Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • 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 :)

Letus Gimbal

Stefan, I' m looking forward to see some footage from you. I had the same heavy configuration and I´ve got much vibrations and micro vibrations (vertical). I hope this is improved or I just had a bad head.

password is: helix

cheers,
Marc
 
A couple of months ago, my friend Stewart Smith brought his GPI Pro steadicam rig over and we tested it with the Helix in single-axis mode. We got very acceptable results after just a few tries, and I'm sure would do even better once we practiced some more. Helix did a great job of maintaining a level horizon, regardless of the orientation of the steadicam.

Transition from high mode to low mode was also extremely easy, however we did find that with the 5"LCD mounted on top of the Dragon that we could only rotate in one direction…in the other, the monitor would hit.

Since then we have spent a lot of time investigating ways of powering accessories (Preston, Teradek, etc.) from the Helix Juice Box batteries, and controlling the camera (the new Switchblade-M or OffHollywood Hotlink/Foolcontrol iOS are both great solutions) without using the 5" Touch. Here are a couple of pix (sorry I am such a crappy iPhone photographer.

photo%25201.JPG


photo%25204.JPG


photo%25203.JPG


photo%25202.JPG
 
Hey Marc, it was my experience that the helix head will vibrate with such a heavy load, in my case about 13lbs if the camera is not perfectly balanced. In oder to get rid of the vibrations I did the following.

1. Balance the Helix and steadicam to where it seems right (initial balance) Works even better if you get the steadicam in Dynamic balance first.
2. Turn on Helix and check balance with steadicam.
3. With steadicam gimbal on balancing arm on c stand, tilt the whole rig side to side until you induce vibrations.
4. Turn off helix motors 1 button press, and re adjust balance very slightly.
5. Repeat step 3 and 4 until vibrations have been eliminated or are neglegible.

It takes a couple minutes, but I was able to reduce all vibrations in about 5 minutes of balancing.
 
Are users finding the Helix with a Steadicam rig (any) a much easier experience as the day progress?
 
If you are asking if using a Helix Steadicam is easier than a handheld 3 axis stabilizer on long days, then the answer is an absolute yes. However, they are very different rigs. Handheld stabilizers have the ability to go places where steadicams simply cannot fit. I would say that having the Helix 1 axis on a steadicam is a much more organic looking experience than a handheld rig, and can produce some amazing results with a little practice. But if I were to choose a shoot where I do handheld stabilize or Steadicam helix for a 12 hour day, I would definitely choose the Steadicam setup.
 
Stefan Scherperel said:
If you are asking if using a Helix Steadicam is easier than a handheld 3 axis stabilizer on long days, then the answer is an absolute yes. However, they are very different rigs. Handheld stabilizers have the ability to go places where steadicams simply cannot fit. I would say that having the Helix 1 axis on a steadicam is a much more organic looking experience than a handheld rig, and can produce some amazing results with a little practice. But if I were to choose a shoot where I do handheld stabilize or Steadicam helix for a 12 hour day, I would definitely choose the Steadicam setup.
Click to expand...
+1, and on top: framing is the king with the steadicam solution.
Stefan, I did the same techniques you described for getting less vibrations, but it only worked if I was standing and making very smooth moves. Once walking I´ve got those bumps and vibs. IMHO it´s the vertical play in the Helix. In my case I could lift at the front of the camera plate the base about 1cm, even with the motor turned on.
 
Marc, I havn't run into those issues yet, will be working with the setup a bit more today, so I'll let you know what I find. From my finding, the Letus is very rock solid, I din't notice any play like you are describing.
 
Stefan Scherperel said:
...But if I were to choose a shoot where I do handheld stabilize or Steadicam helix for a 12 hour day, I would definitely choose the Steadicam setup...
Click to expand...

Would you say a Steadicam/3 Axis system would be the best set-up?

This is what Im leaning towards.

Still dont see enough examples of this.
 
Haven't tried the Steadicam/ 3 axis system yet, however I feel a system like that makes things more complicated for little if any benefit over a single axis system. With the Steadicam, you should already have a good base that would negate the need for additional stabilization. Instead of a steadicam + 3 axis system I would go with one of he new stabilization methods using the Exoskeleton system.
 
Stefan that's why I'm asking, originally had Fourth Axis in mind and without anyone showing examples, I'm still in the fog here.
 
While not extensively, I have used 4th axis with arm and vest and I like it. IMO, I got good footage that way; real basic stuff so far. I plan to try single axis on stedicam sled but really don't see much benefit to full 3 axis system on stedicam sled. But, who knows... I will probably try it eventually but I have an exoskeleton on order so that may be the go-to system for 3 axis.
 
Thats the thing, Letus offers it and I dont see anyone or even them pushing it with examples.

My intent is to find a system that can double as steadicam and gimbal together or separately.
 
From a marketing standpoint, the "examples" thing is a hard one. If the Helix is balanced and set up correctly, you can count on it working as advertised; with one, three or four axes. But it does take a certain amount of skill and practice.

And there is footage around showing that. But, so many are ready to jump on and say how bad it looks or "look at the bounce, I can tell he is walking" etc. And some of it is simply from a beginner who hasn't master ed it yet. (I still fall into that category.)I have even seen footage I thought was just fine, from various stabilizers, and some people say it looks "terrible" without really justifying why. So, who is objective?

I really think you have to test for yourself or get with some folks you personally trust. The helix is a great tool and can deliver results in all its configurations if you have the time and patience to set it up right and practice.
 
I do agree with you Terry but to test for myself it would be a costly venture.

There are no Helix dealers/owners in my area.

I guess I could wait till NAB.
 
Terry VerHaar said:
I seem to remember there is some good footage on the Letus Facebook page.
Click to expand...


I actually have seen some decent ones but not as much as the Ronin examples.

I like to hear real world experiences and bts on the use of it if possible.

Im gonna check with that return policy is and maybe Ill just bite asap.
 
Whatever the official return policy is, make connections with GT and/or Hien and/or Ken at Letus, and all of your needs will be met!!
 
Terry VerHaar said:
Whatever the official return policy is, make connections with GT and/or Hien and/or Ken at Letus, and all of your needs will be met!!
Click to expand...


Thanks Terry.

I again watched Jason Ano's 4 month old video on his findings.

I still haven't seen one that shows a setup from scratch as good as his video.
 
The footage from this job is not available (embargoed by the client), but here are a couple of BTS photos of my Helix (including 4th Axis bracket) in use with an EasyRig. The Helix is proving to be a great tool for a lot of different situations. The ability to use it as a 1-axis, 3-axis or with the additional 4th axis bracket, only increases it's versatility.

IMG_8246.jpg


IMG_8839.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top