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  • 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 :)

Easyrig group buy anyone?

Ken Willinger

Ken Willinger

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I spent a long time talking with the Easyrig folks at NAB. If you haven't seen the Easyrig, it is an ingenious handheld device that keeps the camera weight off your shoulder and redirects it to your hips. It also allows easy manipulation of a heavy camera handheld and off the hip, or very low etc. You wear it like a harness. It has a bar that comes over your shoulder with an attachment to the handle of the camera. It doesn't solve the lack of a decent shoulder mount on the camera itself, but if you do any doco work or a lot of handheld, this is an excellent solution. I have used these in the past and for a heavy camera like the Red it is perfect.

One of the issues is the varying weights we all may be looking for it to handle. If you are running very light, 20 to 30 pounds, you'll need a different model than if you're dealing with 30 to 50 (or more) pounds. The light rig won't work well on the heavy duty Easyrig and vice versa. I think I'm looking at the heavier rig...at a minimum 35 pounds. If there is a lot of interest then they'll discuss prices...but they are definitely interested in doing something for the Reduser group.

Let me know and I'll pursue it.
 
I tested it. Be warned, it`s not that easy getting used to it in the beginning. I felt a bit constricted, both in terms of camera movement and personal comfort. But it may as well be a matter of training. Just my 2c.
 
I spoke with James Lee from 16x9 and he said they're already working on a group discount for Red users that they'd announce in the next couple of weeks. The EasyRig inventor guy (forgetting his name) may have been the coolest guy I've ever met in my life.

I also shot footage with my Red on it as did Shawn Nelson. To say it made my fully decked-out camera weightless is an understatement. We're talking about a Cooke 20-100, 5lb. Anton Bauer battery, etc... about 35lbs.

It's no substitute for a steadicam - but I imagine you could walk around with a camera on your shoulder for hours with this rig!

What's that? You want to see footage shot with it? Here's me wandering around with my Red - not the greatest footage, not very stable - but as you're watching - just imagine that I have the weight of 2 cinderblocks next to my head and that weight... doesn't exist.

>>> http://www.redrelay.net/owners/1190/films/EasyRigSmall.mov <<<

Shawn mentioned seeing the EasyRig on Lubezki in the behind the scenes on The New World. I'm sold.
 
I love the Easyrig - makes handheld with big cameras (like the millenium) a breeze - holding a shot for 20 minutes with a director who doesn't really appreciate that people are not tripods becomes possible with the thing.

If there is a group buy let me know. I'm interested.
 
Cinewalt said:
I spoke with James Lee from 16x9 and he said they're already working on a group discount for Red users that they'd announce in the next couple of weeks. The EasyRig inventor guy (forgetting his name) may have been the coolest guy I've ever met in my life.
Click to expand...

OK, I spoke at length with Jeff, James's father in law (I guess it's a family affair!), who is the VP of 16X9. They definitely want to do a group purchase but wanted to get an idea of the numbers of people interested before making an announcement. The more people wanting to be involved, I'm assuming the better the deal will be. If it's you, me, JTM and Shawn then the deal won't be so hot...but if we have 15 or 20 people interested then it could be something worthwhile to pursue. Seems they talked to a few of us at the show! I won't bother them if you think it is already a done deal.
 
I can highly recommend the easyrig, I've had one for about a year and a half now and use it on all my handheld jobs. We used three of them on "Friday Night Lights" (NBC) which is a fully handheld show and could shoot all day with 35 pound Sr3's with virtually no fatigue.
If you can afford one, get it, your back will thank you.
Regards
Shane.
 
I've been using the Easyrig with the red since the beginning of the year, I have the 600N arm and its perfect for a medium build setup, Superspeeds, Matte box, red drive etc . Having had a bad back in the past it makes long handheld days possible. That said it takes a while to get the hang of it.


www.belladonnathemovie.com
 
I'm in

I'm in

I'm in (International user, from Italy)!

Still have to decide if lighter or heavier setup ... what's exactly the drawbacks of using the heavier loadable one when using a setup lighter than 30lbs ?
 
avatars ...

avatars ...

Cinewalt said:
What's that? You want to see footage shot with it? Here's me wandering around with my Red - not the greatest footage, not very stable - but as you're watching - just imagine that I have the weight of 2 cinderblocks next to my head and that weight... doesn't exist.
Click to expand...

Ah, that is Shawn Nelson there ... so he's really always THAT serious also in everyday life (not just avatar photos) ... wondering if Jarred Land in reality is ALWAYS smiling.
That smiling avatar makes him seem happy also when posting in anger :biggrin:
 
Valde said:
I'm in (International user, from Italy)!

Still have to decide if lighter or heavier setup ... what's exactly the drawbacks of using the heavier loadable one when using a setup lighter than 30lbs ?
Click to expand...

The problem with putting a heavier-load strut on with a lighter camera is that you can't pull the camera down to operate from waist-height.
(Actually you can, by putting some sort of brake at the top of the rope, or putting a second rope of adjustable length from the camera clamp on the sandard rope).
I shot the majority of a feature film last year with an Easyrig and a Viper. Lots of fun, does save the back, and means you have the camera with you between takes - no more passing it off to the grip, unless you want to.
 
I have a couple of questions for those who have used the Easyrig.

(1) Do you have any idea of how much the Easyrig will sell for?
(2) Can it function in anyway like a steadicam or is the design all about relieving the weight of the camera.
 
On my last film we had a easyrig in the camera truck and it rarely came out. It is only useful if the operator likes it and is used to using it. I think it is cool but fills a very nicse spot in the grip department. Steadicam dolly and Jib + handheld are much more versatile.
 
bodhi said:
I have a couple of questions for those who have used the Easyrig.

(1) Do you have any idea of how much the Easyrig will sell for?
(2) Can it function in anyway like a steadicam or is the design all about relieving the weight of the camera.
Click to expand...

it is totally different from a steadicam. basically it takes the weight of the camera but is not a stabilization device. but like the steadicam it comes down to hours of use to get better at it.
 
Ken, please count me in as well.

Thank you for looking into this for us.
 
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