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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 :)

PortaJib Explorer + EPIC-M & RPP + Cartoni Focus HD = Possible??

Asif Limbada

Asif Limbada

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I think I am just being optimistic here, but I love the PortaJib Exploere system, and because I am in market to get a portable Jib and it does it all especially for small production where it can really spruce up the production and it also has a tracker dolly for uneven surface and can use it in studio or indoor environment with its flextrack dolly system. Just love the idea.

Anyone on this forum who has a the Explorer ever tried the PortaJib Explorer + EPIC-M & RPP + Cartoni Focus HD or similar setup. Mark from PortaJib, says it may flex. I am hopeless optimist, what can I say. Anyone please.

Also I would not mind alternative suggestion for longer reach + easy setup jib.

http://www.porta-jib.com/explorer.html
 
I haven't seen this particular system before. But, the immediate downside that I see is you can't have your crew set up the trolley system while you are getting a jib shot. I have the Seven Jib from Longvalley Equipment and I love it. It has been a workhorse for about 12 years so far and I use it a lot. It sets up in just a few minutes. Here is the link to the newer version: http://www.longvalleyequip.com/sevenjib.php
 
I've been looking at the Portajib Explorer too... it seems like a great package without the need for a large crew.

Other things I was looking at were the Kessler Cineslider combo with the Pocket Jib... but the weight capacity on the jib is 20lbs extended and 40lbs unextended, so I suppose it's down to how much weight over the given limit cause flex. But I like the idea of mounting a Cineslider on the Jib arm itself.
 
We've used the Losmandy Standard Porta-jib with great success... in studio and on rough ground . It's beefy enough to hold our RED complete with matte box, drive, battery, EVF, monitor, extended cabling and more. While the case may be a little bigger and heavier, it all fits, with room to spare for lighting, in a mid-sized SUV. It can also be configured to track with any number of dollies. It bows exactly as it should and is quite smooth. I recommend as a heftier choice over the Explorer!
 
Larry McKee said:
I haven't seen this particular system before. But, the immediate downside that I see is you can't have your crew set up the trolley system while you are getting a jib shot. I have the Seven Jib from Longvalley Equipment and I love it. It has been a workhorse for about 12 years so far and I use it a lot. It sets up in just a few minutes. Here is the link to the newer version: http://www.longvalleyequip.com/sevenjib.php
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, I will look into Seven Jib.
 
Andy White said:
I've been looking at the Portajib Explorer too... it seems like a great package without the need for a large crew.

Other things I was looking at were the Kessler Cineslider combo with the Pocket Jib... but the weight capacity on the jib is 20lbs extended and 40lbs unextended, so I suppose it's down to how much weight over the given limit cause flex. But I like the idea of mounting a Cineslider on the Jib arm itself.
Click to expand...

Exactly my point, for small shoots, and we know that many of us get that on regular basis, PortaJib Explorer would be perfect. only if they could make one for load heavier than 22lbs capacity. Epic itself is 9lbs, Focus HD is 4.4lbs, now these RED Pro Primes are quite heavy, may be 9-12lbs and I have not even counted Matte box. In my opinion what we need is PortaJib Explorer HD or something. Whats wrong in wishful thinking. hehehe
 
William Sorensen said:
We've used the Losmandy Standard Porta-jib with great success... in studio and on rough ground . It's beefy enough to hold our RED complete with matte box, drive, battery, EVF, monitor, extended cabling and more. While the case may be a little bigger and heavier, it all fits, with room to spare for lighting, in a mid-sized SUV. It can also be configured to track with any number of dollies. It bows exactly as it should and is quite smooth. I recommend as a heftier choice over the Explorer!
Click to expand...

Actually I am looking into alternatives and the standard portajib looks good. But for my money PortaJib Traveller looks the best, its boom is retractable, its lighter etc. I am still looking for alternatives.
 
I have a standard Porta-Jib and a Cartoni Spinhead. Its an awesome combo! I have used it with much success with the larger and heavier RedOne with a zoom.

Good luck on your quest.

Rich
 
What about EZjib guys with extension and remote head? Is it good. Anyone who has bought one, advice me please.
 
I am interested too.

I have the Seven jib longvalley, and I like very much. The explorer is nice because of its versatility. So I am reading this post with a lot of interest too.
 
I have both a Seven Jib and the EZ Jib with full extension kit.

Initially, I started with the Seven Jib but found myself needing shots on a semi-regular basis that justified buying the EZ Jib for that extra height. I've used a remote pan/tilt head with the EZ Jib without problem.

The one thing I've found is that the Seven Jib can bobble a little at the end of your camera moves because of the design. I e-mailed Doug at Long Valley to confirm if this is always the case or to see if I was doing something wrong. I wasn't doing anything wrong and found ways of working with jib to minimize or eliminate the bobble effect. All in all, it's a great jib and you'd have a hard time finding a jib that can fly as much weight as the Seven Jib for anywhere near its price.

If you're interested, I'm actually going to be selling my Seven Jib since I've picked up my EZ FX Jib - PM me if you're interested in buying it. If not, no worries. I'll be listing it in the Gear for Sale section in the near future.
 
Thanks for the advice, I was looking at EZJib as well, but I don't like the overall design and its just too heavy to ship it here in Dubai. I am making one here, very soon, I will post some pics. All I can say its going to telescopic with a good reach.
 
I have the Standard Porta Jib and it's the heaviest, but works very well. I also have the Cam Tram 2500 and Track In A Box which I use in tandem with the Porta Jib for some really crazy moves.
 
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