HVX Camera Jib Advice?

M

Matthew Fox

New member
Looking for any advice about camera jibs for HVX200. I've seen some DIY jibs and I don't want to go that route. Any suggestions?

Thanks.
 
Try the Vance jib if you have a little extra cash, its worth the extra for the fast set-up time and the compactness.
 
I use the Losmandy PortaJib Traveler with my HVX, it is superb. The construction quality is one of the best on the market, it's built better than most other jibs available. It is a short, "operate from the front by hand" kind of jib, not set up for remotes and remote heads. That's that I like about, I use it more like a Steadicam.

http://www.portajib.com/traveller.htm



Dan
 
I have a 3-9' extendable jib and Pan/tilt head from http://www.cameraturret.com/ and I mount it on a Manfrotto/Bogen 526XB tripod.

Great because it can do small studio work (like an exercise video or music video "over the drummer" stuff) or can be used to get some great height shots indoors or out. The whole thing breaks down and fits in the back seat or trunk easily and is very well made. I added the montitor tray and adjustable height lock.

Mark
 
The ProMax Cobra Crane is in use here at Nelson Media to good effect. It's inexpensive, easy to move around, and offers some nice tilt control thru a novel 'use your tripod head' idea to keep things interesting. We purchased the extender for some longer shots, but rarely use it. The HVX200 is at the outside edge, weight-wise, but our clients love it!
 
We use the EZFX with the HVX all the time. We have the VariZoom MC100 remote head on it. Slower set-up time (than VanceJib or Seven), but the EZFX jib handles cameras between 25 - 50lbs depending on your desired length.

Their heavy-duty pedestal with 100mm bowl is highly recommended when using the extension kits.

e
 
When I was researching jibs, I almost bought the EZFX, it seemed like a good deal. The only thing that held me back was that I think that they are located in Florida. I largely bought the Losmandy because they are just a hop, skip and jump away from me over in Hollywood. Same with the AdvantaJib. Really looked nice but they are in Canada, major hassle if there is a problem and you have to ship it back and forth.

Best,

Dan
 
ADVANTAJIB - Definately

ADVANTAJIB - Definately

The issue with the manufacturer being in Canada is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. John (the inventor) could give lessons to nearly everyone about how to handle customer service.

Besides that, the jib is light, sturdy and awesome.

You're going to need a good tripod - he has recommendations.

And from my experience, you'll want the hard case as opposed to the soft case.

Great, great product.
 
MyGoodEye said:
The issue with the manufacturer being in Canada is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. John (the inventor) could give lessons to nearly everyone about how to handle customer service.
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Agreed

Besides that, the jib is light, sturdy and awesome.
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Ditto, but I find there's a significant learning curve for complex compound jib/head moves. The fact you can do it at all at this price point is awesome, but it takes some practice. I'm getting better, but more skill will help. I'm curious how others have found this aspect of it. Maybe I'm trying too many complicated "torture test" moves in my practicing with it so far (no actual on-set shoots yet). Maybe I should cut it (and myself) some slack : )

You're going to need a good tripod - he has recommendations.
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I have a Cartoni Focus (with a separate Bogen ball head for the jib) and thus far with the 7' reach (62.5 lb CW with a bare HVX200) it's working great. I've only used it with the legs at minimum height though. I know the Cartoni is rated for about 85 lbs, so with legs extended it will be close, and it would presumably be insufficient for the 9' reach. It might still be ok with legs unextended though. I also added a $250 Bogen tripod dolly (#3198 IIRC), which is invaluable for repositioning. No good for moving shots though, unless you're on a super smooth floor. I'm going to try the jib on my Indie-Dolly soon. I bet it will be great.

And from my experience, you'll want the hard case as opposed to the soft case.
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Funny...yeah. I have the soft case and it's *unbelieveably* cheesy looking. Like something PBS would give away for a $25 donation. It's divided by, and holds its shape via, corrugated cardboard! I was apalled when I first saw it. However - it is *very* light and *very* compact, and if you handle it carefully (like I plan to) it has its merits. If I end up with the Pelican case I'm pretty sure I'll be regretting the $55 I spent on the soft one. We'll see. IMO this is the only really weird thing about the kit.

