Miller SOLO DV legs, Alloy Vs. Carbon

NewYorkLion

NewYorkLion

Well-known member
Hey therem

anyone on here have the miller SOLO alloy legs? is there a great improvement with the carbon? Also, does anyone have these legs in a combo with the Sachler DV6?
 
I have the VJ carbons. I'm pretty sure carbon's stronger and lighter. Plus it looks cool :)
 
I'm not sure if carbon is stronger but I own the legs and I love them. They'll go as low as a high hat and also get your lens more than 6' up. Some people don't like the twist locks, I think they're fine and fast to use. Also, the rigidity of this tri-pod is unbeatable. I have it with a Cartoni Focus Head (big mistake). It deserves better. Look into the Panther X-15. Phenomenol build and great action.

Tim Naylor DP
www.timnaylor.com
 
that X-15 looks sweet. I ended up getting a sachtler DV8 for a steal, so i'm going to be using those sachtler legs for a bit before upgrading to the millers
 
I've got dv solo alloy legs, havent used the cf though so I cant compare. The alloy ones are light still, and definitely sturdy. I suppose besides weight they could dent and and the finish could scratch and corrode the aluminum. Though if you are taking care of your legs neither should be much concern. I went alloy just to save a few bucks, but if cash isnt an issue go for carbon, they do look cool and are a bit lighter.
 
Tim Naylor said:
I'm not sure if carbon is stronger but I own the legs and I love them. They'll go as low as a high hat and also get your lens more than 6' up. Some people don't like the twist locks, I think they're fine and fast to use. Also, the rigidity of this tri-pod is unbeatable. I have it with a Cartoni Focus Head (big mistake). It deserves better. Look into the Panther X-15. Phenomenol build and great action.

Tim Naylor DP
www.timnaylor.com
Click to expand...

what do you not like about the cartoni focus head? thanks. I've been coveting this tripod since I saw it at NAB. I've never been a great pan person, so maybe it wouldn't be an issue. but mnaybe I'm not a good panner because I haven't had anything better than a bogen 503?
 
Alexa said:
what do you not like about the cartoni focus head? thanks. I've been coveting this tripod since I saw it at NAB. I've never been a great pan person, so maybe it wouldn't be an issue. but mnaybe I'm not a good panner because I haven't had anything better than a bogen 503?
Click to expand...

personally, the thing that i dont like about the cartoni head is that the palte can slide right out the front of the head if you aren't careful.
 
(NOTE: I actually have the Solo VJ legs and NOT the DV legs. Wasn't paying attention to the "Solo DV" part.)

We've been using the Solo Carbon legs for almost a year now. Nothing short of outstanding. Everything about them works flawlessly and the weight savings when going down the river bed is a backsaver.

As for the Cartoni Focus, for me its been a great head for my HVX200. I've got nothing but silky smooth moves out of it since day 1. The quick release has been just fine for me.

But also consider the beefs that the previous posters have with the Focus. They may have additional equipment or another issue that makes this had not a good choice. For us the only complaint is that cartoni doesn't make a quick release plate that I can place on our jib and our steadicam. We haven't experienced the camera slipping off the head but considering that may be a possibility, maybe I need to switch to another quick release for all three items....

Anyways, on the Miller carbon legs they're a real winner. They're rated at 66 pounds, but they're supporting our Jib here in style. :)

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Have a super day!
 
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Re: Focus Head
For the money, you can't beat it. Perhaps the Vinten comes close. The problems I have with the focus are the following:
1) Flex where the arm attaches to the rosette. Rosette as well as housing are plastic which causes this flex. I like a more direct action.
2) Problem endemic with all small heads - not enough tilt friction. This becomes more of an issue with long lens work.
3) Could always use more pan friction as well - though not as bad as tilt

Compared to the Miller legs - it's a toy in terms of build quality.

If you've the cash I'd upgrade to the Cart Gamma or Panther X15
 
Hi:

I have the Solo DV carbon legs with the Sachtler DV-6SB head. Nothing but great things to say about them, especially when paired with a top of the line head like Sachtler or Panther.

They go really tall as well as really low to the ground, are sturdy and quick to setup. I like everything about them and have been extremely happy with them.

Best,

Dan
 
I have been rocking the solo dv legs since the dvx days and I love them. Have shot with them in salt water and fresh water and they have stayed rust free and smooth. I like the locking mechanisms and have recently upgraded to the sachtler dv8 head. it is a nice setup. i highly recommend the legs.
 
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