Phillip Bloom Pocket Dolly

take2visualmedia

take2visualmedia

Well-known member
Anyone using the (Kessler) Phillip Bloom Pocket Dolly with the AF100? Strongly considering it but was looking for feedback. We have a traditional dolly/track setup but can be too time consuming to set up for some shoots. Sometimes all you need a little movement and it seems the Pocket Dolly would be perfect for this. They sell it in two sizes...any opinions?
 
I have a Pocket Dolly V2, non PB model. It works well for what it is, but there are times I wish I had bought the Cineslider instead, as it holds a larger load.
 
I own the pocket dolly V2 as well. i think its a great slider for the af100. you do have to keep a light rig, but the dolly is very portable compared to the cine slider.
 
David do you think the AF100 overwhelms the Pocket Dolly or are you using larger cameras.
 
Vultch said:
David do you think the AF100 overwhelms the Pocket Dolly or are you using larger cameras.
Click to expand...

I have two configurations I run with the AF100. A lightweight setup with the striped down AF100 on a 501 head mounted to a leveler, and then a single tripod in the center of the Pocket Dolly. This is great for working quickly on TV spots. Then I have my full rig with the camera built out on a Vinten 10lf head mounted to a 100mm high hat mount. This needs a tripod at each end of the Pocket Dolly for support.

It's when I use my fully built rig that I wish I had popped for the Cine Slider.
 
Just ordered a Digital Juice SlyderDolly as they arrived back in with a limited stock.
Still at reduced price. 6 now left...

Really solid looking bit of kit. Love the accessories. Great price.
 
That's the first I've heard. Do you have links?
It would go against their policy of telling it as it is, as they specifically make a point of it's quietness due to harmonics.
 
I recently got a SlyderDolly, and yes, it is noisy. It's not the track, its surface is perfectly smooth. What I hear are rotational vibrations that are likely due to imperfections in the roller and/or ball bearing surfaces. This thing glides smoothly, but it's metal-on-metal, which is never going to be quiet.
 
electricpig said:
How would you rate the whole thing in a quick review?
Click to expand...
The track and baseplate are well-designed, with lots of mounting points, no sharp edges, and easy access and handling with the large rectangular slots in the track. It's not too heavy and is a major step up from an Igus track. The friction brake is reliable and effective, but not really a precision drag control. There's no way you could ever calibrate it to a repeatable amount of drag.

The noise is a collection of repetitive rolling pulses that you can feel at many specific points in the linear travel, though it's not related to the track itself. It sounds as if the baseplate is mounted on miniature roller skates. I haven't seen the rolling noise to have any noticeable effect on video footage. I don't expect it would be a problem outdoors in the midst of environmental noise. Inside a quiet studio, it will be louder than any noise your camera makes, and I wouldn't use it on a sound stage.
 
Thankyou lpowell, very helpful.
Their video shows it on rollers, 8 of them so it can be hung upside down, or however you wish, which confirms your observation.
It's the versatility with a pair of C-Stands I find attractive.

But is it silky smooth, that's the key question, can you push it free and get a frictionless travel?

Are you pleased with your Slyder, and did it answer the questions you bought it for?
 
I bought two digital juice sliders, I'm sending them both back, very disappointing...
if
 
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