I ordered a full rig from indiefilmdepot.com turns out they are pretty legit, i was worried because the price was just really good and i wasnt sure.

I took a chance and 3 days later this bad boy makes it into my hands :)

Let me know if you like.


http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/rig6.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/rig5.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/rig3.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/rig2-1.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/cravendc5/rig1.jpg

I've owned a few of these rigs. Quality of material is extremely low, the metal bends and warps easily, the screws are a nightmare, threads strip, and on and on... There's very few video products I've actually thrown in the garbage, but this DSLR rig is one. Two of them actually. They do have some that are decent, this is not one. Cinecity actually replaced them 6 months in with brand new ones (Cinecity has FANTASTIC customer service), as they must get a lot of returns.

However, the follow focus units they make are a decent value for the money, as is the matte box (at least for indie shooters). You may find a year from now you'll be using those on someone elses rig. In the meantime, baby it.

ADDED - full review on page 2 of this thread

How many times can I take it apart and put it together? I planned on leaving it setup for good and buying a quick release mandrotto so I never have to worry about touching the screws

It's torque on the rig that really messes it up. The clamps either won't go tight enough to hold or won't loosen enough for you to back them off. Go with the QR plate and you should be ok for the most part.

I actually have one piece of this rig sitting on my shelf, stuffed with duct tape, as a reminder not to buy another. :)

The whole concept behind a HDSLR camera is that it is light and portable, to be used by news photographers in the field. Looking at this rig, and many others I can't help feeling that you are missing the point. It's like putting a zimmer frame on a camera.

If you are serious about capturing video, then a dedicated camcorder is the best option, at least you won't be walking about with these hideous contraptions drawing attention to yourself. Accessory manufacturers must be rubbing their hands in glee.

I'm all for HDSLR cameras, they are a great tool and long may they continue to develop the camera to produce better handling features.

The whole concept behind a HDSLR camera is that it is light and portable, to be used by news photographers in the field. Looking at this rig, and many others I can't help feeling that you are missing the point. It's like putting a zimmer frame on a camera.

If you are serious about capturing video, then a dedicated camcorder is the best option, at least you won't be walking about with these hideous contraptions drawing attention to yourself. Accessory manufacturers must be rubbing their hands in glee.

I'm all for HDSLR cameras, they are a great tool and long may they continue to develop the camera to produce better handling features.

Being portable and lightweight is one advantage. But I would argue the most compelling aspect of DSLRs is not this at all, so I must disagree.

I also disagree that the DSLR revolution has been driven by news photographers. It's about film makers in my opinion, who want to use things like shoulder mounts, follow focus systems, matte boxes, etc, etc.

But why can't people use DSLRs for what they want? People clearly do use shoulder mounts with all the trimmings, especially film makers, so I don't understand why you seem to be dismissive of this approach

The original concept for HDSLR was for news photographers to capture movie clips as well as stills. The internet is a major player for news stories and newspapers. The fact that many film cameramen also adopted this whole concept is indeed a true bonus and I can see the advantage of a small camera for B roll or second crew etc.

What I find amusing, to be polite, is the whole concept of attaching Christmas tree decorations to an otherwise excellent system. I agree this will make the camera easier to use, but why not go the whole hog and invest in a camera that can do it right in the first place. Surely all the cost of all the add on bits plus the camera must be more expensive than a decent camcorder.

Just my thoughts.

I shoot with HDSLR's (Nikon D7000 & Canon 5D MkII) and camcorders (Sony EX3 and Canon XF305) and am the first to embrace any new technology.

Lately I've seen less and less of a reason to invest in a matte box. They're always overpriced for what they are. And most modern lenses for DSLRs are coated with anti-reflective materials that are getting better every day. When contrast is an issue, a simple lens shade does the trick (or some cinefoil). Most lenses come with their own. And I don't see the point of square glass filters when a lighter version can be screwed onto the front of the lens.

