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Cheap DSLR rig
  • spike08spike08
    Hi everybody!

    I'm new in dslr world. I just bought a GH2 and I'm looking for a cheap dslr rig solution.

    and as suggested by Vitality indisystem and gini stuff

    Experience with these rigs?
    Other solutions?

    Thank you in advance
  • 11 Replies sorted by
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev
    Other good advice - if you have money just get this

    image

    http://cgi.ebay.com/follow-focus-DSLR-quick-release-plate-shoulder-mount-/280676849928?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4159a4d908

    It is not cheap at first sign.
    But it is complete solution of top quality.
    Top quality handles, top quality FF, mounting options, QR plate.
    Just ask them to replace T1 follow focus with T2 (about $10).

    Worst thing you want to do is buying cheap rig, selling it, buying more expensive stuff, etc
    $(KGrHqN,!l0E1F2GWImuBNd0)jZ1n!~~_12.jpg
    500 x 331 - 22K
  • fatpigfatpig
    hi, reeeeaaally cant afford expensive above one-
    i was also looking at the cheap one above, and this:
    http://www.indisystem.com/products/ultra_compact

    any experiences?

    thx, regards
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev
    > any experiences?

    I have this one.
    It has some problems, but overall it is working and allow you to mount many things.
    If you have only $300-350 it must be best choice (plus some Gini rigs).

    >hi, reeeeaaally cant afford expensive above one

    This thing is not expensive.
    Add $450 for FF, $70 for monitor mount, and about $400-500 for mattebox :-)
    Plus bare rig weight is about 1/2 of Indie rig.
  • TesselatorTesselator
    I know not everyone will agree but if money is a concern keep in mind that these things are not too difficult to make from oak (wood). Do use oak tho so you can keep the parts slender and still maintain lots of strength! All you need is a power drill, a saber-saw and a a long T-square. Optionally a router would be helpful!

    You can buy the saw, the drill, the wood, and all the needed wing-bolts you need for around $120. If you opt for the router as well make it $160.

    Find the rig you like most and get (or take) lots of pictures of it. Figure out the parts you need. Create and assemble. For the padding on the shoulder area you can use one or two layers of camping sleeping-bad mat which costs $5. For the handle grips use bicycle handle grips - another $5 ~ $7. Cork pad for the camera landing $1. etc. etc.

    The only part you really NEED to buy is the follow-focus rigging. I've even seen the large square hoods made from wooden veneer and cheap felt as flocking.

    From there all you'll need to buy is the monitor, the camera, and the lenses - optionally a tripod if you need one - However hardwood tripods ROCK!

    Anyway, if you really need/want a rig like these but money is the prohibitor then consider buying the tools and materials and just making one. It doesn't have to be ugly like some people do when they use the wrong wood and make things too bulky and poor (un-dynamic) design.

  • LliamWLliamW
    Has anyone on here had any experience with the JAG Free runner?

    I like the look of that rig Vitaliy - as you say with FF and Matte box - price is not what you would call high.
    Not bottome end sure, but like most of your equipment suggestions, I'm guessing this is your - pro bang for the buck recommendation - which I highly value as an approach.




  • TesselatorTesselator
    http://jag35.com/new/category/products/ <--- Looks pretty cool!<br />

    Here's a $10 shoulder-rig just for fun... :D



    image

    image

    image
  • stoneystoney
    Oh he needs an extended rubber eyecup. Looking through such VF is... so... photo.
  • 5thwall5thwall

    Anyone have any recommendations on cheap extended handles? I'm looking at these and some others, like Jag35's, but hoping to spend less. Thinking I want to get something with handles that swivel. Thx!

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trusmt-Double-hand-grip-kit-fix-with-dia-15mm-rods-/270955751862?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f1638a9b6#ht_500wt_970

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trusmt-Double-hand-grip-kit-T-Support-B-rig-support-by-dia-15mm-rods-/290697659672?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43aeee4518#ht_2474wt_1025

    http://jag35.com/products/handles-2/extendedhandles.html

  • EbachervilleEbacherville

    the cowboy studio shoulder mount is a great budget item to have for $26 you cant go wrong to always have one along even in you little go anywhere kit.. (It collapses down to a small size for portability and is light weight) I don't have rails and just manually adjust focus on the lens, no follow focus ect.. the cowboy rig gets the job done, Typically I'm on a tripod or slider but occasionally I'm mobile and use the cowboy rig and it works awesome for the cash. its a must have even if you have a big shoulder rig.. cant beat it for the cash.

    http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Support-Camcorder-Camera/dp/B0036NMQ7S

  • RamboRambo

    Yep, ditto on the cowboy. First one I had wore out, have another in transit. Love That I can carry it on as carry on luggage on a plane being plastic. I usually have a flash bracket attached also off toone side as a handle and mount for other items ( 2 hot shoes and 1/4")

  • EbachervilleEbacherville

    i like the flash bracket idea, Have a few of those smae cheap flash brackets.. never thought of adding that to the mix.. Thanks for the tip!

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