What Rig do you Intend to Get

J

jrod81

Veteran
Hey guys,
I am really eyeing the Cavision rig here:
http://www.cavision.com/rods/dslrsets/dslrsets.htm
I feel I need the follow focus option (though I am kinda thinking buy the one without FF from Cavision and get a cheaper alternative of another FF like indifocus or something). I am just curious what other rigs people are going with or planning to go with. I know Zacuto is top notch, but honestly, I just can't afford it.
 
I used cavision rigs for my 35mm adapter rig, and I found the grips to be really lacking. They get stripped easily, and aren't the most durable. ALthough with a much much smaller camera like the 7D it won't be as bad.

I'm also not a fan of their shoulder pad at all, I had to do constant repair on it over the last year or so.
 
well i will agree with you on the shoulder issue. my letus extreme had the cavision grips and shoulder mount. i was fine with the grips but i never felt comfortable with the shoulder pad!
 
Actually one of the big reasons I'm getting a DSLR is the stealth aspects so I'm considering not getting a rig. I have a low profile DIY merlin and tripod and I'm kind of thinking thats all I need. I may rig up some kind of DIY shoulder harness but that's it.
 
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Monopod, shoulder straps, the less stuff the better. I started out crewing on 35mm shoots and and have long since got over any fashion with accessories, I rent the time it takes to 'build the camera' and move it around etc. I don't mind it so much on a soundstage but the beauty of this camera (for me) is be able to do high-quality location shooting without a truck'o'gear.
 
even cheaper!!! thanks man... by the way, i feel you and i have been all over this 7d section this weekend...
 
glad you're around...
that spider brace has a 10 pound weight limit... what do you think?
also in the FAQ section it says it cannot attach to a tripod but sometimes a quick release works...
 
The camera weighs two pounds. Most lenses that you're going to use will be around a pound or less. So what else would you be using that would add more than seven pounds? I've never used my Spiderbrace with a quick-release plate, so I wouldn't know how well (or with what models) it works. Sorry.

If you'd like some close-up images of the mount on the Spiderbrace, I can post some tomorrow.
 
I went with the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm, bought a used RedRock Folllow Focus & Gears from a fellow DVXuser. Also purchased a Manhattan LCD viewing monitor as well. Bought a Manfrotto tripod w/501 fluid head.

Its awesome because Tim over at indiSYSTEM let me know their coming soon with not only a MatteBox, which I'll be adding to my setup latter, but they also recently added a articulating arm setup to accompany the system, which he's sending with my package, I'll be a BETA tester for them.

Pics to come tomorrow, since FedEx says it'll be be then. Their usually here by 1pm Central Standard time, so I'll build the rig and post pics afterwards. So you guys can see their new setup.

The pics on their site haven't been update, he told me, because the new indiRAILSpro DSLRsm is different, Powder Coated and all.

Obviously this will all be assembled without my 7D, because BestBuy won't get it to me until the 15th, which I'm hoping is a conservative delivery date. I have a deadline for a project I'm in development for thats Nov. 11th and it would really suck to go from production->post and only have 30days.

But I'm up for the challenge.
 
jrod81 said:
what about follow focus... you guys not concerned with that?
Click to expand...

For me personally no, the tiny bit I would actually use a FF for wouldn't justify having to get rails and FF. I have read that focusing is controllable through the software on the computer and it might be interesting to see if that can be utilized (no stops or marks though). The AF on the lens is something I'm looking forward to also.

Again I love the low profile aspect to the DSLR's and want people to think I'm just taking stills. People get all uptight if your taking video and I'm a permit avoider. If my talent or crew has "Kiefer" issues then I don't need to be working with them.
 
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Anyone used a 7d/5d w/a steadicam merlin or equivalent?

I was watching this video - http://www.vimeo.com/6761588 - and the dude's done a simple mod that works well, it seems.

But I'd want to focus the thing.

AFAIK A follow focus would screw up the merlin's stabilisation, making it imposs. Is this true? Would it work with a whip or something?
 
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