Purchasing RED (Newbie)

[Brian A]

Just looking into purchasing two RED packages for this new company I am apart of. Where should I look for the best deal? Any thoughts/lists on the recommended accessories for feature shoot?

 

[J. Bernard Vallon]

in LA, you should rent, not buy. you'll come out on top big time, and have less headaches to worry about.

 

[Brian A]

Thanks.

May I ask what you are basing that on? Not that I disagree.

Also, who would you suggest renting from?

 

[Noah Kadner]

Brian-

I wouldn't say rent outright. If you're planning to shoot a project every couple of months- then yeah rent. If you're planning to shoot with the REDs most days of the week for a year or two, then I'd buy. It goes without saying that putting together a boring Excel spreadsheet with all the costs and the expected revenue is a wise call.

Noah

 

[Brian A]

Thanks Noah. And your recommendations on the best rentals in LA?

 

[J. Bernard Vallon]

I'm not LA based, so I wouldn't presume to recommend anyone, but the rent vs buy questions should always go like this

(How many days I will use it) x (Current local rental price)

vs

(Cost to buy) + (Cost to maintain)

Be smart, and do whichever is cheaper.

remember most rental houses will give you VERY good deals on long term rentals, an if you need something for, say, three non-consecutive months per year, bring that up and they may cut the price further.

 

[Noah Kadner]

Thanks Noah. And your recommendations on the best rentals in LA?

Haven't rented out there but I'm sure some locals will jump in here because there are tons and tons of REDs out in L.A. to rent.

Noah

 

[Solomon Schechman]

I recommend Birns and Sawyer

 

[Noah Kadner]

Also just realized Abel Cine Tech has RED's at least they do in NYC and I assume out of L.A. too.

Noah

 

[Jeffrey Woodings]

Rental

Rental

I would recommend CLAIRMONT CAMERA

clairmont.com

Though I just Purchased a Red One, i have rented here many times...