EX3 and which shoulder mount
 

I'm wondering how well the EX3 would work with a Zacuto (or other base/rod system like Redrock) using a shoulder pad so you could do hand held shots with a Letus and mattebox/wireless/battery/monitor mounts. As cool as the EX3 is, you still need to be able to have a place for all the other stuff. I'm also thinking that would help balance it out to be more like a full size camera.

My concern is that it would make the camera too high to use the viewfinder effectively. Any thoughts on this?

I still don't understand how Zacuto can justify their unbelivable prices on their shoulder mounts and accesories! Your looking at shelling out $3,000 for some thin pipes that don't even look that industrial with funky names for their pieces like Z grips, Z riser and what not.

I just don't see why their stuff is so expensive. I think the new redrock shoulder mount for $350 is a bit more suitable for me. If the EX-1 is your main camera then It is not cost effective to shell out almost half the camera price for a shoulder mount when you can get it for less that a grand from varizoom, redrock, vacasion, etc.

The Zacuto kit is very good, so good we bought two kits for our EX1s. We've got the full kit with the shoulder pad and V-Lock battery mount so we can easily power the camera and all the other bits as well as have a solid way to mount them. Yes, the weight of the battery balances the camera very nicely. Zacuto do have a number of ways of offsetting the camera in both axis so you can get the camera wherever you want it relative to your shoulder. These are extra parts and extra cost though.

Using the camera hand held with a Letus you're certainly going to need FF gear with a whip and a good focus puller I'd expect. The Zacuto system lets you mount a decent sized LCD screen down low, you might find you're needing that if you're trying to focus yourself.

Contrary to what some might say, 15mm rods are not thin pieces of pipe. They're not extruded, they're machined from high grade Al. The Al alloys used in extrusions are too soft for this purpose. Sure this kit isn't exactly cheap but it's designed to outlast many cameras and will work with whatever Sony releases at NAB 2028, based on how most cine grade gear has held up over the decades it'll probably still be good for 2058's cameras too. Compared to similar kit from the old school camera kit manufacturers Zacuto's kit is quite cheap.

I'd have to agree on one point though, Zacuto do make it hard to work out what each part is and what you need to build a rig the way you want. We spent considerable time with the local agent trying to decode the part numbers and descriptions before placing our order.

Another alternative to check out for a shoulder mount for the EX-1 is Varizoom. I have the Varizoom LSP and it is very adjustable and comfortable!
http://www.varizoom.com/products/supports/vzlsp.html

It doesn't look the greatest but it really does the job and is very strong. I've considered painting it black so it matches the camera better.

EDIT: Sorry, I meant to say EX-3 above! Old age is creeping up...

I use the same Vari Zoom product. Had it for years when the PD 150 came out. Works just as well with the EX1.

While at NAB a few people came up to me and presented different products for Hand Holding the EX 1. Mostly independents who were working the floor. Some interesting designs. Hard to evaluate without actually using it.

But there was one product that caught me eye. DVRig/DVTEC. Danny Natovich, whom I believe was the man in charge demonstrated the rig, then let me have a go. As a Steadicam O/O, I was truly impressed. It did a lot for what it was.

Let me offer an enthusiastic second for the DVMultirig. Unquestionably the best device for small cameras.

Another support system that could meet your requirement is the PAG Orbiter. I have used one for some time and have found it to be both comfortable and stable, many have thought that I had been using a tripod when in fact I had used this device. Often I have used for several hours without a break and without discomfort.

Geoff

I second that, Geoff. In fact, I replaced the DVmulti with the PAG Orbitor, and have been very satisfied with it. With the PAG 100Wh battery at the back and fully panning/tilting head, it's very nice to use.

The only thing I am critical about is that the spring-loaded support rod is too long (or perhaps I am too short), so that when walking, its telescopic parts meet, producing loud bumps.

But it can even take my EX1 with Letus, and I'm able to carry it around for a considerable time without fatigue!

Gotta throw out my support for the Cavision shoulder mount and rails. It does not come off of my EX1. I really like the molded hand grips and I added my own padding (inserts from an old camera bag) to the shoulder piece. The camera is still front heavy and does not ride like a Beta Cam, but it helps steady the shot especially for walking.

The price was definitely right and I couldn't be happier. Now for a matte box....

Thanks for the comments, but getting the thread back on track, I was asking about the EX3, not the EX1 in terms of alternative shoulder mount systems. With the new viewfinder, it's more like a traditional camera, which I prefer to the handhelds (I use both). Looking at the way these cameras mount on a rails system (not exclusively Zacuto), I'm wondering if the viewfinder would be too high for comfortable viewing (i.e. shooting all day).

