Thanks - I just checked in here before ordering - and the DS-20 will be my choice. No one has the Solo DV combo in stock, but I am about to click the B & H order button ... done!

Phil,

Do you find the DS20 to be stable for moves on a long lens with the full adapter set-up?
I notice that a lot of what I seen in your shorts has been a lock off, (That's not a criticism BTW I really love your stuff) and where I've been frustrated with my Cartoni is when I am all the way zoomed in on a long lens especially trying to track subtle movements say in an interview.

The Arrow 25 can handle it but i can't seem to find a DS20 to try out. The Miller sales people have suggest the Arrow rather than the DS20, but of course its more expensive. I'm also wary of a 75mm tripod in the same situation.

lenny

adorama has the miller ds-20 head. i did not call to confirm.
i am down to choosing another head for my second cam, either the miller or the gitzo g1380.
the legs though, i am going gitzo g3530s or the longer lvs version. the miller carbon legs are 5.5lbs and the gitzo at 4lbs.

paul


Thanks - I just checked in here before ordering - and the DS-20 will be my choice. No one has the Solo DV combo in stock, but I am about to click the B & H order button ... done!

So I chose the Sachtler FSB-6 with the carbon fiber legs from B&H. I love the legs and the head is what I was expecting. It does have a slight bounce back effect which is my only complaint, even though I knew it when i bought it.

Hi Jenny

I got my Sachtler DV 6 this week with cf legs. Great combo! You should be able to get rid of the bounce back effect by balancing the camera correctly and getting the right positions of the counterbalance knob and the vertical and horizontal fluid dumping settings. My EX stays perfectly in every position of the head without bouncing back.

Thanks, I will try it again :)

Hi Jenny

I got my Sachtler DV 6 this week with cf legs. Great combo! You should be able to get rid of the bounce back effect by balancing the camera correctly and getting the right positions of the counterbalance knob and the vertical and horizontal fluid dumping settings. My EX stays perfectly in every position of the head without bouncing back.

rainer,

how much is the dv6sb with carbon legs, i gather the speed-lock 75cf (#4588) goes for there in germany?
i am leaning toward a set myself after testing it at a store last week.
that quick flip of the legs is better than my gitzo's.
the way the 10 steps counterbalance set while the camera is on the head is very fast and allow for fine control. sweet.

paul

I am curious ... if there is anything higher quality that accepts that kind of mounting
I'd also be interested to know what options there are for a better-quality head than the 503HDV which will also attach by a 3/8-16 screw.

I currently have a Manfrotto 701RC2 on a 756XB tripod. I'd like to keep the 756 but I now need a head which will support the EX1 at around 3kg (6.5lbs).

Does anyone have any recommendations? I've heard mixed reviews about the 503 and wondered if there's anything better available.

In the video Philip Bloom presents on
http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/publi...r=sony_pmw-ex3
, I can see the EX3 fitted on to something that looks like Sony VCT-U14 tripod attachment plate. Has EX3 brackets for this plate? Philip, what gear did you use?

Sony product ref:
http://www.sony.co.uk/biz/view/ShowP...tegory=Tripods

IN THE UK THIS http://www.videogear.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=676

in the US http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Blooms_Blog/Blooms_Blog/Entries/2008/1/6_minor_blog_about_rails_and_tripod_mounts.html

Hi guys,

Are you looking for something like this? A plate that you can mount under the PMW-EX1, so that you mount it on a Sony VCT-U14 or VCT-14 tripod adapter. Take a look at the link below.

Press Shooter ST-1 (http://www.protechweb.jp/products/tri_adp/st1/index.html)

Hope this helps!

Thanks for that link, that device looks superb, a great idea.

IN THE UK THIS http://www.videogear.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=676

in the US http://web.mac.com/philip.bloom/Blooms_Blog/Blooms_Blog/Entries/2008/1/6_minor_blog_about_rails_and_tripod_mounts.html


And, I would love it if Letus would sell a short version of the up down risers for there original rails... :)

Scott K.

that's a good idea. Have you asked them?

that's a good idea. Have you asked them?

Yes, I sent them Email. Would be very cool if they could do it, or already have.

Scott K.

