Pocket Dolly Users, Do you use the crank?

S

Soymilk

Member
I'm looking into getting either the PB pocket dolly or just the reg traveller with no crank or belt. I was wondering if you guys out there actually use the crank? I can't imagine having smooth video using that crank. I'm really just interested in the drag system. Is the PB version worth the extra 600?
 
The crank by itself is a bit iffy. I have had better success wrapping twine around the groove on the cranker wheel and pulling on that. In the bigger picture, the entire cranker belt system was put there for motor actuation. If motor actuation is in your future, then you have your answer.

Also, they make a 2' version, and IMHO, you would find that too short, but your mileage may vary.

Grant
 
Main difference is the drag system, crank, and the ability to add a motorized unit later on. I just can't decide between going all out on the pb version or just winging it with the basic.
 
I have the pocket dolly V2.
If you are running a light camera configuration it's great.
But, if you are running a heavy camera configuration with heavy fluid head and all the shebang , I'd get the Cineslider.
 
i rarely use the crank but my son uses it all the time.

let me add to this...
if you plan on just putting the camera on and keeping it in one simple direction (with no panning while sliding) then...the crank is good and you can really pay attention and focus on keeping your dialing the crank very consistent. if you plan on "panning" a small amount or a big amount while sliding then...the crank is useless IMO. i find your better off just putting each hand left and right and do your slides and panning while cradling the bottom of the head for best results.

for me after having the PD & Hercules head for quite awhile now is less about the crank and more about how the Hercules head contributes to the creative choices and shear stability of the whole rig assuming you have a rock solid tripod. i have a Miller Solo VJ. to me the the crank ended up being the least interesting thing about this whole rig unless your really focusing on locked down slow as molasses type of slides...then it earns its keep.
 
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+3 with regard to using this with the hercules head and preferably the K-Pod. Used with the K-Pod and Hercules, you don't need extra support which opens up lots of possibilities you don't have when you need to support both ends of a slider. Of course the K-Pod becomes the basis for other parts of a camera movement system like cranes and dollies.

Grant


david_p said:
i rarely use the crank but my son uses it all the time.

let me add to this...
if you plan on just putting the camera on and keeping it in one simple direction (with no panning while sliding) then...the crank is good and you can really pay attention and focus on keeping your dialing the crank very consistent. if you plan on "panning" a small amount or a big amount while sliding then...the crank is useless IMO. i find your better off just putting each hand left and right and do your slides and panning while cradling the bottom of the head for best results.

for me after having the PD & Hercules head for quite awhile now is less about the crank and more about how the Hercules head contributes to the creative choices and shear stability of the whole rig assuming you have a rock solid tripod. i have a Miller Solo VJ. to me the the crank ended up being the least interesting thing about this whole rig unless your really focusing on locked down slow as molasses type of slides...then it earns its keep.
Click to expand...
 
grant i think you bring up a good point about the K-Pod. i use my Miller Solo VJ and it works great for the PD but if i planned to get into the "crane" options then the K-Pod makes complete sense. i wouldnt trust my Miller to a very big crane. i already had my Miller sticks when i bought the PD and didnt really plan on getting a crane. over time though i am thinking more and more about a crane and will for sure go with the K-Pod as you suggest.

david
 
I am not a Kessler Fanboy, but I did own a yacht repair machine shop for a lot of years, and the Kessler stuff is well thought out and very well made. The K-Pod in particular is a real beast and could handle just about anything you could throw at it. The dolly wheels for the K-Pod are as well made as they possibly could be. They do build gear to a price point, so you can certainly buy more expensive (better) stuff, but for the price, he always seems to deliver good value for the mid-range market. A serious DIY person could do the same stuff, but the time factor would hardly pay.

Grant
 
Thanks guys.

Still not sure if I wanna get the basic pocket dolly or spring for the pb version. Can you add the oracle system to the v2 pocket dolly?
 
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