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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 :)

Nifty Handle set for my Rig - FYI

S

stu aull

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Just want to pass this along - after weeks of hunting I found this nice, reasonably priced handle set. Construction is super solid and beautifully finished (Red detailing was a plus!), but what sold me is the push-button quick-set adjustment for each handle!

Add to that some a-m-a-z-i-n-g support from the company, SHAPE, out of Montreal and I think this is a first-class rig for under $400
They promise some nifty RED-centric hardware at NAB, so they may be worth a bookmark.

http://www.shapewlb.com/index.php?p...id=2&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=89

Stu Aull
S-X #00199
Alaska
 

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Hi stu,

I had been looking at Shape rigs for my just-ordered Epic package and really liked the look of the handles for the reason you mentioned: single hand, pushbutton adjustment rosettes. One thing I didn't like, though, was that the handles weren't on extensions and adjustment was limited to a single axis. Do you find the handles fall in a comfortable place?

I'm also looking at these handles:

http://www.coollcd.com/lanparte-side-grip-2-universal-for-all-15mm-dslr-rig_p882.html

These don't look like rosettes, but presumably offer some kind of additional friction over ball and socket joints. And there are extensions and multiple axis adjustments.
 
I have these as well. Solid, Solid, Solid...and adjustable.
Everyone who picks up my rig comments on the ergonomics of the handles and their strength.

I flip the left handle vertical, which allows me to rest the handle in my lower palm, thus allowing me to use my follow focus.

Recommend these to everyone/anyone.
 
their rig seems front loaded. I wish they would have it so the body of the camera would be closer to the shoulder.
 
Sid Idris said:
their rig seems front loaded. I wish they would have it so the body of the camera would be closer to the shoulder.
Click to expand...

If I go with one of the Shape rigs (probably a Sumo I http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734017-REG/Shape_wlb_SU3100_SUMO_I.html), I would put one of RED's Arri dovetail plates on it, mounted as far back over the shoulder as possible. My main power source will be V-mount batteries via the Wooden Camera quick back system, so the battery can be quick released from the camera back when moving from tripod configurations and mounted to the back of the back pad of the Sumo I for shoulder mount, all done in a matter of seconds. I'm thinking the length of the Arri dovetail plate will give decent room for getting balance on the shoulder right, especially if back mounting a battery and if you're not using a huge lens.

Still curious for those using the Shape rigs if you miss having handle extensions to keep your arms lower and give multiple axis adjustment. Do you think handles like these would make for more comfort, even if they aren't as easy to adjust because they don't have the pushbutton lock:

http://www.coollcd.com/lanparte-side-grip-2-universal-for-all-15mm-dslr-rig_p882.html

Does the Shape shoulder pad feel good and conform completely to the shoulder, allowing you to relax it, or does it require you to compensate for shoulder slope by subtly lifting the shoulder?
 
Liz- I am personally not a big fan of the longer-style arm/handles, but that is me from 25 yrs of Betacam shoulder-mounts so I like my arms/hands up at my chest, near the camera. I will def need to get batteries/c-of-g of the rig over the shoulders as you suggest with the SUMO tricked out correctly. AFAIK ALL the handle rigs seem (clutch excepted) to place c-of-g on the arms. OK for an SLR, murder for us RED ops.
If you get the SUMO and set it up as you describe, please post pics!!

Stu Aull
S-X #00199
Alaska
 
How come none of them offer a 19mm or 15mm studio bridge. This 15mm LWS business really gets me down. So does anyone have an inexpensive idea for making either SHape or Cool workable on 19mm?
 
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