I think I might be looking for a solution that doesn't exist, but I wanted to chime in with everyone here to see if I'm missing something...

I have an EX1 that I use for two, fairly different purposes.

1) Documentary work in third world countries where I will be carrying the equipment over long distances for most of the time (light, simple setup is obviously needed).

2) Fictional shorts with a mini35 with full rail system that's fairly heavy itself.

Is there a system that can do both on-the-go documentary work and support a mini35 system that isn't over $3k?

HAS ANYONE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH THE MILLER DV20 SYSTEM AND A MINI35 RIG?



From what I've found so far...
For the documentary work, the Miller DV20 system with the Solo Carbon Fiber legs seems to be a sure bet, but while at B&H, one of them said that the Miller head doesn't have enough surface area to stabilize a full mini35 rig - so I'm not sure if that would work with the fictional shorts.

I'm looking at maybe a Sachtler DV-6SB as a head, then finding some good carbon fiber solo legs from either Miller, Manfrotto, or Gitzo to attach them to if the Miller DV20 system won't work? But will that work?


Any thoughts or experiences would be INCREDIBLY helpful as this is my first $500+ tripod purchase so I'm not very knowledgeable.

May I get a couple of points clarified before making any suggestions?

The words "I use" in the second line of your post implies (obliquely) that you use some form of camera support system already.

May I ask what it is and how you have found it in practice?

The reason I ask is the dreaded "EX1" in the header (nowt wrong with an EX1, substitute any other HD camera and the effect is the same - HD camera? Support? Uh Oh!).

What format is your final product, SD or HD?

SD is far and away (light years) more forgiving of camera support failings than HD.

How heavy, exactly, is your EX1/ mini35/ lens(s)/ rail system?

This bit isn't a suggestion, just a word of advice, based on perceived wisdom, both from users and Miller themselves - the Solo's do not, in the main, get rave reviews from HD shooters O/P'ing in HD.

That brilliant single stick design, whilst a miracle of engineering, was never going to be able to match twin stick suports with regard to wind up/ down/ rigidity.

You never want to pan/ knock/ bump/ breath on camera/ sticks, you'll be fine with them.

I'll await further info before saying another word.


CS

Thank you Chris for the response.

I have a very basic, prosumer tripod at the moment that I find is a terrible experience to say the least. However, I have used a few Manfrotto systems before, and they're not bad but leave a lot of room to be desired.

Most of my material will be mastered in 1080p and the delivery is 720p usually, so those little vibrations, bumps, and movements will come out.

The lens system is fairly heavy, I'd say probably around 13-15 lbs total with the camera and rig. Without the rig (when I'm doing documentary work) the camera is about 6 lbs with battery.

I think you've answered the "solution that doesn't exist" question for me.

There is no, zero, nada, zilch etc etc etc solution which is both light to transport and as solid as a brick wall to keep that HD camera still.

My best suggestion (well, actually, my ONLY suggestion) is to go for the best solution your wallet can afford plus 20%, and think of hiring native bearers for the third world stuff.

Bottom line, the better the tripod, the heavier it's going to be. Ditto the head. You can shed a couple of pounds going CF, but a decent one will still bust your whatsits on a long treck.

If you're prepared to spend $3k +, any of the top names can field a pretty good line up.

My favourite (and, IMHO, the best camera support available for less than $15K, but then, I'm biased - I have one!) is this:

Vinten | 3498-3 ENG/EFP 2-Stage Fibertec Tripod Legs | 34983 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276287-REG/Vinten_34983_3498_3_ENG_EFP_2_Stage_Fibertec.html)

Much to my utter amazement, B&H still have them on offer even tho' they were discontinued last Christmas.

Here's my review of same:

Review: Vinten FiberTec video tripod -- everything you want to know. - The Digital Video Information Network (http://www.dvinfo.net//conf/showthread.php?t=113753)

They will, most certainly, when married with an appropriate head, bust your whatsits on a long treck.

Solid? Hah! You could jack a Mack truck up on 'em.

Rigid? Makes anything made by Manfrotto look like a toy (and a good many of the more worthy opposition, come to that).

Check 'em out.


CS

Go with something solid, Sachtler, Vinten or Miller, my experience is limited to sacthler and larger vinten heads.

