Welcome guys, figured it hasnt been done so here we go, just a nice thread for pics and to learn the parts to building a DSLR rig for the 7D and to "Showoff" Rigs!!

post away guys!


Here is the rig so far, i ordered mostly cavision parts (great quality) and needed a dslr reversed support raiser, none were in...i got the "dv riser" reversed it myself...very easy to do...

i am also getting a local machine shop to replicate the riser from cavision (just the little "L" bracket) and make it an extra inch higher so that i can have more room to move...

heres some pics! still have the mattebox coming, accessory box, tascam dr-100, and maybe another lense here and there...

heres the pics!


http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/100_4505-1.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/100_4523-1.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/100_4535.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/100_4537.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drig22.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drig23.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drig5.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drig6.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drig7.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drigsupport.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drigsupport2.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drigsupport3.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drigsupport4.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/7drig24.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/rig2.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/rigpic.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/Tamron185d.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/Tamron185d_2.jpg

Nice to see the rig... But way too many pics to scroll through, especially via my iphone. We don't need to see image after image of the lens and camera. Just a couple of rig pics would suffice.

Said I'd join this board so here goes.

So, here's what I've been up to in the pictures:

-7D body w/ 70-200mm Sigma
-Zacuto Z-Finder
-Rode NTG-3 Mic hooked into Zoom H4n via XLR
-Headphone splitter to feed audio from Zoom to headphones and into the camera for reference audio (still need to figure out how to get this working ALL the time)
-And my favorite, Genus GMB/A rod system w/ cinevate universal rod mount for the Zoom (+$2.60 in Ace Hardware trinkets)

I actually put the rod system on backwards, so instead of supporting the lens, it acts as a mount for the Zoom and other equipment. I've also found that if I mount the camera slightly off-axis to the Genus plate, I'm able to use the rods as a shoulder mount while still being able to see through the Z-Finder. I have 4 points of contact that way: hand on lens, hand on body, Z-Finder on eye and rods on shoulder (just like Zacuto says we should do it!). It works rather well in my opinion, as it gets rid of the jitters apparent in non-IS lenses. And, if I stop my heart for a few seconds I can actually get some steady shots with the 200mm zoom :)

Tripod is a bit weak for this setup: it's a stand-in as my proper one is in the car. I've yet to try the mounted blimp...

This is my simple DIY steady bar which I'm finding I'm leaving on all the time. Aslo a DIY loupe.

lookin good boys!!

also on the discussion end...the "LCDVF" magnetic viewfinder is great....i used double sided 3m grey tape and use a very sharp knife to make it exact like it came, took off the coating and used that, much stronger... goes on and off...

also for those who are going cavision, its a great setup!

Said I'd join this board so here goes.

So, here's what I've been up to in the pictures:

-7D body w/ 70-200mm Sigma
-Zacuto Z-Finder
-Rode NTG-3 Mic hooked into Zoom H4n via XLR
-Headphone splitter to feed audio from Zoom to headphones and into the camera for reference audio (still need to figure out how to get this working ALL the time)
-And my favorite, Genus GMB/A rod system w/ cinevate universal rod mount

I actually put the rod system on backwards, so instead of supporting the lens, it acts as a mount for the Zoom and other equipment. I've also found that if I mount the camera slightly off-axis to the Genus plate, I'm able to use the rods as a shoulder mount while still being able to see through the Z-Finder. I have 4 points of contact that way: hand on lens, hand on body, Z-Finder on eye and rods on shoulder (just like Zacuto says we should do it!). It works rather well in my opinion, as it gets rid of the jitters apparent in non-IS lenses. And, if I stop my heart for a few seconds I can actually get some steady shots with the 200mm zoom :)

Tripod is a bit weak for this setup: it's a stand-in as my proper one is in the car. I've yet to try the mounted blimp...

i am so digging that lense!!!

Cool thread!
I guess there are as many ways to build your rig as there are people to build them.
Here's mine. It's DIY and a lot of tweaking and refining to get it to this point. Made mostly out of aluminum with some stainless steel bits.
The Viewfinder is DIY as well. It's part aluminum and acrylic.
The whole thing sits on my shoulder hands free.

My rig
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f284/joncarr/Canon7D.jpg

lookin good boys!

Here's one I posted a while back, though there have been a few changes with the advent of Magic Lantern.

