Considering buying a Kessler crane? Read Me...
Considering buying a Kessler crane? Read Me...
Here is the update I promised a few days ago on my Kessler purchase... by the way- this is not intended to replace the awesome "Kessler Crane Review" posted by Shaun Buck. If you are new to this topic, check it out first, as it's loaded with advice and pics:
http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/kesslercrane/
OK, here's my two hundred cents worth:
My Kessler Crane arrived a few days ago... :love4:
First and foremost, this is an awesome crane, a totally solid and reliable kit.
The first test shots of my shy black labrador and bored kitty cat were amazing. Except for the acting. Mental note: labradors hate close in work with matte boxes. Cats are crappy at taking direction.
I tested the Kessler crane on both a Libec LS22 and a Davis & Sanford Provista Airlift; both tripods held the weight of a DVX100B with Cinetactics HD Mattebox & Large Flag, UV filter on one end and 28.25 pounds of balance weights on the other end just fine.
I think the fluid head of both tripods will work, giving you full manual tilt operation with the crane (the Kessler Fluid head which I ordered only allows automatic)- but I actually only tried mounting the fluid head with the crane to the Provista (this tripod was also pictured in some of their documentation).
As mentioned in other posts, these fluid heads will work, but I think you may tear them up pretty quickly with all the weight- I'd order the optional bowl mount from Kessler, and mount your fluid head to it instead.
Kessler KC-8 with a Provista Airlift Tripod:
Setup was very smooth, until I hit a big snag that I think owners of a Provista Airlift should know: The crane mounts OK, but you must use the quick release button to avoid having the whole crane assembly slide out via the release plate- very dangerous to you and gear!
The problem is you can't use the Provista tripod's tightening knob to secure the quick release plate snugly- it wouldn't tighten no matter how i fiddled with it as it is blocked by the bottom of the crane assembly (I even tried elevating the plate with washers). I stress that this is completely a problem with the tripod and not the crane. Anyone have a work around? Please lmk.
If the Provista quick release plate button is enagaged, it will kind of work, but the crane will slide back and forth a bit, when you tilt the center balance plate on the crane itself.
Basically, it should work OK once you have the crane balanced- still, it seemed kinda iffy as you are trusting 50+ pounds of gear with a little plastic button... and if for some reaon the angle tilts, you will get a bump in the shot and potentially injure or scare the crap outta someone on set. Shame, as the Provista legs seem much sturdier for this crane and it's an awesome tripod for the price.
So I went with the Libec Tripod instead...
Kessler KC-8 with Libec LS22 Tripod
My first thought was "yeah right". The libec aluminum legs seemed like they would twist under 50+ pounds of weight, even with the floor spreader.
But no... everything was A-OK. This was my preferred setup: I removed the Libec 75 mm Fluid Head, and mounted my DVX100B to it, then seated it into the optional bowl mount provided by Kessler.
I then used the Kesssler fluid head to mount the whole crane assembly to the Libec LS22 sticks.
That Kessler fluid head is one heavy duty mather honker by the way. Kudos to Kessler. The thing is designed and weighs like an anti-tank shell, but is smoooooth as glass.
The results:
After a half hour of using some muscles in my body that I havn't used since gym class in high school, plus some sweat and profanity, I finally balanced the whole rig out perfectly and then it was like PRESTO! Totally smooth shots, total control.
The KC-8 Kessler Crane can be balanced out just right, and both sides will float, without even a finger on them (use caution here obviously). Tear down and subsequent re-setup were a breeze.
Within minutes, of use, I felt like an old pro and the smooth shots I was able to achieve are amazing (I will try and post some links later).
Buyer Advice:
Definitely buy the fine tuning balance weights. By the way, you already get a set attached to the crane, but order them any way, as you might need them to get the right balance.
I also ordered the quick release plate attachment screws- I actually ended up not needing them, but they are even lighter then the fine tune weights, and I used one of them on the camera side to get that BINGO! Just right weight.
WARNING: Don't even think about ordering any of these Kessler Cranes without the brake bar. I can't imagine balancing or using the crane safely without it.
I DEFINITELY recommend you order the light clamp mount they advertise on the site- it was invaluable to me, but not for the reason's Kessler intended (although it definitely will make the crane usable as a static 'tripod').
