Laing Custom Steadicam Group Buy

[Petri Teittinen]

Has anyone tested the new version yet?

 

[Vitaliy Kiselev]

Has anyone tested the new version yet?

If you want to wait for test you need to wait slightly longer. I am working on it.

 

[Tyler Bourns]

Deleted Post, sorry just saw your other post so my post question was already answered

Thanks

 

[Kwan Khan]

Can some one please explain me the difference between following two (Only think I seen is just a Monitor bracket with 15mm rods and bubble at the bottom - lol)


Cam's upgraded model floating around on ebay for $1580 (free shipping)
1 x Metal Vest
1 x Carbon Fiber Stablizer
1 x Support Dual Arm
1 x Base for battery Mount
1 x Base for Monitor
16 X 100g ballance weight
1 x Adjustable plate for handheld stabilizer
1 x Docking bracked
1 x set of tool
1 x portable bag

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upgraded-LA...534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20d1f6fe26

And Group-buy version for Custom rig, $1625 plus shipping
Sled
Arm
Vest (can be fitted according to your request, leave note with your sizes)
Docking bracket
Battery plate with long cable going via pole and ending with 6pin connector (Epic one or Red One, upon request)
Second bare battery plate with D-tap connector
HDMI cable
D-Tap to XLR cable (for monitor power)
Soft bag.

 

[Vitaliy Kiselev]

Can some one please explain me the difference between following two (Only think I seen is just a Monitor bracket with 15mm rods and bubble at the bottom - lol)

Thing you reference is few beta samples that dealer got and later renamed and dropped price to attract group buy members.For starters it completely lack any power part made for Epic/Red One and cables. Guys who do not want cables/battery plates can just PM/email me. Second, final version that are being made now (first batch for members who paid) will have few other good improvements.Third, difference in support and guarantee will be quite big (because this dealer will lack any access to replacements/new stocks).Forth, it can't be customized for you (vest adjustment if required) or some other things (including different electrical routing for 3D rig).Also group buy members will have good offers on upcoming Laing items.

 

[Elizabeth Lowrey]

If one elects the version of the rig with the junction boxes, are they removable by the user to do later custom wiring or jack repair/rewiring? Is removing them a hassle or something that would require special tools?

In the cheaper version of the rig with open ends on the sled, will there be a bubble level mounted in an alternate location at the bottom of the sled? How will spill or control of cable length be handled for the open pole version since you might need a certain amount of excess to allow for different camera setups and sled lengths?

For that matter, how is this issue handled in the version with junction boxes? Are the included cables inside the pole in that version coiled to allow the post to move in and out without tangling or bunching up? And someone way back cautioned about the implementation of HD-SDI cable inside the post, that the cable needed to be properly shielded to control interference, so some comment on that is appreciated. Potential issues like that are why an independent test and review are important. Can you comment on when/who will be given a unit to test? And how long will the group buy be open for those of us on the fence?

 

[Kwan Khan]

Thing you reference is few beta samples that dealer got and later renamed and dropped price to attract group buy members.For starters it completely lack any power part made for Epic/Red One and cables. Guys who do not want cables/battery plates can just PM/email me. Second, final version that are being made now (first batch for members who paid) will have few other good improvements.Third, difference in support and guarantee will be quite big (because this dealer will lack any access to replacements/new stocks).Forth, it can't be customized for you (vest adjustment if required) or some other things (including different electrical routing for 3D rig).Also group buy members will have good offers on upcoming Laing items.

Thanks for you input Vitaliy,
Joey is the dealer on ebay is giving me complete different story then above.
It is confirmed that Unit on ebay isn't beta model, They are full production model and much cheaper then this group buy.

I will urge you to Please convince me that I am wrong (and I hope I am) or else I will have no choice then to feel sad for my fellow users who put their trust on this group.


Cheers

 

[Mark Mannschreck]

seems that it doesn't have the 15mm monitor mount, red cables (through post), bubble level, or an included battery plate (v mount or anton) - just batt plate mount

 

[Vitaliy Kiselev]

It is confirmed that Unit on ebay isn't beta model, They are full production model and much cheaper then this group buy.

I already told you official position as I know how it happed and don't really care much that Joey told you to get sales.

Price is not cheaper. I said right away that if someone want to get deal rig without any cables/battery plates he could contact me.

 

[Vitaliy Kiselev]

If one elects the version of the rig with the junction boxes, are they removable by the user to do later custom wiring or jack repair/rewiring? Is removing them a hassle or something that would require special tools?

They are easy to remove, just check photos. You don't need to remove them for custom wiring as it is semi open system so you can pass your own cable.

In the cheaper version of the rig with open ends on the sled, will there be a bubble level mounted in an alternate location at the bottom of the sled?

Yes, you can find it on photos.

How will spill or control of cable length be handled for the open pole version since you might need a certain amount of excess to allow for different camera setups and sled lengths?

