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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 :)

problem with ET's Mantis!

Michael Lindsay

Michael Lindsay

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Hi

A cautionary tale..!

I borrowed a Mantis to have a look at it (partly to be proved right.. in that I felt it would raise the optical centre too high).

My advice don't look at the Mantis unless you want to buy it. It is an essential piece of the Red jigsaw puzzle.

It is so configurable!
The lockable gimble thing is genius!
It is light and very well made.
I think it will work for everyone/every situation.

I honestly don't think Red users/owners can afford to be without it on hand held jobs!
You definitely can't suggest you have a high end 'red setup' without it!

Annoying yes! Sterling is crap and I've 'got' to buy more dollar accessories..

We have a nice kit consisting of 2 red camera's, UPs, optimo DP etc... plus already way over a $1500 dollars of other hand held accessories. I really wanted to stop spending money on Red accessories.

Don't want to buy it? don't look at it!!

As for the optical centre being higher... it really is not an issue. The configurablity and stability of the system is so good it side steps the problem. Also there is an option to bolt the camera straight onto the rig avoiding the Arri style base plate if you want to go lower.

Not only is the mantis really comfortable but you can take the media and battery off the camera and still balance a lens. This makes it an absolute joy to use for long long days.

good luck

Michael L

ps I've also had reasonable (I trust them) assurances that with a tweak Epic will work well too. I mention this cause cameras get smaller and more front heavy and lenses get bigger. The ability to configure Mantis style is going to be just as important going forward.
 
Hi Shawn,

I believe the equation that describes this phenomenon is:

Internet + Bathos = Confusion! ;-)

Cheers,
Dom.
 
Same here,
I was happy to see the rig finally available at their site after months of tests, and I've heard good things about it, but then you say, 'problem' to head your thread, then 'cautionary', followed by, 'good luck'... but all the filler is good stuff? Oh, right - funny! ...Right?... Of course! More than!
 
Just his sense of humor, guys. British humor.
Sounds like a great addition. Still not happy with the cost, but appreciate the R & D.
 
Got everyone's attention though. :)

Warning: DO NOT LOOK AT THE MANTIS OR YOU WILL WANT TO BUY ONE! :)

-shooter
 
come on guys...use your brains, its free and located pretty close to whatever city youre in.
Just feed it some carrot juice and some fish and you will be on to alot of good stuff.
Its not British humor, its just.....humor
 
Sorry I didn't realise my post was confusing...

Simply I was expressing both mild frustration and appreciation for an 'essential' red accessory.

I was pretty much convinced I wasn't going to buy a Mantis. I figured what I had already was good (and we have some 'other' high quality cine handheld accessories designed pre-Red).

It is very difficult for Red camera owners because the best system is evolving. Unfortunately we had to shoot straight away and bought what we could. I've got boxes full of both Red and third party accessories. I would love it to stop... BUT if third party companies keep coming up with great tools like Mantis??

I wish I didn't buy the Oconnor 2060hd because subsequently I tried the Atlas 30 (which is for me simply better). However the difference between the Mantis and some 'handles on bars systems' is not analogous to the difference between 2 quality tripod heads. More accurately the comparison would be between a monopod and a good head and legs.

As the other fellow above says 'mantis is a no brainer' so if you don't want to 'get one' don't try one...

Michael L
 
I've been saying it all along. The Mantis is THE handheld rig for your Red. Kick the cost to the ground. You're saving money on your back, bottom line. With the new cordura covers, the thing feels even more awesome now. Now get me a SuperGrip, and the Viewfactor and I'm gold
 
My Mantis came this week and it is the best shoulder mount I have used. And I have owned 20 different brands over the last 10 years besides building a few of my own.

If you do shoulder work it is a must.
 
I prototype tested the Mantis since last June, and I have two of my own which get used whenever me and my crews do shoulder held shooting with RED.

To me, the combination of the Mantis and Origo are a "must have" setup for effective and comfortable shoulder held production with RED.

Get Mantis - trust me, you'll be stoked you did.
 
It rocks. The cost is not a big problem if you rent your camera frequently...

Also the Mantis will work with future camera setups so you'll put it to use for years.

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com
 
The mantis is great for most handheld work with a crew. If you have a doc job with some verite style shooting there is a better solution. Try Douglas Underhall's 15mm mini plate with a handgrip mounted close to the rods and leave your other hand free to adjust FIZ on the lens. Without a baseplate and with a lightweight matte box (LMB-5), battery belt clip and shooting to CF, you'll have the lightest, most compact red possible.
 
Geez... I don't know... it doesn't sound like people like it enough... lol

Not to get annoyingly indie on you guys, but if you were very worried about the higher optical center then you could always mount the camera upside down, do the same with the EVF and monitor and flip in post. Red would be especially easy to flip with the top rails and one of those topside combo cheese plate things. Most director/customer monitors have little issue with upside down mounting so long as you find a way to get it stable that way. Just a thought. :watsup:
 
One huge problem Roberto using that method and doing handheld... cables galore in your face. :)

Not going to happen my friend, sorry.

I have to second SF Geek for the Red LW rig. I am really looking forward to getting that set up and a Mantis shortly. All my HH needs will finally be solved using the Red One.:)
 
Andrew Benz said:
I have to second SF Geek for the Red LW rig. I am really looking forward to getting that set up and a Mantis shortly. All my HH needs will finally be solved using the Red One.:)
Click to expand...

That will definitely cover all your handheld needs. The cool thing about the lightweight setup is that you don't need a shoulder pad. The base of the red is flat and fairly comfortable on your shoulder. For all the people that want it, it has the lowest center of gravity possible unless you start cutting into the body.
 
Holy crap! Just got the Mantis in the mail. Not sure why I even was attempting shoulder shooting without it. I've been waiting for Element's hand held rig since very early last year and I must say it was worth the wait. Bravo.
 
I agree with SF Geek - I want the cam as low as possible on my shoulder as I am 6' 2" (better eyelines with a lower lens) and I need my left hand free to focus and zoom, as I do with a Varicam, 16SR, etc. Also a narrower rig helps me get through crowds or past light stands sometimes.

I made a snap on shoulder pad (angle cushion) to work with my Lightweight Support, and handgrip that mounts on the Lightweight Support rods. I'll post pictures soon.

That said, I haven't tried Mantis, and if I was on a shoot where I had a good 1st AC and was using mostly primes, I might put it on the rental sheet. I'm sure it's beautifully made.
 
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