Building the PERFECT kit for the Red One

[Ghandi El-Chamaa]

For Filters I would suggest either an 80B or 1/4 B filter. Also, if you plan on getting the 5.65 x 5.65 filters for the MB-20 also get the 4x5 P sized step down trays. Its kind of an expense but you will feel tons better knowing that your 4x5 filters are not floating in the matte box.

Go with the ET base plate.

I don't really agree with the 19mm setup. Its extra weight and bulk that I don't feel is necessary. Especially as the cameras get smaller and we are able to fit them in tighter and tighter places, 15mm works just fine. 15mm is more flexible and will mount more accessories without having you pulling your hair out. At the very least I would suggest 19mm top rods and 15mm bottom rods if your super sold on the 19 mil setup.

If you choose to buy a 2060 HD head, make sure you request it to be film tuned. Trust me, I was so glad that someone told me to do this. It makes the counter balance sooo much nicer.

Go with the Mantis system for sure.

I will have to say that I have played with the gearnex and I will be honest. Im not impressed. Its cheap yes, but Ive never had one that I had issues with the pan gearing. Ive played with 3-4 of them now and every single time Im constantly fighting the gearing, on one of them I actually felt like I was grinding the gears on each other. Its a cool concept but one that ultimately I think does not work. Just my 2 cents.

Hey Eric thanks for the feedback - The 15mm system is definitely something I'm looking at - if it's good enough for Arri, it's good enough. The camera is also heavy enough.

I'd probably provide the filters myself anyway with regard to the varying filter sizes. If all else fails just throw on some gaffer tape....

2060hd vs Atlas 30 is a matter of peference at the moment - I like Ronford because they're based in the UK and I can drive over to them in half an hour if something goes wrong but again price (£1000 difference) balanced between how much can go wrong on a tripod to warrant seeing the manufacturer?

Gonna try the Mantis properly and then try out the Ronford moose bars. The Mantis is a nice piece of kit though.

The Gearnex gear head sounds not so good now, they used to make this type of heads in the 30's-40's and you could turn the wheels with one finger! I will definately try before I buy.

 

[Tim Whitcomb]

I will have to say that I have played with the gearnex and I will be honest. Im not impressed. Its cheap yes, but Ive never had one that I had issues with the pan gearing. Ive played with 3-4 of them now and every single time Im constantly fighting the gearing, on one of them I actually felt like I was grinding the gears on each other. Its a cool concept but one that ultimately I think does not work. Just my 2 cents.

Ive just received the latest and its butery smooth. There is a pretty elaborate cleaning and greasing required prior to use, but makes a HUGE difference.

Im also finding the more we use it, the better it gets as the gears will eventually mesh better with WEAR... they all start out a little janky when new.

We absolutely love the control of the Gearnex, especially for precise product pans and tilts at close range. Really hard to do with a Tripod and by hand.

I have to disagree with Erik, the Gearnex is an incredible value. Just need to know how to take care of it and "break it in" properly in our experience.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

as far as handheld goes.. I have the mantis.. its a great set up.. but I have been going with a shoulder pad and operating off the mattebox for most of my handheld work...
In fact, If your looking for a mantis, I might be able to help you out with mine..

 

[Justin McAleece]

whips.

whips.

Whips are one of the few things where there are some less expensive versions that I like as much or better than the Arri. The Red Rock ones work fine for me and they're way cheaper. Between having to have only one or all three for the same price, I would go with all 3 for sure.

 

[Tim Naylor]

re: Moose Bars. Buy directly from UK, you'll save a ton of money.

re: Baseplates
I got the old ET 15mm plate which I love. Hybrid came out a month later. It's a brilliant concept and their tooling is top notch.

re: Zacuto EVF
I dig it. As I stopped renting the camera outside my own use, then it's fine. As a regular rental, ET is the standard EVF holder.

re: whips
I have a Redrock whip which is great for the price but compared to a Chrosziel or Arri it has considerably more twist. Not much of an issue but for real precise close in focus work it could be.

re: MB
MMB-1 rocks. Ask Mitch at Abel about vertical trays and accepting circular pola. Get rings for 80mm clip on and 95mm or for whatever primes you plan to use.

re: Support
If you're using big Zooms such as an Optima or Anamorphics (Elite), you need the 2575. 2060 won't cut it. Over 90 % of my work is with primes. When I rent a zoom, I sub a 2575 to go with it.

re: Drives/Media
Big fan of cards as you back them up every 9 minutes instead of a couple hours. Reduces risk. Try 3 or 4 cards and a drive. There will be times where only the drive will do. I use action products drive mount - small and sturdy. I probably should use an ET shock mount, but I figure any situation that requires a shock mount, I'm using cards or subrenting a red flash. My drive failure in the past happened when downloading not shooting. Also, with cards, you're AC will wrap much earlier than with a drive.

re: Remote FF
I just used Arri on a feature and was blown away. Bartech is good for the price. Checked out an Origio and it seemed damn precise and the price is unbeatable. Huge backorder though. Haven't used on long term (feature, etc)

re: Zacuto/Rods/Etc
Every AC I work with hates Zacuto parts on rods because of the knobs. With smaller lenses, crowding becomes an issue and ratcheting solves this. You'll have to decide whether to go Studio 15mm or 19mm. I use Studio 15mm because I like the weight and bulk saving. When I need Zoom support, rental houses will throw in 19 base/rods often. 15mm is too flexible IMO for large zooms. I also recommend Arri steel rods for baseplate and top plate. Stiffer and grip better than aluminum. For coming out of 15mm mini Zacuto Aluminum work fine. I use Z mounts with 15mm studs on Red Arms for quick release / re-positioning of monitor or EVF. Also, ET or SIM breakout box is a must. Red's mini whatever's are trouble.

re: Battery
I use ET battery plate/ mount. More versatile in terms of mounting options than cradle. Often undersling it on bottom right rod to lower CG and add weight in rear for balance.

 

[Ghandi El-Chamaa]

Thanks guys for all the comments - I've just updated the 1st post.