I use DSLRs for fashion editorials and most times flares are actually desirable. But when they're not, I can see a bunch of alternatives that make a lot more sense than something big and showy like a matte box (unless you're trying to pass the "Kiefer test!")

I agree with Vincent. I own multiple shoulder mounts, follow focus systems and hardly use any of them because of the bulk. DSLRs were made for photojournalists and I've found time and time again that the best results are achieved when you shoot using the intended method they were designed for (has your hand ever encountered something so comfortable to hold before? Canon got it right with the T90 and has kept the form(ula) the same ever since).

The only bit of rig I can strongly recommend is the Cinevate "Cyclops" viewfinder, the only one I know of that encompasses *both* eyes so there's no need to squint through a single eyepiece (A "duh!" design move in my opinion). When you need shoulder support Cinevate got it right there too. I forget their fancy name for that product but I've tried many shoulder mounts and it's the only one that makes sense...adjustable, rigid, durable and comfortable.

What I find amusing, to be polite, is the whole concept of attaching Christmas tree decorations to an otherwise excellent system. I agree this will make the camera easier to use, but why not go the whole hog and invest in a camera that can do it right in the first place. Surely all the cost of all the add on bits plus the camera must be more expensive than a decent camcorder.



I think for many people who invest in DSLR because they get caught up in the buzz, I think you are right. But in the hands of the right person, you would have to spend many times more on a camera to achieve the performance of the sensor, not to mention the ability to use stellar interchangeable glass.

This is why DSLR footage has penetrated the world of film making more deeply than reportage in my opinion, as championed by folks like LaForet, Hurlbut and Bloom to name a few obvious ones.

Now that the AF101 and the F3 are out, usage of big DSLR rigs will probably wane a bit, but I don't see it going away completely.as long as you can buy a 550D used for £300 and the cost of apparatus keeps falling.

Lately I've seen less and less of a reason to invest in a matte box. They're always overpriced for what they are. And most modern lenses for DSLRs are coated with anti-reflective materials that are getting better every day. When contrast is an issue, a simple lens shade does the trick (or some cinefoil). Most lenses come with their own. And I don't see the point of square glass filters when a lighter version can be screwed onto the front of the lens.



I use my DSLR in three ways; with a shoulder mount, a tripod or hand held with a loupe. Hand held is OK for most shots, especially wide, but it doesn't compare to using the shoulder mount for stability. Steady cams are fine, but you can't touch the focus with your hands. Monopods are great, but not for me. I actually need to have gear on the camera.

Screw on filters are a waste of time for me. I have roughly 20 lenses with everything from 49 to 82mm fronts. Why have all those filters? Even if you only use two lenses, it's still a waste. I can pop an ND in the slot in less than a second, and I can focus on buying one set of top quality filters which I know will be universally usable for the rest of my life.

Matte boxes should not be expensive, and back when they were, I made my own to go on my home made rails system, but clearly this isn't for everyone, and there is certainly nothing Keifer about a food tub with tin plate rivetted to it. Nowadays I use a cheap but good £70 ebay job, and it is perfect.

I shoot mostly primes, quite a few vintage ones, and shooting outside, a matte box with flags has proved better than a hood in some cases. If you have sun coming in at 45 degrees a big flag can get you more contrast in the shot than a hood.

I also find it very useful to have an external screen mounted to the rig. Articulated screens are OK, but only an external monitor will do for some situations, so I need it.

The external sound recorder has to go somewhere too. The camera sound is OK with ML, but I only use it for syncing with pluraleyes. It's a hassle free way to go.

For a lightweight set up, with a fast fixed zoom and no external sound requirements, a monopod is an excellent way to go, but I couldn't make films that way.

What I find amusing, to be polite, is the whole concept of attaching Christmas tree decorations to an otherwise excellent system. I agree this will make the camera easier to use, but why not go the whole hog and invest in a camera that can do it right in the first place. Surely all the cost of all the add on bits plus the camera must be more expensive than a decent camcorder.

