Pro quality pistol grips for video cameras.

David G. Smith

David G. Smith

Steak Knife Member
I cut my teeth coming up shooting with pistol grip film cameras like the Canon 1014 XL-S Super 8 camera, the Beaulieu R16 and a Bolex H16 with pistol grip. I also briefly owned an Arri 35IIC with the pistol grip motor (I found it used from a local gear classifieds real cheap and flipped it for twice the money within two weeks to another buyer). I loved to go hand held with a pistol grip camera and, because of my physique, could hold it pretty steady. I shoot with a FS-100 and have wanted to set it up with a pistol grip. I got a cheap plastic pistol grip off of Amazon.com and I love the ergonomics. The pistol grip really changes the ergonomics of the FS-100 and I really like it. For me, it is a game changer for making the camera a real run and gun camera. The problem is that that cheap pistol grip off of Amazon.com is just that.... CHEAP. It does not tighten down fully and I have to constantly keep tightening it up. I was wondering if there are any heavy duty Pro quality pistol grips out there? I have searched all over and all I can find is other cheap plastic grips. Does anyone know of a high quality pistol grip that would fit a camera like the FS-100? Something all metal, or something cool like a wooden and metal pistol grip would be very cool. Anybody?




BTW, yeah, I know you can swivel the plastic "Handicam" grip on the FS-100 so that it points downward, like a pistol grip, but it is not the same as a grip underneath the camera.
 
Thanks fellas. I have book marked those links. My worry is that they all seem to be designed to be used with very light weight cameras, like Flips, GoPros and the like. The FS-100, with my go to 28-105mm f2.8-3.5 Vivitar Series 1 zoom is not exactly as light as a Flip or GoPro. I do like that the PNC video address the issue that I am having with the BARSKA grip that I have. I like the wide support. OldCorpse, do you have any experience with that outfit? Are they reliable?

Again, thanks fellas.
 
Yep, I have those grips, and I have bought a whole bunch of equipment from P&C - one of the guys behind P&C is the guy who runs cheesycam (Emm). Totally reliable company, and good quality stuff. I'm not connected to them in any way, except as a satisfied customer.
 
Model 1911. Colt. Superior grip. Has dovetail for mounting when slide is removed. Trigger is made to shoot straight.

Said with tongue in cheek. I just had to do it!

Grant
 
OldCorpse said:
http://www.photographyandcinema.com...nunchuck-rig-2-piston-grips-w-11-friction-arm
Click to expand...

I shot a run and gun thing for a doc I am working on for a few hours with the Barska pistol grip. I love using the FS-100 with a pistol grip. (I am using a Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm f2.8 to f3.5 zoom). I had issues with the Barska grip coming loose so I went ahead and bought one of the P&C wide base grips. It should be here Wednesday. I have a shoot next weekend and am looking forward to using that grip.
 
I've rigged up cameras all sorts of different ways over the years, but for some reason it took until tonight for me to ever attempt placing a pistol grip directly under the camera (in this particular case, a 5Diii). It just never seemed like it would work very well. However, coupled with a loupe, I am surprised by the stability I am getting and I am really enjoying this simple run-and-gun combination. It's a welcome break from my shoulder rig.

Thing is, I am running into the same problem as David above. I am looking for something more solid than the P&C option that he went with. I have a really nice arca-swiss plate under the camera from Really Right Stuff, and I'm hoping to find a pistol grip with a female-sided arca base at the top (locked together at two points or more to prevent twisting). Anyone know of anything like this?
 
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I currently own 4 different pistol grips ( P&C, Cinevate, HAGUE, and one unknown brand ) and the P&C is still my favorite of the bunch, mainly because of the ergonomics and the tight fit. I wish it was heavier built like my old Nikon metal-grip from the 90's. ( will definitely have to see if I can find that Nikon grip on eBay )
 
Made one with rods. (ignore the nex5n on top! :) )

This is actually a good way of using the FS100 now it is my Bcamera/Casual camera.

super8.jpg

S
 
@TheDingo
If (and when) I have a smaller camera again, that's the one I will go for. Thanks.

@morgan_moore
That is quite a rig. It never crossed my mind to try a pistol grip with the FS100. I feel like my hand would get tired clutching a 15mm rod like that though!
 
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