Ikan Shoulder Rig

[William Graydon]

Anyone have any experience with the Ikan Shoulder rig? It's on the cheaper side of the spectrum but looks promising.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...nt_System.html

[William Graydon]

Also, anyone use SHAPE shoulder rigs? Seem to be priced competitively and look good. Wondering if they are reliable though.

[James Sicignano]

I know this rig. Dont waste your time. Its not for the Red User Leve if you want long lasting quality

[James Sicignano]

The Problem with the Shape is its quality. Handles are cool with the thumb release but they do not lock properly. When you push or put enough pressure on the handles they skip out of the Rosettes and pop into the next set of teeth. I have tested the Shapes with many cameras and configurations. Pound for Pound the Elements Mantis is the Best Shoulder Rig on the Market today.

[William Graydon]

Thanks for the input James. I was really diggin the Shape Composite grip. Unfortunately I cannot spend $2k on a shoulder rig.

[Jean Bernard]

Try x under $1K: http://x.com/shoulder-rig-base

or Allstar Cine around $1k: http://allstar-cine.myweb.hinet.net/...ndle_Price.htm

[dradikan]

I'll have to second James on the quality of that stealth ENG rig. it's not worth the cost for what you are receiving--and probably not what you're looking for style-wise, though i have seen some modifications for ENG purposes where they took the shoulder support part and mounted it directly to the base of the scarlet x. the stealth ENG also has hella outdated ikan parts. there are new ones worth considering but lets take a look at the other proposed options:

the shape rigs are indeed cool, probably their coolest has been the rig for BMCC, though the solutions/camera ratio is still massive. few people enough have tested and reported them, IMO, for me to trust them just yet.

I would also question the quality (in-hand) of the chinese company which jean proposed. though not the cost of ebay goods, i'm concerned about the build and material quality for its cost--potentially unjustified? wish someone had already used these parts and could give a follow-up.

finally, with regards to other ikan rigs, consider these for the cost=
flyweight dslr (though works withg red scarlet b/c of baseplate)
OFLY offset
CINEFLY

the above rigs range from about $400 to $550, are rather quality made, and wont set you back too far. the CineFly also has arri-styled adjustable arms and is ready to support pro power mounts (though they can all do this in their modular form).

if you're looking for a more expensive, beefier rig, i'd suggest looking at tilta.

Hope that helps.

[Ned Wilson]

Ikan looks front heavy. Get something that has the pad under the camera body or use a shoulder pad (House of Power) and undersling your batteries off the rods in the rear (AB Matrix Mount or WC's Battery Slider). Keeps the CG low and weight off your arms. Then get a decent set of handles. My faves are: Wood-n Cam-ra's grips or Spider Grips. WC's are offset to the side which makes sense, since you hold the camera off to the side on one shoulder. Spider Grips have a cool pivot that allows to offset the handles. Both have 1/4 20 points for mounting a monitor. Another key item is to get your eyepiece way forward. I use WC's EVF mount but I've also used and love ET's EVF mount as well. Both are simple and easily get forward. Another thing about whatever rig your design, make sure it goes from studio to handheld in a matter of minutes or seconds. Many of the rigs folks seem to wax about I find over engineered and a POA to change over. Keep it simple. If it looks complicated wait until you're on set. An Epic isn't that heavy. It doesn't require anything crazy. The key is balance and low CG.

In all, you can put together a set of handles, battery rod mount, shoulder pad for 1500 or less.

Good Luck.