Redrock M2 weight + HVX handle = ?

B

borax

Active member
Hi,

I just started using a HVX with a Redrock M2 adapter and a follow focus (without a shoulder mount) and am worried about the possiblity of breaking the handle. Does anyone know how to reinforce the handle to support the extra weight?

It would be great to continue holding the camera the way I normally do without the adapter.

If I need a shoulder mount which one would you suggest?

Thanks
 
I'm sure you're using rails, but are you asking if the integrated HVX handle is suitable for the combined weight of the adapter, lens, mattebox and iris rods?

The two screws that hold the handle to the top of the camera are pretty robust.

e
 
Ya, the handle will be pretty good because you get a SOLID grip on a majority of the handle, evenly distributing any stress put on it. People have reported it breaking when they mounted the camera using the top screws in the handle, but that really centers the stress on the handle to one particular point.

I do recommend a shoulder mount though, (even though ive never used one, my arms get TTTTIIIIRRREEEED! holding my HVX, M2, Follow Focus, Mattebox and Mic , even just for quick 20 second bursts)

Ive seen and read alot about other shoulder mounts, but im waiting for the hysonfilms.com shoulder mount before i make any decisions.
 
Using the HVX with an M2 handheld is a reel problem. I bought the DV rig pro,which seems to be the best solution beside getting a steadicam,and it helps a lot, especially with the weight, but it is still somewhat awkward. I think the best solution is to use it with a camera stabilizer such as the Steadicam Flyer, the Artemis DV , or a Gildcam. I am seriously thinking of taking the steadicam route as the DV rig pro is not working for me. I might actually sell mine, PM me if interested.

You shouldn't use the handle with so much weight on it.
 
Yeah,

I am also using the rods, and Yes I am wondering if the HVX handle can support all of the weight combined.

Even though the camera feels balanced to a certain degree, the weight is still a concern. We are talking about an almost 10,000 dollar camera system, and for it all to be supported by a slim plastic handle that is connected by 2 screws seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

The handle is secured to the camera only on one side, above the XLR inputs, which seems like its wea point. If it instead was secured equally on both sides of the camera it probably wouldn't be a problem.

Does anyone know of a handle that could attach to the rails and still allow you to operate the camera from waist level?

I realize that this may not be as practical as a shoulder mount but I still wonder if something like this exists.
 
im sure you can easily build something that maybe either goes beneath the baseplate , im not sure if the rails would be a good idea, applying all the upward force could in theory pull it out of alignment. (idunno) for now, i am peacefully but cautiously happy using the handle for limited uses.

you could get a velcro or other type of strap and wrap it around the top of the handle all the way underneath the camera and back up to act as another point of strength for the handle and the camera. that would do the trick
 
Cynic, I see your point!

Well I guess some kind of strap could be useful, but unfortunatly not a very elegant solution. Using the handle with care will just have to do.
 
Give it a few months, and a few broken HVX handles, and I am sure someone will come up with a cunk of metal that will cost $800+ for an elegant solution ... (Zacuto?,Redrock?) ... X)
 
I would be/am more concerned about the mounting plate under the HVX, all the weight of the rails, mattebox, M2, 35mm lens, and monitor - all held by a 3/8" screw... when you pick it all up by the HVX handle.
 
robot909 said:
I would be/am more concerned about the mounting plate under the HVX, all the weight of the rails, mattebox, M2, 35mm lens, and monitor - all held by a 3/8" screw... when you pick it all up by the HVX handle.
Click to expand...

The week point in the HVX200 Handle design is the two small screws in front fixing the handle to the main chassis.

Panasonic only uses 1/3 of the threadlenght in the main chassis.

Spending 50 Cent by replacing these 2 screws with 2 screws that are M4 x 10 mm with one washer under each head will significantly increase the strength of the handle. The design is very poor and indicate that Panasonic used a screw they already had lying around.

My 50 Cent worth tip that I learnt the hard way.

Lorentz
 
LIELD said:
The week point in the HVX200 Handle design is the two small screws in front fixing the handle to the main chassis.

Panasonic only uses 1/3 of the threadlenght in the main chassis.

Spending 50 Cent by replacing these 2 screws with 2 screws that are M4 x 10 mm with one washer under each head will significantly increase the strength of the handle. The design is very poor and indicate that Panasonic used a screw they already had lying around.

My 50 Cent worth tip that I learnt the hard way.

Lorentz
Click to expand...

GOt a picture of how it looks/how to do it?
 
Cynic821 said:
GOt a picture of how it looks/how to do it?
Click to expand...

No picture!

Just take a small Philips screwdriver and remove one of the two small screws holding the front of the handle down.

Retain the screw in a small plasticbag so you don't loose it.

Take a small needle or wire and probe the depth of the hole where the screw was. You will then see that the screw may be aprox 4 - 5 mm longer or 3/16".

Take the screw to a hardwarestore and they may have a new screw that is 10 mm long which is 1 mm too long. By puting 1 washer under the head the effective length will be reduced to the correct lenght,

The threads are M4 (Metric 4 mm)

Good luck!

Lorentz
 
thanks lield.

Im holding off on any shoulder mounts or other brace things until Hysonfilms.com comes out with their Shoulder Mount.
 
Cynic821 said:
thanks lield.

Im holding off on any shoulder mounts or other brace things until Hysonfilms.com comes out with their Shoulder Mount.
Click to expand...

Its my pleasure if I can save at leat one HVX user from having the unhappy experience of breaking the handle by spending 50Cent up front.

I was very surprised when it came off my camera and I realised how easy it could have been avoided.

Lorentz
 
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