The shoulder mounts for the EX1/HVX/Z1 etc has been discussed in detail in other places.

Seems to me ...
 

It wouldn't be difficult to put together an extended support that goes on camera pad for the inner shoulder that clamps on your shoulder back. It could be an easy on/off clamp ... think of something similar to the cheap chinese shoulder mount!

Stasis Flex?
 

I wonder how the new Anton/Bauer Stasis Flex will work? Check out:

www.antonbauer.com/stasisflex.htm

This has an adjustable (flex) mount and may help to get the vf of th EX3 witin range of ones eye.

Anyone have any experience with this piece?

Tripod plate compatibility
 

It's not a comment on shoulder mounts, but I discovered another thing on
http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/publi...r=sony_pmw-ex3
In the introvideo made by PhilipBloom on this page, I can see the EX3 fitted on to Sony VCT-U14 tripod attachment plate and using the Sony VCT-14 tripod adapter. I beleve this is good news for us with larger Sony cameras and compatibility. Sony product ref is:
http://www.sony.co.uk/biz/view/ShowP...tegory=Tripods

I just ordered the Microshoulder mount by Redrock. It looks pretty sweet, and you can;t beat the price.

http://www.redrockmicro.com/microSho...unt/index.html

the redrock's a great find. Looks like a cost effective solution for the EX1's tough to handheld issue. i wonder if it will work well with Brevis n Letus setup.

You know after seeing the redrock and the price point, zacuto makes me absolutly sick. They are asking $250 just for the shoulder pad! Come on guys, give me a break! http://store.zacuto.com/product.php?...&cat=66&page=1 I just paid $350 for the whole shoulder mount deluxe set from redrock.....am I missing something here??

Does Zacuto make their rods out of white gold or platinum? I'm really starting to get sick and tired from some of these manufacturers with their un justifiable prices.... they're just ripping hard working folks like me and you ....

There has got to be a change.

As they say competition is good! Yeah Redrock's hit the nail here with the pricepoint and thousands of EX1 out there... would be waiting to see Letus n Brevis rigs.

I bought their silly original version (costly mistake) . Five of us using three different cameras could not get comfortable with it!!! I don't think those designers at AB have ever held a camera. Anybody won't to buy a Stasis.....cheap?

shoulder brace
 

just used peter lisand shoulder brace bsc-05 for 2hrs just great
brian

shoulder support for EX3?
 

I'm used to working with a Z1 in combination with a Varizoom LSP shouldersupport. I played with the EX3 a bit at a Sony dealer last week and couldn't imagine what it would feel like to work with it for an entire day.
I've never worked with shoulder-camera's but it's obvious why they call this a 'semi-shoulder' design. I felt like I had to push it back against my shoulder and could imagine it getting strenuous but maybe it's just a matter of getting used to/getting the hang of it.

My questions are these:

1) what are your experiences when shooting long days with the EX3?

2) do people use shoulder support systems with the EX3?

thanks for the input,

Jeroen

I see that Studio 1 Productions has a shoulder brace for the EX3. It is also featured in Vortex Media's EX3 instructional video. Looks pretty good.

Rob

Sorry to disagree, but it looks kinda cheap, just like the website and the demo video. (which doesn't necessarily mean it's bad, by the way)
The brace is not specifically for the EX3. (again, doesn't have to be a problem but it wasn't designed with the EX3 -a one of a kind design- in mind) All in all it seems a bit pricey for such a simple tool. There are other shoulderbraces that allow for much more control/adjustments, some even cost less.

Hi Jeroen,
In your post you said the brace wasn't made with the EX3 in mind. You might want to check your facts before posting that.

Just to let you know, I called Studio 1 this morning and they said it was design SPECIFICLY for the EX3. In fact, they worked with Doug Jenson from Vortex Media in the design process. Doug is the one with the EX3 video that everyone is raving about here on DVInfo.net. Once it met Doug's approval, Studio 1 started manufacturing it.

Studio 1 said, that they had a few customers that purchased it for the EX3 that called them and said they found it worked with the small HD camera that are about the size of a soda can. That is even stated on their web site, here is the exact wording:

"While the VSB3 was originally designed for the Sony PMW-EX3 in mind, customers have reported using VSB3 with the small handheld HD video cameras with excellent results."

As far as the demo video goes, it was produced by Doug Jenson from Vortex Media. Like his videos, I thought the demo looked good.

