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Complete Epic Kit Question

J

jared hoy

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Hey gang, im on the verge of purchaseing my first Red. Im going with the Epic M, and I was wondering if you could advise me on any equipment I've over looked, as far as support/handheld/tripod and such. Here is currently what i have slated:

Epic-M Package
Red Pro 18-85mm T2.9
The Clutch
Matte Box w/ Cage & Side Flags
Top/Bottom Flag (carbon Fiber)
Cartoni Focus HD Video Tripod Head
Vinten 3883-3 Tripod
DSMC quick release platform pack

question the first - Correct me if i'm wrong but the Epic Rails and whatnot are 19mm based? Is there a way to get it in to a 15mm rail system so that my current equipment will be able to be used?
question the second - are there any glaring holes in that equipment list to complete a package ((ignoring Red Rocket & Client Monitor such))

thank you for your thoughts/input!!
 
The two 19mm DSMC Universal Mounts that come with the QR Platform Pack are also available in 15mm. There's also a DSMC Modular Assault Plate with centered 15mm rod support that's designed for lightweight setups. There are other options as well. Take some time to look through the rail components section of the RED Store.

The titanium PL mount will probably hold that 18-85mm OK, but I would look into lens support to be on the safe side. You may want to look at expanding on your power options to include the Quad Battery Module, or brick solutions from either RED or a third party. If you're going to travel the airlines are no longer allowing batteries larger than 100Wh, so keep that in mind.
 
Are you planning (or do you have already) a lens for hand-held? The 18-85 is going to be a monster for H/H - so think about adding either a prime or light weight zoom.

Any reason you're going with the M rather than the X?
 
Stivan Widick said:
The two 19mm DSMC Universal Mounts that come with the QR Platform Pack are also available in 15mm. There's also a DSMC Modular Assault Plate with centered 15mm rod support that's designed for lightweight setups.
Click to expand...

There is no QR option for 15mm Studio. It is either 19mm Studio or 15mm Lightweight with the Assault Plate.
 
Andy White said:
Are you planning (or do you have already) a lens for hand-held? The 18-85 is going to be a monster for H/H - so think about adding either a prime or light weight zoom.

Any reason you're going with the M rather than the X?
Click to expand...

HH solution is prime rentals per client request. The M I simply because that's the package that was on the site - I'm still building the "hypothetical kit" until I'm happy with it before forking over my 80k
 
You're going to need:

- more power. If red volts, then a total of 8 with 2 quad chargers
- a lens support and support bridge for you 18-85mm. This will need to be 15 or 19mm. (go 19MM) Duclos and Optitek make some for the 18-85, and you can get a 19MM or 15mm bridge support from red. Then go to the hardware store to get the right screw for it :)
- I would have a lighter lens in your kit. Find a used 17-50MM
- follow focus? You can pull by hand but a follow focus makes it a ton easier
- you need filters, at least ND's. (2.1, 1.2, .6 as a min) plus a hot mirror or get your ND's with IR filtration
- Rods. I reco 19mm set-up. Red's carbon fiber are light and strong. 12 inch and 24 inch set should get you started. Be sure you get the right red release platform that's 19MM
- the cartoni focus HD is going to get a bit overloaded with the weight, mainly the counter balance. So get as lightweight with the accessories as possible.
- I would get an X with Red Armor vs. a M. The M is still shipping with old heat sink and that means a trip back to red. No fun.
 
Randall Brown said:
You're going to need:

- more power. If red volts, then a total of 8 with 2 quad chargers
- a lens support and support bridge for you 18-85mm. This will need to be 15 or 19mm. (go 19MM) Duclos and Optitek make some for the 18-85, and you can get a 19MM or 15mm bridge support from red. Then go to the hardware store to get the right screw for it :)
- I would have a lighter lens in your kit. Find a used 17-50MM
- follow focus? You can pull by hand but a follow focus makes it a ton easier
- you need filters, at least ND's. (2.1, 1.2, .6 as a min) plus a hot mirror or get your ND's with IR filtration
- Rods. I reco 19mm set-up. Red's carbon fiber are light and strong. 12 inch and 24 inch set should get you started. Be sure you get the right red release platform that's 19MM
- the cartoni focus HD is going to get a bit overloaded with the weight, mainly the counter balance. So get as lightweight with the accessories as possible.
- I would get an X with Red Armor vs. a M. The M is still shipping with old heat sink and that means a trip back to red. No fun.
Click to expand...

An excellent point about the fan (this the reasoning for my posts)
my desire to stay 15mm comes from the stockpile of 15mm eq I already own, matte/ff/erc I've got a complete filter set (4x5.6
 
Last edited:
Stivan Widick said:
If you're going to travel the airlines are no longer allowing batteries larger than 100Wh, so keep that in mind.
Click to expand...

Very good advice Stivan, although when I read your post about flying with batteries larger than 100Wh, I had to do a double take. (may have just been the wording)

I believe you can carry-on larger Wh batteries, but in limited number.

This thread has some great links and resources concerning TSA/DOT battery policies: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?69366-TSA-BATTERY-TRAVEL-RESTRICTIONS
 
Randall Brown said:
- I would get an X with Red Armor vs. a M. The M is still shipping with old heat sink and that means a trip back to red. No fun.
Click to expand...

You really think RED ARMOR is a MUST? Wondering what your reasoning might be.
 
We didn't even talk about SSD Mags yet. Seems like 64GB just doesn't cut it. I've been thinking about getting 2x 256GB. Think that should work fine for long remote shoots?

Chime on your thoughts here. Thanks.

Joseph Winchester said:
Don't forget the Red Station card reader for your SSD mags. It doesnt come with the kit...

Also if you want AC power, that has to be purchased separate too..
Click to expand...
 
If you don't need very long recording times, I don't think 256 GB are the best option. Even if they are much safer than hard disks, things can go wrong. Rather backup frequently, I'd always take a backup solution even to remote places.
 
I love it! this is why I ask questions! [[admittedly I come from a lighting background so my camera knowledge has some holes in it that im working on filling.]]
I dont plan on running many long recording times, i was thinking 8 of the 64gb Redmags.
Also, it has been recommended to me that I go with an ARRI dovetail setup.
 
Will Keir said:
We didn't even talk about SSD Mags yet. Seems like 64GB just doesn't cut it. I've been thinking about getting 2x 256GB. Think that should work fine for long remote shoots?

Chime on your thoughts here. Thanks.
Click to expand...

We got the M kit and it came with 4x 128gb cards. I personally prefer these cards to the 256gb anyways, so it worked out well. The 128gb seems to be a good balance between recording time (roughly 30-35mins, 5k WS at 6:1) and the speed of offload/backup/verify to a MBP on set. Hope that helps!
 
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