I'm already back from NAB. I was going to be there two days and cut it to one very long day. Here are my thoughts/discoveries.
Angenieux did in fact come out with a new lens--a 45-120 Optima standard (non-digital) @ $45,000mol. My source confirmed that this was not the lens he told me about. Angenieux, too, is having Japan sourcing problems. Look for a larger lens hopefully by Cinegear.
Fuginon. Busy booth. I can't understand why send a staff to the US who doesn't speak English. I was trying to get confirmation as to whether or not lens covered only 35, S35, 5K or what. Concept went way over their heads. Finally found a manager who confirmed that it is listed as S35. MY NYC contact says sales have been terrible. I was trying to get an idea as to why. (Other than price.)
Kessler Crane. Looks OK for budget oriented folks. Payload is only 20 lbs, so maybe an Epic set up and lens. As to the motor, a bit too much play for me. The lag time is a hair too soft to my liking. But price is right.
Dana Dolly. Couple of you guys wanted to see this booth. You've go to be kidding! If you want to impress your high school honey, this rig is for you. Big. Bold, no breaking and cheap. I'd be embarrased to be seen even close to this thing.
On a more positive note, consider: DC Slider. This rig was recommended by a Reduser several months ago. It's a combo slider/jib. Nice You Tube video. Impressed me. This unit is made in Poland of all places. Now exclusively distributed by Matthews. Price: $7,500. SHOW SPECIAL: $6,000. This unit has a payload of 25lbs, but Matthews says this is conservative. They've put a 50 lb unit on it with no problems. Unit is very smooth, very stable, has a motor accessory. Price includes several accessories plus case. NO. YOU CAN'T GET IT CHEAPER AT B&H, or so Matthews told me.
Zaxcom's new Nomad looks interesting. Comes in 4 to 12 lines, $3,500 to $6,500 with more bells and whistles than you may ever need (or figure out). They're following in the steps of Fuginon. Why have sales people who's idea of informtion is to listen to a pre-recored tape. Apparently only one sales person on site who takes real questions. Delivery in 2-4 months.
I like Cartoni. Their new Maxima head is my kind of product. It works well, goes from a payload of 0 to 86 pounds all in one unit, looks great. So this will take your Canon up to your RedOne decked out with an Angenieux 24-290, batteries, monitor and sound attachments with room for more.
Cartoni has finally come up with track wheels for their dollies. I have their two dolly systems and like both. This will give those who like the control of track a higher comfort zone.
Cmotion has a new product; Camin line. Instead of one or three lines, it now goes two and four (or 8 for 3D use). They now have a partnership with ARRI. No more Hardin motors. ARRI is now their motor of choice.
I'm not a big post guy, so I didn't spend much time in the South Building. Must say that the AJA, Blackmagic and other booths were very impressive. That's what happens when you have wide profit margins.
So let's hear from you. What info do you have to share? PLEASE. No Red comments in this thread
Angenieux did in fact come out with a new lens--a 45-120 Optima standard (non-digital) @ $45,000mol. My source confirmed that this was not the lens he told me about. Angenieux, too, is having Japan sourcing problems. Look for a larger lens hopefully by Cinegear.
Fuginon. Busy booth. I can't understand why send a staff to the US who doesn't speak English. I was trying to get confirmation as to whether or not lens covered only 35, S35, 5K or what. Concept went way over their heads. Finally found a manager who confirmed that it is listed as S35. MY NYC contact says sales have been terrible. I was trying to get an idea as to why. (Other than price.)
Kessler Crane. Looks OK for budget oriented folks. Payload is only 20 lbs, so maybe an Epic set up and lens. As to the motor, a bit too much play for me. The lag time is a hair too soft to my liking. But price is right.
Dana Dolly. Couple of you guys wanted to see this booth. You've go to be kidding! If you want to impress your high school honey, this rig is for you. Big. Bold, no breaking and cheap. I'd be embarrased to be seen even close to this thing.
On a more positive note, consider: DC Slider. This rig was recommended by a Reduser several months ago. It's a combo slider/jib. Nice You Tube video. Impressed me. This unit is made in Poland of all places. Now exclusively distributed by Matthews. Price: $7,500. SHOW SPECIAL: $6,000. This unit has a payload of 25lbs, but Matthews says this is conservative. They've put a 50 lb unit on it with no problems. Unit is very smooth, very stable, has a motor accessory. Price includes several accessories plus case. NO. YOU CAN'T GET IT CHEAPER AT B&H, or so Matthews told me.
Zaxcom's new Nomad looks interesting. Comes in 4 to 12 lines, $3,500 to $6,500 with more bells and whistles than you may ever need (or figure out). They're following in the steps of Fuginon. Why have sales people who's idea of informtion is to listen to a pre-recored tape. Apparently only one sales person on site who takes real questions. Delivery in 2-4 months.
I like Cartoni. Their new Maxima head is my kind of product. It works well, goes from a payload of 0 to 86 pounds all in one unit, looks great. So this will take your Canon up to your RedOne decked out with an Angenieux 24-290, batteries, monitor and sound attachments with room for more.
Cartoni has finally come up with track wheels for their dollies. I have their two dolly systems and like both. This will give those who like the control of track a higher comfort zone.
Cmotion has a new product; Camin line. Instead of one or three lines, it now goes two and four (or 8 for 3D use). They now have a partnership with ARRI. No more Hardin motors. ARRI is now their motor of choice.
I'm not a big post guy, so I didn't spend much time in the South Building. Must say that the AJA, Blackmagic and other booths were very impressive. That's what happens when you have wide profit margins.
So let's hear from you. What info do you have to share? PLEASE. No Red comments in this thread
