Yeah you put a 3 pound adapter/lens/matte box/filters on the front of a camera its gonna be front heavy. Do you have a solution for it cause I know your's is on the way. I had almost the same set up on my DVX with the original letus flip on a 503 no problem http://dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=42493&highlight=frankenrig
Letus Extreme rig photos
- Thread starter hennbot
- Start date
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Hi all:
As you can see from my rig pictures, I am using the Anton Bauer Elipsz somewhat as a counterweight at the rear. It really does help. The other thing I would suggest would be to use a Sachtler Speed Balance head. The entire camera mounting and plate mechanism slides about 6" forward or backward and that also really helps to balance out the rig. Even as long as my rig is, it balances perfectly and feels basically just like a nice big 2/3" HD camera.
Seeing all of these heavy and long Letus Extreme rigs on $150.00 Bogen heads makes me paranoid for you guys. I am on a location shoot in Florida right now and had to use the client's Bogen 501 head on this shoot (without the Letus, just the HVX and a matte box) and man, this head sucks. I can't imagine putting a $10,000.00 to $15,000.00 Letus rig on a Bogen head or at least a low-end Bogen head, it would tip forward so easily.
Be safe out there.
Dan
As you can see from my rig pictures, I am using the Anton Bauer Elipsz somewhat as a counterweight at the rear. It really does help. The other thing I would suggest would be to use a Sachtler Speed Balance head. The entire camera mounting and plate mechanism slides about 6" forward or backward and that also really helps to balance out the rig. Even as long as my rig is, it balances perfectly and feels basically just like a nice big 2/3" HD camera.
Seeing all of these heavy and long Letus Extreme rigs on $150.00 Bogen heads makes me paranoid for you guys. I am on a location shoot in Florida right now and had to use the client's Bogen 501 head on this shoot (without the Letus, just the HVX and a matte box) and man, this head sucks. I can't imagine putting a $10,000.00 to $15,000.00 Letus rig on a Bogen head or at least a low-end Bogen head, it would tip forward so easily.
Be safe out there.
Dan
MarcMalkowski
Active member
how'd you mount the Elipz thing to your rods?!?!?
PaPa
Major Contributor
well, I'm using the Canon XH A1 along with the letus extreme, and even with my lightest lens, 50mm, my 503 HDV head stills tilts forwards on the tightest settings ( without the tilt lock engaged ). As far as i am concerned this is a fantastic head, so users like myself would need to rebalance the horizontal balance by sliding the quick release plate further down the camera's lens as opposed to having it where the normal camera mount hole is.
The sgpro rod system and the brevis rod system have places to mount plates on their rods which can be moved along them so you get better balance.
Tim Naylor
Veteran
I'm going for the Z Riser. I know it's pricey but there's no way I can deal with a camera riding so high as I've seen in all the rigs posted here. Having your camera 2 inches above the baseplate just doesn't seem sturdy or make for great handling for handheld.
Also, I consider the LE a steal in terms of price so you gotta cough up somewhere. And as an owner of Zacuto stuff, I know it'll be around much longer than the rest of my gear and still work beautifully.
Can't say enough about their design and quality. I wish they'd venture into the world of follow focus's.
Tim Naylor -DP
www.timnaylor.com
Also, I consider the LE a steal in terms of price so you gotta cough up somewhere. And as an owner of Zacuto stuff, I know it'll be around much longer than the rest of my gear and still work beautifully.
Can't say enough about their design and quality. I wish they'd venture into the world of follow focus's.
Tim Naylor -DP
www.timnaylor.com
DeGrey
Well-known member
The new Letus35 rods will have a stand alone tripod base plate so the rig can be slid back and forth for balance. This should help with those front heavy issues.
http://www.letusdirect.com/images/misc/letus35-rods.jpg
http://www.letusdirect.com/images/misc/letus35-rods.jpg
Taylor Rudd
Veteran
Any price estimate on that system yet?
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Hi Marc:
I used a Cavision baseplate, not sure of the model number but it's the one that comes as a full camera mount, I just used the base. It is tapped with 3/8" and 1/4" 20 holes so it worked perfectly. About $100.00, I think?
Best,
Dan
I used a Cavision baseplate, not sure of the model number but it's the one that comes as a full camera mount, I just used the base. It is tapped with 3/8" and 1/4" 20 holes so it worked perfectly. About $100.00, I think?
Best,
Dan
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Hi Adam:
No, aimed more at the people mounting 20lb rigs on Bogen 501 heads. That head esentially has no counterbalance so it is very easy to walk away from a rig that heavy and long and have it literally tip over when it clunks down hard.