As far as their shoulder brace being cheap made, I can tell you they are not. I have the VSB1 for the EX1 and it is rugged. It is a simple design, but the quality is great and it can take a beating. I know, mine has been through a lot since I got it. Just like the VSB3, Studio 1 and Vortex Media designed the VSB1 together and they are only sold by both companies.

I agree, there are lots of other shoulder braces. Just like there are many different makes and models of cars on the road. In my post I was simply pointing out that there is another choice out there.

Studio 1 Productions web site is Video Backgrounds, Studio 1 Productions Video Backgrounds, Royalty Free Music, XLR Adapters, Zoom Controllers, Stock Footage, Animations and More
Vortex Media web site is Vortex Media: VIDEO & PHOTO Tools and Training

Rob

Hi Rob- I stand corrected on the brace not being made for the EX3-assumption. I saw a pic with a small handheld which made it appear like a OneSizeFitsAll product...

But my other criticism still stands.

Hi Jeroen,

I was told the VSB3 is a modified version of the VSB1 shoulder brace. I own the VSB1 shoulder brace and like it. It well made and machined and it is very rugged. Simple design, yes. Cheaply made, no.

Personally I like the product and I base my opinions on actually having the equipment.

You can say what you want, but I am not sure how valid your criticism is, of a product you have never seen or used....
Rob

Gee, Rob, since you're being so defensive about this thing, I'm starting to doubt your intentions. I have this funny feeling you're plugging the product, as they say.

You got me curious and after some simple investigation I noticed that you have been promoting some more stuff for Studio 1:

October 17, 2008

I see that Studio 1 Productions has a shoulder brace for the EX3. It is also featured in Vortex Media's EX3 instructional video. Looks pretty good.

Rob

July 9, 2007:

I have the ProZoom 2 from Studio 1 and Yes it works with the Canon XH-A1.

Rob

BTW: Studio 1 web site is Video Backgrounds, Studio 1 Productions Video Backgrounds, Royalty Free Music, XLR Adapters, Zoom Controllers, Stock Footage, Animations and More

January 14, 2008:

I see a shoulder brace for the Sony EX1 is coming out from Studio 1 Production. They have a sneak peak video on their site.

VSB1 Video Camera Shoulder Brace VSB-1 ideal for the Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX - Sony EX-1 - Sony EX1

March 11, 2004

I have since used a jib from ProMax and Studio 1. Both work great. Neither will bend from the camera weight. Rob

July 2, 2003:

I have Studio 1's old XLR-PRO and their newer models, both the XLR-BP Pro and the XLR-BP 3 Pro.

June 4, 2003

Hi Wayne,

Everyone has different needs for zoom controllers. Like I said I tried the Varizoom, while it works well, it didn't fit my needs. The Studio 1 ProZoom does.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Etc etc. You mentioned Studio 1 many more times, but we get the point.

Well, it might just be coincidence, but you have to agree there's an awful lot of Studio 1 in your posts... And the way 'you just point out' things gives a certain impression. If I'm wrong about this, I sincerely apologize. If I'm right, well, then only you and a few others will ever really know, won't you...?

Do you own an EX3, by the way? Have you used one in combination with THE STUDIO ONE model?

Last but not least: I had an opinion about the STUDIO ONE website, the demo video and the brace looking cheap. I even added that doesn't necessarily makes it a bad product. It just doesn't instill confidence in the product for me.
I also said that: All in all it seems a bit pricey for such a simple tool. There are other shoulderbraces that allow for much more control/adjustments, some even cost less.

Those are perfectly valid statements. That was my criticism, that remains my criticism and it still stands.

Jeroen

Hi Jeroen,

Yes, I have made some post about their products, but I have also made post about other products too.

I happen to like some of their products. NOTE: I said some. Not all of their products. Yes, I own several of their products, but I am not affiliated with them. I am a happy customer, that's all.

As far as what you are insinuating, you are WAY off the mark and yes you should sincerely apologize. You need to READ what I was replying to, not just my posts. Then maybe my posts would make more sense to you

For example the one, I said I have BOTH a ProMax Jib and the Studio 1 jib and that NEITHER would bend. Wow, I must have been plugging ProMax too. Simply because I mentioned their name.

As far as the Varizoom controller that didn't fit my needs and the Studio 1 did, was simply because the Varizoom was a rocker style zoom controller and the Studio 1 is a select the zoom speed and press and hold the button for the zoom. I couldn't use a rocker style as any movement I made caused the zoom speed to change for my application.

