Dana Dolly - Hi Hat?

[Linda Barzini]

I'm looking at getting a Dana Dolly. I see they came out with an octagon shaped hi-hat dolly too. I am using an O'Connor 1030DS 100mm tripod, so the base isn't too long, so it should be able to be used on a flat surface.

What is the benefit of the hi-hat dolly base? Why one or the other?

 

[Phil Holland]

I use a Dana Dolly a whole lot. Got to check out the hi-hat version at Cine Gear 2014 and i played with it for a bit.

The hi-hat version has a few interesting tricks. A few bolts removed and it's just a traditional hi-hat, which is useful. It's also easier to mount it upside down.

Personally the real practical allure of the hi-hat is when it comes to camera movement and operation. It gives you a few other places to securely grab the platform and get smooth moves. Also that can help out with just moving the camera and platform around in general.

One other thing, the added height helps when clearing the rails on forward and backward movements.

The added height didn't throw off the center of gravity much, which initially was a concern, but it seems to do the job just fine.

It's well built and Mike's got some fun things coming down the pipe soon for both Dana Dollies.

 

[Mike Garrick]

We use the the platform base ( original ) . With choice of head miller, satchler etc.

The hex plate one appears to be a lighter version for ease of packing etc. It also appears this been designed to avoid a small issue with the original version of the bowl "claw" hitting the cross struts of bracing for the rails with some heads namely manfotto's with that ridiculous long tie down.

My reservation with it would be it appears the mounting point appears to be higher for the head then original version , hence camera will sit higher , possible wobble issue over long runs ?

Having said that I cannot recommend this dolly enough, it's fast , stable and dead smooth. You can't go wrong with either choice.

and Phil beats me to it and the backs it up with pics ^^^^^^

 

[Jim Hoffman]

Love my original. I use an arrow 55 head and the camera sits pretty tall. By the time I get the rails on the stands and dolly rolling my camera is pretty high. Don't know that I'd love the extra height. But you can find creative ways to support the rails like apple boxes. Very smooth and great bang for the buck I think.

 

[Mark Pedersen]

Just ordered the High Hat version. Since we don't have a mitchell based high hat laying around, that's a nice add. Plus you can easily add suction cups to the High Hat for rigging, or casters. Mainly we got it for the versatility and the fact that it's a "second generation" version of a great product. I'm sure it will be great.

Check out this video featuring Mike himself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akTB8VIhjcM

Would recommend the Mathews Slider Stands as well to get the track lower.

http://www.msegrip.com/product/stands-1/junior-senior/matthews-slider-stand.html

M

 

[Paul J Steinberg]

I've had the standard 'low hat' model for a long time. I'm using a O'Conner 2575D as well as Sachtler Video 20 S1 head on it. With this base I can undersling the Video20 head and shoot straight down without needing a Lambda head. Has worked well on many product shots. I'm not sure if the high-hat model would be able to do that.

BTW get the universal clamps if you can. That will clamp onto any speedrail or grid pipe that a rental house will own.

 

[Curt Pair]

I'm looking at getting a Dana Dolly. I see they came out with an octagon shaped hi-hat dolly too. I am using an O'Connor 1030DS 100mm tripod, so the base isn't too long, so it should be able to be used on a flat surface.

What is the benefit of the hi-hat dolly base? Why one or the other?

For starters it's MUCH lighter! Considerably so.

As Phil says, it can be easily configured to underslung mode too!

If you need a high-hat, then this is great because you kind of get two products in one. It breaks down easier for traveling too!