I am using an $1,800.00 Sachtler head and it barely handles a 20lb rig so seeing all of these people with a consideable investment in an HVX, Letus, lenses, follow focus and matte box hanging off of $150.00 POS head makes no sense to me at all.
I think I have messed around with a 516 and it was okay.
Dan
No, aimed more at the people mounting 20lb rigs on Bogen 501 heads. That head esentially has no counterbalance so it is very easy to walk away from a rig that heavy and long and have it literally tip over when it clunks down hard.
I am using an $1,800.00 Sachtler head and it barely handles a 20lb rig so seeing all of these people with a consideable investment in an HVX, Letus, lenses, follow focus and matte box hanging off of $150.00 POS head makes no sense to me at all.
I think I have messed around with a 516 and it was okay.
Dan
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Hi Tim:
I agree with you that the Zacuto stuff is the best stuff out there. It looks like really well crafted, almost over engineered stuff. Unfortunately, some of us can only afford a Camry, not the Mercedes. I don't think having the HVX riding that high will be that much of an issue on tripod or jib. As long as he unit overall is balanced, I don't think it's a big deal. For handheld/Steadicam, I agree with you though, the center of gravity is too high.
Let us know how your Z Riser works out, I may still buy one at some point. For now, the Cavision seems to be okay. I am mainly shooting on tripod so for me, it's all good.
Best,
Dan
I agree with you that the Zacuto stuff is the best stuff out there. It looks like really well crafted, almost over engineered stuff. Unfortunately, some of us can only afford a Camry, not the Mercedes. I don't think having the HVX riding that high will be that much of an issue on tripod or jib. As long as he unit overall is balanced, I don't think it's a big deal. For handheld/Steadicam, I agree with you though, the center of gravity is too high.
Let us know how your Z Riser works out, I may still buy one at some point. For now, the Cavision seems to be okay. I am mainly shooting on tripod so for me, it's all good.
Best,
Dan
Tim Naylor
Veteran
What can I say, after investing in an HVX, FF, Mattebox, Letus, Lenses, Tripod, Cases, etc. I can't cheap out on something that effects performance so directly like a baseplate/rods sysyem. The whole adaptor/lens idea is inherently not a stable set up and has flex. So the baseplate / rods system and its rigidity is critical, esp with long lens work. But it must also be a snap to put together. Certain gear costs more up front but pays for itself. ie) the 1-1.5mm play in a Redrock FF compared to the less then .5 in a Chroziel is the difference between a noticeable change in focus direction(unuseable) and one that's invisible. A second take because of a jiggle or bump adds up.
The Zacuto price is bite in my wallet but so is a good piece of glass. But things like baseplates/mounting hardware will be around after I've gone through three different cameras and 35mm adaptors are a thing of the past. I shoot constantly and I can't help but shudder when I add up the losses on set do to equipment failures from mics shorting out, to p2 cards not downloading to tripod rosettes stripping, to Matteboxes losing screws, etc. I feel the Zacuto gear isn't pricey the way a Rolls Royce is. I feel it's really designed by people who shoot and use the gear day in and day out. I feel many of the Adaptors out there and their accessories are designed by tinkerers who in the thereotical headspace often design things that just don't function or last in real set conditions. You know, like the guys who design remote controls that can do everything but really don't channel surf or watch that much TV.
It's like the previous post. Everyone's so anxious to shoot they'll hang their 15 g set up off a two dollar Bogen. Camera movement is as critical as optics. From the tripod, head, baseplate, camera, to lens, the whole chain must be rock solid for critical work. And the Hi Boy set ups compromise stability and increase the leverage on your tilts, necessitating an even heavier head to make it work right.
The Zacuto price is bite in my wallet but so is a good piece of glass. But things like baseplates/mounting hardware will be around after I've gone through three different cameras and 35mm adaptors are a thing of the past. I shoot constantly and I can't help but shudder when I add up the losses on set do to equipment failures from mics shorting out, to p2 cards not downloading to tripod rosettes stripping, to Matteboxes losing screws, etc. I feel the Zacuto gear isn't pricey the way a Rolls Royce is. I feel it's really designed by people who shoot and use the gear day in and day out. I feel many of the Adaptors out there and their accessories are designed by tinkerers who in the thereotical headspace often design things that just don't function or last in real set conditions. You know, like the guys who design remote controls that can do everything but really don't channel surf or watch that much TV.
