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Is the price fair? I'd probably add a counter weight, which they charge about $150 for. Seems a bit steep. Is it a good idea to get an external monitor separately when buying a rig, or just take the one they include? I've looked at the Jag35, Cavision, and others, but none seem to be as complete as this one. I'm looking for a rig that will mount to a tripod, follow focus, monitor, counter weight, and matte box. This one seems to be solidly built. Thanks!

Hi Patrick, you could build a much better rig for half of that price. The one you have linked does not look very customisable

I would get a Gini rig. He usually accepts around $300 for best offer on something like this.

DSLR RIG G K-17 on eBay (end time 06-Jan-11 04:46:20 GMT) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DSLR-RIG-G-K-17-/250738956875?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6134da4b#ht_1036wt_905)

That monitor looks like a lilliput 669 unit which can be had for very little $$.

That Matte box looks like one of the cheap Indian ones from eBay.

Then get a D|focus FF from JAG35 fro $120.

Much better, more versatile setup for much less money.

I'm not fond of that shoulder rig because I don't want it offset, there's no room for a counter weight in the back, and the articulating arm is on the wrong side. I think I will piece it together, though, like you suggested. Right now this is what I'm thinking:

1.) Jag 35 Straight Rig: Straight Rig | Jag35.com (http://jag35.com/new/products/straight-rig/#disqus_thread) or Jag 35 Express HD In-Line Rig: http://express35.com/shoulder-rig-hd-in-line/1398/

2.) Jag 35 D|Focus v3: Follow Focus | Express35.com (http://express35.com/follow-focus/1219/)

3.) PROAIM Matte Box: PROAIM MB-600 Matte Box Without Rail System 4:3 & 16:9 ASPECT RATIO for all dv / hdv cameras (http://www.thecinecity.com/eshop/product.php?productid=87&cat=268&bestseller=Y)

4.) I haven't decided on a monitor yet, but that Lilliput 669 doesn't seem to be HD. It *supports* 1920x1080, but its native res is 800x480. Doesn't that mean it will be stretched, and thus not ideal for accurately monitoring and pulling focus? What are other good options?

Thanks.

Get the Lilliput 668 its HD.

The 668 supports HD - it's not HD - big difference.

Even with an HDMI input?

Also check out,
handyfilmtools.com