For my own work, with a Z1 at the moment, I use a DV6SB on a pair of 2stage alu sachtler legs. I regret that i didn't buy the Speedlock CF legs, but the budget didn't go that far since i needed a hard shipping case for travel. And it's not the lightest setup, CF ain't that much lighter either, but it's a pleasure to use.

I would take a look at either DV6SB or DV8SB, with either 75mm(lighter) or 100mm(stiffer legs) bowl. Tested a Ex1 with Vocas MB250 on my system, just dial the SB and of you go. A good tripod should be seen as an investment as it will outlast you camera by at least two years.

And yes, Manfrotto and Libec feel like toys compared to even the smaller high end tripods.

Hi Zack,

I just recently got a Sachtler DV6 SB witht the CF Speedlock legs. I was using a Cartoni and the Sachtler is really a huge jump up. Even with teh CF legs it isn't light. But most fo the time I'm not moving too much and I usually don't have to hike too far with it.

I use it with a lightly loaded Canon XH A1 set up. I also had a Miller DS10 set up I was using. I think the Miller and the Sachtler legs are about equal. The head is a different story. All I can really say about the DV6 SB is WOW. Super smooth. I was torn between the DV6 SB or the Vinten Vision 3. I tried both and they were both very good, head and shoulders above anything else I tried. The deciding factor for me was that I couldn't get the Vinten with an above ground spreader. So if I wanted to add it, it would have cost another $800.

I'm happy with the Sachtler,

Garrett

I have now a Sony XDCAM-EX1 camera but my tripod is a cheap one a little bit shaky.
I am looking for a very good tripod with a light weight and efficient and easy to use with fluid head, but my budget is limited to $1,000.
Can someone advise me?

This summer (2009) I will be heading to Africa to shoot a documentary. I will be there for about 5 weeks and I need a good, reliable tripod with a fluid head that will support a Sony PMW-EX1 well. I think it would be good to have a tripod system that doesn't need a spreader.

I really like the Miller DS20 Solo but it is about $350 out of my budget.

Any suggestions for a tripod system $1000 or less?


THAT WOULD BE AMAZING.

-Mikes

Bogen / Manfrotto | 351MVB2 Tripod Legs with | 503HDV,351MVB2K (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Legs_with.html)

For the money, I'm thrilled with the 5xx series heads (I own 2 501s - wish I would have bought 503's). They aren't about to put Sachtler out of business but when you're spending your OWN money, it's a decent compromise. Avoid the 501 head though. Teflon friction. Not as controllable when it comes to drag.

PS. This kit has a mid-spreader. Much better than a floor spreader IMHO.

Vinten PRO-06-HDVM for $999 at B&H.

Bogen bought Vinten or vice versa but they now share technology. I read somewhere that the Bogen 503HDV head and the Vinten Pro 6 head were basically the same head with different badging. I have had several different Bogen sticks/heads. While they were not "video elite cool", they were functional and durable and performed equal to products that cost a lot more.

Thanks for your responses!

I would really like to go without the mid-level spreader if possible. What do you guys thing about the 503hdv head with the 535k CF legs?

Here is the address to the B&H kit:

Bogen / Manfrotto | 503HDV,535K 535 Tripod 503 HDV | 503HDV,535K (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/556293-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_535K_503HDV_535K_535_Tripod_503.html)

Good Afternoon,

I have a vinten vision 6 and a gitzo 1380

The gitzo 1380 is surprisingly good!!! once set I can get it about as smooth as the vinten.

the 1380 head is availble for 990 dollars at b&H if you have a set of legs.

for a whole set up perhaps try the libec 38 A

Libec | LS-38M(2A) Professional Tripod System | LS38M2A | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458997-REG/Libec_LS38M2A_LS_38M_2A_Professional_Tripod_System.html)



I have heard it is one of those sweet ones good and not beyond dimenishing returns.

check out the reviews on line!!

Michael, if you are serious about your work, forget Manfrotto and its derivatives....

Get the Libec LS 38, thats the best bang for the buck in your price category. In fact I see it below 500$ but that site is not sponsor here, so.... cannot tell you.

Are there any suggestions for tripods without spreaders?

