Just tried new jib - blew me away

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Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd post this info - hope it's okay in this forum. Tried a brand new jib called the "Advanta-Jib" - here's the link http://www.dykortech.com . Used it on a couple of music videos and at the Princess Diana exhibit in Toronto. The thing blew me away. Increadibly smooth move, really great design and amazing workmanship/details (and no I don't work for them). I think it's great to get the word out on good gear and the prices are better than anything else out there. A guy I know stopped by during the shoot and was pissed because he just bought his Jimmy Jib a week before (nothing wrong with the Jimmy Jib though). After seeing this crane in action he wished he'd bought it instead. Apperently they're about to come out with a 18' version and a newly designed steadicam rig too. Loved the footage from this thing and so did my clients.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

Last time I talked to them it was $4700 US for the jib.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

No. Sorry if it read that way. Just think it's good stuff. Mind you, if anyone wants to send me a commision (for any product out there), a percentage of your paycheck, tax returns, new clients, airmiles, per diems, winning powerball tickets, or food stamps I'll gladly take 'em. You know what "they" say - "When you come out of a meeting, make sure you didn't leave any cash on the table." As for what "I" say - "The world is your oyster, so shuck it."
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

Yes, the Advanta-Jib is very nice. It made it to my final 3 list.
I bought an EZ FX jib just last week with a remote controlled pan/tilt head and a 6' extension kit.

The other jib I considered was a Triangle jib made by Jimmy Jib.

It's funny how you mentioned the new owner of the Jimmy Jib wished he'd bought the Advanta-Jib instead.

After getting my jib I had a little buyer's remorse as I contemplated a few advantages of the Jimmy Jib.

IMHO, All of those jib systems have their own strengths and weaknesses.

The Advanta-Jib operates on cables and hydraulics as opposed to the servo motors and gears that are usually found on most remote pan/tilt heads. Although it operates smoothly it is limited in its tilt range to 120 degrees. Most servo-controlled heads can tilt and pan a full 360 degrees.

The Advanta-Jib is also limited in that, unlike other jibs, extensions aren't available for it.

The Jimmy Jib Triangle jibs are nice but very bulky and time-consuming to set up.

Like I say, there are advantages and disadvantages to each system.

All in all, I'm happy with what I chose.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

I'm not sure, but there seemed to be all kinds of attachments - from a dutch roll kit (didn't have time to try that accessory on the shoot), 360's and tilts from straight up's to down's, additionally we were able to set the jib on two different fulcrums (sp) (for shoter or longer jib centre points - which was good when we were in a tighter space). I'll check with them though and try to get more details. Also, word is that they just sold a number of them that are going to be used at the Athens' Olympics this summer.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

The Dutch Roll attachment for the Advanta-Jib allows the camera to be mounted 'sideways' on the head so that you no longer have control of your tilt only the 'roll' and pan.

It will not tilt 360 degrees. Trust me, I did a lot of research on those three models and feel I have a good grasp of what it does.

I even spoke with John Dykor, himself, about the jib.

Not to mention there is a demo tape of the Advanta-Jib in my VHS player right now.

Again, it is a nice jib and made it to my 'final three' list.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

[quote author=Dale link=board=nws;num=1078953316;start=0#2 date=03/10/04 at 15:13:27]Last time I talked to them it was $4700 US for the jib. [/quote]

The website is quoting $5700 US now.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

No worries Terry, I trust you that it doesn't do a 360 tilt, I was saying it does a 360 pan. And Bob, that may include the tripod and other stuff. I have a heavey duty O'Connor for my 35mm camera, so I prefer not to double up on gear.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

I know its not even of the same calibar, but I have a cobra crane and I love it. It is light weight quick to put together and will reach 14'. Very solid especally for the DVX. The nice thing is that it altogether with a tripod and 7" LCD monitor the whole rig cost me around $1100.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

Yes, to again drop the bottom line, I've got a CobraCrane Backpacker - with the extension it goes to about 9'; with tripod (3011 + 3063) cost was under $600. It can wobble a little when stopping a move, but has the great advantage of packing up small enough to fit, with lots of other gear, into the trunk of a Honda del Sol... which, when I bought it 18 months or so ago, was a big concern.

When I bought the jib, I was using a GL2 which has LANC focus control. I haven't yet used it with the DVX; what do folks recommend for focus, esp. when trying to shoot 24p (on a non-A)?
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

I'll start by saying that I get no commissions....Having operated Jimmy Jibs (www.jimmyjib.com) for 20 years, I think that they are the best thing out there (except for a technocrane..but that's a few more bucks, lol)  If all you are doing is miniDV, then there are some more inexpensive options (look at the Jimmy Jib lite), but I've had everything from a DVX100 to a 35mm Panavision on my Jimmy Jib Triangle, and it works great for all of them.  as for set up time, once you have a system you can be ready to shoot with an 18 foot reach triangle in less than an hour.  It is a device which requires a certain amount of skill though.  I tell producers that it can be the coolest toy in the world, or your worst nightmare, depending on the operator.  I'm finishing up this season of "Average Joe" tonight in Palm Springs.
 
Re: Just tried new jib - blew me away

Hey Filmmaker58,

I wish I had your input and wisdom to draw from prior to making my jib decision.

I bought the EZ FX jib with the Varizoom remote head because I thought it would be more economical and quicker to set up than a Jimmy-Jib Triangle jib.

In hind sight, I realize I could have got a complete Triangle system for about another grand.

There were so many little extras I needed that I didn't realize initially. You know, things like... LENS CONTROL! The extra zoom and focus controls for 'broadcast lenses' set me back about another $1,200... and I STILL don't have a zoom or focus control for my DVX100A.

When it was all totalled, I spent about $7,500 on everything.

Like I said, for another grand I could have got the Triangle system with all necessary controls and some nice cases for the entire thing.

All in all, I like my jib but there are definite pros and cons to the system.

Terry
 
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