HVX Off Tripod

Jeff B

Jeff B

Active member
What do you use to keep your shots looking nice and arms from fatiguing when your HVX200 is not on a tripod? I have a wireless mic receiver on a bracket and a shotgun mic attached to the camera.

I've looked at the Steadicam Merlin, Glidecam 2000 with bodypod. I also looked at this neat device (ebay item 220083663861) which is not available currently.

Your thoughts and expertience appreciated.
 
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Jeff B said:
I also looked at this neat device (ebay item 220083663861) which is not available currently.
Click to expand...

That's the CB-105, Amazingly cost effective steadicam device. Theres currently a waiting list on them. He's building 100 more as we speak.
 
I use the spiderbrace. Its a bit basic and may not hold your wireless reciever but its a pretty decent for $70.
 
Jeff B said:
What do you use to keep your shots looking nice and arms from fatiguing when your HVX200 is not on a tripod? I have a wireless mic receiver on a bracket and a shotgun mic attached to the camera.

I've looked at the Steadicam Merlin, Glidecam 2000 with bodypod. I also looked at this neat device (ebay item 220083663861) which is not available currently.

Your thoughts and expertience appreciated.
Click to expand...

CHEAPEST (notice I did not say best) solution for ACTUALLY TAKING THE WEIGHT OFF OF YOUR ARMS when not on a tripod is probably Tiffen's STEADY STICK.
 
dusterdoo. I am really interested in that CB105. Can you share a little bit more about what you like about it.
 
Hey Jeff! :)

That CB105 looks REALLY sharp!!!! I think for $50 that would be an excellent place to start.

Our HVX spends over half its life off tripod. I like matching the tool for the job. The tool that has made the difference for us for the last year is the Swedish Tortlerig X from Easyrig.

Here's the link to a video on both products: http://easyrig.se/Video/movies/media_player/easyrig1_300k.wmv

It's not cheap, but it has payed for itself so many times, I lose count. The HVX's instant start and the Tortlerig are the reasons we can capture the moments that happen.

1169366768.jpg


One again, its all about the individual using the right tool for the job. Our new Indicam stabilizer will be in this week, and I hope to have thorough reviews for both this summer.

Have a great day! :)
 
how much does the Easyrig cost? Because that is exactly what I need. I own a spiderbrace, but it still comes off looking too shakey at times for my taste..i saw the tutorial video above and that thing looks badass! I want one.
 
after much seeking and trying, I have come full circle back to my good ole shoudler. No steadycam, by any means. Meaning, I can't do this if I need to be mobile. It's perfect for what I do though. I have to tavel lite and I walk up to strabgers who are no use to cameras for sound bites so any steadycam rig is a no no. I just look like a dude with a camcorder. I like it like that.
I tried fabbing a shoulder harness but it was awkward, got in the way more often than not and of course, didn't fit in the camera case. I literally just rest the back of the camera... the battery o my shoulder old school betacam style.
lol I have to say, I am far sighed now so I do have to pull my head back to see what I'm shootin'.
 
I think my Tortlerig was right around $1600. It's also my main big for hauling my camera and key accessories when traveling.

Hey Grinner, if you're a street shooter then hell yes, a shoulder is THE way to go. I sure wish I could do that on the boats out here in Oregon. BTW, nice reel, love the audio track! :)
 
I have a spiderbrace 2 and a dvmultirig pro. Haven't used the spiderbrace since I got the multirig.

Spiderbrace is good for what it is at its price point. But, it doesn't improve (lack of) fatigue by that much. It does give you more stable shots. It's not as easy to use with one hand off and on, for focusing, zooming, etc.

Multirig pro, in its shoulder mount position w/ the support rod can be held with the tips of your fingers. No fatigue. The only real weight is the weight of your arms. You can easily hold it with one hand, leaving your other hand free for focusing, etc. Easy to go back and forth from two hands to one. And, there are a bunch of other configurations it can be used it. For its point, I haven't seen anything as versatile and effective.

my 2 cents.
Jason
 
I love the CB-105!!! I think it's the most comfortable rig with the tapered shoulder foam... My favorite aspect of the rig is that your hands are where they are supposed to be... Right on the zoom and focus.. I'm trying to work out weight issues, getting it precise for the HVX, and with certain accessories... I think he's got an amazing entry level market product... BTW: I have the CB-105, the spiderbrace 2, the multirig, and the PAG Orbiter.... They are all great for different applications and I still use every one (in that order), but at moment the CB-105 is the first one I reach for every shoot...

I just got an e-mail from the guy who makes the CB-105, literally as I'm writing this.. I'm going to bring in my HVX and CB-105 and all of my accessories (brevis, lenses, wireless mic, etc..) and he's going to help me balance my rig perfectly to my liking!! I'm very happy =).. I'll post my results early next week once my mods are done...

-AT
 
CB105 seems to do one thing that most shoulder mounts miss - probably the most important thing - balances the camera. Of course a true shoulder mount camera is usually well balanced.
 
Balancing with a counter weight is a straight forward, low cost solution that works well when shooting off the shoulder, But becomes very heavy and cumbersome for other more creative angles possible with todays smaller and lighter cameras.
 
Hi there, sorry to hijack, but figured it would be more relevant here than in another thread.

For those MultiRig users out there, when using the multirig pro with the stabiliser rod, how easy it it to use the electronic zoom control and access the rest of the camera functions, like zoom, focus controls, aperture etc.

Say for instance you're shooting sports and action, always run and gun, sometimes from moving vehicles, are constantly having to adjust the focus, zoom and aperture. Do you think the MultiRig with the stabiliser rod would still be appropriate?

I love the look of it and what it can do, but have only seen it being used with both hands on the handles, far from the camera controls.

Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. . .Thanks :)
 
Looks like our e-bay buddy isn't making the CB-105 anymore?? Can't find it listed, only his new product, the "stinger" not sure I like the looks of it as much though....
 
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