Hi Michael,

I am looking at the 535 legs too. I bought the 351MVB2 legs and the 503 head and I wasn't too happy with the legs. I come from a broadcast background so I am used to higher end Sachtlers, Millers and O'Conners. The 351MVB2 legs were heavy, cumbersome and a general pain in the ass to use. Plus they aren't that tall, just a little higher than 5 feet, 6 feet with the 503 head. I would like a little more height myself.

I started a thread about the 535 legs and so far I haven't gotten much of a response other than Zsolt's suggestion. The 535s look good on paper though! Lighter, taller, and no pesky spreader. I use an EX1 too BTW.

The 503 head is pretty good for the money though!

thanks jesse. it's nice to know that i may be on the right track :)

With the RR matte box and glass filters, the 11" field/studio monitor, on-camera light powered from a 100 Wh brick battery, Letus Extreme 35mm adapter with a Canon lens - the overall weight of my EX1 rig has just exceeded 10 kg...

I need to upgrade my Manfrotto 503/535 tripod, and I'm facing a dilemma: being sort of loyal Manfrotto customer, should I opt for their 526 top-of-the-line head (up to 16 kg payload), or spend roughly the same amount on another, higher-end brand, like e.g. Libec LS-70 (up to 14kg payload).

Also similar would be the price for the highly regarded Miller Solo DS-20 combo, but it's rated 10 kg (no safety margin left).

I'd like to hear your opinions whether high-level head from Manfrotto are comparable to mid-range solution from their competitors, or still are considered "poor man's supports" :)

I nearly choked on my corn flakes reading your post.

If ever there was an example of a Rolls Royce camera system (HD to boot) sitting on a skateboard support "thing", yours is it.

My initial reaction was that you must be editing/watching the output of this odd pairing on your mobile phone or something even smaller, then I saw the 50" HD set listed so must assume you just need glasses instead.

This because your only comment about your existing, er, system, was that you'd run out of safety margin weight wise.

Nothing about the entire set up waving about like a 3am New Years eve drunk.

Joking aside, I did a quick mental tally up and reckon the camera system must have a ticket price well in excess of US$10k, and probably very significantly more.

Currently sitting on a support system costing a gnats whisker under a grand.

I see your current thinking is to double the budget and go for, er, a system, costing a whole 2 grand at the very most.

Now, I'm all for customer loyalty, it's a great thing, especially if the product can "do the business", but IMPO, Manfrotto shouldn't even be a a rank outsider for consideration to be sitting under that camera system.

Working on the tried and true "you get what you pay for" mantra, a camera system such as yours should really be matched to something that can do it justice, which is gonna cost one heck of a lot more than 2 grand.

Now, I'm a Vinten guy. If I had that camera system of yours, my choice of weapon would be:

Vinten | VISION 8 Fluid Head (100mm Ball Base) | 3441-3 | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/163842-REG/Vinten_3441_3_VISION_8_Fluid_Head.html#specifications)

and

Vinten | 3498-3 ENG/EFP 2-Stage Fibertec Tripod Legs | 34983 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276287-REG/Vinten_34983_3498_3_ENG_EFP_2_Stage_Fibertec.html#specifications)

with

Vinten | 3781-3 Spread-Loc Mid-Level Spreader with | 3781-3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/247101-REG/Vinten_3781_3_3781_3_Spread_Loc_Mid_Level_Spreader.html)

and

Vinten | 3532-3 Soft Carrying Case | 35323 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/277983-REG/Vinten_35323_3532_3_Soft_Carrying_Case.html)

I'll leave you to do the math.

I'm sure that just about everyone who uses gear at this level will have their own personal favourites that they'll rave about, the same as me.

My point is, do stick a Rolls Royce support system under that box brownie of yours, not a skateboard.

CS

Chris nice suggested setup. I am moving from a EX1 up to EX3 with a lot of extras and currently have a Gitzo 1380 with carbon legs. It has been great but way short of my new needs. I like your suggestion but will need to go to a rental house and have it as one of the many to check out.

I was at B&H and AbelCineTech yesterday and looked at the Miller Arrow 25 and was not impressed at all. Plastic and the one on B&H floor had a broken tilt lock. I like all alum system no plastic and a weight rating 4 times the weight of the rig as I did with my EX1.

