Gorillapod Focus
- Thread starter Psynema
- Start date
Ron Rodenmeyer
Well-known member
I've become a huge fan of the Focus. I used it constantly with my GH1. I typically have a $15 flash bracket mounted first to mount a Flolight, wireless receiver, and/or Zoom H4N. Then I have the Manfrotto 323 QR mounted on the Focus.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_323_323_RC2_System_Quick.html
I really like this plate/system. You can even replace the battery with the plate on if it's oriented forward (rather than sideways).
Most of the time I use two of the Gorillapod legs as braces against my chest or shoulder and I use the third leg, which is in the front, as a handle. I shoot almost everything with the VF, so it's very solid. I also have a DV Rig Pro (similar to the Multi Rig), but it's not a good fit for the GH1. I can't really get the VF up to my eye w/o much awkwardness. For run-n-gun, I'm lovin' the Gorillapod.
They also sell a ballhead if you need to tilt or pan, but I haven't used it. I'm a little afraid of it getting loose.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_323_323_RC2_System_Quick.html
I really like this plate/system. You can even replace the battery with the plate on if it's oriented forward (rather than sideways).
Most of the time I use two of the Gorillapod legs as braces against my chest or shoulder and I use the third leg, which is in the front, as a handle. I shoot almost everything with the VF, so it's very solid. I also have a DV Rig Pro (similar to the Multi Rig), but it's not a good fit for the GH1. I can't really get the VF up to my eye w/o much awkwardness. For run-n-gun, I'm lovin' the Gorillapod.
They also sell a ballhead if you need to tilt or pan, but I haven't used it. I'm a little afraid of it getting loose.
Psynema
Well-known member
Thanks, though I'm confused about your DV Rig comment? Can't you swing the LCD - unless you're a die hard don't trust the flip out type of guy.
Ron Rodenmeyer
Well-known member
Yes, indeed, you can use it with the LCD. My aging eyes just make it easier to focus with the VF, but a youngster like yourself should have no problems. I need to wear reading glasses to see the LCD more and more, which is fine until I look off in the distance and either lose my balance or want to get sick. Harha!
I'm also liking the idea of scaling things down, but the DV Rig Pro would probably stabilize quite well if you don't mind having a little more bulk. I'm really interested in the British Half Inch Rails rig, but I just can't justify spending the money without hearing/seeing more feedback.
Ron Rodenmeyer
Well-known member
I know what you're saying, Dan. I had seen pictures of people bending the leg or legs over their shoulder, but I don't find that quite works. But it does just fine pressed firmly against my chest or shoulder. Leg extensions would be nice. All in alll, there's no one rig for all shooting situations. But between the Gorillapod and my monopod, I'm covered most of the time.
Xaveryptak
Active member
same story here. Using the Multi Rig I don't see the LCD sharp enough and VF seems to be a bit awkward, too far.
Actually I am rather disappointed. I've used MR with the pod and without, and in both cases I still get too much movement. I am new to MR but perhaps the rig is too big for such a light cam. I have to test it with my HMC150 for which it was bought to see if that's the operator fault or not.
I use my focus exactly like Ron does with the same quick release plate too. For the price of 1 RRS plate i decided to buy 3 323RC2's and give them a go first. Doesn't block the battery, though the bottom is not level because the safety lever protrudes so if you try and mount it to another QR on a fluid head you will need a spacer.
But back to the focus, its quite versatile, you can brace it like a gun with one leg to your shoulder, you can fold the other two out front bent down like handles, wrap it round stuff, use it as a low tripod, its great!. I dont use it as a shoulder rig as the legs aren't long enough and it doesn't feel safely balanced (not enough weight). I have a ballhead on it too to make it more easier to use. three thumbs up from me=)
But back to the focus, its quite versatile, you can brace it like a gun with one leg to your shoulder, you can fold the other two out front bent down like handles, wrap it round stuff, use it as a low tripod, its great!. I dont use it as a shoulder rig as the legs aren't long enough and it doesn't feel safely balanced (not enough weight). I have a ballhead on it too to make it more easier to use. three thumbs up from me=)
Last edited:
Ron Rodenmeyer
Well-known member
Mr. Fanny has three thumbs! If I had that many, I'd also raise all three for the Focus.
For serious, which ballhead are you using, Mr. F? I've thought about adding one but worried about adding a weak point to the rig. I don't want it giving loose and falling forward on me, because the ballhead stripped out. Sounds like that's not a problem, though.
Im using a small cullman 40150 ball head. Tiny and light weight. holds the GH1 fine, almost pushing it with an 85mm on it though ha but is absolutely sweet for anything smaller/lighter. It fails when I have my cam mounted in a flash U bracket with H4n and Comer LED. There is only so much it can handle. Have considered putting a 701HDV head on it instead depending on how ergonomics. I will be upgrading to a Q3 or an RRS ball head later on down the track that should prove no problems holding everything. I might give the single flash metz flash bracket a go and see how it fairs.
Last edited:
Ron Rodenmeyer
Well-known member
Thanks, Mr F. What's a Q3?
EDIT: I found it. It's a Markins ballhead.
EDIT: I found it. It's a Markins ballhead.
Last edited:
I also have a focus. Love it. I have a little Giottos ballhead on, and then a custom bracket that let's me mount the zoom. I was trying to shock-isolate the zoom...I partially succeeded, but button clicks still transmit up to the zoom body.
I usually bend one leg back and rest on my shoulder, and then use the other 2 like handles.
I usually bend one leg back and rest on my shoulder, and then use the other 2 like handles.