Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am the owner of only a 7D.

Richard J. Johnson

Joystick Member
Great images, but the curve is killing me. I don't even know what accessories to buy. I have a shoulder mount and FF but the options are so vast now I have no clue what I need. It's some scary sh!t going from something so familiar and stepping into a new workflow. But I will work it out.

I guess it's back to school time.
 
I think the next most important thing to get is a z-finder or LCDVF. My z-finder rarely comes off my MKII. I use it with one of the korean (gini) rigs.
 
Without thinking of cost, both are essential.
But I found myself in 2 recent projects using the finder often than a monitor. Overhead and very low are specialty angles that are not often used. In my case I only mounted the monitor when I used the camera on the JIB.

The Finder I made for my DSLRs aren't using a stick on velcro but a more secure but easily removable screw on method.

The finder is useful when your still scouting or still trying to get a good angle, sort of like using the cam as the directors finder, this is one of the advantages of a lightweight rig brought about by these dslrs.

I think Richard you already have a monitor for use with your 35mm adapter rig? If so get a loupe or finder for your 7D.

Next, are a couple of Nikon-canon lens converter/adapters for your nikon lenses. -if your sig is current, you'd need a wider lens. Strongly recommend a for canon Tokina 11-16 f2.8.
 
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I'm about to go into the DIY section and see If I can build your finder. I only have $1600 to spend on other things. I don't have any of my lenses anymore. I just wanted to start fresh.

The Tokina is getting purchased at the end of the month. I have also heard good things about the Tamron 17-55 f2.8 as well.

Without thinking of cost, both are essential.
But I found myself in 2 recent projects using the finder often than a monitor. Overhead and very low are specialty angles that are not often used. In my case I only mounted the monitor when I used the camera on the JIB.

The Finder I made for my DSLRs aren't using a stick on velcro but a more secure but easily removable screw on method.

The finder is useful when your still scouting or still trying to get a good angle, sort of like using the cam as the directors finder, this is one of the advantages of a lightweight rig brought about by these dslrs.

I think Richard you already have a monitor for use with your 35mm adapter rig? If so get a loupe or finder for your 7D.

Next, are a couple of Nikon-canon lens converter/adapters for your nikon lenses. -if your sig is current, you'd need a wider lens. Strongly recommend a for canon Tokina 11-16 f2.8.
 
I shoot 1 feature per year, A lot of corporate video (my 9-5), and short films.

Another issue is that I have so much gear that I never used with my HVX/LEX. I rarely used the shoulder mount or the Manhattan LCD so I don't know if I will use them with this either. I could sell them to get better lenses or a steadicam type of system. I just hated having that stuff laying around and I never used them.

I have reading all of the 7D posts since I am late to the party here and There is just so much I need to get a grip on. It seems insurmountable right now but I have to get it. ALL of it.
 
It is a still camera so I am spending a lot of time taking pictures and learning how to improve my photography (I have rarely taken a picture in ly life) and I've even joined some photographic groups. All this is really helping me understand how to handle this cam much better and is helping greatly in the videography I do with it. As far as accessories I am only buying what is absolutley needed, with my past video cams I've decked them out to tthe fullest but on this one I'm trying to take advantage of the stealthy aspects. I have a shoulder mount and that's about it for accessories. My rails, FF, mattbox etc are all sitting in a box in my basement.
 
nikon adapter and lenses or m42 adapter and lenses,then mic and then all other stuff but lenses and mic are must haves.Get matte box,it helps , then polarizer and ND filters,then monitor.
z finders etc are not essential as you now know ,you have zoom in button to check focus and it works good .
DSLRs are too light for glidecam but merlin might be ok.Or you can add weight.
 
nikon adapter and lenses or m42 adapter and lenses,then mic and then all other stuff but lenses and mic are must haves.Get matte box,it helps , then polarizer and ND filters,then monitor.
z finders etc are not essential as you now know ,you have zoom in button to check focus and it works good .

thanks. I have some filters and the monitor. I NEED a an audio solution ASAP since I have a few shoots in two weeks. I went through the same thing when I bought the HVX but I knew the DVX so it was not as interesting as this is.:undecided
 
Check out the pre-amps at juicedlink.com I'm really happy with mine. You need a specially wired cable for headphone monitoring, there's a supplier mentioned on the juicedlink blog. The zoom H4n and pluraleyes software is another good option.

ND filters and a polariser are essential if you're shooting outdoors.
 
I shot some footage last night and the form factor is kind of a challenge. I shoot a decent amount of Low angle stuff and the fixed LCD is going to be a pain. I can see it already. I'm thinking the only way to get around this without laying on the ground is to get a cage http://www.indifocus.com/products_indirailsprodslr.htm
or rod system that can I attach my monitor to for those shots. But If I used something like the Indisquare how the hell would I use my FF? I'm really thinking about just getting a steadicam and calling it a day.

The Steady Stick seems like a reasonable option as well http://www.tiffen.com/SteadyStick.htm
 
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