Vocas or Redrock rig for AF-100? Need advice.

T

tangierc

Member
For those of you who have experience with either, I am interested in purchasing either the Vocas shoulder mount rig or RedRock shoulder mount rig for the AF-100. I'll also need a Micro 4/3 to PL mount, follow focus, and the matte boxes from those brands.

Any advice, experience. One thing I noticed about the red rock is the shoulder pad has the base plate attached - very strange for adjusting on rails. Vocas seems nice, but I'ld like something that works for cinematic production, shoulder mount, and can be used for a DSLR well (our GH1s).

Thanks.
 
I apologize in advance, because I know this response may not be that helpful - but I've seen a lot of similar posts recently, so I wanted to chime in with this question:

Why do you feel that you have to by a "rig" with everything from the same vendor? Is it for the cost savings?

It's been my experience that no single vendor makes the best baseplate, follow focus, matte box, EVF, accessory plates, grips AND shoulder pad. Or even rods.

Why not assemble your rig from best-of-breed (or best price/performance) from different vendors?

I decided on the Hot Rod baseplate, Redrock FF Blue, OConnor matte box, Zacuto viewfinder, Berkey accessory plates and shoulder pad, rods from two different sources (and am looking at a variety of grips right now).

I could see if price was a significant issue, or timing was critical (i.e. you need everything in less than a week) - then you might need to get a package deal - but if budget is flexible and timing is reasonable, it's my opinion (and recommendation) that you buy "best of breed" of each item from different vendors.

But that's just my view, and YMMV...
 
Mattbox = Trusmt. I hear good things. I have a Redrock and it's fine, wish it was smaller sometimes tho.
M43 to PL = Ciecio7. It's inexpensive compared to other and I love it.
Follow Focus = Trusmt. I hear good things. I have a Redrock and it's ok.
Shoulder mount = If you can afford it, make something out of Berkey stuff. Berkey System stuff is top notch.
 
I actually agree with you and in general do prefer piecing things together. however time is short as well as budget, and for now I'd like to defer to a one brand until I get more experienced-based information with individual components.

Thanks though.
 
Which Redrock FF do you have? Is it the new BLUE?

(...'cause it's definitely WAY beyond "OK")

Brian@202020 said:
Mattbox = Trusmt. I hear good things. I have a Redrock and it's fine, wish it was smaller sometimes tho.
M43 to PL = Ciecio7. It's inexpensive compared to other and I love it.
Follow Focus = Trusmt. I hear good things. I have a Redrock and it's ok.
Shoulder mount = If you can afford it, make something out of Berkey stuff. Berkey System stuff is top notch.
Click to expand...
 
Whatever you do, buy an EVF. It allows you to put the camera body on your shoulder like a broadcast camera, and balance all the weight out correctly.

Im running the Zacuto EVF, Zacuto Universal Base Plate with 18" Element Technica rods (very strong) Vocas MB250 Mattebox, Shoot35 Follow Focus, Cheap Cavision grips (average) Zacuto Zwiss Plate w/AB mount and then whatever external recorder the production calls for.

I then have a piece of foam i velcro to the bottom of the Universal plate to make the day easier.

310845_10150319374682361_516312360_7966782_431427190_n.jpg
 
Hey Tangierc,

Take a look at some of the photos I snapped at the office, a few different form factors to fit whatever your liking may be. Also, all completely compatible with a DSLR by adding a DSLR Quick Release Baseplate.

LiveLens_mft_3340.jpgThis rig is ideal for if you're using an external monitor or EVF.
LiveLens_mft_3350.jpgLiveLens_mft_3357.jpgThese two rigs rig lets you utilize the built in EVFs with an offset shown below. The second rig is designed to be totally light weight, you rest one hand on the camera where we all keep thinking we can use the zoom rocker, and the other on the follow focus.
LiveLens_mft_3351.jpg

As for mounting the camera independently of the shoulder pad? Totally possible, just get a separate microShoulderPad Rod Clamp and move it wherever you'd like on the system. Also, don't forget anything with a shoulder pad can be attached to a tripod with our integrated in dovetail.

