What Rig do you Intend to Get

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?

I have a DIY Merlin but I can tell you that any touching of the camera or something dangling like a FF cable would definitely screw with your balance. The only thing that could work is if there were a wireless USB that would allow connection to the EOS software on a computer and focus from there.
 
J. Odoms, please keep us updated with your experiences with the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm!! :)

So today I got the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm system, and first impressions were WOW.
I said that because it was a tad intimidating after opening the box and seeing several components but with no directions. It only took me about 20mins to figure out the assembly method, and away I went.

I gave a call over to the support line, and it's awesome to be able to get ahold of someone. Unlike RedRock, it took me 2weeks to get a response via email, and never once got ahold of someone on the line, so indisystems has that going for them. But I called just to make sure that I had assembled it correctly, which I had.

The system is quite sturdy, they have put new securing latches on all their gear, and they work well. They ratchet back and forth, so not only do they allow for the extra clearance when needed, but they also allow for an even tighter lock.

I haven't had the oppurtunity to field test it yet, since I hadn't got the 7D yet but will do in about a week or so.

My only concerns with the rig was with the prototype articulating arm. It is a PRototypic design son erfection isn't expected. But I will be sending some feedback to Tim, over the next 2weeks regarding it's securing process. It's alittle difficult to tighten the screws, which prevent the monitor from swaying on it's axis.

I know this is alot to visualize, so I'll be posting pics over the next few weeks as well. Just subscribe to the thread to stay updated.
 
Hi all,

I've just ordered today a Redrock micro rig (shoulder mount + follow focus + mattebox). Should receive it in 1 week hopefully. I will give you my feedback.

Jean-Michel
 
Great. I'm interested in run and gun style stuff where stability is key. So I need to be able to pull focus whilst maintaining a stable shot. Hence need a FFocus + something else to keep it stable (no shoulder mounts as need maximum agility). I'll be most interested to see how it all works out.
 
Anyone know which glidetrak is best for DSLRs?

(He says hoping people say the cheapest, but thinking they probably won't!)
 
Anyone know which glidetrak is best for DSLRs?

(He says hoping people say the cheapest, but thinking they probably won't!)

I own the original Glidetrack (standard, 1 meter) and it works great with the 7D. Alistair Brown is awesome to do business with- after ordering the unit I had it in my hands within two days... from England to Texas! He personally answers all your questions and makes a great compact product for indie shooters. Highly recommended.

Ash
www.iniosante.com
 
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.

Please-- post pics when your rig is all put together!
 
I bought a Redrock rig over the past summer, and it's awesome, except for one thing: It's really, really heavy, especially for a shoulder mount rig. I got the dslr field kit, which is the shoulder mount, follow focus, dslr mount, and support cage, and additionally, I got the mattebox. It's probably about 10 or 12 lbs before the camera and counterweight (which is a must for something that front heavy). All, in all, with the camera in there and the counterweight and an Ikan monitor mounted, it was probably at least 20lbs, which is ridiculous to use for very long (at least for me). It was nearly impossible to hold it one-handed while trying to pull focus myself. Since I recieved steel rods with my kit, it's possible that with their caron fiber rods, it'd be a lot more manageable.

However, I've since reduced the rig to the eyespy deluxe configuration, and while it's loads lighter, it's still a bit on the heavy side. That's great for steadiness--and it is very smooth shooting on there--but I won't be sure how long I could actually go for until I shoot my next narrative in a few weeks. For the price, they make quality stuff, and it feels completely solid and balanced, so for that, I'd recommend it. Plus, it does look pretty official.
 
So today I got the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm system, and first impressions were WOW.
I said that because it was a tad intimidating after opening the box and seeing several components but with no directions. It only took me about 20mins to figure out the assembly method, and away I went.

I gave a call over to the support line, and it's awesome to be able to get ahold of someone. Unlike RedRock, it took me 2weeks to get a response via email, and never once got ahold of someone on the line, so indisystems has that going for them. But I called just to make sure that I had assembled it correctly, which I had.

The system is quite sturdy, they have put new securing latches on all their gear, and they work well. They ratchet back and forth, so not only do they allow for the extra clearance when needed, but they also allow for an even tighter lock.

I haven't had the oppurtunity to field test it yet, since I hadn't got the 7D yet but will do in about a week or so.

My only concerns with the rig was with the prototype articulating arm. It is a PRototypic design son erfection isn't expected. But I will be sending some feedback to Tim, over the next 2weeks regarding it's securing process. It's alittle difficult to tighten the screws, which prevent the monitor from swaying on it's axis.

I know this is alot to visualize, so I'll be posting pics over the next few weeks as well. Just subscribe to the thread to stay updated.


Thanks for the update!! Love to see the pics. Got a few questions for ya:

1. Does the counter-balance on the back balance well with the 7D+lens?

2. Can a follow-focus be attached to the indiRAILSpro DSLRsm?

Thanks again!
 
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