Can the 501HDV take on a crane? at DVinfo.net

Rafael Lopes · December 8th, 2007, 02:40 PM

I was looking into some jib/crane footage and I just felt in love with this tool. I was wondering if the Manfrotto 501HDV could support a crane? On their website it says it can only handle up to 13.2 lbs...which doesn't sound like much to me...considering a crane/jib will probably weight like 15lbs, plus a Canon Xh-A1 with accessories (maybe a heavy wide angle) and we'll probably be talking about 20lbs. Did anybody actually try this with good results? Is there any particular crane that would be more suitable for this situation? Maybe a lighter crane?

thanks

David W. Jones · December 8th, 2007, 06:34 PM

Don't forget to add the weight of the balancing weights added to the back of the jib.

Chris Soucy · December 8th, 2007, 06:53 PM

I am not aware of any crane on the market that, with counterweights, camera etc wouldn't exceed the 501's capacity by less than 400%.

Far better to go for a crane that eliminates the head completely and simply fits to the top of the tripod with it's own mount, like this one.........

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Camcorder_Jib_Boom.htm

Remember tho' that the tripod itself must be capable of holding anything up to 20 to 30 KILOS!

CS

Rafael Lopes · December 9th, 2007, 01:13 AM

Thanks guys.
Chris, that does look like a solution. Although the crane you posted the link to won't allow you to tilt, while a crane like the Kessler (and many other) can do this and really cost less.

December 8th, 2007, 02:40 PM	#1
Rafael Lopes Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 1,240	Can the 501HDV take on a crane? I was looking into some jib/crane footage and I just felt in love with this tool. I was wondering if the Manfrotto 501HDV could support a crane? On their website it says it can only handle up to 13.2 lbs...which doesn't sound like much to me...considering a crane/jib will probably weight like 15lbs, plus a Canon Xh-A1 with accessories (maybe a heavy wide angle) and we'll probably be talking about 20lbs. Did anybody actually try this with good results? Is there any particular crane that would be more suitable for this situation? Maybe a lighter crane? thanks

December 8th, 2007, 06:53 PM	#3
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Hi Rafael......... I am not aware of any crane on the market that, with counterweights, camera etc wouldn't exceed the 501's capacity by less than 400%. Far better to go for a crane that eliminates the head completely and simply fits to the top of the tripod with it's own mount, like this one......... http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Camcorder_Jib_Boom.htm Remember tho' that the tripod itself must be capable of holding anything up to 20 to 30 KILOS! CS

December 8th, 2007, 06:34 PM	#2
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	Don't forget to add the weight of the balancing weights added to the back of the jib.

December 9th, 2007, 01:13 AM	#4
Rafael Lopes Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 1,240	Thanks guys. Chris, that does look like a solution. Although the crane you posted the link to won't allow you to tilt, while a crane like the Kessler (and many other) can do this and really cost less.