Requesting details of JimmyBox...

X

x002657

Well-known member
Searched this forum and the vendor web site, but can't find answers to specific questions. Would probably need the Large box for a wireless receiver(s). All input appreciated:

1) JimmyBox looks more like a frame than a box. Are any of the 6 sides closed?
2) If a frame, is it really sturdy enough to hold a wireless receiver? Is there any flex to it?
3) vendor site claims box innards are lined with velcro. Is velcro all that would hold the receiver in place? (Not a warm, fuzzy feeling about that).
4) vendor site shows box attached to various cams and tripod, but no photos showing how that's accomplished, specifically no photos of bottom of the box, or photos showing screw-setup for attaching box to cam. I have a Manfrotto 503 head. Does the QR plate connect to the bottom of the box? (It appears so). If so, how does the box attach to the bottom of the cam? And, is it a screw-and-pin setup, or screw only?
6) can multiple jimmyboxes be stacked?. e.g. 1 or 2 with wireless receiver(s), another with firestore/other equipment? (Maybe nNovia QC Deck? Not sure that would fit, but I can check the dimensions for that myself)?
7) is the extra handle of any real use? Seems it could get in the way of manual focusing/zooming.

Also looked at the BEC, but that looks like it could hinder removal of the battery from the HVX, or at least add some difficulty to changing batteries. Also, when used on right side of cam, does it hinder hand placement, operation, or allow enough room for say, firewire, USB, or zoom/iris/focus e.g. varizoom Rock or Stealth controller's?

Input from current/experienced users/owners welcome.

(I know I'm being picky, and very much appreciate your patience w/me).

Thanks,
x
 
I own the orig. Jimmy Box that is not open on the sides and thus heavier than current model. I think that is the main difference; I assume the top/bottom plates are solid panels . Top plate has a guide pin and a screw hole. Bottom plate has a screw hole to allow a screwdriver to reach camera screw. No QR camera plate. No frame flex whatsoever. Audio receiver lies flat in the box. A little velcro is all that is needed. Too much velcro impedes removal of receiver.
The handle is handy (heh) but is also removable when not needed. JImmy Box is built like a tank. The lighter weight should be appreciated; not sure what the actual difference is.
I might be will ing to part w/my orig. Box if you're interested.

chris
 
The bottom is closed, and they are very sturdy- no flex. The velcro works great, no worries. You can a full sized reciever in there like a Lectrosonics or two Senheiser Evolutions in it with them hanging over the edge just a bit. They are still very secure in the box. It doesn't strike me as being a good idea to stack them, especially on the bottom of a camera- too tall, and the leverage would trash the screw receptacle in the camera in short order.

These things rock, especially for use on the small cameras. The weight distribution is much improved over mounting them on the camera handle etc...

FWIW- You're not being picky at all. I think where and how, accessories are mounted on these small cameras can make all the difference in the world for operating them comfortably and easily.
 
Thanks so much for the input.

Thanks so much for the input.

Some things not totally clear to me, so some last questions (please forgive my denseness):

Nice to know the handle is handy ;) ...looked like it might be awkward to use.

Am considering the A-T 1800 dual receiver (needed for an upcoming shoot; hoping to pick that up this week). Gotta' double-check the dimensions to make sure it will fit in the box.

You describe the box top as having a pin. Is that pin spring-loaded or absolutely unmovable? (Though that's not likely to matter much).

Am confused by the "No QR camera plate" description. I've got this picture in my head that the QR plate I now have attached to the HVX bottom for use w/my 503 head would instead be attached to the box bottom, allowing quick setup/removal of both cam and box from the tripod as a single unit. Will I be able to do that, or will I need some new type of plate? (The vendor site isn't absolutely clear on that, and the photos don't make it explicit. It shows the box attached to an HVX, but no detailed photos of the screw/plate assembly. Though, again, maybe I'm just dense because the photos show a tripod plate I'm not familiar with).

I have to believe centering the weight is much easier with this box than with other braces/brackets/clamps.

Actually, I thought stacking boxes might be a good idea, as it would effectively add just a little more height (something I could have used on a recent shoot).

And thanks for the offer of the orig box. Normally, I might very well take the offer, but I have to use a credit card for this purchase and check the dimensions of the A-T 1800 receiver.

(BTW, found what I think is a great price on that: $ 1095 for 1 body pack w/lav, 1 receiver, and 1 plug-on, which is why I don't want to wait much longer to get it).

Thanks again for all your help.
x
 
Two of the boxes stacked would be unwieldy to put it lightly. Yes, your 503 plate will screw right into the bottom. The Jimmy box I am using has that very palte on the bottom. The pin is moveable, just screws into the camera like a tripod plate does.

The Jimmy box positions the additonal weight below and more or less centered on the camera. It has a stabilising effect on handheld work. This is much better than a bunch of weight on the handle or equally high up on the cam.

I've been using one attached to a Z1U ( not my camera) , a big improvement on the weight distribution over having two Senheiser recievers mounted on the handle and in the hot shoe respectively.
 
A big THANK YOU for your help.

A big THANK YOU for your help.

I think it'll be the jimmy box for me.

x
 
More than welcome ! You'll dig the jimmy Box. I'm going to get one for my own camera package ( HVX 200).

Take it easy.
 
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