As for the follow focus, like Steve said, the microFollowFocus Blue is definitely "way beyond okay" and I can say with confidence it is by far my favorite product we've produced to date. Perfect for pulling your heavy PL glass.
 
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Loren Simons said:
Hey Tangierc,

Take a look at some of the photos I snapped at the office, a few different form factors to fit whatever your liking may be. Also, all completely compatible with a DSLR by adding a DSLR Quick Release Baseplate.

View attachment 40962This rig is ideal for if you're using an external monitor or EVF.
View attachment 40963View attachment 40965These two rigs rig lets you utilize the built in EVFs with an offset shown below. The second rig is designed to be totally light weight, you rest one hand on the camera where we all keep thinking we can use the zoom rocker, and the other on the follow focus.
View attachment 40964

As for mounting the camera independently of the shoulder pad? Totally possible, just get a separate microShoulderPad Rod Clamp and move it wherever you'd like on the system. Also, don't forget anything with a shoulder pad can be attached to a tripod with our integrated in dovetail.

As for the follow focus, like Steve said, the microFollowFocus Blue is definitely "way beyond okay" and I can say with confidence it is by far my favorite product we've produced to date. Perfect for pulling your heavy PL glass.
Click to expand...

I have a Sachtler tripod. Can I connect the quick release plate to the bottom of the RR shoulder pad? How do i attach my quick release plate to these systems?
 
Hey Jon,

Yes, you can attach any tripod plate to the bottom of the shoulder pad, it's got a 1/4-20 and 3/8ths screw holes on the bottom:
8-003-0023_3_lg.jpg
I highly suggest you attach both screws at the same time for a solid mounting.
 
Is there any way to adjust the distance between the two? Or are they at a set distance from each other? What I would do is pull out one of the 3/8ths and then use a 1/4-20 screw. It obviously wont thread into the tripod plate, but it should tighten down enough to bite both the plate and the shoulder pad. Feel free to bring your plate to a local reseller like EVS and ask to test it out. Or come see us at HDexpo Burbank in November.
 
Loren Simons said:
Hey Jon,

Yes, you can attach any tripod plate to the bottom of the shoulder pad, it's got a 1/4-20 and 3/8ths screw holes on the bottom:

I highly suggest you attach both screws at the same time for a solid mounting.
Click to expand...

ok i would also like to ask a question too:
i have that plate http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/microSupport-Bundles/microSupport-cheeseplate
with micro clamp attached - http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/microClamps/microClamp
do u have any other clams so i could use my cheeseplate vertically, not horizontally like i do now?

or maybe some one knows other brand product that i could attach to my cheeseplate?
 
also just a comment ... some one maybe will think i am wrong, but i am playing with redrock micro for some time now, and i think the HandGrips are too short to be useful. as it short u have to hold your hands high and as a result my shoulders getting tired very fast.... keep in mind that if your equipment is heavy u not only have to hold your hands high, but also push the weight up most of the time.....
 
Jackie-It's possible to mount natively onto a Bogen 516 without a plate, but as shown on the last page it has two mounting holes to attach any tripod plate to.

Anatusa-Contact support@redrockmicro.com and see if you can special order the piece on the microBalancePlus Upgrade that would do just that. Also, balancing your rig is super important. I know it's not always possible but with a combination of camera positioning and some good weight in the rear, I've been able to let go of my rig and have it stay where it is on my shoulder, that's the goal.

But here's a tip if you want your grips a little lower. See this screw?
handgrip_newclamp_lg.jpg
Loosen that screw with the correct sized allen key, slide the grip itself down a bit (I would make sure it's still got a good amount to bite on), and be sure to retighten. If that's not long enough, there are other options with a combination of some rods, but I find for the few people who have mentioned that, this is a good solution.
 
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