Mitch Mommaerts

In case some other operators are as anal and OCD like me and spend days of research and contemplating before plucking their first piece of foam or trying to design the best custom insert I thought I'd post mine. It's nothing special but I wasn't able to find a lot of photos on the web for inspiration so I thought I'd add to this thread. Maybe others want to share their layouts as I'd love to see them and can likely learn from them for when I decide to take the next leap to custom foam inserts. Always open to suggestions. System: Bartech Digital 2 Channel fStop Case: Pelican 1450 Pick N Pluck Tips: - I found it easiest to fully remove sections, cut them to the correct depth, then insert them back in place. This is probably common knowledge but I haven't seen many people do this amongst my small circle of friends but they don't suffer from being anal and OCD like me. - I also keep my cutouts, and as whole as possible in case I need to change the layout. All temporary until I'm satisfied with a final design and then can bring it in for custom cut foam. - I also use Fedex waybill pockets with the top cut off under the lids to hold manuals etc. under the convoluted lid foam. That CinemaOxide case is beautiful! Here's a link to another post in another thread which was helpful containing some PDF layouts: http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=15556&p=73898 Mitch

Nice work Ari, looks like some fun projects! Jess thanks for posting them. Mitch

Thanks Alec, yes Tom's will work out just perfect for me at a fraction of the price too! Currently in discussions with him about getting some. Thanks again! Mitch

Ah yes! Thanks Jens. I didn't know these were called utility plates! Thanks so much! Mitch

Hi fellow operators, Does anybody know where I could find gold mount stud plates (feel free to post a proper name should one exist). I've spent a good part of the day looking for some and came across one on ebay but it had wires coming out of it. Alen Rencher had posted a rather similar idea though he took it to the next level. http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=17700 For myself at this time I'd like to have a simple metal plate where I can cover the one side with velcro and the other side would have 3 gold mount studs so I can indirectly velcro stuff to my unused battery plates. Thank you very much, Mitch

Just came across this thread looking for another topic so thought I'd drop by and share my quick review from using the Zalex handle for a couple months. Installation was extremely easy, even with an older drill press without the drill. Definitely the best way as recommended by Peter and the instructions if you're extremely meticulous like I am. After using larger handles on bigger rigs extensively for 7 days it was a must have coming home to my flyer. It was an easy investment as I have much more control over pan and tilt. The added length is also nice for starts and stops. I was about to sell my flyer but will hang on to it as my second rig for a while longer. When it comes time to sell my rig, I'm sure this will be a very attractive feature as it will allow new operators to practice their grips as they would use on a larger rig. Or in my case make jumping between rigs feel a bit more like home. Looking forward to more Zalex stuff. Mitch

Hi Janice, My apologies for any lack of leading information I held. In keeping my original thread focussed, I didn't want to mention that have been trying and using Archers, Ultra2s, Shadows as well as Sachtlers for the past few months and am doing due diligence by making sure to try the pro products, the arm in this case, since my favourite vest next to the exo is the pro vest. The 15 minutes is to ensure it won't be inconvenient for anybody and, from my experience that's enough time for me to know if the arm and I have potential to click, I know the feel I'm looking for after trying and using the above rigs. Then after there's several other steps involved (One of which may still be heading down to Pro). I didn't want to post my thoughts (subjective and objective), directions, experience and process in my original post in order to keep the thread simple and focussed towards my goal. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that I own an x10 which has been in the closet for 4+ years and a heavily modified 2nd gen flyer as that likely leads to the assumption that I'm a newbie (which i'm fine with as I'm always open to learning and even re-learning). Have yourself a great weekend as well and I'm honoured to having your attention to this thread and feedback. Thanks again! Mitch

Hi Janice, No offence taken and your reply is greatly appreciated. I did look into that option and even spoke with Michelle about it. They were more than accommodating. At this time in my current schedule it's better for me to see who's out there locally. The other thing is, it couldn't hurt to know some local pro users, should I go that route, and make some new friends along the way. Thanks again Janice! Mitch

Hi fellow readers and operators, I'm researching modular products and currently looking at the PRO lineup. I don't have many if any local contacts in the industry so hopefully this forum is the place to start for such a request. I would like to ask any PRO Titan or Atlas owners in southern Ontario Canada if I could try their rig. I have several years of experience on the various systems I own (X10, Flyer), SOA trained, and could also get some referrals from some top operators. My ideal setup to try would include the following: - Front Mounted Vest (Pro or Steadicam) - PRO Titan or Atlas arm I'm not too concerned about the type of sled, just something to test out the arms. If you have a PRO sled as well that would be bonus but not my primary objective to look at. I would only need about 10-15 minutes with the rig although I may take up some additional time asking questions related to the rig or industry if time permits. I will work around your convenience. Please PM me if you can help me out with an opportunity. Thank you very much, Mitch