JAG35 Wireless Electronic Follow Focus Kit v2
For the money, you cannot beat this new version of JAG35’s wireless follow focus. Upgrades to the case reduce the motor’s noise level. This custom unibody design has the battery integrated into the receiver and a built-in regulator that can support anywhere between six to thirty volts, preventing damage to the unit. Withstanding a wide range of voltage makes it possible to use different existing battery systems. It is even compatible with a standard D-tap battery system. The frequency goes up to digital 2.4mHz, which can range as far as 1000 ft. away, so they claim, without interference.
Another feature is that it operates on two distinct channels. The main channel was designated for focus and the other channel for either Zoom or Iris, although the channels can be set up however desired. This handheld unit has adjustable end stops that set a range of rotation that can direct the motor in reverse if necessary. The motor was modified to be stronger and faster than before. The connectors used to power the WEFF v2 are the high-end industrial Lemo connectors. I like this version a lot. The guys at JAG35 are always nice to talk to and are very open to comments on items that they make. Order directly from JAG35 for $1300.
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Alphatron EVF-035W-3G Electronic Viewfinder
OK, so everyone is making a viewfinder nowadays. I’m always looking for something in this area so it was nice to run into this booth at the show and spend some time with the EVF-035W-3G. I’m gonna just say viewfinder from now on… It’s really a well-built item with a magnesium body and a nice long-range adjustable diopter. Having both HDSDI and HDMI loop-through jacks is a big plus for me, since I often find myself shooting on multiple camera platforms. I think every shooter should get his or her own EVF. It’s just one of those custom pieces that you should always have in your kit. I currently own three. This one will be number four. Less than $1400 at B&H Photo/Video.
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Rotolight RL48-B Stealth Edition
I have been watching this fixture at NAB for about three years now. There are some LED lights on the market that just don’t understand that the shadow details are very important. These guys get it. The B version is now 25% brighter. I also like how flat the fixture is. I can mount this thing on a wall just about anywhere with a few strips of Velcro. Runs off of AA batteries. As with most light fixtures, I always ask about the ease of adding color filters. They have a very unique way of keeping a piece of gel on the fixture, so after the color is picked and the light is hung on the wall you’re not always running back over with gaff tape trying to keep the gel on. And it’s always a pleasure stopping to talk to Rod Gammons with Rotolight. Made in England and sells for £100. Available at B&H Photo/Video for $130.
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Airbox Mini Softbox w/ Egg Crate
This product is so cool. It will actually fold flat and fit into any gear bag without the worry of it getting damaged. Almost weightless. Both front and rear panels are Half Soft Frost, diffusing the light twice for improved softness with only minimal light loss. The kit includes a 3/8″ cell egg crate for light control. Instant setup and breakdown. The creator and I actually ran into each other on the NAB show floor while visiting another booth. He was there walking the show with his soft box. After about 20 minutes discussing it, he mentioned an issue he was having. I offered a solution and he loved it so much he promised to incorporate it into the next design. I will certainly be discussing this product in another review coming soon. He is coming out with a wider range of soft boxes. I hope everyone takes a moment to go check out his product. Available directly through Airbox or about $50 from B&H Photo/Video.
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bebob Premium Cage
Okay, so you usually think of high quality batteries when you see this company’s name, however they have come up with a very well thought out design for a camera support system. It was presented at the show in a modular design for the Canon Cinema EOS C300 and C500, but it will be made available for several other camera bodies as well. You start out with the sliding base plate rod system and then you can add to the rig with a wide range of side supports and handles. It uses only one tool for assembly. Pierre Boudard with bebob loved my idea of how to incorporate the tool into the prototype design. What was really nice about the C300 version displayed at the show was how well it worked with the design of the camera’s body. It allowed for the use of the supplied components like the top handle and the viewfinder. The side rosettes were also a nice addition, allowing for many types of handles and extension arms that are already in use. About 2200 Euros directly from bebob.
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Litepanels Sola ENG Fresnel Kit
For most people when you think about LED fixtures you automatically think or say Litepanels. They were really the first on the market with a workable fixture, and that early entry into the field has secured their place in the industry. In fact, when I do side-by-side comparisons of light fixtures it is always one of their products that I am using as the common baseline. The usual use for LED fixtures is for a soft source, so the field has been lacking in a Fresnel or focusing fixture for quite some time. Several others have come to market with their own versions, however, as you adjust the focus most will produce poor or just plain ugly hot spots. But the Litepanels Sola ENG has solved just about every issue I have had with small focused LED fixtures. Litepanels has added the ability to operate the updated Sola ENG LED on both battery power and now A/C power (with the included A/C adapter). As well as other features, the new kit further includes a detachable 2-pin D-Tap power cable, stand adapter, 2-way barn door / gel frame, and a 3-piece gel filter set (1/4 CTO, Full CTO & Diffusion). The whole kit with a carrying case runs well under $750 at B&H Photo/Video.
Contents of this article…
Page One: Foto&Video, Que Audio, MYT WORKS
Page Two: Multiquip, HPRC, Kino Flo, Cinema Forms, SEAR, Petrol Bags
Page Three: JAG35, Alphatron, Rotolight, Airbox, bebob, Lightpanels
Page Four: PivotHead, SHAPE, Sachtler, Domke, Billingham
