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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 :)

Shoulder rig for Scarlet-W

Kevin D'Haeze

Kevin D'Haeze

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Hi guys. First off, very excited for the Scarlet-W to arrive! This will be my first Red, so I thought I would turn to the years of experience in the user base here... What kind of setup do you recommend as an "ultralight" shoulder mount (or dual handle) configuration?

My mental block is this - I'll have the 7" DSMC2 monitor as the primary monitor. It would be great to keep this as my primary monitor even in a shoulder-esque configuration. The obvious reason for this would be that I would be able to have quick access to the camera controls, plus it just looks great for focus, etc. But, this is probably not the most shoulder configuration friendly, I'm guessing.

Sure, I could go the route of an EFV or second smaller monitor + foolcontrol, but if I don't have to add bulk or monitoring expenses to my travel kit, I'd rather not. Do you guys recommend a shoulder kit that would work, or a really good dual-handle configuration?

Thanks for your input.
 
I would always recommend building your own shoulder rig, WC just released the DSMC2 Easy riser and the Easy Top, soon will release a full blown cage. Depending what you would like the setup to be like, (Considering the 7" as a viewfinder), get a RED ARM or similar to mount the monitor and dont forget the Pogo-Lemo adapters :)
 
If you get the pogo-Lemo adapter then you can get any shoulder rig you want. I use the Element Technica Mantis Rig and I've been loving it for it's comfort and customizability.

If you want to mount the monitor to the top mounting point, and still use it as a monitor for handheld, you may be in for a very uncomfortable set up. Even if you mount it on the side pogo, you will still probably have a less than optimal setup.
 
Thanks for the input. Yes, it's a tall order to come up with an ideal configuration that allows the 7" as a monitor for shoulder and sticks.

I thought one other approach might be to add the dual outrigger handles. However, the 7" won't work with that without changing the mount position. So, what about using the DSMC (not DSMC2) 7", which would give me the LEMO connector, add the second LEMO to the camera, then mount the 7" on a quick-release NATO rail mount - just BEHIND the dual outrigger handles, where a handle would normally go. Sort of reversing the "traditional" mount order of handle and monitor. That would at least give dual handles like a shoulder mount would, and still make the 7" relatively easy to view and use as a control mechanism -- and make it easier to take on/off than the DSMC2 7"... Crazy? Is there a better way to mount the 7" than on a NATO/SWAT rail when using the dual outriggers?
 
I think you are much better off with the older 7" if you want the monitor to play for both sticks and handheld.

I also think you are on the wrong track with the idea of putting the monitor on swat rails. It may just come down to personal preference, but, when shooting handheld, I like having my monitor (ideally EVF) as far forward as possible, and with as much freedom of movement as possible, so I can quickly readjust the monitor to work with the shot. (What's the point of shooting handheld if you aren't flexible enough to react quickly?)

If possible, I would try and get the monitor off of the camera body and near the lens/mattebox. I think you will find your setup becomes significantly more comfortable.
 
Marcus Friedlander said:
...It may just come down to personal preference, but, when shooting handheld, I like having my monitor (ideally EVF) as far forward as possible...
Click to expand...

I completely agree with you Marcus. Many of the shoulder rigs I've seen supposedly designed for RED cameras keep the camera too far forward, because of poor EVF placement, and thus putting a lot of weight and stain on the arms.

It's not cheap, but I would look at certain components of the Zacuto recoil rig
http://www.zacuto.com/cinema-recoil-rigs

Keeping the weight of the camera over the shoulder is the way to go, which means moving the EVF or monitor much farther forward
 
I hear what you guys are saying about the weight ratio and how the monitor placement affects that a lot. Stupid question, but if you're running something like the Zacuto Recoil, and then bail on the 7" in favor of an EVF or SmallHD monitor/EVF combo -- how do you manage the camera control? Do you go with foolcontrol (seems awkward to fumble around with a iPhone/iPad, considering you've got a shoulder rig already in your hands)? Add a Red sidekick, which means another $1150+? Or...?
 
I believe the middle section of the dual outrigger is a NATO rail. I don't think that would be a bad place to put an OG 7" touch monitor, balance wise (if you don't need/want a top handle).
I really do like shooting with Reds in a "Hasselblad" style set up, so I'm waiting on the new Sidehandle to be able to work the way I used to with DSMC1. I'm thinking I will probably go with the new 4.7" LCD for this style of rig and I'm crossing my fingers for an SDI Jetpack.

Not a fan of the Zacuto rigs. Too heavy/bulky and I don't like the top handle. Also found there was too much play in the Top Handle when I played with an A7sII rigged up that way (maybe the AC's just didn't tighten it enough). Not good for interfacing with dovetail plates as they use the broadcast style VCT interface for that rig. Also don't like the 15mm LWS rod mounts, not at the right lens height for Red's. (edit, rod mount is adjustable, but I still don't like it)

With Weapon/DSMC2 you can flip/flop the monitor so I have no problems going from my Mantis to my Oconnor, just put the 7" Touch on a 9" arm, program a soft key to quickly access flip/flop and boom, it's a pretty quick transition.
 
Colin Nusbaum said:
It's still in the works I believe... but you might consider the new 7" monitor mounted on an action products LCD tube.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty interesting concept. I'll stay tuned to see how that shakes out.

Alex Bros said:
I believe the middle section of the dual outrigger is a NATO rail. I don't think that would be a bad place to put an OG 7" touch monitor, balance wise (if you don't need/want a top handle).
Click to expand...

Agreed, but the 7" won't fit in the middle section of the dual outrigger. Only the 5" and 9"... kind of a drag, since that would be a tidy setup.
 
Haven't tried it but I'm sure you could make it fit. With a Wooden Camera or Red NATO clamp? Maybe use longer bolts and a spacer (maybe some washers, in a pinch) to raise it a bit?
 
@Matthew Quinn. I like that setup. But how are you going to monitor video? With a touch screen? EVF?
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1043733-REG/noga_dg9014ca_cine_arm_dg.html

will use this to clamp the 5 inch pro touch then run to this

http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc2-lemo-adaptor-a

OR THIS

http://woodencamera.com/RED/RED-Weapon-Raven-Accessory-Kits/Easy-Top-Weapon-Scarlet-W-Raven.html

however my plan is to prob start with the lemo adpater from red, then wait and see what the best top plate option will end up being. Will most likely wait till nab to buy the extra stuff i would like
 
+1 for Zacuto Recoil rig. The only rig that gets you instantly form shoulder to tripod and keeps the center of gravity low and enough back to have it balanced on your shoulder.
 
I just let my camera dangle off the easyrig cord
nice thing about those bridge plates I mentioned is it makes going from handheld to tripod pretty easy, need a little dovetail for your tripod and your set
 
Anybody have any experience with Ergocine? They have a nifty looking shoulder plate called Blade V2 which is compatible with Sachtler quick release plates. It looks like it will definitely require a little extra padding considering it is made of wood. Just curious about this one if anyone has tried it.

http://www.ergocine.com/blade-v2.html
 
Hello Matt,

Logically the center of gravity : the weight of your rig when well ballanced should be on your shoulder AND at the center of your tripod head.

The only device that does it is the VCT camera plate on the Zacuto recoil for example.

Pat
 
Patrick Tresch said:
Hello Matt,

Logically the center of gravity : the weight of your rig when well ballanced should be on your shoulder AND at the center of your tripod head.

The only device that does it is the VCT camera plate on the Zacuto recoil for example.

Pat
Click to expand...


I have pretty good success adjusting where the bridge plate rests
 
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