C300: Second handle for Zacuto VCT setup

Eric Coughlin

Eric Coughlin

Veteran
I was working with the Zacuto VCT C300 Mark II setup, and it seemed to me the rig would be more stable if I had a second handle for my left hand to help stabilize it. Any suggestions? Maybe something like this: http://www.adorama.com/zczlshkv3s.html

It's discontinued on B&H and I think on Zacuto as well, and I'm guessing Adorama is just selling leftover stock. Is there a better option? Ideally something where you can adjust how far apart the two handles are from each other, as well as the length of the rods.

The grip relocator that came with the VCT setup seems a bit short, but if I add more rails, then the rail always becomes unscrewed which is bad. Any fix for this? Glue is one option, but that would solidify the size of the rails which is kind of a pain.
 
I have the tornado/z drive combo and really like it. Provides a nice stable gripping platform while also serving as a follow focus.

of course, like every Zacuto product it's expensive.

I have also used a cheap SmallRig handle and liked it.
 
Oconnor O Grips. I have two sets and I actually used to run a set on my VariCam with a thumb zoom/record control on the right one.
 
Not sure I want to spend $2k, and the O-grips had a few negative points on the B&H reviews. Are they really worth the price?
 
Z makes two products to relo the C control grip. You bought the short one for a shoulder rig? I use that on a chest rig. It sounds like all that is needed is the longer relocator and the triple-Z grip on the left side. Maybe I'm missing something here...

I will agree that adding a lower "riser" will potentially introduce more points of failure. If this would happen to my rig, I guess I'd reach for a little fan belt dressing and a very small shot where you think the rod will rest in the VCT.
 
Eric Coughlin said:
Not sure I want to spend $2k, and the O-grips had a few negative points on the B&H reviews. Are they really worth the price?
Click to expand...

I think that's for the big set, which is actually FOUR grips and their bridge(which is heavy and I don't particularly like). But you will still spend several hundred bucks on a single handle, which is all you may(or really) need. On my 300 when I'm shooting off-the-shoulder with still or cine lenses I have the Canon grip attached on a Wooden Camera Grip Relocator(my Arri died) on the right and use an adapter to attach a single handle to the left side of the (lightweight)bridge on the rails. I usually rotate the grip back towards the body/lens so that I can have added support for the camera and keep it near the lens for focus. I have also experimented with the Redrock remote focus system with the thumbwheel located on the grip. It works, but you're adding more stuff on the camera. A friend of mine runs a similar set-up(the red rock) all the time and really likes it.
 
A second on the Shape handles.....well built, survives in our rental dept. and we sell a fair amount.....

Jim Martin
EVSonline.com
 
control4userguy said:
Z makes two products to relo the C control grip. You bought the short one for a shoulder rig? I use that on a chest rig. It sounds like all that is needed is the longer relocator and the triple-Z grip on the left side. Maybe I'm missing something here...

I will agree that adding a lower "riser" will potentially introduce more points of failure. If this would happen to my rig, I guess I'd reach for a little fan belt dressing and a very small shot where you think the rod will rest in the VCT.
Click to expand...
This is what I have: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1244125-REG/canon_0635c020_eos_c100mk_ii_with.html

You have a link to the longer reloactor and triple-Z grip? I haven't been able to find it.
 
^I would but I've been having this bugger of problem whereby I can't hit BH Photo's website worth a damn. It started when I changed ISPs so I don't know what's going on. At any rate, all of the pre-made shoulder kits from Z, for the C series will come with the longer Z-ZGR3 on the right side. You then add the C control grip to make it about 8.5" long. On the right, the companion to that will be the Z-HG-ZW. Now, this is also a 4.5 rod and with the grip they supply, I would think it would also get you to 8.5 as well. The Z-MO-ZW2 is used to adjust up or down, in or out from there.

Since you have thousands in Z equipment already, why not stick there? I personally use RRM...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top