It's like the previous post. Everyone's so anxious to shoot they'll hang their 15 g set up off a two dollar Bogen. Camera movement is as critical as optics. From the tripod, head, baseplate, camera, to lens, the whole chain must be rock solid for critical work. And the Hi Boy set ups compromise stability and increase the leverage on your tilts, necessitating an even heavier head to make it work right.
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Not everyone can afford to outright spend thousands of dollars on sticks. Like Ryan, some of our users let the productions rent and shouldn't be passively accosted because of "choices" they make; in the end, everyone's allowed to choose how they work.
You're fortunate enough to be able to purchase your gear outright. A lot of people appreciate your insight on top-of-the-line gear, and I see some people've taken your advice and invested in great stuff.
That said, let's not run it into the ground that you think everyone should be like that. I think you've made your point in several threads, and we don't want to discourage members from working with the best they can afford.
All due respect, Tim. Your input is always greatly appreciated, as I said.
You're fortunate enough to be able to purchase your gear outright. A lot of people appreciate your insight on top-of-the-line gear, and I see some people've taken your advice and invested in great stuff.
That said, let's not run it into the ground that you think everyone should be like that. I think you've made your point in several threads, and we don't want to discourage members from working with the best they can afford.
All due respect, Tim. Your input is always greatly appreciated, as I said.
Tim Naylor
Veteran
Didn't know folks were so sensitive here. Lighten up, no one's accosting anyone. I just see pics with over 10 to 15g of gear, mounted on rickety platforms on cheap sticks. With that kind of investment, I think some folks can afford better, but may have their priorities a little skewed. Sorry if you find my insights discouraging. I hope in all honesty that one of the low cost makers get the hint and desgin something better. Why can't Cavision, Letus, Indie, etc design a low cost equivalent of Z Riser? It's not rocket science machining. But it makes alot more sense than the platform approach.
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puredrifting
Major Contributor
Cinebuddy:
Just to clarify, I am basing my posts strictly on using the Bogen 501. I was shooting BTS on a tv series in Florida this week with an HVX and a Bracket 1 wireless bracket. I did not want to fly with my expensive Sachtler so I used the client's 501. With that head, there is no counterbalance mechanism, just a drag control. Even with the just the HVX and two wireless mic receivers on the Bracket 1, a couple of times, in the heat of the moment, I forgot to lock down the head and walked away to do something. I watched from a distance as the 501 head almost let the camera tip over with just a few extra pounds from the wireless receivers. My remarks were more along the lines of safety. If I would have had my Letus, follow focus and matte box on that head, it would have tipped over completely damaging who knows what.
My remarks were made more in the interests of safety and possibly destroying equipment than from elitism. I don't feel that a 35mm adaptor rig should be used on any tripod without a healthy counterbalance mechanism and if the rig is within the specified weight range from the manufacturer. The balance point and center of gravity with our 35mm adapter setups will almost always be way off since we are all hanging various weight objects off of our rigs at different angles, heights and weight distributions. My main point is to be careful, your HVX and these packages are expensive toys.
Dan
Just to clarify, I am basing my posts strictly on using the Bogen 501. I was shooting BTS on a tv series in Florida this week with an HVX and a Bracket 1 wireless bracket. I did not want to fly with my expensive Sachtler so I used the client's 501. With that head, there is no counterbalance mechanism, just a drag control. Even with the just the HVX and two wireless mic receivers on the Bracket 1, a couple of times, in the heat of the moment, I forgot to lock down the head and walked away to do something. I watched from a distance as the 501 head almost let the camera tip over with just a few extra pounds from the wireless receivers. My remarks were more along the lines of safety. If I would have had my Letus, follow focus and matte box on that head, it would have tipped over completely damaging who knows what.
My remarks were made more in the interests of safety and possibly destroying equipment than from elitism. I don't feel that a 35mm adaptor rig should be used on any tripod without a healthy counterbalance mechanism and if the rig is within the specified weight range from the manufacturer. The balance point and center of gravity with our 35mm adapter setups will almost always be way off since we are all hanging various weight objects off of our rigs at different angles, heights and weight distributions. My main point is to be careful, your HVX and these packages are expensive toys.
Dan
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Its cool fellas, i'm not trying to start a flame war about this stuff at all. I've never had the pleasure of shooting with a Schatler head or anything above my 516. So I got defensive and assumed that it was being insinuated that I was being cheap. Trust me i'm not defending Bogen's quality or comparing it to higher end stuff, its just what i've had since my DVX. That's why after thinking about it I removed my post (it wasn't bad just pointless), I respect you guys opinions as you are working DP's and touch way more equipment than me and no you were'nt trying to bang on us.
