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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 :)

Letus Helix with 7 inch touch

Michael Patterson

Michael Patterson

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I was wondering if anyone has used the Helix with the 7 inch touch. I'm toying with the idea of upgrading from the 5 to the 7, but I wanted to check if anyone has used it with the Helix as I'm concerned it may not work as well. When balancing, I'm already really top heavy. I know the weight of the 2 monitors are pretty close, but I didn't know if the added height affected anything at all. I'd appreciate any thoughts or experience with this. Thanks.
 
I have not used the new 7" but, if the weights are very similar (and I believe they are), I don't see a problem.I have spent A LOT of time working on balance for my Scarlet/Helix and have settled on a pretty specific set-up. I mount the touchscreen on the front of the RED Sliding Top Handle and mount that on a NATO rail on top (at the front) of the camera body.

As for top heavy, try adding a QR to the camera set-up as that adds weight to the bottom. To be honest, I have tried every combination of things imaginable and, if I want a good balance, I have learned that I can't really get away with a set-up that totals less than about 19 pounds (Scarlet + Helix).
 
Thanks Terry. By QR do you mean quick release? I too use a nato rail at the very front and slide the screen, usually to the right, to achieve left/right balance. I was able to strip down my camera to about 12-13 pounds depending on the lens. I remove the side handle and all other handles I have mounted to the camera. The only other thing I use then are rails that hold a wired follow focus with the trigger. I mount the control box to the follow focus setup on one of the 1/4 20 holes on the left bottom handle. That's about it. I was just worried that the added height may mess with the left/right balance or the top/bottom balance. I'm pretty sure it should be ok, but living in WI there are limited Red users here and don't have access to test one out before I buy. Thanks again.
 
Michael - yes, I use the RED quick release. I found it very helpful (almost essential) to be able to attach/detach the camera quickly. Also, when all is said and done, getting enough weight on the bottom of the camera is not that easy; this helps the balance.

My camera set-up also comes in a around that 13 lb. point with the whole rig around 19.

I am actually planning to put some pictures of my rig up on the Letus site and maybe I'll do a thread here as well. Just have to get a minute; maybe over the weekend.
 
Thanks again Terry. On a side note, since you seem to be running something similar to me, I just picked up an Atlas camera support setup to help out with the weight and vertical stabilization. I don't know if you are using anything at all, but here is the link to what I picked up - http://www.atlascamerasupport.com/2-rod-packages/middleweight

Michael at Atlas has been extremely helpful. I just got it and have barley tried it out yet, but so far it seems like a really nice solution. I had to get some d-rings from the hardware store to have the straps connect to the rods in between the handle and the unit, but it's only a $10 investment.
 
Looks interesting as a way to take weight off. Currently I have been experimenting with a vest/arm solution (with good results) and I have my deposit in for the L'Aigle Exoskeleton, which I have mixed feelings about. Thanks for the link.
 
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