My Rig By Chris Barcellos on Vimeo

My rig
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f284/joncarr/Canon7D.jpg

what setup is this? I love the sleek look of that matte box

Cool thread!
I guess there are as many ways to build your rig as there are people to build them.
Here's mine. It's DIY and a lot of tweaking and refining to get it to this point. Made mostly out of aluminum with some stainless steel bits.
The Viewfinder is DIY as well. It's part aluminum and acrylic.
The whole thing sits on my shoulder hands free.

This rig is really cool. Very creative! Good job!

Corey

CLAi - RED San Francisco (http://www.red-san-francisco.com)
www.video-production-san-francisco.us (http://www.video-production-san-francisco.us)

My rig
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f284/joncarr/Canon7D.jpg

more!!

I love the look of this rig

This rig is really cool. Very creative! Good job!
Corey


Thanks Corey. It's like a big aluminum leggo set. There are plenty more ways to configure it. Maybe I'll mess around with it later today.

Keep posting pics guys:)

Looks comfortable but don't those front and back brackets limit range of motion a lot? How's packing it up for transport?

It fits like a glove. Fully adjustable for whoever's operating.
I was seeing how compact I could get it without just having a bag full of parts and this is what I came up with real quick.
Compact mode.
oh yeah and...Transformer mode:)

So amazing. Love the "grim reaper scythe" carry handle in your first configuration too, Erik. Very cool DIY rig.

looks really good!

http://www.daframegallery.com/7D2.jpg

Here's mine. The 7D is mounted with a Manfrotto 394 Quick Release plate onto the older style Cinevate adjustable height mount with carbon fiber rails. Also present is the older style Cinevate Matte box (height adjustable), and a Rode Video Mic. Yes, that is a heavy duty cable zip tie that you see around the lens used as a focus lever (don't knock it til you try it). When changing lenses, I can either loosen and slide the mattebox foward or slide the cam back. No need to talk about rebalancing with a tiny rig like this.

What would I like to add soon:
-Cinevate Durus follow focus
-Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x

http://www.daframegallery.com/7D2.jpg

Who makes this setup...

Here's the info:

The shoulder mount is from Shape and there are several models to choose from:
Shape WLB - Camera supports (http://shapewlb.com/en/products-camera-supports.php)

I have the Spider II, which has an adjustable camera platform. This is important for me because I also use this support with the EX1. If you don't need that then you save even more.

The LCD viewfinder is here:
LCD Viewfinder System for Sony HDR-TG1 (http://www.cavision.com/viewfinders/MHE52.htm)


The swing away support for the viewfinder is here:
LCD Viewfinder Plate Connection Piece with Swing Away Function (http://www.cavision.com/viewfinders/MHE52C2SA.htm)

The Rod Support and Quick Release is here:
Cavision Rods Support System for Mini-DV with Quick Release - Reversed Version (http://www.cavision.com/rods/RS15IIMQR.htm)

The Matte Box is here:
PROAIM? Sunshade matte box For Wide angle lens dv cams - eBay (item 350329031637 end time Apr-14-10 21:07:16 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/PROAIM-Sunshade-matte-box-For-Wide-angle-lens-dv-cams_W0QQitemZ350329031637QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item51913ccbd5#ht_4664wt_1027)
OK, this one requires a little explanation. I got this off of eBay, its a knockoff from India and it was so cheap, $240 that I thought I would take a chance on it. Out of everything that I ordered, it arrived first, the build quality is surprisingly good and it bolted up to everything else perfectly.

This is probably the best I've seen so far.

MOVIEtube PR (http://www.kinomatik.com/produkte/mt_pr/mt_pr_production.htm#)

what setup is this? I love the sleek look of that matte box

It's my own setup, the matte box is a Genus matte box.

more!!

I love the look of this rig

the only other picture I can find on my computer is this extra picture I email people who I rent my camera to.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f284/joncarr/IMG_2779.jpg

I mostly made everything.

I mostly made everything.

hey ted thats looking great!

Soon ill be posting my setup; my friend and I have access to a milling machine, and we are designing a matte box, rails, cage, risers, etc. all in CAD. Should be able to have a prototype in a month maybe sooner

heres a screenshot of the cad mattebox

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs394.snc3/24009_412455472124_782002124_5014169_4522539_n.jpg

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs374.snc3/24009_412560927124_782002124_5017272_8178494_n.jpg

I just joined here as I am new to the DSLR world of filmmaking. I have spent the last decade making my living working with film and HD cameras, and all I can say is, I am loving it.