I did the math, Chris, and even though what you're saying is absolutely right, I just cannot afford anything like this at the moment. As simple as that.

So perhaps I should re-word my enquiry: given my rig being what it is, and having just the Manfrotto 503/525 to sell away, plus some $1,000 to spare at the moment, what would be better (not: WHAT IS BEST):

- the sexy Miller Solo DS-20 (10 kg), or
- the Libec LS-70 (14 kg), or
- the Manfrotto 526 (16 kg) on some of their best legs?

Basing on the payload specs alone, I'd say the latter - but then, I never had an opportunity to "feel" the Miller.

What would you answer to my question put like this?

I just purchased this Bogen tripod system: Bogen / Manfrotto | 3193 Tripod (Black) w/526 Fluid | 526MVBKIT (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408410-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_526MVBKIT_3193_Tripod_Black_w_526.html)

It's heavy, but I think it will work well for my EX1, Ultimate setup.

By the time I add in batteries, HD monitor, etc. I was needing something that could support over 24lb and I couldn't afford a Vinten or Sachtler setup.

Still getting used to such a big tripod, but it's sturdy.

Hmm, my first suggestion is to ask the mods nicely if they'll move this thread, lock stock and barrel, over to the "Support Your Local Camera" forum, where it will get significantly more attention from the support officionado's.

Now, as to your dilemma.

I have been fortunate enough to have been the less than proud owner of a rubbish set of sticks & head, a Man....... (shhh, no names, no pack drill).

[I do stress that they were perfectly suited to my previous shooting arrangement with a Canon XL1s. It was the move to HD that threw the monkey wrench into the spokes].

I then upgraded the head to a Vinten Vision 3, at the same time as coming into possesion of a set of Man..... (shhh, etc) 528XB's for my jib.

What rapidly became obvious was that the V3 mounted on my original Man.... ( ) sticks was hardly any better than the original Man... () head, as the sticks had developed terminal Parkinsons desease as far as HD went.

Further investigations showed that both heads on the Man...() 528XB's were light years better, tho' with such a solid set of sticks under them, the Vinten could really stretch it's legs and streak miles ahead of the Man...() head.

It did not take long however before the limitations of the 528XB for run n' gun video work became glaringly obvious, hardly being able to lift the combination being only one of the numerous problems.

The total incompatabilty of the V3 head with the Man...() receiver design being the biggest other.

Hence my move to the Vinten sticks I suggested to you in my first post.

Now, having gone all 'round the houses, what would I suggest for you?

My lesson from the above is that even a crappy head can be improved out of sight by being parked on a decent, rigid set of sticks.

My personal belief is that a set of sticks alone to do justice to HD cannot be had for less than 2, more likely $3 plus grand.

Any combination of sticks and head that tries to come in under that $3+ grand figure must be a very, very serious compromise.

OK, so.............

Do you compromise all round and have a underperforming head on ditto sticks?

(Funny, you've already got that, average everything).

Compromise on the head and get the decent sticks?

(At least you'll never have to buy another set of sticks).

Compromise on the sticks and get a decent head?

(You're probably looking at 3 grand+ for a suitable head and it's going to perform like a piece of shite on those dodgy sticks, not that a 100mm ball head will fit onto the 75mm bowl 525's anyway).

For my money (stand by for sheer heresey, guys.........) ditch your current sticks and get a decent set of Vinten/ Sachtler/ [enter famous support manufacturer here]/ NOT Miller Solo's under any circumstances/ NOR Man...() anything.

Keep your current head (did I just say that? Ohmygawd, where's the soap.....) and just accept it's bad now, it will be a heap better with the new sticks and when, down the track you can afford it, it will be sheer magic with a new head.

Of course I do realise you ain't me, so will see the situation through different coloured spectacles.

BUT, that's what I'd do given what I know.


CS

PS: Wow, the mods are on the ball today!

PPS: I do realise I haven't actually answered your precise question, and also realise that with your quoted budget, the above may not be possible (at this time).

I threw it out there to give you some thought provocation.

You have, indeed, spec'd one heck of a camera system however, and it really does seem criminal to have it sitting on anything but the absolute best (and this IS NOT a "big boys toys" thing).

