C100: C-100, best rig for handheld?

P

Patch2000

Member
I shoot a lot of handheld documentary, weddings and event video productions. I use a Zacuto C-100 z-finder which works great. I'm looking for a rig which I can mount my Canon C-100 with my z-finder. Most of the rigs from Zacuto, Shape or others are designed to use a EVF which would go beside the C-100 camera like a traditional video camera. The zacuto C-100 z-finder mounts on the LCD which puts it at the back of the camera, pushing the camera operator further away from the camera. I like to be lightweight which is why I use z-finder. I don't want the weight of a EVF with batttery and HDMI cable. I also like to keep my right hand on the grip so the grip relocator on the Zacuto looks really interesting. I like to keep my left hand on the focus ring of the camera. I don't use follow focus. I like my rig to be stripped down and as light as possible. I also like to have the weight on my shoulder. I'm looking at the Zacuto C-Shooter or Recoil light v2 with grip relocater.
The only problem I see is the rails are not long enough and the camera with z-finder would be too close to the shoulder support, making it almost impossible to look the z-finder. Perhaps I could get longer rails?

I would appreciate if anybody knows of a light weight rig that would work with my shooting style.

Thanks
Patch2000
 
The Zacuto Zfinder did not work for me because of the limited diopter adjustment, but I think the monopod or totally stripped down handheld would work for short term shooting. Trying to use the Z-finder with the C100 puts the camera too far out in front of you to put a rig on your shoulder. If you want it on your shoulder you will need an EVF mounted in a way to allow access to focus and zoom a lens.

If you are determined to use a C-shooter or Recoil V2 (which I own) you will need to use a rail offset to move the rails to the right to allow you to use the Zacuto Z-finder. You will also need long rails with a lot of ballast (weight or Battery plate). To keep it simple go the monopod route. I am working on a rig for documentary and reality shows using the Recoil V2 and a Kinotehnik EVF. If your going to go shoulder mount you need something that will adjust easily up and down with your eye.
 
I have tried the monopod option, I'm currently using a Steady Stick. It works okay, just can't handle the weight when I put my Canon 28-300 lens. I think I'm going to try the Zacuto C-shooter with offset rails. I can't believe no company had come up with a better option.

Thanks for all the info.
Patch
 
So I tried the Zacuto C-shooter with the offset adapter going to another set of rails which has the baseplate with the C-100 and Z-finder. It does not work very well. I realized the hard way that there is too much weight on your arms as again the z-finder pushes the camera away from you. The only way to make the C-shooter work is to get an EVF which would mean the weight would be on your shoulder because the EVF is beside the C-100 and not behind it. Oh well at least I know now. I'm not ready to go the EVF route yet as I don't want to add too much weight to the camera. So I'm looking at a monopod
option with a good fluid ball head which at least I can tilt and pan. Any ideas?

Thanks
Patch
 
manfrotto 561BDHV

Id go nowhere without that ! period!

Im a run n gun wedding videographer, I use prime only, without this specific monopod, I can do nothing
 
I want to try the Zacuto Marauder out. I think it would work well with the C100 Z-Finder. Just don't add to much more to the camera.
z-dmr.jpg
 
Thanks for the info everyone. I thinking of trying the manfrotto MVM500A it is the replacement for the 561BDHV which is discontinued. The only thing is that the head does not pan like the manfrotto 561BDHV, the panning happens at the base of the monopod. I can still buy the 561BDHV at BHPhoto however I'm wondering if I should buy the new version, the MVM500A. Any thoughts Shawnfx?

Thanks
Patch

 
I use a monopod with some frequency and like it for quick but somewhat stabilized shots. Although not a c100 user, but with other handycams, I use the typical Manfrotto monopod, but add a small 701 (somewhat fluid) head. Gives you some vertical dampening and a very decent but compact pan handle. You get to use a pretty standard QR plate and you can superclamp extra junk onto the monopod if you need to. I've added a weight to the foot on occasion for ballast, like a carpet bag glidecam

Grant
 
dvxkoji said:
when I bought that equipment there was no lifetime guarantee.
Click to expand...

OK, sorry to hear that.

They have something called the "Protection Plan" now. Costs about $15-19 depending on product price.

It covers user error (to the extent that you get a new product even if YOU mess it up "in the line of duty"), extends warranty to lifetime, gives shipping insurance, qualifies for free "nuts and bolts" (the small things that gets lost on rigs) + you get 5% off your next purchase.

It's almost ridiculous what they cover. Overreaching. But there is no way they would offer that if they didn't stand by their products. Just saying.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top