Best Top Handle Solution?

[Marc Dunham]

I was wondering what you guys thought the "best" option was for a top handle. I would like to be able to mount the monitor on the top some how as well (either on the handle, or in front/behind). I'm really looking for the cheapest option, however I didn't use that word just because I'm open to different price ranges, and I also didn't want anything too cheap like cinecity or something of that vain haha.

I was looking at the RED Sliding top handle for Scarlet/Epic I've just never played with it so I didn't know if there was anything else I needed to mount that and the monitor.

 

[Jack Mosor]

Check cinecrew.net

 

[Björn Benckert]

I was wondering what you guys thought the "best" option was for a top handle. I would like to be able to mount the monitor on the top some how as well (either on the handle, or in front/behind). I'm really looking for the cheapest option, however I didn't use that word just because I'm open to different price ranges, and I also didn't want anything too cheap like cinecity or something of that vain haha.

I was looking at the RED Sliding top handle for Scarlet/Epic I've just never played with it so I didn't know if there was anything else I needed to mount that and the monitor.

The red top handle with a: http://www.red.com/store/products/rosette-to-guide-adaptorn
on the front of the handle.

and a: http://woodencamera.com/nato-clamp

on the monitor is really nice.

Then you can take of the handle and also mount the monitor on handle or directly on the rail that goes ontop of the camera (that comes with the handle)

 

[Trevor Meeks]

The RED Sliding top handle is the most functional and best solution that I've found. Like Bjorn said, you can configure it with the above mentioned components to increase functionality. It really is a great setup.

 

[stu aull]

I'm with Bjorn - this is fab combo...

Stu Aull
SX 199
Alaska

 

[Joe Ferralli]

http://www.reduser.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26338&d=1339539228
Works great

 

[Mike Garrick]

Agreed with above comments Ref the RED sliding top handle & wooden camera nato plate combo.

My only other suggestion. Which seems to be different to other configurations seen, is I mount my handle backwards so the end of the rubberised handle sits a couple of inches out & over the lens. For me this allows for easy "centering" when picking up the camera with different lens/battery configurations. It easier to move my hand up or down the handle than take the handle off rotate 180 degrees than re-attach.

 

[Tim Morten]

I'm partial to the Wooden top handle. I put a Cinelock on the front, into which I clip a cinearm, onto which I clip my LCD. The leather handle is durable and looks great, the cinelock makes for super quick setup, and the arm lets me have a lot of flexibility in where I position the LCD.

 

[Chris Jordan]

Listen, these all are great, and we have used all of them. BUT they get real slick with a sweaty hand. the Zacuto top handle is by far the BEST under any conditions. It does not get slick, and slides off a nato style mount. PLus has 15mm ends that are threaded on both ends.

 

[Marc Dunham]

See thats what I was missing, the nato rails, was kind of confused. I like that configuration a lot

 

[Justin Chin]

I pretty much do the bjorn combo. But instead of the red nato rails I use the wooden camera ones (because I like the spring loaded safety pins). But my configuration is a little more expensive because I have to use this (Rosette Adapter) to attach the wooden nato rail. The Red Rosette Adapter is a clean solution (but without the safety pins).

 

[Mike_C]

I use the red swat rail to hold the sliding handle and mount the display directly to the handle. I removed the rosette from the front of the handle and use a single screw as you can't use the 2 screws (holes 2 and 4 of the 5 holes in the monitor mount) because they are threaded, and the holes in the sliding handle are threaded, and the monitor wiggles a bit.

Not the most elegant, but cheap and works. (obviously the side handle is not required)

I will try to post a photo:

 

[Mike_C]

I use the red swat rail to hold the sliding handle and mount the display directly to the handle. I removed the rosette from the front of the handle and use a single screw as you can't use the 2 screws (holes 2 and 4 of the 5 holes in the monitor mount) because they are threaded, and the holes in the sliding handle are threaded, and the monitor wiggles a bit.

Not the most elegant, but cheap and works. (obviously the side handle is not required)

I will try to post a photo:

One additional followup. With the monitor locked to the handle, I can very quickly click off the handle and throw the camera in my lowe backpack. Again this is not a bulletproof pelican case but for popping around town etc I find it the most handy way to quickly set up, take some shots, then pack up.

 

[Les C.]

The red top handle with a: http://www.red.com/store/products/rosette-to-guide-adaptorn
on the front of the handle.

and a: http://woodencamera.com/nato-clamp

on the monitor is really nice.

Then you can take of the handle and also mount the monitor on handle or directly on the rail that goes ontop of the camera (that comes with the handle)

What would the ROSETTE-TO-SWAT RAIL ADAPTOR be typically used for?

 

[Justin Chin]

What would the ROSETTE-TO-SWAT RAIL ADAPTOR be typically used for?

Anything that can be attached to a Nato Clamp. Personally like the ability to slide items on the nato rail so I can balance the camera when holding the top handle.

 

[Trevor Meeks]

See thats what I was missing, the nato rails, was kind of confused. I like that configuration a lot

you just bolt a NATO rail to your camera, and the RED sliding handle slides on and locks down to the rail.