Which rig to buy????

zoom on the way. I need to make the decided which best way to mount the zoom.
The next thing is a follow focus maybe JBK CINEQUIPT unit is anyone using this follow focus
 
Working throught the camera settings. Installed the new firmware. I hope to shoot video soon, I can't wait. Can anyone tell me any good sites to shorten the learning Curve.
 
i strongly recommend the red rock stuff. i tried many others and even purchased a few different brands, but the red rock seems to make the most sense. don't buy a whole set, just do a la carte piece by piece as you figure out your needs. go to a store that carries the stuff and play with it.
 
This is the type of rig I have in mind.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250600327296

To custom it to my needs. To make shoulder rest and mount monitor on arm.

GRENCH said:
1. Cage system: $250.00 from CPM go to http://www.cpmfilmtools.com/DSLR_Camera_Rod_Kit_p/shoot_dslr.htm
2. Follow focus: Grandfathered in from my old red RedRock unit.
3. Handles & Shoulder pad: $120.00 go to http://www.indifocus.com
4. I had to custom add a slide plate for my camera so that I can easily detach it from the rig.
5. I forget where I purchased the Matt Box, but it was cheap. I customized it 2 years ago to fit on my M2 unit. It was laying around so I added it to this set up. Will be buying a swing away matt very soon though. But this 1 will do for the time being.
6. I also added a monitor mount to the handle bar for my ToteVision monitor. It works great!

I love it Hawk. It's versatile as hell. Once I came up with the configuration I needed everything seemed to flow. I have to warn you that initially when the cage system arrived I didn't have any way of connecting it to my tripod or camera. I had to customize my own base plate for it. Steve has assured me that they are working on that portion of the design. Wasn't hard for me to add it though. Still this is an issue that many people should be aware of. They may have already addressed it. Really cool guys at CPM.
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HandySLR

HandySLR

I'm kinda like the HandySLR rig, but I'm still waiting for some new users to give a detailed first-user review on it before committing my hard earned money. :cheesy:
 
I already had a Varizoom Media Rig for use with my HVX-200- I used it to shoot concerts and long form hand held stuff, and it was perfect; I really got used to it, and liked it alot... the stabilization pole is helpful because it is spring loaded, so it offers some resistance on downward shots, and some lift assistance on shots above.

I couldn't see a whole new investment in rigs, so I utilize this rig for the 5D as well... I just got a belly and rails from CPM, I attached a Manfrotto plate to the Varizoom plate (so I am now easy on easy off with my rails and 5D-the varizoom mount is somehwat clumsy) so far I LOVE it. There is a threaded mount point to utilize for a monitor, or mic, or whatever. Plus the rig is very stable, and is designed for more weight (counter weight on back) so it's painless to shoot with.

The one downside, which is true with nearly all of these setups (and painfully obvious), is that it's big.. not easy to get simple hand held run and gun with the camera on it - although it is easy enough to pull the camera off...

Overall I really like it, and like the shots I can get.. I've never used a specific DSLR rig though, so it's hard for me to compare....I just can't believe the cost of some of these setups... I will say that Steve at CPM is really helpful with ordering his gear ... he actually helped me order "off the menu" ala cart style.... I actually explained to him that I wanted to use my Varizoom rig and get some rails and things, and he went out of his way to get me in at the best value for the lowest price.
 
The "Captain Stubling" looks very nice.

Is it stable enough? I feel still need a 3rd support point, like Zacuto Target Shooter or add on a microBrace body pad.
But when i see the price..........243 for a stick with pad......
 
I would buy handyslr that looks like it can do a lot and it is very compact, not "that" expensive but then again you can spend a fortune on rigs. But thats what i would go with HandySLR
 
Choosing a rig

Do I have focus puller or need to reach the focus mysef?

Im a traveling light or can I add some mass ?

Will I use a monitor?

Will I use an LCDVF?

Am I left eyed ?

Do I have a long neck?

Will I be flying my sound recorder?