To achieve my suggested aims, it may actually be worthwhile delaying any purchase untill you can get the sticks, at least.

Piotr: I'm not sure what the situation is where you are but you may be better served by renting a heavy duty tripod until you can afford your dream system UNLESS you are out using the entire monster rig several times a month. Renting a Sachtler Video 25 tripod here is probably $50 a day with a purchase price of somewhere close to $10k. That means that I can rent the tripod 200 times before it became cheaper to own it. Not sure if you HAVE access to a rental house like I do, though.

Chris is right: skimping on a tripod system is a losing proposition. Even in my previous post where I stated I was thrilled with my Manfrotto systems, the caveat there was "at the price". I NEED a heavier tripod soon as I start hanging more and more "toys" on my camera. I'll rent as required and save my pennies, nickels and dimes until I can afford my Sachtler in good conscience.

I'm using a Sachtler FSB6 head with the CF (carbon fiber) QuickLock legs (it's called something like that) with my EX1. I think it was around $1800. The FSB6 is a very nice head compared to anything Bogen I've seen and tested. You could move up to a DV6 head for a bit more control.

I can't imagine spending anything less on a tripod for the camera.

Piotr: I'm not sure what the situation is where you are but you may be better served by renting a heavy duty tripod until you can afford your dream system UNLESS you are out using the entire monster rig several times a month. Renting a Sachtler Video 25 tripod here is probably $50 a day with a purchase price of somewhere close to $10k. That means that I can rent the tripod 200 times before it became cheaper to own it. Not sure if you HAVE access to a rental house like I do, though.

Chris is right: skimping on a tripod system is a losing proposition. Even in my previous post where I stated I was thrilled with my Manfrotto systems, the caveat there was "at the price". I NEED a heavier tripod soon as I start hanging more and more "toys" on my camera. I'll rent as required and save my pennies, nickels and dimes until I can afford my Sachtler in good conscience.

Shaun,

Very good suggestion, indeed - at least, looking at the rates you provide. However, where I live it's not possible to rent a high-class tripod whenever you want it, for the money you mention. I need to have my own, and - unless I find some real bargain - it's gotta be the Manfrotto's top-of-the-line, 526 system.

While I fully agree that Sachtler or Vinten do make better systems indeed, I personally think it's a little biased thinking what Chris is preaching... I mean, the Man (,,,) 526 head on their heavy-duty legs - even though inferior to any $6,000 Vinten or Sachtler - by no means can be regarded a "piece of shit supporting a Rolls-Royce", as Chris chooses to put it.

Chris, I can assure you that even with my 503 head, I can get totally acceptable, fluid pans and tilts from my fully-blown camera system - and I'm watching it on a 50" HDTV plasma at some 1.5m distance, not on a mobile phone :)

Piotr,

Touched and honoured as I am to be quoted, I would rather you quoted what I actually wrote, rather than what you "think" I said.

I do not recall at any point making any disparageing remarks about YOUR current or proposed support system in any post, if you accept that my comments about both being somewhat under specified for the camera system it/ they are supporting, to be fair.

I also made no specific reference to the Man...() 526 head at any point.

[In case there is some confusion here, I was referring to the Manfrotto 528 (that's eight) XB heavy duty tripod legs in my previous post, not the 526 head, neither of which I rubbished]

My use of the term "shite" was, if you would care to re - read my previous post, in reference to the inability of even the best head on the planet to perform it's job adequately if mounted on a set of inferior sticks.

If you were unhappy with the operation of your existing 503 head, you would have said so -you did not, a fact which I pointed out.

This was the reason I made the suggestion I did in my previous post - keep the head and improve the legs in the short term.

I appologise if anything I have written has given offence. I have gone back over my posts with a fine toothed comb and can find nothing that to my mind would give rise to such a reaction, but then, maybe I'm biased.

Enjoy your new support system.


CS

I appologise if anything I have written has given offence. I have gone back over my posts with a fine toothed comb and can find nothing that to my mind would give rise to such a reaction, but then, maybe I'm biased.

Enjoy your new support system.


