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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 :)

Laing Custom Steadicam Group Buy

My serious issues with the way this group buy degenerated when Vitaliy took over (after David had done a great job setting everything up and opening communications with Laing and other companies) are well documented in the relevant threads. If, after more thorough user reviews, I proceed with a Laing purchase, it will be because the overall apparent quality and price of the product justify (to me) the substantial risks and red flags regarding customer relations indicated by Laing allowing someone with Vitaliy's temperament and personality issues to front for them on this group buy.
 
My rig as been delivered to the location in the Atlanta that I designated and will be shipped to me here in Lagos by the end of this month with my EPIC camera before I can proceed with testing with my local steadicam operator. Personally, I have had no problem with Vitaliy through out the whole process to purchase and actually he has been quite helpful with me. When steadicam was ready to ship, I got my AWB from fedex just like it would for a RED purchase and equipment arrived 3 days ahead of schedule estimated.

I know there were ruffled feathers with the way that Vitaliy took over the group buy but if he is the company rep for certain sectors that cover this group buy, I am thinking it would be within his right to take it over, maybe a little less abrasively but take it over none the less.

Even though I have not handled it physically, I think I have a great product that meets and might even exceed my expectations because I was going to buy the original version which had excellent reviews anyway so all the improvements that have been effected to date are for me an added bonus. I will probably buy another one very soon for my second production. So if you really need it no need to hate the product cos of the messenger, just buy it for your production values.
 
One question: when you pay for the rig, does the money go directly to Laing... or not?
 
Oje Unuigboje said:
My money went directly to Laing, the holding company. It is that inexpensive enough already so how much could anyone skim off it anyway. You cannot get better value for money.
Click to expand...
It could be argued that the Laing rig sold on eBay might be better value for money. It has some of the improvements from the group buy rig and it's ~$300 cheaper when free shipping is taken into account.
 
Mr Kisilev has of course failed to reflect on his behaviour as the initiator of every hostility that has ever surfaced on this group-buy project. Standard operating procedure.

I certainly requested very directly to Laing that he be removed from this project for that very reason. I requested that the co-ordinating role be returned to David Kellerman who initiated the project and that I would assist with my particular passion for rig testing methodology.

I advised Laing on Jan 31 of my intention to purchase their system, before the group-buy of Laing was initiated. I was pleasantly surprised that the company then chose to offer me a rig for testing.

Feb 22 - If we have to find a professional steadicam operator to test our M-02, I can't figure out someone else who is more suitable than you, because you've given us so many suggestions that you are even more familiar with the M-02 than me. Mr. Yu [owner] and me sincerely hope that you can lend us a hand. If you have time and are willing to test for us, we will send you the new M-02. I hope this can be the start of our co-operation (from Tracie Xie).

Mr Kisilev’s involvement with the company commenced in March. The random personal aggression and insults I received from Mr Kisilev in early April (in which he cut all intention of collaboration) was a slap in the face to the earlier relationship with the company.

I very patiently pointed out to Laing that their failure to step in and regulate the behaviour of Mr Kisilev was severely damaging their brand and that his behaviour and the response of the company would have to be made public if not addressed by the company.

If strong voices from numerous customers are being repeatedly and entirely ingnored, then there is a problem in the structure or culture of the company .. and I suggest that Mr Kisilev’s role again be analysed in this regard.

Actions speak louder than words and I remain keen to test the Laing rig. That would be a meaningful outcome for me and probably helpful to the company.
 
Chris. Really, all already understood that I am "unfortunate person" and how "good person" you are. :-)
How bad and unadvanced is culture of company that reject blackmailers.
Let's move on.
As I have no interest to continue this cheap drama.
If anyone want to get actual expirience talking and dealing with me, he can contact me via PM or email. I don't bite. :-)
 
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When can we see some reviews from some experienced steadicam user ?
 
