Jameson Johnson

I stand corrected - perhaps my response was out of line. Evrim, my apologies for my own tone.

My previous comment is hereby rescinded.

I haven't used a preston, but could it mount onto 15mm rails?

As I understand it, the PowerCube batteries are for high amp-draw situations; when you have a power hungry HD camera, maybe transmitters, lights, motors, etc. pulling more than 6amps. Those batteries are rated for up to 10 amps or something like that. At the time that Tiffen had IDX produce the PowerCube for them, the HL9 was not available - and possibly that there wasn't a high-draw battery option available in V-Mount. I will probably be corrected on this if I'm wrong. The IDX HL9 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/632840-REG/IDX_E_HL9_E_HL9_Lithium_Ion_V_Mount.html) is comparable to the PowerCube - but even Tiffen has told me they aren't in the battery business and you can probably find cheaper alternatives. The Endura-10s batteries will actually last longer than the PowerCube if you're pulling less than 6 amps. The E-10/E-10s last longer, but won't handle a high draw, over 6 amps. PowerCube - 88Wh, 6.15Ah - 10amp cont. draw HL9 - 88Wh, 6.15Ah - 10amp cont. draw, stackable E-10/s - 93Wh, 6.3Ah There are, of course, other brands available - but I cannot speak to them as I have no experience with them. I own 4 of the PowerCubes since they came with my Archer2 rig. I'm buying E-10s batts for normal use, and keeping the PC for live TV use when I have a large camera, transmitters, etc. My 2 cents, buy the HL9 if you want to keep the same capacity. The HL9 and E-10 can stack, but there aren't a lot of situations when you'd need to stack on a steadi-rig. As for the 24v cams, I haven't shot with one yet. As I understand, film cameras run on 24v, but I'm in the digital world.

Would you characterize is as a fire engine red, or more like a cherry red?

How does the Boland handle varying voltages? I've used a Boland before, though I can't remember the model. It didn't like the full charge from Anton Bauer batts and would shutdown on me a lot.

Hi all - I've seen posts about this from varying points of view. When discounting a rate for a non-profit, charity, student film, etc. what should actually be discounted? I've worked deals from many different angles, but I wanted to get a better sense of what everyone else does. I've read to only discount the gear, but maintain the labor rate - I've seen to discount the labor because they should at least be renting the gear - and of course there's the "if they can't afford it, then don't do it" argument. Also, it seems that the general consensus is to offer discounts for later or "future" projects rather than firsts. However with established clients that occasionally need help making budget, what would you do? Perhaps it's market based also? What say you?

I notice that the Bolt webpage now lists a 6-28v input - did I miss a comment in the 100+ of this thread, or is this an updated version?

So, any idea on a release date or a price? :)

Wordpress has an Akismet plugin to help with spam. So far it's been a good filter for blog posts. GoogleApps email seems to be working well. I get email at my web domain, but it's free.

I have a pretty basic web hosting package with GoDaddy, and I have wordpress installed on my server. The rate is reasonable, and it allows email if I like - for a small fee. But for email, I've utilized GoogleApps for email. It's free, and Google has easy to follow steps for linking the domain to Googles servers for email. Wordpress does all the content on my site, very easy to modify and keep current, even has a mobile app for remote management. Since it's not linked to the full Wordpress website, I don't feel that there are the security concerns of a large website. For larger files, videos, etc I host elsewhere to keep hosting cost down. I use Vimeo for clips and reels, and a public folder on dropbox for downloadable files. I use the public link provided by dropbox to link on my website itself.

Hi all, I've read that some ops simply include wireless video in their kits, but some others charge for it. I haven't purchased a wireless system yet, and I'm liking what I'm reading about the bolt. At that price point, it seems like it could be an include, just like a channel of BFD is for some. Then again, if I can make it work, I'd like to own a Boxx system, but that seems really expensive to just include it. So my question is, who charges for which wireless and who includes which wireless? Do some include a basic option but charge for a more expensive option? How does production react to a request to pay for a more expensive wireless option? What other comments have you about charging or including wireless in your rate? Thanks everyone!

I do remember that PRO was spoken of very highly at the workshop I attended. I don't recall much speak of Tiffen products being better than others - as Jerry said the focus was primarily on operating and developing good habits, regardless of manufacturer.

I attended the Lake Arrowhead workshop in March of 2010 and thought it was great. As I recall though, there are a few things that can be done at the SOA workshop but not at the Tiffen one. Jerry, do you still do the flying man at the SOA workshop? I seem to think there were a couple other demos there not done at Lake Arrowhead.

I just did a demo with a Boxx system, it performed very well until people arrived, then we had some breakup. We didn't lose the signal altogether, just some pixelation. I should say this was inside in a steel structure, and I had the portable receiver with an antenna array. Two Boxx systems may give you better coverage, but you may still get a glitch or two. See if you can get the broadcast receiver for at least one of them. All in all, I'd still go with the Boxx, just thoroughly test your coverage and be ready to adapt when the guests arrive.

Now let's see it on the lego steadicam! Any chance of a motorized lego stage? Love it!

All good points. There are some threads on here too about certain airlines having media rates for baggage. Not sure who still has that, but as I recall it's a pretty reduced rate for your gear. And from what I know of your potential rig, it should fit in two cases, maybe three? But yeah, have it checked out.

OK, everyone go back and read this thread from the top. If you can make it all the way through without cracking up, well you just aren't human...

Hi, I haven't personally used this guy yet, but I've seen many cases he's foamed out. Very high quality work, and uses dense foam for longevity. He's based in MN though, not NY. Greg Bliss Case Medics, Inc. 952-461-1173 casemedics@gmail.com

Do you know if they fit an Archer2/Clipper stage? I know you stated that they'll fit any industry standard sled, I'm not sure what that is though.

I feel like I'm reading your equipment rental section incorrectly. Are you suggesting that a 3-day week is billed at a full week rate, or that a full 7-day week is billed at a 3-day rental rate? I'm a little confused by this because there are production houses that I work with that rent, for example a 7-day week for a 3-day rate, but then others that charge based on production days rather than the rental term. From what I've read elsewhere on the forum and other ops, it's typical to charge 1:1 for rental and days worked, since the gear is actively being used by the operator. Could you clarify please? ...and perhaps this is another situation where things are one way in a certain market, and different in another.

Thanks for all the feedback - The archer does have 24v on it, so powering should not be a problem. If it's confirmed I'll order a cable. And they are using Primo spherical lenses for the shoot with a clip on matte box, so I should be good there.

I have a potential job with an XL2, but I've only worked HD / digital jobs before. First time with 35mm. Are the panavision power cables the same? Can anyone offer first time film advice?

I ordered a G-Zoom from Erik, but I haven't received it yet. I'll use it on a show in January and post.

One could also take a hybrid approach here - put away deductible or other amount each month, and as the insurance renews, increase the deductible to whatever was saved. First year, standard deductible - year two $6000 deductible, etc. Maintain high deductible coverage for those "total loss" moments, but pay less for coverage each month. However, I'm not sure if deductibles can be written for any amount, maybe there's a ceiling to a deductible? I'm not an insurance guy.