Elemack Spyder Dolly vs Premier Studio PD-1

[Dustin Cross]

I am looking for a dolly to add to my truck. I want something better than a doorway dolly, but still have limited funds.

I think I have narrowed it down to the Elemack Spyder Dolly or Premier Studio PD-1. Used Elemack seems to be about the same price as a new PD-1. Has anyone use either both? Which do you prefer or is there something better in the $5000 price range?

Can the Elemack raise and lower in the middle of a take?

Thanks for your feedback.


Dusty

 

[Stephen Lovett]

Hi Dustin,

I have been looking for a similar solution for a bit.

I've opted for the Hollywood Microdolly for immediate purchase, but I still want a ride on dolly with boom capability.

When I was in LA last I stopped by Wooden Nickle and had a chat with the owner as they rend the PD-1. His advice was that I needed something beefier.

I thought that was likely the case and had planned on looking at one of the Pup series dollies, but Premier has stopped making them in anticipation of a new release for which there is very little information. The bad news is that the new dolly is target between the current Pup and the Phantom, so It will be well above 10k, probably closer to 20k US.

On balance I think the PD-1 is a bit underpowered for a full Red rig.

My $.02

Steve

 

[Nick Gardner]

The spider is a full on dolly, the pd1 is an entry level compromise. Don't get me wrong, the PD1 is great for what it is, the Elmack just blows it out of the water. Spider can do on camera booms. It also has crab stearing. It's really a great dolly. Some where in between, you could look for a used Cameleon. They have a very nice smooth boom, are very modular, and easy to configure and move around. They sell used for anywhere between $2500 and $4500. They have a bad wrap for being funky, but that's just from a lot of low budget type places buying them and not maintaining them. I know of several dolly grips who prefer the boom feel on the Cameleon to that of a Fischer.

Nick

 

[Dustin Cross]

Nick,

So the Spider can boom up and down smoothly? In the middle of a take I can slowly boom the camera up? That is the only thing I haven't been able to confirm about the Spider.

I have used a PD-1 and it was a little wobbly, especially with the 12" or 18" riser, but I am thinking I can brace the arm a little and fix that.

If the Spider is all around better though, I might as well go that direction though.


Thanks,
Dusty

 

[Nick Gardner]

Ack, I confused my elmacks. The Cricket has the hydraulic boom, the spyder can be adjusted, but not on air. Sorry for the misinformation. Although I still think the Spyder would be a better buy.

Nick