PS Technic Skater for dolly shots...?

[Abu Reno]

What do you think of the skater dolly for push and pull shots?

Can it compare to the JL Fisher dolly? I know they both have their pros and cons but was curious to know who used them and what they thought. I figure the skate would also be easier to use with a small crew as well. Of course it doesn't have the dolly up and down.

Skater Dolly Pros:
small
easy to transport
very smooth
........
Skater Dolly Cons:
expensive as hell
single direction once adjusted
(rocker) max 30º degrees up/down
........

JL Fisher Pros
very popular
........
JL Fisher Cons
need a big crew
rent only
........

I tried adding what I can come up with this late. Please add more so I can weigh my options. I'd like to see what you guys think. :beer:

 

[Abu Reno]

This topic must be on a higher level for these forums....

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

This topic must be on a higher level for these forums....

First of all, I doubt bumping your own thread with an insult is a great way to generate responses. But you've sure fired me up.

What do you think of the skater dolly for push and pull shots?

I think small, inexpensive dollies, under the right person and conditions can pull off very smooth shots. We have all used skateboard dollies and wheelchairs in the past with acceptable performance.

Can it compare to the JL Fisher dolly? I know they both have their pros and cons but was curious to know who used them and what they thought. I figure the skate would also be easier to use with a small crew as well. Of course it doesn't have the dolly up and down.

Skater Dolly Pros:
small
easy to transport
very smooth
........
Skater Dolly Cons:
expensive as hell
single direction once adjusted
(rocker) max 30º degrees up/down
........

JL Fisher Pros
very popular
........
JL Fisher Cons
need a big crew
rent only
........

First of all I think you are completely insane to try and compare these two products. One is the industry standard, while the other is a specialty dolly for rare and specific types of dolly shots.

Since you said, "the" skater dolly, I am assuming you mean the P+S Tecknik (as mentioned in the thread title). First of all, I am pretty sure the Skater Dolly is simply a tabletop dolly, not a full functioning dolly. If I am incorrect please tell me. Second of all, it is usually only used for the rare shots where other dollies cannot go. If you want to dolly through an air vent, then perhaps this would work for you. Otherwise, it offers zero benefits.

I just came off of a 35mm Panavision graduate thesis film, where I served as dolly grip with a JL Fisher 10.

The dolly is just about everything you could possibly want and more. It has three modes for moving, "Crab", "Rear", and "Roundy Round". Each moves the wheels in a different configuration creating complete control and possibilities for moving. Also, the Fisher head can "Boom" up and down. A term you failed to use properly earlier, describing it as "dolly up and down". The air pressured boom arm is incredibly smooth and it's speed can be adjusted depending on how far you rotate the handle. The fisher dolly can be used with it's standard wheels or may have track wheels drop down for shots on rough terrain, etc.

The Fisher dolly has dozens of configurations with seating, standing runners, etc. As incorrectly stated earlier, in your 'cons', the fisher dolly does not require a large crew. I could physically push the dolly with ease at all times. For a couple shots, I had to push the dolly at a quick pace, with the DP, camera Op, and 1st AC all riding onboard. I didn't even mention the 70 lb Panaflex G2 we were shooting on.

The only time I could have used a dolly 'crew' is if our floor had not been smooth, and we needed to lay track. Otherwise loading and unloading the dolly into the grip truck was the only time I used some fellow grips to spot me.

Yes the fisher is heavy, but the wieght helps reduce shake, and creates a healthy inertia, creating feathered starts and finishes. Fishers are reliable little tanks. They are well maintained (the reason you only rent them). I've been to the Fisher headquarters in Los Angeles, and have had a tour of the factory where they are made. Trust me, these dollies are nothing to mess with. They are robust, tough, reliable and well maintained. The reason they are industry standard or 'popular' as you put it isn't because it's dating the head cheerleader.

You pretty much just asked if a high hat ca n replace a [SIZE=-1]Sachtler tripod.[/SIZE]

Does that help? If I misunderstood the question you failed to ask it properly.

-ryan

(haha notice the bottom of a JL Fisher in the background)
VS

 

[Abu Reno]

Thanks for the detail description Ryan. Yes you've answered my questions. I've seen videos of the skater dolly on 8ft boards rolling back and fourth and was curious if it can handle such jobs. I've never really operated neither one but I have an idea how each operate and wanted to hear from someone who has.

I meant to say boom... I was up late writing this...