Rank beginner wants to build a rig!

[Les C.]

I have zero experience using or buying a rig.

I'm trying to get my ducks in a row to setup a simple tripod based rig for a Scarlet, but ... would like to be able to expand to shoulder mount or some limited pseudo-steadicam capabilities.

I'm thinking about the

1. RedRock Blue follow focus http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/microFollowFocusBlue
2. Flashpoint Adorama house brand Matte Box Pro http://www.adorama.com/FPVMBM2.html

And will have a REDmote, Side Handle, and the RED touchscreen LCD, and a Canon lens (24-70 vII is on order, but maybe a Tamron 24-70 with IS as it's so late).

I know I'll need rails, and am unsure of whether this CinemaOxide 15mm Attachment would be a good deal (was impressed by their customer service on another thread)

http://www.cinemaoxide.com/epic-to-bottomplate-15mm-attachment.php

along with their Carbonite 15mm Rails http://www.cinemaoxide.com/carbon-fiber-15mm.php (unsure of length I'll need)

Probably a dumb question, but the 15mm Attachment seems to want a bottom plate.

Fortis has a nice looking bottom plate along with XLR adapters:

http://fortiscinema.com/fortis-xlr-adapter-combo.php

But, it's pretty hollowed out compared to the FMJ-Bottom Plate from ViewFactor
http://www.viewfactor.net/products/fmj-bottom.html

which doesn't have the ability to hide the wires inside.

And, as Aluminum screws will void the warranty, I may need to pick up a set of non-Aluminum screws?

---
Any thoughts that could help me make sense of putting all this together would be appreciated!!

I'm worried about all the non-obvious "gotcha's" - and don't want to make any horrible decisions.

 

[stu aull]

Les-
Don't have all your listed bits, tho most sound fine. But a few points:

1) aluminum screws will NOT void your RED warranty unless they are substitutes for BODY PANEL screws. My understanding of that original post by Jarred Land was concern about Cinema Oxide's RED-colored replacement BODY screws, not the normal affixing hardware everybody supplies with their accessories... that would be kooky

2 Tamron lens: just make sure the AUTOFOCUS is functional with the REDs. There is a list out there posted by Land that you should check if its not a Canon OE lens. I know this because I bought a Sigma 70-200 'assuming' its autofocus would work with the Scarlet. It didn't...


3) as far as using various vendors plates, rail mounts, etc be aware they are not 100% compatible in some combinations (again, don't ask me how I know!) so for maximum "future-proofing" your kit you might consider sticking with one vendor for rail/plate stuff. Not an issue with things like battery plates or industry standard things like SWAT rails. For eg, say you buy vendor "A" bottom plate, then vendor "B"s top plate. No problem until you decide later "gee, I would like to mount s side-rail that bridges/attaches to both plates" and then discover the bolt holes don't line up, etc. Not the end of the world, but annoying.

4) since you didn't ask: batteries... if you are considering V-bricks - which are about the most affordable power option - I bought a set of generic 150Wt V-bricks here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150wh-V-loc...s_Chargers&hash=item27c0046938#ht_2342wt_1352

They are identical (I mean, as in made at the same chinese plant) as numerous other brands touted by others, and substantially cheaper, esp when you consider they include FREE shipping and FREE chargers. worth thinking about. love mine, with great sales and after sales support.

anyway. my 2¢

Its a bit of a mine-field (nice to have choices, but...!) because there are so MANY ways to go. I have literally spent MONTHS trolling here to get info on what works best AND best bang for my $$. Happy hunting.

Stu Aull
SX199
Alaska

 

[Les C.]

Les-
Don't have all your listed bits, tho most sound fine. But a few points:

1) aluminum screws will NOT void your RED warranty unless they are substitutes for BODY PANEL screws. My understanding of that original post by Jarred Land was concern about Cinema Oxide's RED-colored replacement BODY screws, not the normal affixing hardware everybody supplies with their accessories... that would be kooky

2 Tamron lens: just make sure the AUTOFOCUS is functional with the REDs. There is a list out there posted by Land that you should check if its not a Canon OE lens. I know this because I bought a Sigma 70-200 'assuming' its autofocus would work with the Scarlet. It didn't...


3) as far as using various vendors plates, rail mounts, etc be aware they are not 100% compatible in some combinations (again, don't ask me how I know!) so for maximum "future-proofing" your kit you might consider sticking with one vendor for rail/plate stuff. Not an issue with things like battery plates or industry standard things like SWAT rails. For eg, say you buy vendor "A" bottom plate, then vendor "B"s top plate. No problem until you decide later "gee, I would like to mount s side-rail that bridges/attaches to both plates" and then discover the bolt holes don't line up, etc. Not the end of the world, but annoying.

