief, but was not happy and gave up on it for the time being. Maybe I should practice more and get used to it, but I think the problem is that the cord is coming not from above but from sort of behind which made it uncomfortable for me. It helps with the weight but it is just not an easy rig. I don't think I would buy it again.
 
I have one (:for sale) as I moved over to the Ready Rig. In general it works but the downside of Atlas are the fibersticks which support the weight. By the nature of the material the sticks are elastic and will bounce if you don't take care to carry enough weight still in your hands. You have to set the right sticks for the right weight and invest some time in practice. Than it works but you need more practice than with the Ready Rig. The Ready Rig unfortunately has double the price.


If you are interested mine is still for sale (2 Rod Package, middle/heavy weight combo. carries 6 - 27lbs, from A7 to RED incl. 3 axis gimbal. Comes with quick releas latches and comfort harness. No signs of usage, almost as new. I am asking for 750€ including free shipping to UK. No customs hassle)

edit:
I shot this with the Atlas. FS7 + Ronin
 
Last edited:
Thanks. I see you're both using it with a Ronin - did you ever try using it just as an aid to hand-held work?
 
bengiles said:
Thanks. I see you're both using it with a Ronin - did you ever try using it just as an aid to hand-held work?
Click to expand...

no, never. I stripped my FS7 down and I can switch in 5 mins from the tripod to the Ronin and back. The Ronin is always a better option for me and with the support you can work with it very long. A shoulder mount does not make much sense for me as I am 6ft8 :-)
 
I had the single rod Atlas system and it definitely helps. However, even with the Atlas vest, my back would start killing me on longer shots.

I ended up selling the Ronin and the Atlas and went back to a Devin Graham Glidecam and Smooth Shooter vest. Both have pluses and minus. Ronin is easier to get a smoother shot, but the DG Glidecam is much, much easier on your back and body and does not have electronics which is a massive plus as my Ronin freaked out a few time (not something you want on set).

Pluses and minus to 2 rod vs 1 rod. 2 Rod is probably a bit better support, but 1 rod is much, much easier to adjust the straps while wearing it, which is really hard to do with the 2 rod system because you pull on one strap and the other goes dutch and vice versa.
 
Looks horrifying.

I would suggest..

-camera further back/more balanced
-hire an assistant to carry your camera
-fs5*
-canon XC10

etc :)


*had a b operator on FS5 last week.. file is nothing like the FS7 - way more artifacts (although I did not 'deep menu' it before shooting)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top