CS

Thanks Chris. And no, absolutely NOTHING in your posts has ever given me any offence whatsoever - you see, I'm 54 and cannot too easily be offended :)

Besides, I totally agree with most of your points, but I have a family to support so some $6,000 for a tripod is out of question in any foreseeable future for me.

Given that I'm using my camera in the full-blown configuration perhaps some 33% of the time, the 526 head which I can afford on the 350 legs are totally adequate for me at that time. I did a commercial DVD recently (3 events, 3 camera live music performance shot), where my camera was the "leading" one, and filmed the performer at its furthest zoom most of the time; yet my pictures are rock-stable. And that was on the 503/525!

The only other solution I might consider would be to leave it as it is (perhaps borrowing a good tripod system for those opportunities where I'm going to use my Letus), and save for a better system to only buy it within some year's time - in which case your thoughts have been really helpful; I'd certainly be looking at Vinten or Sachtler then:)

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

Huh, 54 eh?

Try 56, now that's BAD!

How come a dumb Polack gets to write better English than most of the other posters here on DVinfo, that's what I wanna know?

[Now, if that doesn't get me in a sh*t load of trouble, nothing will, but I mean it, your English is even better than mine fercryingoutloud. Must be a nefarious Communist plot to take over the world, er, DVinfo, er, WallMart.]

Editors Note:

The above contributor was physically removed from his keyboard and confined to a secure facility untill such time as he is deemed fit to rejoin human society, or DVinfo, whichever comes first.

Could be some time, maybe untill tomorrow.


CS


PS: Live long and prosper, in the interim keep the bastards honest.


PPS: If you have any idea what the above is about, apart from a post depression high, do let me know, I'm totally stuffed if I have a clue.

PPS: If you have any idea what the above is about, apart from a post depression high, do let me know, I'm totally stuffed if I have a clue.

Not to worry, Chris - post-depression highs manifest quite differently: one is likely to pay uncritical compliments to himself, and not to anyone else :)

very cool.

I rest my case.


CS

Got my PMW-EX1 before the summer and 2 Sachtler heads and 1 Sachtler system since.
The Sachtler heads are very easy to setup, works well under cold weather, and tough to screw up with.

The larger Sachtler legs are kind of real heavy, so i use my DV8 head with a large Gitzo carbon fiber legs.

check out the photos here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/894484-post1.html

Since the above pixs, i have used the DV8 with additional mikes of assorted makers, the Zylight 90 on the hotshoe, various battery packs, and even the Letus.
At no time did the DV8 failed to properly counterbalance the weight or whatever weird setup rests on top.

paul

I don't want to hijack the other thread, and I don't have a rig as complicated as Piotr's so I started another thread.

Looking for sticks and head for EX-1. Basic set-up: camera with light, microphone. Someday may get 35mm adapter so it would be nice if tripod had a little latitude to add extra weight. I'm 6ft two. Would like to stay in the $1500 range.

I looked at the Sachtler packages and don't understand what differentiates one from another.

Look at this: sachtler: Stativsysteme (http://www.sachtler.us/index.php?id=1721&exp_mode=product&exp_cid=109&exp_pid=574#109)

and then this:sachtler: Stativsysteme (http://www.sachtler.us/index.php?id=1721&exp_mode=product&exp_cid=109&exp_pid=575#109)

Two different packages, same components (head, stix and spreader) yet the min and max heights are different. How can that be??

What makes an MD set of stix different from 2MD? Is is the number of sections? Website isn't at all clear about this?

Any known issues with these legs?

Any reason to go up to the DV6 head and legs, which would bring payload to 20lbs at a cost of another $300 for the basic camera (which I think is only 7 lbs)

Also, for EX-1 owners: Which is the preferred plate: Snap & Go or Touch & Go? I seem to recall reading somewhere that one of the plate systems didn't allow for proper positioning under the camera.

Thanks

Paul,

My problem is I own the rails rigs from Redrock Micro, which use the Manfrotto 357PL plate (55mm wide).

