Official "Pimp my Rig" Thread! GH1/GH13 Edition

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SANY0279.jpg



Actually, this is my GF's rig. She shoots commercials for local markets. She loves it because she can charge more because clients are impressed. She has since made some modifications so it doesn't look exactly like this today. This flic is a few months old.


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I wish there was someone in Austin, Tx who could help build a rig like that.

How much is invested in that setup? Where would one buy the parts?
 
I wish there was someone in Austin, Tx who could help build a rig like that.

How much is invested in that setup? Where would one buy the parts?

Building the rig is pretty easy since all you'll really need are some hex keys. I guess she's got about $650 to $700 invested now minus camera and lens. She started with a kit she got off ebay from India that cost a bit less than $500. I think it came from ProAim. Search for Rod Support on ebay in the camera section. Also google CineCity, or Zacuto (big $) or Redrock Micro. The follow focus is D|focus brand. Check out Jag35 too. You'll find something you like.

I have to emphasize that she did all the work herself.
 
yes that looks like a proaim mattebox I have the same or similar. That rig is not complex mine basically looks just like that minus the shoulder mount.
All it is is a mattebox which you can purchase here or on ebay, and a followfocus (the big knob) which you can purchase at the same places. Cheapest matteboxes go from about 200-400$, the cheapest followfocus about 200-400$ as well.
 
LOL, that seems to be the major advantage to using a complex matte box instead of a simple screw-on lens hood. There's even an article in FreshDV about making a good impression on a client even with a insignificant looking DSLR:

http://www.freshdv.com/2010/02/dress-like-a-pro.html

When she showed for a job with the tiny GH1 on a set of sticks some clients would give her a certain look that didn't inspire confidence. Now when she bids a job she confidently whips out a photo of the rig and says something like "...and we'll be shooting your project with the new, state of the art Panasonic ultra high definition camera. Really cutting edge equipment that has been used in some major feature films." Then she can price up because the customer expects to pay more for the "new, state of the art Panasonic ultra high definition camera." Because he wants his commercial to look good. And she actually told the truth.

The psychology behind selling stuff is strange. Sometimes you have to make a customer want to pay more for the same stuff he was already going to get so he'll be happy. Go figure...
 
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