Just my thoughts.

I shoot with HDSLR's (Nikon D7000 & Canon 5D MkII) and camcorders (Sony EX3 and Canon XF305) and am the first to embrace any new technology.

But this implies that one has the funds to invest in a different camera.

DSLR's have allowed 35mm 1080p to be available at a mouch lower price point. There are plenty of people who would like to take advantage of these traits but who can not afford to 'invest in a camera that can do it right in the first place'

Most of the rigging we see being used would also be required on more expensive 35mm systems, so why not use it on a dslr?

If you are talking about people using these dslr rigs for 'run and gun; then I agree, they would seem the wrong choice of camera. A video camera with smaller chips and comparable image quaility can be had for much the same money.

But to the film maker, these bits of kit are useful things.

Plus they look so cool..... ;)

James

Plus they look so cool..... ;)

James

Hmmmmmm...............

My grandmother's zimmer frame looks cool too, and it's cheaper

if the rigs help you to get an in-focus, well exposed, stable shot with good sound, who cares what they look like or how many things are attached?
the image is what counts. no matter what tools you use to get it.

Hmmmmmm...............

My grandmother's zimmer frame looks cool too, and it's cheaper

We needs pics! preferably with matte box and ff attatched ;)

James

I like the rig (assumed quality problem aside).

I not sure the size of dslrs is that much of an issue, it may help, but its not the main factor in choosing it.

If the OP, or anybody has a means of transporting and utilizing such a rig, go for it!

I have the exact same rig, albeit branded as another company, but it's the same parts. The parts are copied and re-worked for companies all over the world I believe, mine came from India.

The matte box and rails are great. A word of warning though, that follow focus is going to fail, not might, will, and sooner than you think. After 6 months of use the mechanism worn away and just became useless.

As somebody who was in your position 12 months ago, I would do two things,

a) Look after that follow focus, check you're not pulling it too fast/too hard unnessecerily

b) Start saving up for a replacement now, No joke. Start saving for a proper one. I am now using this one Welcome to shoot35 Ltd (http://www.shoot35.com/products/cinefocus/cinefocusunit/cinefocusunitframe.html) and I can't rate it high enough, it's just a completely different breed. Wil fit on your rails perfectly.

Sometimes the more expensive ones work out cheaper in the long run.

I've still got an old Arri bellows matte box that came with my old Aaton LTR when I bought it from its first owner, which would make it manufactured in about 1979/80 and it still works as well as the day it was made. The downside is that modern cine and video lenses have increased in diameter and you can't use it with anything larger than approx 80mm dia.

That rig looks great!
Hopefully the parts will stay intact for a while.
My Manfrotto gear is starting to fall apart... though, I reckon I'm a pretty rough shooter, always running and gunning.

A good rig that allows you to shoot the way you want and which becomes a part of your "body" is the best thing ever! Happy filming and some happy footage.

A review of the Proaim shoulder rig by someone I know:

Pictures of all the damaged stuff here.
Proaim DSLR shoulder rig review FilmGearTorture (http://filmgeartorture.wordpress.com/2011/12/23/proaim-dslr-shoulder-rig-review/)

DSLR rig manufacturers are everywhere these days. Even the homeless guy in my alley makes 4 different types. Proaim, an Indian company with seemingly loose morals about copying other people’s designs, has wedged their way into being a major name in the budget world. Their rigs swamp Ebay and there are now dozens of US resellers. Their popularity comes from having numerous modular rigs in the $200-$500 range.

I’ve owned 5 of their units in the last year, covering 3 different models. With some of their models you may notice some STRIKING similarities to Redrock’s designs. I’d love to give a head to head vs. Redrock, but I haven’t handled one of their rigs in a few years, so my impressions are a little faded. From what I’ve been told (didn’t realize it when I bought it) it’s an almost exact Redrock rip off.



PHOTO1


THE GOOD

I really have nothing to say here.

