What Rig should I buy - Archer SE2 or?

[Thomas K. Jensen]

I am at the moment renting an old Archer rig, every time i have a Steadi-job.

But now I am thinking of buying my own rig - and I would like to hear what you think?

 

I am looking at the Steadicam Clipper 312 or Archer SE2

Should I go for the upgrade from LX to Ultra2 Vest?

Is there any better alternatives?

 

We are recording on the Panasonic HVX2100 (Europe) With Wideangle - or Pro35 with DigiPrimes.

So I have to get the G50 arm...

 

Thanks

 

Thomas Kollerup Jensen

Denmark

[Brian Freesh]

Pro35 with Digiprimes? Methinks there's a typo somewhere. |-)~

[Nikolay Kerezov]

As you are living in EU ,I can suggest RIG light made by Christian Betz (http://www.betz-tools.com/steadicam_rig.php).

Best!

[Thomas K. Jensen]

Pro35 with Digiprimes? Methinks there's a typo somewhere. |-)~

 

Sorry - It should have said Carl Zeiss Primes :-)

[Jerry Franck]

Thomas,

 

if you're going the Tiffen route, I have some gear for sale, in very good condition.

 

An Ultra2 vest (note the reduced price): http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=10874

This vest is great to have even if you start with an Archer because if you ever want to get a bigger rig this vest will work with all of them.

 

and

 

A G70 arm (like new): http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=10875

 

If you have any additional questions whatsoever, don't hesitate to contact me.

 

Best Regards,

Jerry

[chris fawcett]

Hi Thomas,

 

I'm really impressed by the Archer 2s. I recommend it thoroughly.

 

Chris

[Fabrizio Minuz]

Hi everybody,

have you ever heard about easysteady, the brand new stabilization system, made in italy...

www.easysteady.com

I'm the owner of the factory which produces this systems, and I'm here to develop with you and to receive your opinion about them...

 

I stop here because I'wouldn't give the idea of making hidden pubblicity.

Thank you again

[Amando Crespo]

Hi Thomas,

 

I'm really impressed by the Archer 2s. I recommend it thoroughly.

 

Chris

 

I agree Chris.... I tryed it that last week and may be it was my second sled. I´ll change a Master film for Archer2.

[Thomas K. Jensen]

Thanks everybody.

 

Chris:

I also think the Archer is cool... But why did you choose this over the Ultra or Pro?

Obviously the price tag :-)

 

I also had the pleasure trying The Archer2s at IBC this year, and I was very impressed.

Especially by the Iso-Elastic G50 arm. I love it.

 

But I also liked the Artemis from Sachtler -

The vest just fits me nicely.

 

But in the end - I think the best buy is the Archer 2s package -

and maybe upgrade the vest.

 

Are any of you using the motorized stage?

Whats good about that - and is it the extra cash worth?

 

Fabrizio:

I don't know your system - but it would be nice to try it sometime.

Are you planning on going to NAB/IBC next year?

[chris fawcett]

Hi Thomas,

 

It wasn't the cash. This is the rig I want. It flies a huge range of camera weights, and packs up small. The LX is the vest I want too. It fits me better than any other vest, bar none. I recommend the motorized stage too. It's great for trimming during shot, but you can upgrade the stage any time you want.

 

Call me if you want to chat about it: +316 2391 8492

 

Chris

[Fabrizio Minuz]

hi thomas,

we've already be in IBC 2009 as you can see there http://hbsboard.com/index.php/topic,4175.0.html and in our website. Probably we're going at NAB 2010 in order to show our brand new pro series arm you can see here:http://hbsboard.com/index.php/topic,4175.15.html

take a look and tell me what do you think...

bye bye

 

Fabrizio Minuz

-39 3207931722

[Thomas K. Jensen]

Hi Thomas,

 

It wasn't the cash. This is the rig I want. It flies a huge range of camera weights, and packs up small. The LX is the vest I want too. It fits me better than any other vest, bar none. I recommend the motorized stage too. It's great for trimming during shot, but you can upgrade the stage any time you want.

 

Call me if you want to chat about it: +316 2391 8492

 

Chris

 

Hey Chris.

 

So you wouldn't go for the clipper?

 

I tried the LX at IBC - and I think it was almost as good as the Ultra vest.

The only thing missing on the LX is the back-straps - but you could mod it - i guess.

 

But I think I'm convinced that it's the Archer 2s I'll be scouting for.

It was also my first impression - so guess I'll stick with that.

 

Where did you buy your Archer? In Europe?

 

Best

Thomas :-)

[Robert Starling SOC]

Hi Thomas,

 

I started with a Flyer, two months later bought a Clipper 12 and seven months after that bought a Clipper 24. Three new rigs in nine months. Yes, I upgraded to the Ultra vest instead of the LX.

 

In retrospect I should have just went on to the C24 right off the bat for the 24v film camera capability and the extending center post.

 

What I underestimated in the beginning were the costs of accessories and backup parts; EASILY another $60-$70,000 on top of the rig. Just my Preston drawer alone is close to $30k now. Borrowing a phrase from Erwin "It's the most expensive piece of gear I don't personally use". I started with Bartech which is great gear but a two motor Bartech system with cables, backups etc is going to probably run $12-15k. Transmitters; I tried the cheapo models and ended up with more than $5k invested in a CanaTrans not including the DX-400 receiver and antennas. My cart and cases cost more than my first new car! In fact, if my cart gets any larger I'm going to have to register it with the DMV as a utility trailer or RV and get a tag for it! :rolleyes:

 

Another thing I neglected to do and I recommend that you do is to look at other professional level brands out there; specifically PRO and XCS. While I'm very very pleased with my Tiffen gear, their support and excellent staff, the other manufacturer's models definitely have merit and the respect of top-ops.

 

Things I like from PRO is their vest with thinner padding and the SILKY BUTTERY SMOOTH arm. The XCS sled post is built like a tank.

 

What I'd find hard living without on another sled is the tilting top stage; something I use on every shot in some form or another. No doubt the PRO and XCS owners have it figured out though. My G50 arm has taken every camera I've thrown at it so far and I love the no-tools tweaking.

 

To wrap it up, plan for the accessory budget and also don't be afraid to assemble different rig components from different manufacturers; experiment, test, pick what YOU like and only buy what YOU like. The "ALL IN ONE BOX" solution worked for me to start and I have few regrets but as my experience and feel for the rig has grown I've also realized that my equipment needs have too.

 

Good luck!

 

Robert

[chris fawcett]

Hi Thomas,

 

I originally wanted a C324, but changed my mind when I flew the A2. I also originally wanted a Pro vest, but didn't like as much as the LX. It's all about what suits you, and your operating style. Back straps you add using double-sided velcro and a few buckles. It takes half an hour.

 

Deal with Robin Thwaites at Tiffen Europe. He'll be happy to hear from you!

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

My two cents...

 

I had the funding for a Clipper 312 or PRO/tiffen hybrid when I was looking but decided to get a used EFP. My gear may not be new and shiny, but it works for me in my market. I can always upgrade component by component whenever I feel the need.

 

So I guess I'm saying, don't rule out good used rigs either. Like Robert said, get what YOU want and only that.