Can you advise if such a plate adapter can be screwed to the Sachtler DV8 SB "Touch & Go" type of QR plate, and the whole rig will still rest sturdy on the Sachtler head/tripod?

piotr,

please have a visual look here:

Sachtler*>*Camera plates (http://products.sachtler.com/prodlist.asp?sid=000003107C5E4B5B5C505D61535B5952584323181119544A5C24141F590206012C0000470D0A1E7C100 D16170A06741D581A0F061B270F0D0543000B7619110F435D553C065502110F43734A0418531155210F1B4A0A1B0965010A1 307091F32590D19483C3D7103030F07061A320F4E1409000B2518580F071716350C105A04445F7342545B405743635B45475 7535E72565651435440635A5E46525C5F72&lid=2&font_flg=&sdid=105&did0=94&did1=105&did2=919&did3=1191&wptid=0&wpid=0&mgid=0&ptid=549&pid=0)

if this does not help, let me know and i'll call my sachtler contact.

paul





Paul,

My problem is I own the rails rigs from Redrock Micro, which use the Manfrotto 357PL plate (55mm wide).

Can you advise if such a plate adapter can be screwed to the Sahtle DV8 SB "Touch & Go" type of QR plate, and the whole rig will still rest strudy on the Sachtler head/tripod?

Being of a cheap disposition and basically unmoneyed, (as mean as cat s--- and about as half as pretty may be a close description), my solution was a little different.

Provided you can abide the tripod being a little heavier, there are some good older black wider Miller heads out there in on-line auctions on timber or black alloy sticks which are near to rock steady.

Good ones are the doubly side supported styles like the LPT which has an external disk lock and single side tilt friction screw. The similar older non-locking heads with the two friction screws for tilts in back of the head also work well. The friction thumbscrews will have likely had a decent clout and become bent and need replacing.

The EX1 is so light that I use the bent friction screws backed off completely and there is still heavy drag when chasing aircraft in flight.

The smaller heads with a single side support for the mounting plate can still be okay but these can have become a little unsteady on the pan movement.

Some of these older Millers may have been neglected, extruded their friction lube and become surface galled and may bind unless the friction is left backed off.

Mounting the EX1 to these can be achieved by buying in cinecity's jumbo mattebox for JVC GY-HD100. One form of this kit includes a baseplate mount with screw for the JVC which fits EX1 and a support bracket for the rods.

This support bracket fastens to the face of the baseplate via two allen screws. This also has a row of tripod screwholes in it of both sizes. This will fit on the Miller LPT's larger floating baseplate screw and lever.

The downside of this is that you have to frig around doing up and undoing the Miller Thumbscrew/Lever fitting unless you add a wedgeplate which of course takes back to square one.

The tripod screw hole on the EX1, like most of Sony's prosumer cams is not deep enough for a standard small tripod screw.

You will likely need to cut a 1mm spacer to place under the camera for all tripods or wedgeplates or file down the end of the tripod screw about a millemetre so that it does not bottom down in the hole before tightening onto the fitment. If you are cheap, a folded piece of Weeties packet or a piece of truck inner tube is fine.

The black aluminium extending legs of the time used a single larger t-screw for lockoff. The system is basically an old style girling brake actuator which uses a chrome ball under the threaded end of the t-screw for a wedgecam and two tapered followers which bear against the tripod legs.

The ball is often missing so if you end up with a sliding leg which won't lock off, you local cycle shop should be able to find you a bearing ball which will do the job.

Paul Chiu wrote:

"if this does not help, let me know and i'll call my sachtler contact."

Paul, if you please checked this for me, I'd be grateful. The reason of my doubts is that the Sachtler's "Touch and Go" QR plates look sort of recessed in relation to the upper head surface; I'm not sure whether - if I attach my Manfrotto 357PLV adapter- they will attach and detach without problems.

And BTW, I'm thinking of Sachtler (and not Vinten, which is the second on my wish-list), because of DV 8 claims of perfectly supporting/counterbalancing anything in the 1-12 kg range. This is my case, as the bare camera is just 2.5kg while to fully-blown rig - just above 10kg... On the other hand, Vinten Vision 8 specs are 5.5 - 14 kg. Will there be a real-life difference between the two with just the naked camera?

Speaking of Sachtler DV 8, there are two version s- with the 75mm and 100mm half-bowls; what is the difference in practical terms (I mean, the DV 8/100 is more expensive, and uses more expensive 100mm tripods; how are they better than the 75mm versions)?