Fig Rig shooting tips

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dj gern

Member
First of all, I get that the Fig Rig is not a substitute for a steadicam.

But anyone care to offer a few tips for getting a stable shoot with the Fig Rig and an HVX200?

I've been using mine for a couple of days and the shots are very unstable...even at full wide. I've heard you are supposed to walk heel / toe. But I assume I must be holding this thing wrong...shots are making me nauseous on playback.

Appreciate advice from anyone who is using this with success.
 
I've never understood how that device would make any walking action smoother. Something like an EZRig or Marzpack, where the camera hangs from a bungee cord to absorb shock, can smooth out the motion a little bit.
 
BillPryor said:
I've never understood how that device would make any walking action smoother. Something like an EZRig or Marzpack, where the camera hangs from a bungee cord to absorb shock, can smooth out the motion a little bit.
Click to expand...

You have to try a Dual Grip or a Wheel stabilizer, It speaks for it self and there is also a good theory behind it.
 
dj gern said:
First of all, I get that the Fig Rig is not a substitute for a steadicam.

But anyone care to offer a few tips for getting a stable shoot with the Fig Rig and an HVX200?

I've been using mine for a couple of days and the shots are very unstable...even at full wide. I've heard you are supposed to walk heel / toe. But I assume I must be holding this thing wrong...shots are making me nauseous on playback.

Appreciate advice from anyone who is using this with success.
Click to expand...

Keep the weight low, do not over load acc. on top, mount them low.
Balance the camera, Move it back until you do not have to use any force to level
the camera, Otherwise your shoots will look like you are sailing on waves.

Hold with both hands equally spread and the center of weight is in the center of your body.

Let your arms do the compensation for walking shacks and sways.
 
I used it extensively with the DVX100 and it worked great and smooth. A frezzi mini was mounted on top. I also got the remote zoom to attach to the handle so bth of y hands were securely on the wheel - yes at about 9 and 3 oclock. However, this whole set up is lighter than the HVX. I am about to do the same job this year and have yet to test the fig rig with the HVX.
 
danny said:
Balance the camera, Move it back until you do not have to use any force to level the camera, Otherwise your shoots will look like you are sailing on waves.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips, Danny. Do I need the extended length mounting plate from Bogen in order to shift the weight back like this?

I think you've probably hit the problem head on... seems like the movement I was seeing was the result of trying to keep the camera balanced fore/aft.

Do you keep your elbows out or up against your side?
 
dj gern said:
Thanks for the tips, Danny. Do I need the extended length mounting plate from Bogen in order to shift the weight back like this?

I think you've probably hit the problem head on... seems like the movement I was seeing was the result of trying to keep the camera balanced fore/aft.

Do you keep your elbows out or up against your side?
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What Camera do you use ?

The problem is that some cameras stick out too much when balanced, So you have to extend your arms so the camera will not touch you, This is very tiresome and will limit the length of your shoots before you have to rest your arms.

Before ordering the longer plate, Quit expensive, Test to see if your camera will fit the limitations of the FigRig.

Elbows must be free when you walk, Lean them against your body when ever you can, on movement pauses or when you do not record.
 
Relaxing is one of the key points of using a FigRig. Tensing up will add jitter.
It's appropiate for moving shots and anything rythmic like dancing or action stuff.
I find problems with it for 'locked off' shots, but locking elbows in at the waist and holding your breath can give pretty smooth results.
Oh, and turn on OIS.

It also gives you a great awareness of your surroundings as you're shooting.
The concept with the FigRig is very much that once everything is balanced correctly (doesn't take long) then the whole thing becomes a big gimble in your hands with the camera theoretically in the middle of a sphere. Your arms and general body movement are the suspension. If you do something like TaiChi then you'd love the FigRig.

I shot this with the FigRig:

http://homepage.mac.com/electricpig/park_play.html

I've since invested in A Bebob Foxi Focus remote for manual focus/iris to complement a manfrotto zoom remote. It's my favoured Gun-'n-run setup with P2.


mike.c
 
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The FigRig is amazing.

I had a 30 sec. TV commercial to produce.

Got the FigRig in the morning, shot 2 hrs without a single jitter.
 
There is a new great product out there that will help you with your Fig Rig shooting and setup. It's called the Quick-Base QB-01 by SiniVision. Found either on Ebay, Samy's Camera, EVS or Boston Camera. It will make your life much more productive and easier. Bogen approved designed by SiniVision.
 
The tie downs allow you to pick up the entire thing loaded and move it to another location. It's more then a docking station for the fig rig as it holds the rig for you as you load all your accessories on the fig rig. It also has a 5-8 pin reciever on the bottom allowing you to mount on a c stand or baby stand for either just a shoulder lever holder or to do pan shots. I'm developing a piece that attaches to the 5-8 hole to allow you to mount your slide plate for you fluid head tripod to to complete tripod shots and quick removal to do fig rig shots with in seconds. We are also develping many other cool things for the Fig Rig as well as our own manual stabilizer. See all the cool new things at this coming DV expo in LA at the Samy's Camera booth and EVS booth.

Feel free and ask me anything you like.

Joe Sinicropi
 
I enjoy the Fig Rig within its limitations. There is one problem, however: it's no good for on the street work - I've never seen a piece of gear attract so much attention! Everybody can't stop looking at it, and everybody wonders why I am walking around with a steering wheel! Like I am some mentally retarded idiot who is pretending I'm driving!

On the other hand, it's a great conversation starter. Unfortunately I am married and not able to take full advantage, if you know what I mean. It's a situation with built-in humor that's not forced.

Verko, only slightly retarded. I do like to drive.
 
Regarding attracting attention, can I recommend you get a Cymbal bag from a music shop, 24" I think.

I've got one for my FigRig, and can put it in fully loaded with a Foxi Focus and my Manfrotto zoom controller attatched. It's out and on my camera in seconds.
It comes with a shoulder strap and handles.

The only problem is people now think I'm a drummer, rather than a madman walking round with a steering wheel...

mike.c
 
Verko said:
I enjoy the Fig Rig within its limitations. There is one problem, however: it's no good for on the street work - I've never seen a piece of gear attract so much attention! Everybody can't stop looking at it, and everybody wonders why I am walking around with a steering wheel! Like I am some mentally retarded idiot who is pretending I'm driving!

On the other hand, it's a great conversation starter. Unfortunately I am married and not able to take full advantage, if you know what I mean. It's a situation with built-in humor that's not forced.

Verko, only slightly retarded. I do like to drive.
Click to expand...

DITTO!!!!!! :laugh:
 
Apparently sinivision produce something called the Quickbase. Its for the fig-rig.

The fig-rig has become a bit of a signature piece for me too. It definately does attract a lot of attention.

I don't have a lot of tips to add as its very straightforward however, if you get one I would wholeheartedly recommend a remote zoom and focus controller. Its a pain in the ass without one.
 
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