Here are some pics of the new rig, it is almost complete, just waiting on my Follow Focus to arrive, as well as my 1.5ft mini hdmi cable.

Just thought I would share.

The Rig is the UlTRAcompact from Indiesystem, in case anyone was wondering, and it is a great piece of equipment for a great price.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0007.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0008.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0013.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0019.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0018.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0024.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0031.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0038.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0042.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0043.jpg

I was debating getting the ultracompact or the bigger one. why did you choose the ultracompact? where is the matte box from? nice looking rig by the way!

I was debating getting the ultracompact or the bigger one. why did you choose the ultracompact? where is the matte box from? nice looking rig by the way!

I was actually debating which one to get as well. For me, it was the size. I spoke with Tim on the phone and actually ordered it before the updates to the website were up online. I also talked to another guy who had one to test out before they were for sale, and he enjoyed it.

I love that it is compact and versatile. it is easy to put on the tri pod and take off, and that is a bonus for me, plus I prefer the smaller handles, as opposed to the one on the bigger model. It is the perfect weight with my accessories. Heavy enough to use the DSLR and make it less shaky, but not too much weight.

The mattebox is actually from one of those indian websites, I read negative and positive stuff, but man, I like it, especially for the money. I have no problem suggesting it.

Here is the link to the mattebox:

Matte box - V-11 Mattebox with French Flag & Front Adjuster (Without Rod Support); mattebox (http://dvcity.com/dve/product_info.php?cPath=70&products_id=388)

Got a uni-strut and top handle kit for my rig. Here's the update.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-7d-hd/476880-cinevate-dslr-rig.html

Got a uni-strut and top handle kit for my rig. Here's the update.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-7d-hd/476880-cinevate-dslr-rig.html

Like the rig, it looks good for sure. I see you are in Kentucky, I am here in Kentucky right now as a guest film professor, and am shooting my next feature here this summer b4 heading back to Hollywood.

whats the best monitor to get thats also priced well? if i have monitor with max resolution at 800x600 or 1024x768 wouldnt that be bad because of the canon 7d being 1920x1080?

someone correct me if i'm wrong but the HDMI resolution of the 7D is 1620 x 910 i believe.

Here is mine.. (:

here is mine.. (:

i like it indeed.

I have been shopping around and decided to go with the indisystem ultracompact package. I was skeptical at first from looking at their bare site but I really needed a rig asap for a Saturday shoot. I ordered last night, but then read people's posts saying it can take up to 10 days. This morning I called Indisystem and they gave me free 1 day shipping. They probably gave me it because the matte box I ordered as well was back ordered... but hey, I'll take the free 1 day shipping upgrade any day.

Indisystem customer service... 10 stars!

my rig, front heavy but i like it.

hmm, won't post images...

I have been shopping around and decided to go with the indisystem ultracompact package. I was skeptical at first from looking at their bare site but I really needed a rig asap for a Saturday shoot. I ordered last night, but then read people's posts saying it can take up to 10 days. This morning I called Indisystem and they gave me free 1 day shipping. They probably gave me it because the matte box I ordered as well was back ordered... but hey, I'll take the free 1 day shipping upgrade any day.

Indisystem customer service... 10 stars!

I think it is a great choice, i love mine.

Jonanthan Carr,
You have the link to that mattebox. Looks like there are a couple different versions. Any baseplate recommendation similar to yours. Really like your setup.

someone correct me if i'm wrong but the HDMI resolution of the 7D is 1620 x 910 i believe.

I'm quite certain you're wrong, I record 1080 on my 7d all the time, and it's recorded as 1920x1080, bring it into premiere under the DSLR 24p 1080 setting and it is 1.0 square pixels 1920x1080 24fps

I'm quite certain you're wrong, I record 1080 on my 7d all the time, and it's recorded as 1920x1080, bring it into premiere under the DSLR 24p 1080 setting and it is 1.0 square pixels 1920x1080 24fps

I think he meant the HDMI output resolution, NOT the recorded file in the card. In some other equipment or camera like the 5D for instance, whats output via hdmi is not same as what you set your cam to record to its card.

Ah, I'm aware of that, some reason I overlooked him saying HDMI

I just joined here as I am new to the DSLR world of filmmaking. I have spent the last decade making my living working with film and HD cameras, and all I can say is, I am loving it.

Here are some pics of the new rig, it is almost complete, just waiting on my Follow Focus to arrive, as well as my 1.5ft mini hdmi cable.

