Shoulder Rig for AF-100

mcbob said:
re: builds-at-school... Depending what school you attend, everything you need (and more) is probably right in your engineering department, and possibly available for use by either you or a ME-major friend. College is really the richest possible place for access to specialized tools of every sort (mills, lathes, microscopes, cryo-treating, ultrasound, ad infinitum), and all it takes is a few phone calls. Consider how college film students will often do work for free or cheap to gain experience... the same can apply to engineers, and you might be able to work out a deal with a skilled person at your school to do everything from CAD renderings to actually manufacturing the thing, possibly even for less expensive than the Chinese can manage. Gain practical experience, discover something new, develop it, learn, revise, and maybe even market it... that's the point of college, isn't it?

Necessary tools for that thing include a clamp and/or vise grips, a hacksaw, a drill, a rat-tail file, 2-3 different size drill bits, 1/4-20 tap, and a soldering iron and butane torch (or gas oven range/ bunsen burner)... maybe $100 worth of tools total, if that, that are things you should really have around anyway.

My rig might be a smidge uglier than you'd prefer, but that's the beauty of DIY - you can make it look however you want. Heck, Olof's excellent shoulder mount and handle began as just DIY on a much much higher level.
...and last, regarding "looks," clients are far, far more likely to drop you because of shaky footage than ugly camera equipment.

Some opinions, for whatever they're worth.
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You know, you're right mcbob. And the more I look at my camera and take apart the handle and grip and kind of position it how I would want it if accessories were attached, I think olof's design really is solid. I think I can probably make something that will allow me to use the on camera evf too. I'm going to see what I can do before I go and purchase something expensive like the teh tilta. I'll post pics when I'm done, I have some ideas
 
ryangschultz said:
I do think I need a shoulder rig, especially for long shoots like weddings.
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I've never filmed a wedding, but do a lot of documentary. My question is how much of your filming will from the shoulder, vs all the other angles? A properly counterweighted rig is great for hours of shoulder work, but restrictive for other angles, or in confined space.

Before you invest in any rig you might consider a heavy-duty monopod with small fluid, or ball, head. The fatter Manfrottos are stiff enough, & quick to adjust.
 
To be honest, a lot of it unfortunately. My boss requires that we get very specific shots, I'm not a huge fan of the shooting style, but she's been doing it for 20 years and hey, it's money in my pocket. Most of the longer handheld stuff is done while floating around getting shots during cocktail hour, which is just groups of people talking, usually standing. Then dancing is the other long haul, we have to get shots small groups of people from about shoulder height, it's so boring, but like I said before. I do realize it can be limiting though, I'm still weighing my options, no pun intended :) I'll check out monopods, I don't think I'd want to use that for weddings though because I'd have to adjust it for different height people and different scenarios, that would be too stressful I think.
 
I now have a new system that can be seen here:
http://www.westsideav.com/SlideBracketKit/

I wrote about it here.
#1

I am still adding more parts to the kit.

_MG_0407.jpg

I do have a lot of it back from the anodizer and I am shipping units to early pre orders now.

Contact me if you need the kit in a hurry. Sharyn is working on setting up ordering on our webstore.
 
ryangschultz said:
Most of the longer handheld stuff is done while floating around getting shots during cocktail hour, which is just groups of people talking, usually standing. Then dancing is the other long haul, we have to get shots small groups of people from about shoulder height...
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"The client is always right", but still I'd opt for a lighter rig. I do lots of "floating" beauty shots, & much prefer a smaller setup too accomplish them. Heavy rigs discount much of what's great about the new small cameras, & I suggest you test before committing.
 
Yeah that's why I'm going to buy parts to build my own right now haha. I think I came up with a solution, similar to olofs. Will post pics
 
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olof said:
I now have a new system that can be seen here:
http://www.westsideav.com/SlideBracketKit/

I wrote about it here.
#1

I am still adding more parts to the kit.

View attachment 49861

I do have a lot of it back from the anodizer and I am shipping units to early pre orders now.

Contact me if you need the kit in a hurry. Sharyn is working on setting up ordering on our webstore.
Click to expand...

And thanks for the offer olof, looks like a great kit but I don't think I can afford it right now.
 
ryangschultz said:
And thanks for the offer olof, looks like a great kit but I don't think I can afford it right now.
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The biggest expense is the EVF, either Zakuto or SmallHD. My kit is only a couple hundred, in its simplest configuration.
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Here is the cost of the basic config:

11" rail $125.00
1 1/4" Camera plate (for quick release plate) $100.00
6" Straight back extension with bag for counterweight $125.00
Adjustable 3" wide shoulder pad $60.00
EVF Bracket $165.00
Total: $575.00
10% DVXuser discount (March and April) - ($57.50)

Your cost $517.50 plus shipping.

There is also this simpler kit with bag it is $305.00 minus the discount.
_MG_0570.jpg

It gets you started and works well using the LCD. Later you can add the other pieces. It uses the same rail and comes apart in seconds and is very comfortable as well.

Here it is on a Canon 305.
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You can also add the Side wing for $55.00 minus the discount, this allows you to use the built in EVF.
_MG_0326.jpg

And my handle rail system etc. can be added at any time.

All the pricing will be on our webstore soon.
 
Eric,
Are most of the parts of the Tilta rig metal or carbon fiber? Specifically the handgrip extensions. I was going to go with the Shoot35 rig, but I have to admit the Tilta looks interesting. I really like the way the camera is balanced over your shoulder.
 
The Tilta rig is all metal except for the body of the matte box, which is carbon fibre. The tilta rig is actually relatively heavy (compared to other DSLR rigs), especially once you attach the handgrips and the side rails and the top handle. Not to mention monitor. But once you put stuff on the rear rails and balance it well, it's great to use and very securely made. If you want to go for something lighter, look at Olof's new system.
 
Has anybody noticed that the height of the front bars are too low for standard 15mm accessories...i need another inch or so to use my mmb-1 rod mounted
 
Hey guys I've been debating whether to get a shoulder rig, when shooting handheld, are they really worth it? Is there usually a noticeable difference in quality ie camera shake? Or do people opt for shoulder rigs for just more comfort etc? In regards to the million follow focus gears and products too, do they all generally work with most lenses? I've got a voigtlander 25mm, lumix 7-14mm and a lumix 14-140mm. Soon plan on getting a zeiss 50mm and an olympus 12mm, would any one recommend follow focus systems for these types of lenses?
 
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