David Campbell

My understanking was that the new rigs were an attempt to offer scaled down and more affordable rigs for buyers that didn't need all of the features. The motorized and tilting top stage are, as always, available on the flagship Ultra. Tiffen has been open to the wishes of the market place and may be responsive if you request a stand alone tilt top stage, there may be tech considerations that make this a difficult request, you'll have to ask them. They do offer many components now as stand alone and have moved away from the all Tiffen or no Tiffen attitude that was entrenched when the company was CP. In my view the company has remained open to change and worked hard to make improvements as well as keeping an open door and friendly spirit of working together. David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com

I tried the arm with Howards rather light weight MK-V rig. I liked the bearings on the post and arm has a clean, well designed appearance. No worrisome pinch points that I noticed. Performed very well. Howard has a new bottom stage for the Mk-V and new gimbal (fantastic) and was sporting prototype hummingbird LCD monitor which was great in full afternoon sun or under the convention center lighting. Small case for the large image size, frame line gen included, SDI input and heaters for those cold shoot days! Also at the booth pro arms and Klaussen vests. David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com

Hi Peter, If I recall correctly the J-7 is a slender hand control about 6" long with a slider for zoom (does it also have a run switch as does preston?). Does it come with a rosette that you then use to attach to a gimbal clamp of your own design or does it come with a gimbal clamp out of the box as does the Stanten? Do you then operate with your hand on the control which is attached to the gimbal hand grip or position so that you still hold the handle and move your thumb to the J-7? Does it require a power feed from the rig? Can you post pix? Look forward to whatever info you care to pass on. David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com

Arri IIIs are sensitive to overvoltage but your 14.4 v batteries should be ok. Don't use batteries hot off the charger though as this may cause trouble. Also keep in mind that you will need to supply power to the video tap camera. If you try to use power from the camera to power the video tap you will have a great picture on your monitor right up until the Director calls roll and then, due to grounding problems with this camera, the video image will almost certainly fall apart. Hope your job goes well! David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com

Well I made it there and back with carry on batteries. My batts are A-B and the info printed on them confirms what they are used for. Of course the scanner always kicks your bag out for hand check so you get to spend a little quality time with airport security (don't try to help them, answer politely and have plenty of time before your flight so there is no pressure). All cases arrived and returned but it is a little nerve-racking. David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com

Four slender screws hold the throat to the mag and yes they do sheer with extreme stress (such as love tap from stunt driver on a non operator set up on track). Keep that in mind when on O'Connor with fluid dialed up to 9s and panning with the mag as your handle David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com

I'm flying today with three cases and a carry on. Sled and monitor Vest and arm cables, charger, focus/iris, tools carry on with batteries (I know but I've done it before successfully) Say a prayer that all arrive with me and pay the excess. All my cases weigh in at less then 60lbs, of course most airlines have changed to a 50lbs policy. LAX is sympathtic and have passed me without overwt charges but not necessarily so with other airports. David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com

I love the dionics... on the camera. Very light, charge on same charger as NiCad (older chargers may need a software upgrade), the battery monitor for keeping track of remaining power level seemed accurate and in combination with NiCads on my rig they went on and on (Panasonic HD camera). Haven't tried on the rig and the owner of the HD camera did mention there was a problem with airplane travel with larger capacity Dionic. Certainly worth checking with A/B before buying. David Campbell dscmove@yahoo.com