The great thing about the Bogen Manfrotto light clamp, is you can put it on any light stand (I used a Lowel DP4 kit stand) and then you can clamp one end of the crane to it while you safely add or subtract weights and balance the crane out. Very convenient. You can leave the top untightened when balancing, and wait until the crane "floats" out of the mount- like magic, you're balanced!
Also, it would be a good idea to sand bag both tripod and light stand during this process.
Note: the Bogen/Manfrotto Clamp shipped separately in my order from the main package delivery, so don't freak if it doesen't arrive on the same day (although mine did).
Overall opinion: An amazing crane, pretty easy one man setup.
Very solid, very well built. Extremely smooth, and I really like the solid Kessler Fluid head. I didn't think I'd need to pop the extra $200 bucks for it, but then was very glad I did after the Provista tripod snag. And I really wouldn't want to put all that wear and tear on a Bogen 501 or 503 head.
I will probably order the Bogen 525MVB or similiar sticks to use with this crane in the future. My Libec LS22 legs will be fine till then, but peace of mind would be better for myself and prospective clients I think with some more solid looking legs.
Extremely cool results, amateurs can get pro cinematic movement shots within minutes of use.
Definitely download the videos about the crane features from their website- it makes first time setup a lot easier than the basic instructions that come with the crane.
Notes to Kessler:
I would make the brake bar, quick release knob kit, bowl mount and padded bag a standard part of the basic crane kit- for the low price you are already retailing the crane for, these items could be added in with the appropriate bump up in price.
It would make the crane less confusing for people to order (quicker initial sales?) and everyone really should have these parts anyway if ordering your product. JMO of course.
Also, Brake bar twists somewhat under crane weight- seems like it may snap or buckle eventually... maybe a grade or two higher on the aluminum weight?
Also, the info videos on the crane are excellent- Maybe a good idea to retail or include a DVD of these with crane? Again, Just me.
:dankk2:
...Thank you KESSLER CRANE for timely shipment of my awesome KC-8 Crane! I totally love it, and will be ordering the 12 foot attachment soon!
Now where'd my dog and cat go? ....sigh.
Good actors are so hard to find these days.
Considering buying a Kessler crane? Read Me...
Here is the update I promised a few days ago on my Kessler purchase... by the way- this is not intended to replace the awesome "Kessler Crane Review" posted by Shaun Buck. If you are new to this topic, check it out first, as it's loaded with advice and pics:
http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/kesslercrane/
OK, here's my two hundred cents worth:
My Kessler Crane arrived a few days ago... :love4:
First and foremost, this is an awesome crane, a totally solid and reliable kit.
The first test shots of my shy black labrador and bored kitty cat were amazing. Except for the acting. Mental note: labradors hate close in work with matte boxes. Cats are crappy at taking direction.
I tested the Kessler crane on both a Libec LS22 and a Davis & Sanford Provista Airlift; both tripods held the weight of a DVX100B with Cinetactics HD Mattebox & Large Flag, UV filter on one end and 28.25 pounds of balance weights on the other end just fine.
I think the fluid head of both tripods will work, giving you full manual tilt operation with the crane (the Kessler Fluid head which I ordered only allows automatic)- but I actually only tried mounting the fluid head with the crane to the Provista (this tripod was also pictured in some of their documentation).
As mentioned in other posts, these fluid heads will work, but I think you may tear them up pretty quickly with all the weight- I'd order the optional bowl mount from Kessler, and mount your fluid head to it instead.
Kessler KC-8 with a Provista Airlift Tripod:
Setup was very smooth, until I hit a big snag that I think owners of a Provista Airlift should know: The crane mounts OK, but you must use the quick release button to avoid having the whole crane assembly slide out via the release plate- very dangerous to you and gear!
The problem is you can't use the Provista tripod's tightening knob to secure the quick release plate snugly- it wouldn't tighten no matter how i fiddled with it as it is blocked by the bottom of the crane assembly (I even tried elevating the plate with washers). I stress that this is completely a problem with the tripod and not the crane. Anyone have a work around? Please lmk.
If the Provista quick release plate button is enagaged, it will kind of work, but the crane will slide back and forth a bit, when you tilt the center balance plate on the crane itself.
