Top Handle?

heavyG

heavyG

Underwater Giraffe Member
So for everyone who has used the AF100---

I want to ask about the top handle and rig weight. I've heard stories (urban myths?) about previous cameras loaded down with lens adapters / rails / matte box / FF / monitor / etc then some poor camera op lifting from the top handle… Handle breaks, camera crashes. I have never witnessed it, only heard stories about "a friend of a friend", but I *can* imagine such a thing happening with an HVX.

I'm thinking some of us will be loading the AF100 in a similar manner, so:

-The handle is detachable? How sturdy are the studs holding it on? How sturdy is the plastic handle itself? What is the weight rating?

I know that holding any camera with one hand by the top handle is a no-no, but you know how it goes: 1st AD is screaming… You also sometimes have to just use the top handle for the initial 'lift' or the final 'rest'.

Over-thinking? Or perhaps maybe I just gave Zacuto an idea for a $700 AF100 'Zandle'? (I want 2 first batch prototypes to test by the way)
 
Good question. Reminds me of the VFGadgets handle that everyone flocked to because of the stories you mention.

image.php
 
I can't remember who manufactured it, but there was/is a top handle for VariCam, very sturdy, with drilled and tapped holes for mounting accessories. Great product and I'd be quite surprised if the we don't see a similar after market offering along these lines.

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo
 
I had no reservation lifting by the top handle when we had the AF100 rigged with a Zacuto baseplate, 50mm Compact Prime, Chrosziel matte box, follow focus, and Small HD. Of course I carried it with two hands out of habit 99% of the time, but I was pleasantly surprised with the top handles strength.

The handle slides into a cold shoe, and is then secured to the camera body via two screws (1/4 20 I believe)
 
Taylor Rudd said:
I had no reservation lifting by the top handle when we had the AF100 rigged with a Zacuto baseplate, 50mm Compact Prime, Chrosziel matte box, follow focus, and Small HD. Of course I carried it with two hands out of habit 99% of the time, but I was pleasantly surprised with the top handles strength.

The handle slides into a cold shoe, and is then secured to the camera body via two screws (1/4 20 I believe)
Click to expand...

Thank you, that's what I wanted to hear.
 
Leo, I think you are talking about this:

Handles_mainThumb.gif



Ticheli said:
I can't remember who manufactured it, but there was/is a top handle for VariCam, very sturdy, with drilled and tapped holes for mounting accessories. Great product and I'd be quite surprised if the we don't see a similar after market offering along these lines.

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo
Click to expand...
 
Yeah, I haven't had any concerns about the handle holding the weight; the camera weighs practically nothing, so even with it loaded down, the top handle seems adequate.

Mikko was bolting on a Steadicam low-mode bracket to the top handle, and he did express concern about bolting something to it too tightly, that he felt if he kept tightening the screws too much he thought the handle might crack or something. I'll let him clarify.

But yeah, I wouldn't try to carry the camera and tripod by just that handle! =:O
 
Barry_Green said:
But yeah, I wouldn't try to carry the camera and tripod by just that handle! =:O
Click to expand...

I've seen something like that happen, right before filling a 1600€ repair order with Panasonic.......the handle didn't break but the PA couldn't handle both items at the same time and they fell....that was the only time I wasn't taking care of the camera..... Now the camera is like new with a new lens great!!!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top