Great, great product.
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Yep!
 
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puredrifting said:
I use the Losmandy PortaJib Traveler with my HVX, it is superb. The construction quality is one of the best on the market, it's built better than most other jibs available. It is a short, "operate from the front by hand" kind of jib, not set up for remotes and remote heads. That's that I like about, I use it more like a Steadicam.
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Dan,

I'm almost sold with the Porta-Jib Traveller... Just a question for you:

What tripod are you using for this jib? ...and how high can you go with the HVX?

I do have a Cartoni Focus F100 Head with a Cartoni T622/2 Alu-Carbon 2-Stage Tripod which supports to 132 Lbs (very similar to the L501 US Version- see the link). This kit rocks! My tripod maximun height is 62" with the mid-level spreader and maybe a little more with the ground-level spreader -already on its way!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/188653-REG/Cartoni_L501_L501_Aluminum_1_Stage_Tripod.html

If the Traveller really has an extended max reach of 55" and a boom of 68" means that I could as high as 96" or more... would that be possible?

Thanks,

Henry
 
Great info guys. Now that we aren't using our Beta Cam much I'm planning on picking up a new "lighter" jib at NAB this year.

This is great info. But it helps more when you say WHY you like it and what the pros and cons are, rather then I bought it and like it. We've been using a friends jib and dolly this week and it's great, except there is no decent way to fine tune friction on pans and tilts. Makes it a little "wild" for subtle moves.

If I do good enough at the Craps talbes again this year I'll be adding a smaller dolly/track as well. :D
 
i own a glidecam camcrane 200 which is pretty cool. however i played with a flycam jib at evs the other day and it was pretty badass. it has a manual pan/tilt system run on cables and it was super smooth with an hvx.
 
CinemaElectronika said:
Dan,

I'm almost sold with the Porta-Jib Traveller... Just a question for you:

What tripod are you using for this jib? ...and how high can you go with the HVX?

I do have a Cartoni Focus F100 Head with a Cartoni T622/2 Alu-Carbon 2-Stage Tripod which supports to 132 Lbs (very similar to the L501 US Version- see the link). This kit rocks! My tripod maximun height is 62" with the mid-level spreader and maybe a little more with the ground-level spreader -already on its way!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/188653-REG/Cartoni_L501_L501_Aluminum_1_Stage_Tripod.html

If the Traveller really has an extended max reach of 55" and a boom of 68" means that I could as high as 96" or more... would that be possible?

Thanks,

Henry
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Hi Henry:

We bought the Losmandy legs, the LWT Tripod and adapter. http://www.portajib.com/columns_tripods.htm#lwt Not sure exactly how high we can go but keep in mind that the Traveler is a small and short jib, mainly designed for using indoors under 8' ceilings. If you want more height, you would want to purchase the regular PortaJib, not the Traveler. All of the specs are on the Losmandy website.

It's been a great piece of gear. As stated, the unique thing about it is that it is designed to handle the camera from the front of the jib, much like a Steadicam. Most jibs are designed to operate the camera from the rear. The only other one I have seen that is designed to operate from the front like this is the EZFX.

Best,

Dan
 
Dan,

Thank you so much for your feedback.

I have extensively used both the Standard Porta-Jib and the EZFX since I basically do DP/Camerawork for TV Commercials... these jibs are two different worlds!

We frequently use the Porta-Jib for 35mm on interiors, product shots and sometimes to replace our dolly... As far as specs, there's not much a difference with the Traveller except for the jib weight, portability and support... AND PRICE!

The Traveller is collapsable which is better for constricted interiors... and as I usually handle the camera from the front, I honestly believe it is the best option for my HVX work!

I have used the EZFX with the HVX since it's the only option for low budget we have locally... but believe me, you can even compare!

Thank you again.

Henry.
 
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