SGblade questions

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DeadEyesSmiling

Well-known member
Hello,

I have an HPX-170 and am looking at getting an SGblade for it. There are a few things I'm wondering about how these two work together...

1) What are the different methods for locking the focus on the HPX so you don't accidentally bump it out of focus? I know you can switch the ring to control iris, but I don't want to mess with that either.

2) I read that there is a spacer needed on the SGblade for the HPX, how do I go about ordering that, I don't see it on the shoot35 site?

3) What is recommended for back up power for the SGblade? What does it come with, and what would be good to have for a full 10-15 hours worth of a production day?

Thanks so much to any and all that can lend some info and advice!

-DES
 
1) Gaffer's tape works really well and does not leave a residue. Or Zacuto makes a doo-dad called the Z-stop which basically serves as an elastic clip that pushes against the focusing ring to hold it in place. I have one. It works as advertised but is $$$.

I don't have an HVX so cannot answer the rest of your questions.
 
I'm with Bobonli on this one for focus.

As for power. It takes 2 AAA batteries. I shot an 18 hour day (yeah, REALLY LONG DAY FOR ME) and changed the batteries out once.

I bought a four pack of AAA rechargeable batteries with a charger from Walmart. Cheapest and most long term solution.
 
DeadEyesSmiling said:
Hello,

I have an HPX-170 and am looking at getting an SGblade for it. There are a few things I'm wondering about how these two work together...

1) What are the different methods for locking the focus on the HPX so you don't accidentally bump it out of focus? I know you can switch the ring to control iris, but I don't want to mess with that either.

2) I read that there is a spacer needed on the SGblade for the HPX, how do I go about ordering that, I don't see it on the shoot35 site?

3) What is recommended for back up power for the SGblade? What does it come with, and what would be good to have for a full 10-15 hours worth of a production day?

Thanks so much to any and all that can lend some info and advice!

-DES
Click to expand...

1. I use the focus lock on the hpx with my blade and it works perfectly. I have never had any issues with it. Works better than gaffers tape in my opinion.
2. You need the SG blade and non flip tube. It attaches directly to the hpx. It's right on the product page, can't miss it.
3. I always carry around a bunch of triple a's for my blade. I usually jot down how long the blade has been running and change batteries accordingly.
 
I've been running the blade on the slowest gg setting for six shoots, each has lasted longer than 3 hours. The light has yet to go off although my gg didn't start spinning the last few times I turned it on until I cranked up the juice (maybe the batteries are finally dying.

I've been pleasantly surprised by the long life. I figured they say 10 hours and you get 8. I might be going for a record 20. But again thats on the slowest revolution speed.

Don't know about the spacing for HPX.
 
The blade is the thing. Very well build and for a reasonable price.
The only thing I don't like is the fixation of the adapter ring from the camera to the achromat body.
IMO these screws are too small. Very large ones would be better, but that is just my opinion. A bayonet connection is what Iam looking for.
The power unit for the groundglass is definitely an improvement.
 
I had to update this.... I've filmed another three full days with the same batteries. I'm not in the mood to open'er up and check what kind I have in there but jeeze I must be going on 40-45 hours of use. 85% has been on the slowest spinning speed but that is awesome. 10 hours... pfffffffffffffffffffffff.

Can anybody back me up on this? How much battery life are you getting on the Blade?
 
Hehe.

Are you sure your glass is spinning? ;-)

I want to get a sgblade for my HPX171 too.

Do you have the flip or nonflip?
 
I've got the flip. So a quick update. I was shooting last night and the gg stopped spinning a few times at random. The light is still on so I'm guessing they're finally dying.

I bought my camera with 22 hrs on it and now there is about 100. About 60 of which have been with the SGBlade and same batteries.
 
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