New Aero3D™ lightweight, extremely rigid, Indie priced 3D mirror/beamsplitter rig

[Michael Hastings]

Just a quick look at a new 3D mirror/beamsplitter rig I am introducing at NAB. True to its name it uses aircraft type construction to make an extremely rigid and squared up unit, yet is easy to setup and can be transported in a carryon size case, including the standard 14x10 beamsplitter. The unit allows easy setup for both larger and smaller mirrors and can be used with numerous Professional camcorders, dSLRs and of course Red and other Digital Cinema cameras. (I would have shown it with two Epics but couldn't get my hands on them last week.

Much more info to come, including where you can see it at NAB, but tentative pricing is $5795 list with a $3995 NAB intro price.

 

[Michael Hastings]

reserved

 

[Kwan Khan]

Nice

 

[Michael Hastings]

Nice

Thanks, Kwan you can see it at NAB C8247 at the Lumatech booth (where they are showing the T1.3 Illumina lenses). It is right across the isle from the Zeiss booth in the main hall, close to where you can cross to the South Hall.

 

[IAN SUN]

Interested.

 

[Vladimir Eugene]

I can't believe I missed this at NAB, interested as well

 

[Tim Hole]

Just read your press release...

Can you give any specifics on the mirror and the type of glass you are using.

Looks very interesting at a nice price.

Thanks.

 

[Michael Hastings]

Interested.

Ian: Just cleared some space in my PM inbox so try again or just email me at the yahoo address below.

Just read your press release...

Can you give any specifics on the mirror and the type of glass you are using.

Looks very interesting at a nice price.

Thanks.

The mirror is stock at 14" by 10" 50/50, although the rig is pretty easy to setup for other mirror sizes.

We chose 14x10 because Edmunds has that as a stock size, so easy to get if you broke it and we happen to be out or unable to ship a replacement immediately. Although it may be smarter business to keep it proprietary, as someone who has spent his career shooting all over the far reaches of the world, I always appreciated when manufacturers made it possible to do emergency repairs or replacements without being 100% dependent on their proprietary items, so I try to make that possible with my products, too.

We have been shooting with a mirror from one of the other 3D companies which is a little cheaper than the Edmunds and have been pretty happy. We just got an edmunds mirror today and will shoot with it in a couple of days. We have a quote request with a major optics coating company for our own proprietary mirror, which should be available in a few weeks.

 

[Tim Hole]

Thanks for the info. I think what makes a good company/product great is the understanding of what parts should be standard and what should be proprietary (something RED have a good balance in). This is a direct result, as you say, from being a practitioner. You obviously also have to choose what is going to protect the security and future of your company and products.

I won't be in the market for a rig until November time (as it stands anyway), but I like the look of it. Will be in touch.

Thanks again.

 

[Michael Hastings]

In response to a question by Ian, I'm holding the NAB price for a few weeks. It is basically an early adopter price - about the same as a distributor price. Once dealers get involved (which won't be too long now) it will have to go to at least $5K and if we go through distributors it will need to go to at least $6K. Maybe even a bit more (+$500-700) as I am switching to a more expensive mount system that can handle interaxial adjustment, convergence and quick release.

While it is hard to hold back from a distributor willing to pop for 25-50 units right off the bat, at least initially I prefer to sell direct so I know who is using it and have direct communication. I have some very serious and experienced 3D people using and advising on the Aero3D so I think have a pretty good handle on the issues, but it won't hurt to have feedback from a broader range of endusers.

If you know the history of the hurricane rig which just started shipping (looks nice but I think the Aero3D has some significant advantages) it went from $3995 direct price initially to its release price (after distribution and dealer) of over $8K - I just saw it at film tools for $8500.

Thanks for the info. I think what makes a good company/product great is the understanding of what parts should be standard and what should be proprietary (something RED have a good balance in). This is a direct result, as you say, from being a practitioner. You obviously also have to choose what is going to protect the security and future of your company and products.

I won't be in the market for a rig until November time (as it stands anyway), but I like the look of it. Will be in touch.

Thanks again.

It is a balance, but I do have a patent pending on the basic design. Mirrors run a wide gamut of price and specs, somewhat depending on the allowable minute defects - the idea is any of the really high end can be made to fit easily, but there is also off-the-shelf availability.

(sales pitch warning ): Re: November, price will certainly go up before then -but I can hold the price with a $1500 deposit and take delivery when you need it. I have materials and components on hand or in transit for 40 units - which gets expensive- so obviously any cash-flow now is helpful.

 

[Justin Harrison]

Wow that rig looks amazing! Killer price too!

We should have our 2nd Epic in a few weeks so I'll forward your info on& try and talk him into getting one now!

 

[Michael Hastings]

Wow that rig looks amazing! Killer price too!

We should have our 2nd Epic in a few weeks so I'll forward your info on& try and talk him into getting one now!

Thanks, Justin

BTW I should have the new combined IA/convergence positioner/quick release finished this weekend and pictures posted Monday or Tuesday.

 

[Bruce Allen]

I'm in - the money has been sent This looks like exactly what I need. Sturdy, super light weight. Has the features I need, without the cost.

Nothing against the $50K/$80K/$100K+ rigs... I'm sure I'll be renting them from time to time. But if I'm spending thousands per day renting, I'd damn sure want to know what I was doing first. Lots of tests. Lots of practice. Plus there are plenty of situations where the Aero3D looks just perfect.

For small or low-pressure shoots, this looks like just the ticket.

For big shoots, this is an awesome "director's viewfinder" / scouting tool / backup / second unit rig.

I'll let you guys know when I get it - if anyone wants to check it out in Los Angeles, give me a shout. Although I can't be responsible for making you sad you didn't get it for the discount introductory price, hehehe :001_cool:

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com

 

[Quentin Brown]

This looks like an interesting affordable indie rig solution you are building. Any specs on the weight, convergence and IO adjustment mechanisms etc?
Shame I missed it at NAB. I barely caught up with myself by the time it was over!

 

[Michael Hastings]

This looks like an interesting affordable indie rig solution you are building. Any specs on the weight, convergence and IO adjustment mechanisms etc?
Shame I missed it at NAB. I barely caught up with myself by the time it was over!

First of all thanks to Bruce Allen.

I'm working on finalizing the interaxial adjustment slider and mount, will try to get you some pictures of the final mechanism, weights, etc. sometime next week. We are using the same basic slider system (same rails and bearings) for the interaxial as on the hurricane rig - with a little different (more expensive) precision leadscrew for adusting and setting the interaxial.