GH4 Suggestion needed for a shoulder rig

mdifilm

Well-known member
Hi all. I am currently shopping for a shoulder rig where the camera is actually either sits on top of your shoulder or a bit slightly in front of it. I would like to get with follow focus and matte box. Anyone has any suggestions? Is there any follow focus rig that is similar to the zacuto' s z-drive but that you can add a matte box?
 
Lanparte brand rig components are good of both worlds by means of not being too pricey but built nicely. Watch for the weight of elements that are farther from your shoulder (matte box, front handles, follow focus, heavy lens) because you loose the stability as your arms get more tired with that weight. If you can move the weight further back to your shoulder area (like a real broadcast camera) you will be fine. This means to push the camera further back (almost on the shoulder pad) and use a HDMI electronic view finder mounted on the top handle rods. Closer the lens to your body, less chance of shaky footage which I think is the primary goal of shoulder mounted setup. Also closer the setup is to your shoulder, you don't have to worry about unsteady situations to use your left hand (assuming you are right handed) to move between supporting the rig, follow focus, changing zoom, aperture, scratch your forehead, wipe your sweat, etc.).
 
I'm with arya44 - you'll save a bundle of money by building your own rig with decent quality components, and Lanparte are amongst the best out there of the far eastern manufacturers. Search ebay for 'dslr rig' to begin with.

my 02
 
Back
Top