Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Register Log in
  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Cinematographer's handle. Ergonomics. Aesthetics. Wood.

I am thankful.




This is Apollo.







wirbc0.jpg




8vpteh.jpg




5e70ud.jpg




2cmwzd.jpg




nf2xd.jpg
 
The mount.
The fit.

2w7pijq.jpg


(mount shown just for illustrative purposes, screws and rosette fit will be different)
 
Nils Ruinet said:
Beautiful ! Do you know if you'll sell it, and at what price ?
Click to expand...

Thank you, Nils.

Yes. Not this one, though. :)
Price still to be defined.
 
Thank you guys.

I've used numerous cameras throughout the years, from consumer, prosumer, broadcast to cinema. That provided insight into the limitations and benefits of each segment.
I offered input, talked to developers, suggested new concepts and solutions, employed scrutiny within context, offered vision within purpose.

One area which varied greatly between all of them was ergonomics; not prioritized by many, yet noticeably or subliminally affecting the creative process. For manufacturers, the targeted markets for each product required focusing on a specific set of priorities. The point of connection between the Craftsmen and their tool at times being disregarded. In my perspective, that magical tool deserved something better at that special point of connection.

The feeling when one holds that tool, and chooses to capture moving imagery...has to be special. No industrial feel…like one is operating just another machine. From all the wooden handles I've seen, in my opinion none sufficiently covered all the factors, which a versatile motion imaging tool required.

I designed this handle especially for the purpose of motion imaging, with special attention to all the elements I perceived as necessary.
The ergonomics. The control. The aesthetics. The body material….and The Feel.

I am grateful for the ability to create this. It was not easy, but it was worth it.




Here is some insight about that point of connection, between the Human and The Tool, between the organic and the mechanical, between the Vision and the Creation.


Ergonomics

The design is based on the utmost care for ergonomics and hand anatomy.

Muscles, nerves, tendons, hand shape, wrist angle, finger position, finger relations, finger flexion, grip type and strength for camera operation.
The handle was not designed in a computer, it was shaped directly in contact with the hand, bit by bit. It seemed as done a dosen times.
It wasn’t. The hand had something to improve for itself. Then the eye chipped in.

Every inside curve has been shaped to adapt the handle to the most natural hand position possible for this purpose, providing the largest connecting surface, evenly distributed pressure and a very comfortable grip which requires the least energy and creates least possible amount of forces on skin, muscles, tendons, bones and nerves.

Control

Ergonomic approach of the handle was further optimized for its purpose, which is motion imaging.
This is not a carrying handle, this is a camera operating handle.

This shape allows optimal grip for any type of camera movement. Whether it's acceleration/deacceleration, moving up/down, pan, tilt or moving sideways, this handle stays put. With minimal effort and forces affecting the hand.

Rosette mount allows standard mounting abilities and optimal customization of the handle for a particular setup and any angle of the arm. The mount is also centered so that the camera inertia is balanced across the hand and camera is “felt” at the centre of the hand.

Aesthetics

A creative tool used for capturing visual aesthetics deserves a creative approach and aesthetics applied on itself. Period.

The basis of this aesthetic lies on ergonomics and optimal usability. The rest is a creative choice within the context.
Final design passed final approval by the hand.

Body

Wood is designed, made and nurtured by Nature.
It was fed by the Earth and the Sun. Took time to grow. For years it absorbed light.
Has warmth. Has unique organic patterns. Is inspiring. Is alive.

The Feel

The result of ergonomics, natural material and visual aesthetics is a unique feel.
This handle was designed with that feeling in mind.

Describing that unique and tactile feel is not an easy task and doing that would not give an objective impression.
What can be said objectively is that the visual impression alone fails to provide the full one...it has to be felt by the hand.
 
Update:

- The design and fit have been tested in a number of hands, different ages.

- Based on testing and feedback tweaks have been made to further improve the universal fit..

- In addition to universal fit related tweaks, the design and ergonomics have been even further improved and refined. Compared to a previous iteration, current offers even more secure grip and decreased muscle strain, while design features more harmony.

- Rosette mount improvements include more practical tightening and improved toughness.

- Production has been tested and in process of optimization.

- There is something else. :)
 
:)

Something...more subtle.
News and more info soon.
 
Thank you, guys. Much appreciated.

Barry, your example is one of the reasons I made changes to the first design. Curves under the palm and fingers are now more gradual and tweaked to allow handle's adaptability to more hand dimensions. After this fine tuning, once the bases of middle and third finger are positioned in their place, the rest of the hand just wraps around the handle.
I spent a lot of time finding the right balance.

Previous iteration, the one on the last pics, is more closer to broadcast lens grip (more open hand although not that much), with current one hand feels more "locked in". My friend first AC has smaller hands and with previous iteration his finger reach was borderline insufficient, now Apollo fits his hand nicely. Also, the grip now feels more secure. More secure as in whip-pans type of situation. Previous one is pretty secure as well, since the design makes the thumb lock the handle inside the palm, but with this it is even better. Plus, the thumb now sits deeper into the handle, closer to the pointing finger, making grip feel even more natural.

You can PM me and I can check your hand dimensions on the handle.

And yes...keeping the start/stop button in mind. Too early for any prognosis since there are too many variables at this point, but keeping options open. I advise no expectations.


Pics coming soon.
 
By far the sexiest handles out there! Nice work.
 
Few tidbits...

Wood: African Sapelli Mahogany.

Has a 3D/satin texture to it, the look changes depending on the angle you look at it. Interesting looking grain.
Pretty tough and resistant also. Used in instruments and yachts.




Pics taken with a phone.




wwm5i1.jpg
 
Looks great! Any chance of a holiday release date? I know what I want now... I've been good :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top