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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 :)

Working documentary handheld in Africa

P

Peter Östlund

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I am going to Angola for a long shoot.
What would be the best rig for this?

Thanks
 
and wich lens?

and wich lens?

good question, peter... i'm interested in the replays too...
about the topic,sorry, i can't help you (i gess that the mantis from element technica will be in some answers..)
anyway, what kind of lens are you plannig to use for this doc? (suggestions?)
 
My lens options are limited. I will use the Red 18-50 and some super speed lenses. Also I will bring a macro 90 mm.
Anyone tried EasyCam with Red?
 
Africa

Africa

What kind of production (natural history, politics/issues, anthropology, drama)?
How big is the crew?
And remember to get your shots...
 
Camera crew just two persons. Documentary drama, mine fields, crocs, remote.
All shots in arm.
 
I'd maybe suggest grabbing a compact DSLR like a 5DMark2 for those days when your back can't heft up the RED rig, or it would be impractical or dangerous (to you or the camera) to do so.

Noah
 
I would recommend getting a light weight 60mm setup for shooting hand held. The ET or Long valley systems. If you can rent one, the Elite 25-80 zoom is great for hand held. CF cards for weight and reliability

With the camera set up this way, it's very comparable to an SR.

Nick
 
Hi Peter

from experience I'd want to keep the set up as small as possible. I was in Angola a few times.

Though things have changed a lot since war ended to avoid being highjacked I'd be as unassuming as possible even considering your moving with a very small crew. Moreover you'd want to have all the valuable gear with you on the plane as often sent bags are pinched before being delivered.

Here are some pics of a set up I use for a documentary I'm currently shooting around Europe (LoveTrips.eu). I have a birger mount, dslr lenses (mainly contax) and the long valley equipment handles and rods and everything fits in a carry-on bag (Airport Accelerator v. 2.0).

well good luck and do enjoy yourself in what is a beautiful and fast-growing country.

Carlo
 

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I would second Nick's recommendation. Red stripped down with, 18-50mm zoom, clip on matte box, battery, 16 gig CF, and a 15mm mini spacing (60mm) setup with one hand grip, tight in. Right hand holds camera, left manually works fiz. The Red zoom is actually really good for this with it's lens data readout on-screen. If you want to run the easy rig, go for it. It kind of makes you even more of an attraction though. The red stripped down can actually be somewhat incognito. If you take off the baseplate you can have it on your shoulder without a pad (it's actually quite smooth without hard edges) and it makes it the lowest profile and most stable setup. It's what i do every time for doc work. A must!
 
Michael Epple said:
I would second Nick's recommendation. Red stripped down with, 18-50mm zoom, clip on matte box, battery, 16 gig CF, and a 15mm mini spacing (60mm) setup with one hand grip, tight in. Right hand holds camera, left manually works fiz. The Red zoom is actually really good for this with it's lens data readout on-screen. If you want to run the easy rig, go for it. It kind of makes you even more of an attraction though. The red stripped down can actually be somewhat incognito. If you take off the baseplate you can have it on your shoulder without a pad (it's actually quite smooth without hard edges) and it makes it the lowest profile and most stable setup. It's what i do every time for doc work. A must!
Click to expand...
Hi Micheal, do you have any picture of your RED all mounted to share? It will be great! Thanks
 
The EasyRig is amazing. . . I love mine. I have the EasyRig 3 for the RED.

A friend of mine goes to Africa all the time for documentary work with the RED, his name is Greg Sheffer and he's also in Kansas City and, unlike me, he's a really great guy.

Stephen
 
I have shot a lot of stuff in weird places from Iraq to Madagascar - and my personal credo is: Keep it small and simple. (or point-shoot-escape)

Every time I see somebody fuzzing around with that Easy Rig it takes forever to get a shot - because people seem to spend more time handling the easy rig than actually shooting...
Plus it is rather impractical in tight spaces.

Also keep in mind you will have to drag everything around and fancy setups attract unwanted attention.

What I would take: Red, Zoom lens, Red Shoulder Rig, matte box. If you feel comfy with it leave the LCD screen at home and only take the EVF. Take Flash Cards instead - they are much more reliable too.
 
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