China Steadycam

I'd say the best way to know if the stead is worth it is to try it. I wouldn't buy one without trying it ...
 
Hi Phenixone. You're absolutly right. But i don't have money for native models.

I think the only solution is to risk :=(

But maybe could somebody tell me which design is better..
 
Well, I don't know about how mechanically sound the units are, but the guy modeling them in the photo sure doesn't have a clue how to either adjust it or operate it. The whole system is on crooked, his posture is shot to hell, and his hand grips are far too tight.
Could be a model with no proper training, or it could be the builder who is simply copying the stance (like the unit?) from photos he's seen online.

They did copy the name. "Steadicam" spelt with the i (correctly) is trademarked to Tiffen and the original Steadicam brand. In the US that company would be in violation of trademark law.


I don't know if the unit works, but they certainly have no respect for the system, so I wouldn't put too much credence in their ability to copy it with quality in mind.

- Mikko
 
TAOBAO is like eBay for China - that listing does not even have to be real just like fraudulent ARRI's selling on eBay sometimes. All looks ominous as it is carrying the Tiffen brand name, it may be stopped in customs on the way here, just like fake Gucci.
 
Raster said:
Yep same here, or they may come along and take it off you.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

:happy: By that time I hope anyone having these would paint the logo's out.

Though states side, they mostly confiscate from a seller/distributor. There would be a lot of upset ladies with confiscated handbags.

But I would pay money to see the expression on a directors face while the constabulary is "taking off" the knock-off steadicam off the steadicam operator on location of a modestly budgeted shoot. :-).
 
Thing is, a fake Gucci still looks like a Gucci. Other than the name being used, that unit is nothing like a real Steadicam brand unit.

- Mikko
 
But the stickers/brand name is what Tiffen would care about more, than a quasi-successful design rip-off.
 
Oh yeah, totally.

However the end user is the one that needs to be aware of the possible lapses in the quality of the unit.

- Mikko
 
As someone who's been venturing into Steadicam for a bit of time (moving towards 2 years now since my workshop!), I can give you one concrete piece of advice - it's not the rig that makes a great Steadicam shot.

A great Steadicam-type rig will produce great shots, absolutely. And, a great rig will make those shots perhaps a bit easier to create. Maybe a great rig will reduce setup time. Maybe it'll allow you to carry less weight. Maybe it'll be a bit smoother on pans and tilts.

But, here's the important fact - a seasoned Steadicam operator can pick up any rig and produce a great shot. The art of Steadicam has nothing to do with the equipment - it all has to do with the skill of the operator. With the cost of Steadicam rigs, a lot of high-end operators are using gear from the late 80's and early 90's. Yet, they produce shots that I'm sure I couldn't come close to producing with a brand new $70,000 rig.

No rig out of the box will produce "perfect smooth shots" - and certainly if they are smooth, they won't be very artfully crafted. That's where the operating comes in.
 
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