Hi I am Eric Teotico. I started the Laing reviews after I was impressed by the precision and basic design of the rig.
I am a retired Commercial Director (1992-2002) Back then we shot everything on film. Film/Video is now a hobby and all the work I do is pro bono.
The Laing Steadicam is my third rig. I've had a Glidecam, a junk Indiancam (which I modified endlessly) then I took a risk at Laing. I could not find a single review about Laing then.
I studied the design and took my chance. I was very pleased when I started flying it. I met Chris at the Homebuilt Stabilizer site and he asked me to do more tests with the Laing which I gladly did. I also, got bitten by Mr. Vitaliy when Chris asked me to join his website and help the Laing buyers there because of my experience with the rig.
Since, I own an Fs not a Scarlet, I was hesitant to participate in this forum. Thus I decided to be a quiet visitor. I would come here once in a while to see how the Laing Red version was evolving. I am quite pleased at the way the Laing designers have stepped up to the challenge. I am drooling at the new Laing reduser design but I am quite happy with my rig. The basic design is still the same but all the improvements and accessories will make flying the Laing a joy.
I've taken the Laing through it's paces, and I'm very pleased with it's performance. My camera is lighter but I would sometimes fly the rig with gears, accessories and very heavy lenses. I noticed that the more weight I added, the smoother it flew. I'm sure I've reached the weight of a scarlet camera thus I feel flying a Scarlet on the Laing should be the same. The main difference is that images from a Red cam will be awesome compared to mine.
The basic Laing rig is precise and well designed. They are one of the rare companies who listens. Tracy has given me excellent service and feedback and they will back up their warranty. I complained about a rattle on my gimbal when I first got the rig, they replaced it immediately.
No one has asked me to make this post. I have no relations with Laing but admire their decency and integrity. I just felt I needed to jump in after reading the controversial posts recently. It would've been unfair if I kept quiet while the image of their company is being muddled or misrepresented. My advice to everyone is the same advice I have given in all my reviews. "Please contact Tracie directly."
Oh before I end, please allow me to congratulate David Kellerman for doing an outstanding job with this group buy. It could not have happened without him. If anyone should get credit, it is he. David, you don't know me but I truly admire the way you have served the Reduser group and organized this group buy whether they go for Laing or the other brands.
Sincerely,
Eric Teotico
Philippines
 
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Hi Konstantinos,
Laing might just surprise you. Please try to get one and test it. You used to be a HBSB member (http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/hbsboard/index.php#2). You understand all principles and foundations of a Steadicam. Laing's well made and so inexpensive. It costs just a little more than a high end shoulder mount. It's the best thing money can buy as far as stabilizers is concerned but it works. It's not another Indiancam. This one is precise. They understand the principles of a stabilizer. Whatever I say or tests I upload will not convince you. I have no prejudgement about where it's made. I took the risk and I am just a happy user. Just check it out before making a conclusion.
Yours truly,
Eric
 
Lliam Worthington said:
Still interested pending reviews. Thanks to anyone willing to make a post to this end.
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Hey everybody its Lliam Worthington! You're back! I'd been wondering where you'd gone! Have you been shooting a lot? If I remember correctly you had some big projects you were on right? Anyway. Good to hear your voice (ie words).
 
I read here that the more weight your camera has - the steadier the shot will be. And this model is made to accommodate the heavier Red One, which is good - since I have a Red One. But how about using this model with lower weight cameras - like Canon Mark 3.
Will it not work with such low weight cameras ? Or I would need to place extra weights ?
 
Sebastiam hello. One more time. More weight makes a more stable rig. But its not just that. Any bad design arm under more load that it can handle can feel very stiff, and can even explode on your face. Any bad design vest can squeak and start getting loose , and give you a terrible back ache, and any sled can vibrate with just a light tip on the stage. It s everything all together.
you get what you pay for.
As for lighter loads sure, they all fly, and you can even make a weight cage and make them behave like a heavier camera.
I suggest to most of the people that are jumping into this, with out any experience, please go and do a steadicam course.
You will learn many things including how a decent rig should be and behave, as well as how it should feel on you.
 
Hi,
I've had several requests in my youtube page for a Dynamic Balance tutorial. Since I don't have Scarlet, I decided to rig up my camera to approximate the weight of a Scarlet. My camera weight with accessories in 8.4lbs. The sled weighed 7.6lbs. Total weight is 16lbs. I already have demos of the Laing in flight so I didn't include this in the instructional. At 16lbs, the rig flies and floats more beautifully.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvsr0I4K-5Q

Here's one of my older test flights going down a steep and narrow flight of stairs made of cobblestones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1t_cPrqRnk
 
Back to tests.

Laing sent test rig quite a time ago to Ben Allan. You can find his first remarks and short video at the link below.
More and better test videos will be made with time.
Ben is not affilated with Laing, was not paid to do anything and gear was not presented to him.

http://www.benallanacs.com/web/tests/laing-custom-red-stabiliser/

Our goal was to test rig on the number of cameras. Including Epic, Red One. And this was done.

Another goal is to use rig in the real projects. I'll be updating later with more test videos and expirience from usage on real projects.
 
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