How to configure the clutch

[AndreasOberg]

I haven't been able to find a configuration of the Clutch that I'm happy with.
How have you guys configured it so it works with your Epic?

The problems I'm having
- its mega front heavy. I'm thinking about putting the Epic much further back on the Clutch. Having batteries in the back could maybe also work. I seen some having long rods go back and then they have batteries on them
- I'm also missing the Red Bomb so I have the might 9" not making things easier of course. One problem is that its simply too far back since its on the camera so some kind of arm could maybe make it better. Any suggestions for such an arm?
- The clutch is a bit big to transport, you really need to disassemble it to move it around.

- Should I look at other support solutions? I love the quickplate and the clutch is very nicely made.

Any thoughts would be helpful
/Andreas

 

[Phil Holland]

Inside my threads are many secrets of The CLUTCH!

The way I've been using it the most is in my "Mark VII" configuration. Which allows for the camera body to be placed on the shoulder via the DSMC Quick Release plate via a dovetail. Interestingly enough by using the dovetail you can adjust a bit of the counter balance back and forth until you're comfortable. The camera is indeed right next to your head once rigged up. When pulling focus either on my own or via AC without wireless I mount the follow focus on the "dumb side" (right side) and I can reach that easily. I can also access my DSMC Side Handle. If you don't use of those, the touch screen is always right in front of your face with this setup.

I use rail clamps for everything and you can see how and where I attach my 5.0" and even 9.0" touch on the front.

The idea was somewhat inspired by my old DIY "tripod shoulder rig" that I built out of spare bits:

Which I like as it's quick and easy to place the camera down on a cart or even the ground when necessary.

That rig also inspired a "hey, what if I just want to drop this on a tripod" concept:

So occasionally I rig my CLUTCH in the "Mark II" configuration:

In terms of traveling with the CLUTCH there's two ways to go about it. Fold it down or break it down. One trick several Redusers have shared is using latex paint and placing small drops on each side of a rosette so you know exactly where you had it rigged the last time you used it. Handy tip really. My Mark VII rig folds down nice and compact and I rarely dismantle it these days.

 

[Peter Majtan]

Hi Andreas. I am currently doing some experimenting with the GUNNER that solves most (if not all) of the issues you are having, while keeping the ergonomic quality of the Clutch and even improving its rigidity (I really don't like the ball-head handles...). Shouldn't be long...

:sifone: Peter

 

[AndreasOberg]

You are a treasure Phil!

Just so I understand. I also need to get a
- dovetail like this or do you have another one you recommend. Can you slide on the dovetail then? Trying to picture in my head
http://www.red.com/store/products/dovetail-mounting-plate-long-2
- I can't quite see what you attach the monitor. Is it one of these? Spinner Swat Rail Mount
http://www.red.com/store/products/spinner-camera-guiden
- And its connected just to a straight dogbone like this
http://www.red.com/store/products/dogbone-a-straight

Btw, when you have this setup can you still quickly put it on a tripod?

So I guess I need to buy those 3 items, anything else I would need?
And what I understand is that you put the DSMC Quick Release plate on top of the dovetail so that its now further back.

Very cool, looks brilliant.

/Andreas
(Looking forward to what you can come up with Peter!)

 

[Phil Holland]

Yep. That's the dovetail right there.

The dogbone A has one of these:
http://www.red.com/store/products/rosette-to-guide-adaptorn

And my monitors have the option via rails, accessory attachment brackets, and clamps to be attached vertically or horizontally depending on how I want to operate.

You could juse use an accessory attachment bracket there with a SWAT Rail on there.'

I have an additional 19mm rod bracket in there, but you won't need it if you don't want it.

 

[AndreasOberg]

I managed to use the smaller dovetail that is with the Clutch and it works quite well!
Its Very balanced with the Tokina 11-16 lens and a PagLink battery, actually it is a bit back heavy so far but with heavier lenses and matte box that wont be a problem.
A few problems I found so far
- If I use a smaller lens like Tokina 11 16 then the CFF1 follow focus has to be very far back, then it hits the base of the handles from the Clutch. Do you have any idea on how to address that? Many canon lenses are on the smaller side (sign, why can't I just have a Fujinon Cabrio)
- Haven't quite figured out how to connect the 9" screen. Will try to use accessory attachment points and more and see if I can do something similar to yours. Its colliding a bit with the Follow Focus wheel. One cool thing was that one handle could actually rest on my chest so I wouldn't have to hold a hand on it. Also the bloody Red cable is so short, maybe I need a shorter one.
- I'm also wondering if I use a focus puller do I need 2 screens? If I have the screen to the left then the focus wheel should probably be to the right to not collide, but then the person using the focus wheel wont see the screen. Maybe I should have a small screen for myself for framing and the big screen to the right where the focus wheel is.

Thanks for all the help!
/Andreas