C100: Introducing My Coffin: Shoulder Rig Quick Draw Safety Case

[nedcam]

Problem Solved! I'm the kind of Boy Scout Cameraman who preps his gear the night before a shoot, piecing all the doo-dads together, settings loaded, so when I arrive in the morning on location or the set I can immediately turn it on and set up a shot. Really impresses the client or director that we can start working while the rest of the crew is smearing cream cheese on their bagels.

However, ever since I started owning Franken Rigs I've had a problem transporting a fully assembled package, usually seat belting it in the passenger seat of my van, but when a client or crew member sits in that seat I have to put the rig somewhere dangerous. If I slam on the brakes a pelican case or something heavy can harm my baby (or beast). Or if I have to have it on a crew member's lap they inevitably, inadvertently touch some controls.

A buddy of mine made me a simple case (we call My Coffin) that's protective yet not too heavy or expensive. So if I'm doing a multiple location shoot where I have to drive all over I don't lose valuable time having to disassemble and reassemble my camera rig. If you are interested, and I can get perhaps 6-10 orders (custom sizes) he can make them for you within 7-10 days. I figured I would start with DVXuser peeps since I know people here.

You should order a custom size case, but My Coffin's specs are: 25 lbs, outer diameter is 31"x15"x17", the inner space is 30"x14"x15". Based on previous experience (I have many of his cases) I have 1" of 21 lb charcoal ester foam (best for sensitive electronics) on the bottom and the rest is lined with 1/2" foam. The case is constructed of 1/4" marine plywood which is lined with .060 hard vulcanized fibre that is coated with marine spar varnish and has a 151 lock that comes with 2 keys. The sides have two spring latch handles that I use to pass bungee cords through and has a handle on the top.

Here are some pix, if you're interested email me at: ned AT nedmiller.com, my size case is $229 plus shipping but you should order your own dimensions. If interested put the word CASE in the subject line. I will take Pay Pal.

The nearest case I can find that you can drop a Ready-To-Go Franken Rig in is a $600 Portabrace:

http://www.portabrace.com/products/.../123-quick-draw-camera-case-w-off-road-wheels

Did a 6 hour road trip last week and had the soundman in the passenger seat. My Coffin allowed me to line up a shot within minutes of arrival. Clients and directors are not used to that and are very pleasantly surprised. Superior Customer Service Experience...

Thanks,

 

[Matt Gottshalk]

Not bad.

The only improvement I see is to dd some foam blocks to keep the rig from falling over while inside.

 

[dustylense]

Hell, you don't even have to use foam. Just pad the edges with a few towels. That way, if you have an spill on set you have some towels to clean up.

And I though I packed my Dodge Caravan to the brim. Great photo car.

 

[Curnsie]

Nice rig! It's a beast!

How do you like the SmallHD DP4 for focusing? I'm thinking of trading my Zacuto EVF Pro for one.

 

[Matt Gottshalk]

And what anton bauer cable are you using to power the camera?

 

[nedcam]

Hey Dustylense,

And here's a view from the back. I make shelves when I buy a new van. Coincidentally, I was just at CarMax this morning to get an estimate for it's trade in value and buy perhaps a Pilot or Tahoe for the upcoming blizzards but this van holds more. If I feel the beast will wobble in My Coffin I would roll up a towel, but it's a very snug fit.

And Curnsie, I love the DP4 but I am not thrilled with the focusing in that I can not use the C100's magnification to it. My lenses are parfocal. When there's a part of the shot that I know the editor won't use I snap zoom in and refcous. The eyepiece STAYS up when you flip it up (think it has magnets). Since it's large the client or director can stand by me and confer or check out the shot or a replay. To me the benefit of the DP4 is it's size. I have 60 year old eyes so having a larger EVF is great. I miss the red lines of the Panasonic AF100's LCD screen and haven't loved the C100s peaking feature yet. My next purchase will be a 17" monitor for when I am indoors so someone will be able to verify my focus. I have a 9" monitor but that can be deceiving, a shot can look sharp when it isn't and I have no idea why people put faith in a 7", that size is becoming popular, perhaps because it fits onto a camera. I also avoid situations where I have to rack at things quickly coming at me. I keep the Panasonic HPX300 in the van so if there's b-roll like that, for instance bicycles or runners coming at me, I can easily track focus with that camera.

BUT HEY, this thread was supposed to help my buddy's case making business and for shooters to protect their beasts!

 

[nedcam]

Mr. McGee, I used one for my AF100, made by Film Tools:

http://www.filmtools.com

I don't see one for a C100 on their website but you can call them Monday. They call them their Powertap cables, about $135. Switronix also has them.

This is a closeup on the rig with an AF100. As you can see cable management is a challenge. I have been using twist ties from loaves of bread, still looking for something more professional looking. Perhaps pipe cleaners from the days of Father Knows Best. Note that I use a label maker so I know which D-Tap is for what.

BUT HEY This thread is to help my buddy's case making business and you to protect your beast!

 

[NewYorkLion]

Is that a Dodge Caravan? Ive been thinking about rigging up some shelves for mine. What did you use to make yours?

 

[nedcam]

It is a Chrysler Town & Country which has seats that fold flat into the floor, which is why I bought it. I believe it is the same as Dodge Caravan. I really like it except for the fact that I am seen in a minivan. The only issue is that it is front wheel drive and low so cutting through the Midwest snows is a problem. Otherwise it is great to work out of. I have had two full size vans, then an Astro (my favorite), then lastly a monster Suburban, now this. Really appreciate being able to work out of either side depending on the parking situation. Also, car-to-car, car-to-bike, car-to-jogger, etc. I sling a cloth bungee through the roof handle, the one people use to get out, and I have a super smooth mount, looks as good as a Stedicam or gimble, like glass if I balance it correctly although I haven't done that trick with the C100 yet. Miss being able to stand on top for a high shot.

As to the shelves, the first thing I do with any vehicle is build something to free up my floor space, maximize my square inches so I can have long items like tripod, stand case, cart, etc. and then be able to stack over it. I usually buy 1/2' plywood and have the major cuts done at the lumber yard. I then tack indoor/outdoor carpeting on it. I also put up side 1/4' boards to protect the interior for resale value. First I lay down a rubber mat which I cut to size with a matt knife because we often have snow or mud to deal with:

http://www.upfityourvan.com/rubberfloormatscargovans.aspx?BrandId=41

I also have two dogs prone to puking. The way I made my shelves, they will come out in 15 seconds as one piece. I can't do it alone, need a strong guy to help. That is only necessary of I need to put two bikes in or we move furniture. Next time it's empty I'll post you some stills. Very proud of the design.

But Hey! Doesn't anyone want to order My Coffin?

 

[NewYorkLion]

well, i dont need a coffin, but i'd pay you to make me those shelves! The dodge is exactly the same as the town and country, with the same seats. I was thinking of a very similar design, but id love to see how you did it with the legs and all. Every once ina while we have family come to town and I need to use the van to tote them all around so if I do kit it out, it needs to be removable.

 

[nedcam]

OK, sometime today I will send pix and measurements. The trick is to make the width 2" less than the space so there's room for two guys to slip in their fingers to pull the shelving unit out. Also, I designed it so if necessary one or both seats can come up. On non-shoot days the dogs jump up. If you have family using it you can roll up the rubber mat I suggested in the previous email and the van then looks new. But you should have the lumber yard do your cuts for you.