It is handled as in any of such systems, no difference.

For that matter, how is this issue handled in the version with junction boxes? Are the included cables inside the pole in that version coiled to allow the post to move in and out without tangling or bunching up?

Cables in version with lemo boxes are different, they are same as used in Tiffen and other similar products and can withstand such deformations properly.

And someone way back cautioned about the implementation of HD-SDI cable inside the post, that the cable needed to be properly shielded to control interference, so some comment on that is appreciated. Potential issues like that are why an independent test and review are important. Can you comment on when/who will be given a unit to test?

I'll reference the test here. We have agreement with skilled shooter already.

And how long will the group buy be open for those of us on the fence?

I can't tell you exact end date now.

 

[Tyler Bourns]

I for one am excited for this product and price point/options. The extra cables, battery plate, monitor mount etc definitely make up that price difference. I also remember that ebay seller trying to overtake the group buy once before with their own offer of the old rig when we first started the original group buy too, so i would be wary of ordering from there. I would have loved to have waited for the test but needed to get the rig quicker for upcoming projects this summer and at the price point, it's a risk worth taking for me. I ordered the junction box version and am happy to post impressions and pics once I receive but they will be general as I am not an experienced steadicam op and don't want my own lack of experience to provide any inaccurate info. But I'm looking forward to this

 

[Oje Unuigboje]

I ordered mine, the one with the junction box as well and just waiting for delivery now. Quite excited with the enhancements made on it compared to the original, the ebay one and the price point is great. Cannot wait to get my hands on it. :-D

 

[Chris Poynton]

Please provide detail of the cabling construction, as per Elizabeth's detailed enquiry.

It is not enough to say "just like Tiffen" or "good enough".

This is a critical part of the rig specification and needs to be fully detailed, ideally with schematic diagram.

And how much room is left in the post? What cables could it fit?

 

[Vitaliy Kiselev]

Please provide detail of the cabling construction, as per Elizabeth's detailed enquiry.

I answered to Elizabeth enquiry.

If any group buy member has questions about specific cable they want to fit inside post send me PM, form or email.

And for anyone who have any doubts can wait for independent test and feedback from first batch buyers.

 

[Vitaliy Kiselev]

As manufacturer finished first batch, I updated rig photos including changes made to group buy rigs, you can check it at http://www.nex-hack.info/wiki/laing-photos

We no longer have spots in first batch, but started making second one already. You can fill form on the link above if you want to participate.

 

[Elizabeth Lowrey]

Is there a PDF or other online user's guide or manual so that we can get an idea of the quality of guidance in English for setup and operation? I've never used a steadicam before, never set one up (not counting a few minutes years ago with a really, really bad used knockoff rig). I know there are a number of good online videos covering general concepts, but as for guidance on setup and operation of this particular unit, I'd like to know what I'm getting before committing.

Also, any updates about testing from your previous post:

I'll reference the test here. We have agreement with skilled shooter already.


I can't tell you exact end date now.

 

[Vitaliy Kiselev]

Is there a PDF or other online user's guide or manual so that we can get an idea of the quality of guidance in English for setup and operation? I've never used a steadicam before, never set one up (not counting a few minutes years ago with a really, really bad used knockoff rig). I know there are a number of good online videos covering general concepts, but as for guidance on setup and operation of this particular unit, I'd like to know what I'm getting before committing.

I suggest to get http://www.amazon.com/Steadicam®-Operators-Handbook-Jerry-Holway/dp/024082380X/

We do not have now PDF guide. Plan to make one but not yet, sorry.

Also, any updates about testing from your previous post:

We already sent test rig to expirinced filmmaker and steadicam operator, as we'll have result I'll publish a link.

 

[Elizabeth Lowrey]

I ordered the junction box version and am happy to post impressions and pics once I receive but they will be general as I am not an experienced steadicam op and don't want my own lack of experience to provide any inaccurate info. But I'm looking forward to this

I ordered mine, the one with the junction box as well and just waiting for delivery now. Quite excited with the enhancements made on it compared to the original, the ebay one and the price point is great. Cannot wait to get my hands on it. :-D

Just following up with Tyler and Oje. If it's not too much trouble, please let us know your impressions of your rigs when you receive them. If you feel a new thread is best for that, please post a link back here so those of us monitoring this thread will see it. Thanks, and hope you guys get your rigs soon if you haven't already.

 

[Tyler Bourns]

I will indeed Elizabeth. They are supposed to be shipping very soon.

 

[chommavong somphane]

Just following up with Tyler and Oje. If it's not too much trouble, please let us know your impressions of your rigs when you receive them. If you feel a new thread is best for that, please post a link back here so those of us monitoring this thread will see it. Thanks, and hope you guys get your rigs soon if you haven't already.

and please add the photo to your impression too.