Since then I have purchased another model Varizoom and I am happy with it. Opps, I just gave a plug to Varizoom……

In another post, some one asked what zoom controllers would work with the Canon XH-A1. I posted back the Studio 1 did because, I had let someone borrow it for there XH-A1 and it worked them. Did they end up buying a Studio 1 zoom controller, no. They bought the Bogen. When I made the post I knew the Studio 1 zoom controller worked with the XH-A1. I didn't know which other zoom controllers worked because I only lent the Studio 1 zoom controller. I didn't know if Canon did something different to the LANC port. All I knew is the Studio 1 worked and that was my reply. Nothing more, nothing less.

I only make replies to things I have first hand knowledge of. It's too easy to make a mistake like you did when you said, the VSB3 was not made specifically for the EX3, when it was.

.In my original post, it was just to say that their is another option out there for a shoulder brace for the EX3 that hadn't been mentioned. That's all. Nothing more. I didn't even say it was a great design or anything like that. I wouldn't know, I have used it yet. I just said, and I quote:

"I see that Studio 1 Productions has a shoulder brace for the EX3. It is also featured in Vortex Media's EX3 instructional video. Looks pretty good." Oh my god. I plugged the Vortex Media's EX3 video. Shame on me.... :)

And I believe, I posted both web site addresses. Hmmmm, maybe I work for Vortex… and I am plugging the video… No I don‘t work for Vortex either.

I have tried a couple of other shoulder braces. Some worked for me, some didn't. (The ones I didn't like, I dont' post anything negative about them, because I realize that other people may have a different opinion of the product.) I ended up keeping the Varizoom and Studio 1 shoulder braces. I use both of them, but with different cameras.

Oh, wait, was that a plug for Varizoom..... :)

Like I said before, I own the EX1 and the VSB1 shoulder brace.

However, I am purchasing the EX3 before the end of the year. That is why I purchased the Vortex DVD on the EX3. Opps, there I going mentioning Vortex. I gotta quit plugging their videos by mentioning them.

Like I said before, I agree with you on the simple design, but they are not cheaply made. Since I do own the VSB1, so I do know what I am talking about first hand, since I was told (by you know what company) the VSB3 is just a modified version of the VSB1.

If you go back and read my posts, you will see I never mentioned anything about the price of the shoulder brace. Maybe because I agree with you. :) Although, I did buy the VSB1, I would have liked it to be a little less expensive, but I did buy it. I try not to post a lot of negative information.

As far as the Studio 1 as a company. The have helped me out several times over the years, most recently was when I was making a LANC adapter cable for a Sony camera. The new AVCHD Sony camcorders have a "D" pin connection for the LANC and A/V. Even though they sell an adapter cable that they make (and it is expensive, which they have admitted), they helped me with the wiring on one that I was making myself. I even posted that information this board for others who want to make their own adapter cable.

Bottom line, I, me, ROB, does not post about products I don't own or at least haven't worked with. That's all.

I was just setting the record straight about the VSB3 was made specifically for the EX3.

THE END.... :)

Now let just move on. Rob

The Varizoom LSP shoulderbrace is a great piece of gear. It is highly adjustable which really gives it a personal fit. It's very well built yet very light and can be folded for easy transport.

I own one and have used it for years in combination with the Z1, which is comparable in size to the EX1. The EX3 is of course a larger animal but since the Varizoom LSP allows for so much adjustment, I expect the same ease and comfort.

Jeroen

I agree with you about the Varizoom brace. Have you tried it with the EX3?
I was wondering how well it works with the EX3.

I am from the old Betacam days, where the camera sits on the shoulder and your right hand in holding the camera while the left is used for focusing, etc. I am much more comfortable that way.

So I am wondering how well you can hold the camera as I just descibed with the Varizoom brace and the EX3?

This was why I was looking at the "other" shoulder brace. From the video it looks like what I want it to do.

Rob

Camera supports that are solid, versatile and at the right price
 

Hello,

I wasn’t sure if my post will be too "commercial" for this discussion. I will go ahead anyway. Just tell me if this post is not welcome and I'll remove it.

We sell camera supports that are well built, solid, versatile and at the right price. See all the details on:

Shop eBay Canada Store - Shape WLB Inc:: Camera support, stabilizer grip handle rig

Charles-Antoine
Shape WLB Inc.

Hi Charles-Antoine

Your shoulder brace looks pretty good. Does is work with the EX3, as far as being able to align it so your are looking into the EX3 eye piece with out any problems?

The price is great.

Rob

Hey Jeroen,

I posted a question to you...

"I agree with you about the Varizoom brace. Have you tried it with the EX3?
I was wondering how well it works with the EX3.