Will I be flying , 2 mics, 2 lav receivers a sound recorder, a monitor, and power system and maby a splitter of the video village and power M1 motors and a FF unit and some 4kg cineprimes

You have to answer these questions and choose you own rig

S
 
I have the CPM rig and can say I am VERY happy with it, I had an exisiting rig made up of RedRock Micro parts and a few ProAim bits, but the lack of a top handle was killing me, in my opinion this is hands down the best feature, being able to pick up the camera quickly and move is a godsend! That and Steve at CPM is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, he is so on the ball with this stuff, quick to respond and constantly developing new bits. Im just about to fly out to shoot the World Cup in South Africa, I wouldn't dream of doing it without the CPM rig its that simple.

http://www.vimeo.com/7306588
http://www.tdepost.com/blog/2010/4/26/shooting-at-a-mine-in-far-north-queensland.html
 
evanbutson said:
I have the CPM rig and can say I am VERY happy with it, I had an exisiting rig made up of RedRock Micro parts and a few ProAim bits, but the lack of a top handle was killing me, in my opinion this is hands down the best feature, being able to pick up the camera quickly and move is a godsend! That and Steve at CPM is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, he is so on the ball with this stuff, quick to respond and constantly developing new bits. Im just about to fly out to shoot the World Cup in South Africa, I wouldn't dream of doing it without the CPM rig its that simple.

http://www.vimeo.com/7306588
http://www.tdepost.com/blog/2010/4/26/shooting-at-a-mine-in-far-north-queensland.html
Click to expand...

I like CPM design too, very similar to Cinevate, but more compact.
My only concern is, is the unit heavy at all?
Any chance put up some pics to show us ur set up? Many thanks
 
Its actually way lighter than my first rig, thats carbon fibre for you, yet surprisingly strong, I still get goosbumps when I see the little 4 inch carbon fibre rods holding the entire shoulder support with no problems. I am just about to put together a new video showing the new rig, i just finished my swing away mattebox (basically used a rail block mounted on the side of the cage to give me another mounting option. As soon as I tidy it up (ie paint it) I will shoot, hopefully this weekend. In the meantime here are a couple of shots of the rig in use (I didnt have my LCDVF mount finished and I forgot to pack the nuns knickers for this shoot, but you get the idea)
 

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evanbutson said:
I will shoot, hopefully this weekend. In the meantime here are a couple of shots of the rig in use (I didnt have my LCDVF mount finished and I forgot to pack the nuns knickers for this shoot, but you get the idea)
Click to expand...

Very nice setup, thanks for the pics, evan.
Just found few more reviews on HandySLR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSC9L853yMU
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=13566&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=handySLR&start=90

Looks very nice, but need to be modified a bit, like the first guy did.
Also found a 10% off coupon code online: 9421a90943
I'm not sure if it's still working tho, would be good if anyone can report it back.

Looking forward to see your footage evan.
 
evanbutson said:
Its actually way lighter than my first rig, thats carbon fibre for you, yet surprisingly strong, I still get goosbumps when I see the little 4 inch carbon fibre rods holding the entire shoulder support with no problems. I am just about to put together a new video showing the new rig, i just finished my swing away mattebox (basically used a rail block mounted on the side of the cage to give me another mounting option. As soon as I tidy it up (ie paint it) I will shoot, hopefully this weekend. In the meantime here are a couple of shots of the rig in use (I didnt have my LCDVF mount finished and I forgot to pack the nuns knickers for this shoot, but you get the idea)
Click to expand...

You need a viewfinder young man!
 
mcgeedigital said:
You need a viewfinder young man!
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Really? I seem to use more monitor than viewfinder now a day, for most of the running gun shoot. Can really see the monitor once the camera it above or below your eye level.

I have a Cavision myself, thinking about adding on a top handle, CPM is on my top list now. damn it...it's a endlees journey
 
mcgeedigital said:
You need a viewfinder young man!
Click to expand...
I actually have a LCDVF, but I hadn't finished the custom mount for it, the magnets are useless, heres how it mounts now, that being said, in many situations I prefer the LCD screen the the LCDVF. Also I have a small 4 inch LCD screen that mounts on the hotshoe to give me ref when I am using the camera low angle etc. The LCDVF mount I have now allows me to easily remove the eyepice when I dont want it, the magnets are used for precise registration but the main weight is held by the bracket.
 

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taketu said:
Very nice setup, thanks for the pics, evan.
Just found few more reviews on HandySLR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSC9L853yMU
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=13566&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=handySLR&start=90

Looks very nice, but need to be modified a bit, like the first guy did.
Also found a 10% off coupon code online: 9421a90943
I'm not sure if it's still working tho, would be good if anyone can report it back.

Looking forward to see your footage evan.
Click to expand...

Interesting, although I was under the impression for what it cost that mount was made of alluminium, now that I know that it is made of plastic I am 100% sure it is way overpriced. I did like how he used the panny batteries to run the Marshall, I found some really nice Lithium batteries 12 volt on a weird website called DealExtreme. one of these runs my 4 inch LCD for about 6 hours.
 
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