F55: New gear for my 55

Nate Weaver

Nate Weaver

Veteran
This could and should go somewhere else, but since you guys are the guys I gab with, here it is:

Elemack Cricket dolly.

A couple jobs back I realized it would be awful nice if I could roll around between setups like a job with a real dolly, but often the jobs I need something like that the most are the jobs that don't have the resources to go get a dolly from Fisher or Chapman (they're not expensive, but you need a PA and a van or truck doing pickups and drop-offs the day before and day after a job for it to happen, generally)

I spent all day cleaning it up, and am going to try to get most of it powder coated in the coming months...it looks good in pictures but on closer looks it's something I'd rather have spotless to be bringing on jobs...

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starcentral said:
Very nice. How much does it weigh, did you get wheel alignment sorted?
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Specs say 280lbs. I think it might be a little less, because I can pick up one end of it to spin it around without too much trouble. I mean, you have to be careful not to goof your back, but it seems to be a little lighter than picking up one end of a PeeWee at least.

I think I've figured that the wheels are already correctly aligned, save one wheel in crab mode because somebody took the chain off once and put it back together with the wheel one sprocket tooth off. Once I figure out how to break the chain (more of figuring out how to loosen the tension first), I'll be able to fix it.
 
Be careful with that little beast. At the rental house I used to work at, someone was trying to repair an old Elemack Spyder dolly and the seals suddenly burst and the damn thing exploded in his face. Huge mess and quite powerful. It was pure luck he wasn't maimed or killed.

They are wonderfully versatile on set though.
If you only want to be versatile around the set and not for actual dolly moves though, just get a Sachtler Hot Pod tripod and put it on a set of wheels. Someone was trying to sell one here about a month ago with almost no interest. I love mine.
 
I had some covers off today, and it was easy to see the pressurized parts of the hydraulic system. Based on how well the hydraulics are working vs. some of the abuse I'm seeing on other parts, I'm betting it's a pretty sturdy system compared to the Spyder. I've heard from 2 other Cricket owners that are telling me theirs are working wonderfully with zero maintenance on the hydraulics. Fingers crossed.

Also, most of the hydraulic parts are under cover on this thing so if they do let loose it will be contained. There's one single cylinder in the center of the column (and only one seal to go bad potentially) vs. the 3 on the Spyder.

I was originally shopping for a restored Spyder, but I'm happy this one popped up, seems I've saved myself some grief.
 
Hi Nate,
Curious where you sourced the Cricket. I've seen beat up Spyders for sale on the East coast, but almost never a Cricket.
Best
Karl
 
powervideo said:
BTW Nate, what is that handle and cheeseplate on top of your cam?
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Solid Camera. I love it. Incredibly functional, tons of config options.

starcentral said:
Nate any plans to get the corresponding jib arm? That would be sweet!
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If this experiment turns out to be useful, I'll eventually get an arm for it. I won't get an Elemack arm unless it's the Tipula, and even then for a good deal. Currently have my eye on the Cinevate arm, seems light and simple.


klk said:
Curious where you sourced the Cricket. I've seen beat up Spyders for sale on the East coast, but almost never a Cricket.
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I posted on Reduser looking for a Spyder, and Jeff Roberts here in Los Angeles (I've bought from him before) offered this up.

I contacted a lot of folks and all the usual suspects looking for either, it's hard to find either one when you're actually looking to buy. I feel a bit lucky that one showed up that was within my budget. Alan Gordon has a Cricket they'll sell, but they want around twice what I paid (and which is why it's been for sale for 5 years, I think)
 
What's the difference between operating a geared head versus a fluid head? I don't think I've ever actually seen a gear head in the wild, just on Panavision camera displays.
 
Grug said:
What's the difference between operating a geared head versus a fluid head? I don't think I've ever actually seen a gear head in the wild, just on Panavision camera displays.
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I'll give my opinion of having spent 5 days with it...the one I had has gone back to it's owner...

Well, I started typing something about the look that you get with it, but then I noticed you said "difference operating". I'm not sure what to say just getting into it, except it makes you think a bit more about what you're going for before you do it. Maybe when you've got years of time behind one it's much more like a fluid head in CPU cycles spent.

I like the deliberate feel moves get from it. You're not going to get that "hunting for a frame" vibe that a fluid head might subtly lend a shot. I'd like the skill and look to be in my repertoire, so I'm going to seek out as much time on one as I can manage. I'm trying to resist the urge to buy one so I can practice all I like.

Competent operation of it is going to feel economical, both axes going from A to B and probably not taking any last minute detours to catch unplanned movement, or at the very least not small detours.

[edit: You know who I'd like to hear weigh in on the wheels is Charles C., who I suspect is lurking. I haven't had the chance yet to bug him in person about my geared head follies]
 
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Cheers Nate, do they still get much love these days on productions Stateside? I haven't heard of anyone using them for shows down here in Oz.
 
Not a lot, no. But higher end remote heads often have wheels at the control end, and that's where I see it the most. Particularly on Technocranes.
 
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