I am from the old Betacam days, where the camera sits on the shoulder and your right hand in holding the camera while the left is used for focusing, etc. I am much more comfortable that way."

Have you tried the EX3 with the Varizoom brace?

Rob

Spider camera support for the Sony PMW-EX3
 

Hello Rob,

The best support for the Sony PMW-EX3 is the Spider camera support:

Shape Spider - camera support steadycam grip Panasonic - (eBay.ca item 180302920126 end time 03-Nov-08 19:12:37 EST)

The Spider camera support was designed for cameras that are higher than standard cameras. When wearing the Spider camera support, the camera platform can be positioned between 4" (10 cm) and 5-3/4" (14 cm) below your shoulder tip. That is, the base of your camera will be positioned between 4" (10 cm) and 5-3/4" (14 cm) below your shoulder tip.

In addition, the camera is attached using a standard 1/4-20 camera screw knob accessible through a 3" (7.5 cm) slot. The camera can be positioned nearer of farther from you by up to 3" (7.5 cm).

Coincidentally, we actually have a Sony PMW-EX3 with us and it works great with the Spider camera.

Next week, we will start selling (in our eBay store) a new version of the Spider camera support with a telescopic support arm. It’s the same telescopic support arm as used with the Coyote camera support:

Shape Coyote - camera stabilizer support Sony Panasonic - (eBay.ca item 180302835715 end time 01-Nov-08 13:16:39 EDT)

Hope this helps,

Charles-Antoine
Shape WLB Inc.

Hi Charles-Antoine

Thanks for the info. I will check it out on ebay.

Rob

Sorry, Rob, I was busy and apparently not subscribed to this thread. I decided to buy the EX1 after all.
The reason I came back here was because I was looking at info on the EX1, started to read the reactions to Adam Wilt's review of the EX1 and behold!... there you were with a classic contribution:

"Adam, that is a great review. I want to pass on a shoulder brace that I found that is specifically designed for the Sony PMW EX1. I have been using it for a few days now and love it.
Here is the link:
VSB1 Video Camera Shoulder Brace VSB-1 ideal for the Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX - Sony EX-1 - Sony EX1

I hope this helps other EX1 owners
Rob"

You have to agree that's funny.

But to answer your question. No, I have not tried it with the EX3. As mentioned, I just bought the EX1 because compact/lowkey/lightweight outweighs the benefits of the EX3 for me at the moment.

Jeroen

Hi Jeroen,

I just got my EX3 this past weekend to go with my EX1. I am still practicing with it. For my tastes it definitely needs a shoulder brace. I did make my VSB1 work with it by modifying it. For me the EX3 feels so much more comfortable resting on top of the shoulder. But, then again, that comes from years of using Betacam equipment.

I hope you enjoy your EX1. It is a great camera.

Best Regards
Rob

Charles-Antoine,
I really like the look of the HAND3 double articulated handle on some of your rigs. Would you ever sell that pieces itself? Also it be awesome if these pieces can be adapted to work on 15mm rods.

min

Hello Min,

Yes, it is possible to purchase the HAND3 double articulated handle for $139.99CAD ($111.27US) plus shipping fees.

There is probably an adaptor to attach a rod to a 1/4" camera screw. I will look for this and come back you.

Regards,

Charles-Antoine
Shape WLB Inc.

Hello Min,

I'm still searching for an adaptor to attach a 1/4-20 camera screw to a 15mm rod.

Can you give more details about the 15mm rod? Would it be by any chance part of a matte box support? An example would be the following item:

0DSSB15JV Century Optics DV Matte Box Support for the JVC-DV500 with 15mm rods

Regards,

Charles-Antoine
Shape WLB Inc.

zacuto
 

after much consideration, I plunked down the cash for the zacuto shoulder mount setup.

I justified this purchase because of it's expandability and compatibility with just about any gear i would probably buy in the foreseeable future.

I bought the universal mount with the twelve inch rails.
the shoulder pad with the seven inch rails.
the double mount with the 7 inch rails.
the red plate.

I will be adding the vmount
double v mount with tap.
ex3 cable for camera and on board light.
and the wireless plate.

for my needs now it will basically be a shouldermount with tons of battery power, also the batteries and wireless plate will bring the front end up for better balance.

when and if I get the dof adapter i will add the necessary parts.
I got the first 4 items used at a good savings in the marketplace, and will order the rest from bhphoto tomorrow.

I used to be a new cameraman so I am used to the weight of a heavy rig and i always thought the lighter rigs were more of a handful.

my 2 cents

greg