4) since you didn't ask: batteries... if you are considering V-bricks - which are about the most affordable power option - I bought a set of generic 150Wt V-bricks here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150wh-V-loc...s_Chargers&hash=item27c0046938#ht_2342wt_1352

They are identical (I mean, as in made at the same chinese plant) as numerous other brands touted by others, and substantially cheaper, esp when you consider they include FREE shipping and FREE chargers. worth thinking about. love mine, with great sales and after sales support.

anyway. my 2¢

Its a bit of a mine-field (nice to have choices, but...!) because there are so MANY ways to go. I have literally spent MONTHS trolling here to get info on what works best AND best bang for my $$. Happy hunting.

Stu Aull
SX199
Alaska

Thanks Stu! Yeah, it's confusing. They just ran my credit card today, so ... I've got to get into high gear on figuring all this out.

Finding out two vendors won't work together later, or some hidden "gotch'a" is the nightmare I'm trying to avoid, so thanks for those top/bottom plate example problems.

When you spoke with RED, did they give you any indication on when the Tamron might be added? The list seems to be exclusively Canon at the moment, but the new Tamron 24-70 has better specs that the existing 24-27, as well as IS.

I recently started a thread about lens characterization:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showth...-lens-before-it-will-work&p=995186#post995186

BTW - those batteries seem like a good deal. But, I started this thread due to some voided warranties on Global Media Pro batteries - so ... I'm not sure what to make of this at all, if RED is going to be hard line, their warranty agreement says that can void it for ANY 3rd party product whatsoever.

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showth...ises-are-there-besides-Global-Media-batteries

 

[stu aull]

Les you are a Threadin' machine!
But will get you some answers I am sure. Always read them with interest.

Yeah, not knocking the Tamron, but I learned an expensive, time-consuming lesson with the Sigma so you proceed at you peril sir! Did not actually SPEAK to Red, but a quick (sadly, AFTER purchase) email to RED support about the Sigma confirmed The Bad News. You can email and ask, would be my suggestion. I suspect the Tamron brand is a bit off their Radar tho...

Read your Thread and the responses re: warranty. I am totally comfortable with my battery decision, but if you have deep pockets you can always go the route of the Battery Modules and the XL RedVolts, etc to be safe.

Accessories. Its a mine field....


Stu Aull
SX 199
Alaska

 

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[James fletcher]

I have zero experience using or buying a rig.

I'm trying to get my ducks in a row to setup a simple tripod based rig for a Scarlet, but ... would like to be able to expand to shoulder mount or some limited pseudo-steadicam capabilities.

I'm thinking about the

1. RedRock Blue follow focus http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/microFollowFocusBlue
2. Flashpoint Adorama house brand Matte Box Pro http://www.adorama.com/FPVMBM2.html

And will have a REDmote, Side Handle, and the RED touchscreen LCD, and a Canon lens (24-70 vII is on order, but maybe a Tamron 24-70 with IS as it's so late).

I know I'll need rails, and am unsure of whether this CinemaOxide 15mm Attachment would be a good deal (was impressed by their customer service on another thread)

http://www.cinemaoxide.com/epic-to-bottomplate-15mm-attachment.php

along with their Carbonite 15mm Rails http://www.cinemaoxide.com/carbon-fiber-15mm.php (unsure of length I'll need)

Probably a dumb question, but the 15mm Attachment seems to want a bottom plate.

Fortis has a nice looking bottom plate along with XLR adapters:

http://fortiscinema.com/fortis-xlr-adapter-combo.php

But, it's pretty hollowed out compared to the FMJ-Bottom Plate from ViewFactor
http://www.viewfactor.net/products/fmj-bottom.html

which doesn't have the ability to hide the wires inside.

And, as Aluminum screws will void the warranty, I may need to pick up a set of non-Aluminum screws?

---
Any thoughts that could help me make sense of putting all this together would be appreciated!!

I'm worried about all the non-obvious "gotcha's" - and don't want to make any horrible decisions.

Les,

I cannot say much about cinemaoxide or viewfactors products. But i have ordered from Fortis Cinema before, my whole set up is from them. I was very happy with their products and they did just what i was looking for. More affordable i would say after looking around. Anyway, just wanted to give you a heads up!