Smallest Shoulder Rig for Epic/Scarlet?

[Björn Benckert]

http://www.aeoncine.com/handheld-solutions/

Does it right I think but also it would be nice to be able to slide the shoulder pad back and forth if using heavy glass and not having a big load behind the camera. Then moving the camera body even behind the shoulder would be a more optimal solution. Not sure but maybe they have it in there some how.

 

[Patrick Grossien]

Björn, have you ever tried a setup like this?

 

[Björn Benckert]

Thats nice with the L thing holding the touch, did not think of that one. But then we kind of need a second screen for the AC. As we got the EVF we try to use that. I find the little pad to be softer on the shoulder than the real pad. as the small one gives a bit of flex in the plastic. Also ditching the handles and holding the side handle and rod allows you to reach to change focus with your fingers. It might not be the most ergonomically correct way but if the camera is in balance it's actually quite comfy. Do not have the CFF-1 in there now but then that gives good grips as well.

 

[Jeff Whitehurst]

http://www.aeoncine.com/handheld-solutions/

Does it right I think but also it would be nice to be able to slide the shoulder pad back and forth if using heavy glass and not having a big load behind the camera. Then moving the camera body even behind the shoulder would be a more optimal solution. Not sure but maybe they have it in there some how.

I was able to briefly demo this unit out at NAB last year. It doesnʻt adjust that much, but the shoulder pad does slide a bit to help with balance. http://www.aeoncine.com/qr_platform/

 

[Mikael Lubtchansky]

mini scarlet rig

mini scarlet rig

I'm experimenting toward a mini scarlet rig with the same 'auxiliary pad' Bjorn is using, altho my config is a bit smaller (no AC monitor, nor mattebox on this rig tho)... the camera is so light it works well with REDvolt and REDbrick. The auxiliary pad can also be rotated toward the back to make a small chest-leveled shooting style...
Speaking of small, it is not pictured here but I also use a 3x3 chrosziel mattebox that goes well with this setup when using distagons PL lenses instead of those nikons.


FWIW this rig uses all those red parts :

http://www.red.com/store/products/auxiliary-support-pad
http://www.red.com/store/products/accessory-attachment-bracket
http://www.red.com/store/products/rosette-blockn
http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc-top-plate
http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc-tactical-top-handle
http://www.red.com/store/products/tactical-rib
http://www.red.com/store/products/tactical-bottom-adaptor-left
http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc-tactical-right-z-adaptor
http://www.red.com/store/products/epic-mounting-plate-pack-modular-m

15mm rods, aaton handle with custom cable + SWAT rail 100 and WoodCam EVF 2 mount and extension for the bomb EVF...

 

[Patrick Grossien]

Thats nice with the L thing holding the touch, did not think of that one. But then we kind of need a second screen for the AC. As we got the EVF we try to use that. I find the little pad to be softer on the shoulder than the real pad. as the small one gives a bit of flex in the plastic. Also ditching the handles and holding the side handle and rod allows you to reach to change focus with your fingers. It might not be the most ergonomically correct way but if the camera is in balance it's actually quite comfy. Do not have the CFF-1 in there now but then that gives good grips as well.

Thanks for the insight! I like the idea of your setup! I don't know who it was, might have been Bob Gundu, but someone put velcro to the bottom of the quad module and attached this to it:
http://www.letusdirect.com/cart/mcs-shoulder-pad.html

might be an interesting idea for your setup as well, from the look of it.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Thanks for the insight! I like the idea of your setup! I don't know who it was, might have been Bob Gundu, but someone put velcro to the bottom of the quad module and attached this to it:
http://www.letusdirect.com/cart/mcs-shoulder-pad.html

might be an interesting idea for your setup as well, from the look of it.

It was me! I never have to worry about bringing extra stuff for shoulder rig again. I don't even need handles it balances so well. I use Leicas so my lenses are small and light too.

 

[Björn Benckert]

Thanks for the insight! I like the idea of your setup! I don't know who it was, might have been Bob Gundu, but someone put velcro to the bottom of the quad module and attached this to it:
http://www.letusdirect.com/cart/mcs-shoulder-pad.html

might be an interesting idea for your setup as well, from the look of it.

That's also a nice option but the good thing with the little red pad on the dovetail is that it slides in balance and also it protects the cables going in / out of the back of the camera. We now have a setup where we use a 15m power cable running together with BNC from our client monitor, then the power cable would get in the way of the shoulder I think. The small pad holds up the camera in a god way.

 

[Curt Pair]

You might want to check out Allstar Cine too! They have some GREAT stuff! http://allstar-cine.myweb.hinet.net/html/red_accessories/A_Mr.htm

They also have a more elaborate kit too! I have a Clutch. I've been using the Allstar Cine "DSMC Combo" shoulder rig for a while and LOVE it! http://allstar-cine.myweb.hinet.net/html/red_accessories/A_Mr.htm

 

[Curt Pair]

What do you think about All Stars dual bridge plate? http://www.reduser.net/forum/showth...ble-with-quick-release-light-weight-HH-design

There are photos on both pages of that thread. Seems like a slick and very low profile setup going from tripod to shoulder pad. Watch the video. @ 30secs. http://vimeo.com/34895533

I'm thinking of going this route.