THE BAD

I’ll just build this into the sub descriptions below, piece by piece.

PART BY PART BREAKDOWN

PHOTO2 - duct tape

15mm Aluminum Rails – Absolute garbage of the worst quality. First, who is stupid enough to build rails out of low grade aluminum? Sure they are light. However, rails need to be STRAIGHT to work. It doesn’t take much to mangle these to the point where nothing will slide over them. To make it worse, the screw together rails fail almost within the first use. Almost none of mine would screw all the way together after a few weeks. Some became permanently attached and won’t come apart. EPIC FAIL. Do not buy, under any circumstances!

15mm Stainless Steel Rails – Heavy but solid. These are one of the few pieces of Proaim kit that has survived the rental house torture. I now have a 15lb Lomo 20-120mm S35 lens mounted happily on them, no fear of them bending.

All locking/clamping/screwing mechanisms – Here’s a lesson for you… do not make any part that will be torqued out of cheap aluminum. Do not make anything that will have stuff screwed into it out of cheap aluminum. Do not make anything that needs to clamp onto something else out of cheap aluminum. After mere months of use, at least half of the joints/clamps/adapters would no longer screw tight enough to hold in place. The rail mounts would not clamp tight enough to stay on the rail. See below. Look at the gap. Yes that’s duct tape as an emergency repair. EPIC FAIL OF ALL FAIL.


Handles – Adjustable (as seen in 1st pic) – The angle on these is a little better, but because they are adjustable, fall victim to the usual Proaim quality. The plastic locking lever cracked off after the first month (got a replacement) followed closely by the locking washer disintegrated into 4 pieces. I did a repair job on it and sold it off dirt cheap. FAIL.

Handles – Straight (as seen in 2nd pic) – These are horribly uncomfortable to use and should be avoided at all costs. The fixed 90 degree straight up angle is very hard on the wrists after a short time. FAIL.

Camera/tripod plates – There are a few types of camera plate available. All fell victim to the stripping metal. After a dozen times being screwed onto a tripod, the soft metal begins to give and strip. Just bad.

PHOTO 3 - torn metal

Quick Release – One thing I like about Proaim is that they use the same size quick release plates as the Manfrotto 357, so if you get a rig with a QR, you’ll be able to swap it between other QR devices and tripods of the same size.

Standard shoulder pad – These are actually decent, similar to the style Zacuto now uses (iirc), soft and foamy, with rails coming out the back for counter balance weights. Nothing really bad to say about them.

Body brace style shoulder pad – This particular shoulder pad doesn’t come with many of the Proaim rigs, but it is one of my favorites on the market. Yes, I used “favorite” and “Proaim” together! Ok, the dork factor is high, but the body brace takes a lot of weight off your hands, as well as adds horizontal and vertical stability. It’s extremely useful. The downside is that, like everything Proaim, it breaks. I have 1 of 3 left in service. The locking point for the brace simply wore smooth and will no longer stay in place.


PHOTO 4 - body brace

Cage Rig – Nice soft foam top handle, but again, after a few uses, the screws holding the cage on would no longer tighten it enough to hold it steady. Garbage.

CONCLUSION

To be fair, I run a rental house and my gear gets used a lot more than yours ever will. It gets wailed on by people with no respect for the gear and tossed in the back of open pickup trucks. Having said that, I’ve never seen complete failure across the board like I have with Proaim gear. It’s incredibly poorly built. Even if you are a struggling student, you should not spend your money on this. The Gini gear is almost the same price and 10x the quality. Even a home made rig would be better than much of the stuff I’ve had from Proaim.

And yes, I’m sure there are some people out there whose Proaim stuff works just fine and hasn’t turned to scrap metal. To them I can only say… wait.

NOTE TO PROAIM: Some day you will read this. If you’ve improved the quality of the material you use to build your rigs, email me and I’ll happily review any new ones you put out. Also, stop stealing from other companies. Make your own designs.