Basically, it should work OK once you have the crane balanced- still, it seemed kinda iffy as you are trusting 50+ pounds of gear with a little plastic button... and if for some reaon the angle tilts, you will get a bump in the shot and potentially injure or scare the crap outta someone on set. Shame, as the Provista legs seem much sturdier for this crane and it's an awesome tripod for the price.
So I went with the Libec Tripod instead...
Kessler KC-8 with Libec LS22 Tripod
My first thought was "yeah right". The libec aluminum legs seemed like they would twist under 50+ pounds of weight, even with the floor spreader.
But no... everything was A-OK. This was my preferred setup: I removed the Libec 75 mm Fluid Head, and mounted my DVX100B to it, then seated it into the optional bowl mount provided by Kessler.
I then used the Kesssler fluid head to mount the whole crane assembly to the Libec LS22 sticks.
That Kessler fluid head is one heavy duty mather honker by the way. Kudos to Kessler. The thing is designed and weighs like an anti-tank shell, but is smoooooth as glass.
The results:
After a half hour of using some muscles in my body that I havn't used since gym class in high school, plus some sweat and profanity, I finally balanced the whole rig out perfectly and then it was like PRESTO! Totally smooth shots, total control.
The KC-8 Kessler Crane can be balanced out just right, and both sides will float, without even a finger on them (use caution here obviously). Tear down and subsequent re-setup were a breeze.
Within minutes, of use, I felt like an old pro and the smooth shots I was able to achieve are amazing (I will try and post some links later).
Buyer Advice:
Definitely buy the fine tuning balance weights. By the way, you already get a set attached to the crane, but order them any way, as you might need them to get the right balance.
I also ordered the quick release plate attachment screws- I actually ended up not needing them, but they are even lighter then the fine tune weights, and I used one of them on the camera side to get that BINGO! Just right weight.
WARNING: Don't even think about ordering any of these Kessler Cranes without the brake bar. I can't imagine balancing or using the crane safely without it.
I DEFINITELY recommend you order the light clamp mount they advertise on the site- it was invaluable to me, but not for the reason's Kessler intended (although it definitely will make the crane usable as a static 'tripod').
The great thing about the Bogen Manfrotto light clamp, is you can put it on any light stand (I used a Lowel DP4 kit stand) and then you can clamp one end of the crane to it while you safely add or subtract weights and balance the crane out. Very convenient. You can leave the top untightened when balancing, and wait until the crane "floats" out of the mount- like magic, you're balanced!
Also, it would be a good idea to sand bag both tripod and light stand during this process.
Note: the Bogen/Manfrotto Clamp shipped separately in my order from the main package delivery, so don't freak if it doesen't arrive on the same day (although mine did).
Overall opinion: An amazing crane, pretty easy one man setup.
Very solid, very well built. Extremely smooth, and I really like the solid Kessler Fluid head. I didn't think I'd need to pop the extra $200 bucks for it, but then was very glad I did after the Provista tripod snag. And I really wouldn't want to put all that wear and tear on a Bogen 501 or 503 head.
I will probably order the Bogen 525MVB or similiar sticks to use with this crane in the future. My Libec LS22 legs will be fine till then, but peace of mind would be better for myself and prospective clients I think with some more solid looking legs.
Extremely cool results, amateurs can get pro cinematic movement shots within minutes of use.
Definitely download the videos about the crane features from their website- it makes first time setup a lot easier than the basic instructions that come with the crane.
Notes to Kessler:
I would make the brake bar, quick release knob kit, bowl mount and padded bag a standard part of the basic crane kit- for the low price you are already retailing the crane for, these items could be added in with the appropriate bump up in price.
It would make the crane less confusing for people to order (quicker initial sales?) and everyone really should have these parts anyway if ordering your product. JMO of course.
Also, Brake bar twists somewhat under crane weight- seems like it may snap or buckle eventually... maybe a grade or two higher on the aluminum weight?
Also, the info videos on the crane are excellent- Maybe a good idea to retail or include a DVD of these with crane? Again, Just me.
:dankk2:
...Thank you KESSLER CRANE for timely shipment of my awesome KC-8 Crane! I totally love it, and will be ordering the 12 foot attachment soon!
Now where'd my dog and cat go? ....sigh.
Good actors are so hard to find these days.