Mike,

Owning a Clutch AND an Allstar rig, like the one you mention? No contest! For SPEED and flexibility... it's the Allstar all the way!

I mount all kinds of things on my Epic... like a Zaxcom Receiver a nanoFlash, Pix 240... all kinds of things. I "modified" a "wireless bracket" from an ENG/EFP setup to mount behind my Anton Bauer bracket so I can attach the Zax, the nano or a Deneke SB-t (tri-level sync box) right to the camera... The trouble with using the Clutch is the DESIGN of it! The shoulder pad comes UP into the "camera space" and therefore HITS everything going! The bottom of all the units, and even larger batteries HIT the shoulder pad... making it impossible to use! I can "re-position" everything to a battery plate on the back of the Clutch shoulder pad... but that too takes time... I was looking for something to be as fast as an HDCam F900... This is as close as I've found for our documentary work.

The other "bummer" with the Clutch and hand-held is that it's so configurable it takes a while to get it all set up right.... Further... the handles come down so far, that if you pop the camera off your shoulder, it's quite tough to grab a low walking shot because the handles it the ground! With the Allstar, I've found with their "U-clamp/Bar" thing, I just quickly loosen, rotate up, and the ENTIRE UNIT moves together, up and out of the way!

I like the Allstar a lot. I recommend it!

 

[Patrick Grossien]

It was me! I never have to worry about bringing extra stuff for shoulder rig again. I don't even need handles it balances so well. I use Leicas so my lenses are small and light too.

hehehe speaking of the dude with the velcro and here he comes. you're quick, man!

That's also a nice option but the good thing with the little red pad on the dovetail is that it slides in balance and also it protects the cables going in / out of the back of the camera. We now have a setup where we use a 15m power cable running together with BNC from our client monitor, then the power cable would get in the way of the shoulder I think. The small pad holds up the camera in a god way.

makes a lot of sense. bob used an L-adapter because of that but power is still in the way if you run it along with it...
I don't get it though: a 15m power cable along with the quad module?


BTW Bob and Björn, how are you liking the quad? it's not getting a lot of love it seems.

 

[Curt Pair]

I'm experimenting toward a mini scarlet rig with the same 'auxiliary pad' Bjorn is using, altho my config is a bit smaller (no AC monitor, nor mattebox on this rig tho)... the camera is so light it works well with REDvolt and REDbrick. The auxiliary pad can also be rotated toward the back to make a small chest-leveled shooting style...
Speaking of small, it is not pictured here but I also use a 3x3 chrosziel mattebox that goes well with this setup when using distagons PL lenses instead of those nikons.


FWIW this rig uses all those red parts :

http://www.red.com/store/products/auxiliary-support-pad
http://www.red.com/store/products/accessory-attachment-bracket
http://www.red.com/store/products/rosette-blockn
http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc-top-plate
http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc-tactical-top-handle
http://www.red.com/store/products/tactical-rib
http://www.red.com/store/products/tactical-bottom-adaptor-left
http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc-tactical-right-z-adaptor
http://www.red.com/store/products/epic-mounting-plate-pack-modular-m

15mm rods, aaton handle with custom cable + SWAT rail 100 and WoodCam EVF 2 mount and extension for the bomb EVF...

Does that "record" start/stop in the handle actually work? If so... who makes it? I've been looking for something like that! I have a Cabrio, and I can't get it to work for ANYTHING (for start/stop).

Thanks.

 

[Curt Pair]

It was me! I never have to worry about bringing extra stuff for shoulder rig again. I don't even need handles it balances so well. I use Leicas so my lenses are small and light too.

I gotta say... I think Bob Gundu's rig is THE MOST BAD ASS hand held rig going! It's perfect!

I think I'm eliminating the Red Volt adapter... It's perfect, it will give me a "cavity" for Anton Bauers... and I'll add a "plate" under the bottom rail setup with Velcro on it... already contacting Berkey and Letus for the other parts!

Thanks so much for not only figuring it all out Bob, but the willingness to share it all too! (I know I've asked a TON of questions offline, and you've been beyond helpful!)

 

[Björn Benckert]

Like the bob rig but with a big fat lens it will be heavy on the hand or no?

 

[Mikael Lubtchansky]

Does that "record" start/stop in the handle actually work? If so... who makes it? I've been looking for something like that! I have a Cabrio, and I can't get it to work for ANYTHING (for start/stop).

Yes it works... just did the inside (electronic + battery today) ... home made cable. see photos hee :
http://reduser.net/forum/showthread...pted-to-EPIC&p=1116876&viewfull=1#post1116876

 

[Björn Benckert]

We used this rig, two battery powered led lights and a FD 15mm fisheye hanging in the top handle from an easy rig as a POV cam. Worked really well with the camera dangling infront of the DP that could use both hands to interact in this info film promoting kids to work in restaurants etc. Hardly any other lights used trough out the movie.

http://www.syndicate.se/Files/~usr/visita/VISITA_EDIT_FRE07dec-H264 1024x576.mov