Just thought I would share.

The Rig is the UlTRAcompact from Indiesystem, in case anyone was wondering, and it is a great piece of equipment for a great price.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0007.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0008.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0013.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0019.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0018.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0024.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0031.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0038.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0042.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/tstreet/IMG_0043.jpg


Hi Thomas and everyone,

These are two questions for Thomas and everyone who can answer them. I am very interested on purchasing one of these babies. But I have 2 questions regarding this rig:

1) I do have a Tascam DR-100 I use with my 7D. Any way, shape, tool or form you guys attach such type of device to this rig? What do you guys use and how do you use it?

2) I have a Sachtler FSB-4 tripod. How do you use this rig to be 'plug and play' over a tripod? Any special base plates? What and how do you use it? Thomas you mentioned you love that "it is easy to put on the tri pod and take off". How do you do that?

Any input VERY much appreciated!!

Thanks so much guys :)

Peace

It's been a few months and I'm still getting updates to this thread, so it's my turn again I guess!

Out with the old and in with the new: I've just picked up the JAG35 Field Runner kit and I have to say, I'm very impressed with the unit. At just over $600 with Zacuto rods, a top handle and follow focus, this is by far the most functional shoulder mount I've had the pleasure to use so far.

Pictures are a little bad because I was forced to use my cell phone, but you can see the general layout of the rig. The whole thing is quite adjustable and has an offset railblock that raises up the LCD and Z-Finder to eye level. The mount for the camera is remarkably well designed with battery access, an attached thumbscrew and a secondary pin to keep the camera centered on the rails. Behind the shoulder pad, there's plenty of room to mount additional accessories like a ZOOM recorder.

The follow focus is incredible for the price - $139 - and really has made my life a lot easier when shooting handheld. The rings are pretty solid as well, and attach to the lenses with different size plastic screws.

I opted for the Zacuto aluminum rods to save about 8oz of weight. For $60 it seemed worth it, and now I'm glad I did. The handles are also quite nice, and adjustable so you can get a solid grip on the follow focus - all machined aluminum under those grips.

I've realized by this time that this probably sounds a lot like an ad, but I'm honestly very impressed with this moderately-priced, high-quality piece of gear. And if you don't have a follow focus, go order a Dfocus V3 right now :)

It's been a few months and I'm still getting updates to this thread, so it's my turn again I guess!

Out with the old and in with the new: I've just picked up the JAG35 Field Runner kit and I have to say, I'm very impressed with the unit. At just over $600 with Zacuto rods, a top handle and follow focus, this is by far the most functional shoulder mount I've had the pleasure to use so far.

Pictures are a little bad because I was forced to use my cell phone, but you can see the general layout of the rig. The whole thing is quite adjustable and has an offset railblock that raises up the LCD and Z-Finder to eye level. The mount for the camera is remarkably well designed with battery access, an attached thumbscrew and a secondary pin to keep the camera centered on the rails. Behind the shoulder pad, there's plenty of room to mount additional accessories like a ZOOM recorder.

The follow focus is incredible for the price - $139 - and really has made my life a lot easier when shooting handheld. The rings are pretty solid as well, and attach to the lenses with different size plastic screws.

I opted for the Zacuto aluminum rods to save about 8oz of weight. For $60 it seemed worth it, and now I'm glad I did. The handles are also quite nice, and adjustable so you can get a solid grip on the follow focus - all machined aluminum under those grips.

I've realized by this time that this probably sounds a lot like an ad, but I'm honestly very impressed with this moderately-priced, high-quality piece of gear. And if you don't have a follow focus, go order a Dfocus V3 right now :)


Hey Nate I just wanted to thank you for this great information. I did not know about the existence of JAG35 until you wrote this post. I think this is exactly what I was looking for because I always wanted a Zacuto (Zacuto Double Barrel) but I am definetelly opposed to pay that kind of price. I am still interested on the indiSYSTEM ULTRAcompact Package, but the Full DSLR Shoulder Rig with Zacuto rods seem to be considerably better and for less than 200 bucks more I think it is forth the price.

I will add the D Focus V3 follow focus and perhaps the JAG35 Monitor X (but I am not sure about this one).

So, just that. I wanted to thank you because your input was very valuable to me.

I wish you a very successful 2011 with your company!! (I checked your website and it looks impressive!!)

Best Regards,

Ben Tolosa

An update on my canon 7D rig.

nice rig man!

I have a new rig coming this week pics to come!