What Rig should I buy - Archer SE2 or?

[Amando Crespo]

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

 

...Sure. One more time again, dear Chris, you´re plenty of reason.

I´ve a Ultra2 and no coments... It´s the top.

But sometimes it´s so good for certains works.... Archer2, has a very extend range of works and camera fly. Is a light gear with a great precission. You´ve all in/out puts to help you... Well designed...It´s an art piece.

I´ve one in the kitchen...soon I´ll work with it (G-50 arm of course). For light or medium weight cameras is, for me, the best choice. For Loud....I´ve the Ultra2.

Perfect! ;) ;) ;)

[Thomas K. Jensen]

Robert:

Thanks for your input.

I am not using any film cameras - and the Panasonic HPX2100 i own, is well under the 18 kg / 40 pounds with all accessories.

As for wireless follow focus - I am thinking of the Impero/Inclino from www.viewfactor.net

Transmitter/reciever: IDX Wevi Cam wave 5HD.

And if I need better - I can always rent it.

 

But I think I am well set, with the Archer 2s "ALL IN THE BOX" :-)

 

Chris:

Thanks for the advise on the back-straps - do you have any pics of your mods?

I will be in contact with Robin at Tiffen Europe.

 

Amando and Kevin:

I'm not into spending so much cash on the Ultra2 - But it would be nice though.

And as for used equiptment. I'm not an engeneer, so I want the security of the warranty when I buy new.

 

Thanks again.

[chris fawcett]

There's a good picture of the cross-back straps here: http://www.jerryholway.com/docs/t_ultramanual_1-15.pdf page 7

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Thomas K. Jensen]

There's a good picture of the cross-back straps here: http://www.jerryholway.com/docs/t_ultramanual_1-15.pdf page 7

 

All the best,

 

Chris

Thanks Chris.

 

I will check it out.

[Thomas K. Jensen]

After attending the Tiffen Steadicam Workshop at the beginning of December,

I have thought the choices over a couple of times, and I'm starting to think that I will be going for a clipper312 with Motorized stage

and upgrade to an Ultra2 vest.

Its only about 5000 more than the Archer 2SE, so that's OK.

 

The three stage post gives you the possibility to get a little lower in Low mode - and higher in high mode...

Also, it has an build in frame line generator. And last but not least - the gimbal is more thick an robust.

 

What's your opinion?

 

I'm not doing anything on filmcams, so the 24v is no issue, and if it gets an issue, then I can find a solution then :-)

 

Thomas

[Andrew Stone]

I'm starting to think that I will be going for a clipper312 with Motorized stage

and upgrade to an Ultra2 vest. Its only about 5000 more than the Archer 2SE, so that's OK.

 

The three stage post gives you the possibility to get a little lower in Low mode - and higher in high mode...

Also, it has an build in frame line generator. And last but not least - the gimbal is more thick an robust.

 

When I was at the SOA workshop last year, I saw Mr. Fawcett running around with an Archer2 prototype for the first time. Pretty remarkable unit. It DOES have the ability to do a long post so you can scrape the ground or get up really high. The portability of the Archer2 is one of its big selling points, so if you think you are going to be doing a lot of doc work or taking a lot of airplanes and don't have the budget for extra baggage then this is the unit to grab.

 

The Clipper does feel like a bigger rig but the difference is not as big as you might expect.

Edited December 30, 2009 by Andrew Stone

[Thomas K. Jensen]

When I was at the SOA workshop last year, I saw Mr. Fawcett running around with an Archer2 prototype for the first time. Pretty remarkable unit. It DOES have the ability to do a long post so you can scrape the ground or get up really high. The portability of the Archer2 is one of its big selling points, so if you think you are going to be doing a lot of doc work or taking a lot of airplanes and don't have the budget for extra baggage then this is the unit to grab.

 

The Clipper does feel like a bigger rig but the difference is not as big as you might expect.

I just felt the Clipper to be more robust.

But don't get me wrong, I like the Archer 2, It feels like the "bigger rig" - but I think the larger system is better for me.

Thomas

[chris fawcett]

The three stage post gives you the possibility to get a little lower in Low mode - and higher in high mode...

 

Hi Thomas,

 

The higher or lower you get in these modes depends on the length of the post the gimbal is on. It depends on how far you can slide the gimbal away from the stage. Because the C3 is a 3-post system, with the associated clamps and brackets that fit on each post, the individual post length is a good deal shorter than on the A2. A 3-post system (in the standard configuration) just lets you balance heavy cameras, something I prefer to do with the A2 balance weight system. To get really high and low, you need a super-post.

 

Using the standard A2, without any accessories other than the balance weights, I can get min/max lens heights of 25/270 cm (10/106 in) given that the camera package does not approach the upper weight limit of the sled.

 

The C3 is more robust, and will vibrate less under heavy loads, but I've not experienced that problem yet. The stage is the same as on the A2. You'll be delighted with either system, I'm sure.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Diego Dezuttere]

Hi Thomas,

 

Did you ever consider the RIG of Betz-tools?

My previous system was a clipper2, since a few weeks I have the RIG.

And WOW, this is a dreammachine!

You must check it out...

 

Cheers and happy 2010!

Diego

[Josip Pavelic]

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.

Yes, indeed, why to reject used. There are guys with old and only slightly modified EFPs who are doing miracles (Eurovision etc.)..

 

Josip

[Rogerhaugen]

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.

Yes, indeed, why to reject used. There are guys with old and only slightly modified EFPs who are doing miracles (Eurovision etc.)..

 

Josip

 

 

Agree, for your use I would check out baer-bel or betz. Both top rigs and close to where you live.

[Thomas K. Jensen]

Hi Thomas,

 

Did you ever consider the RIG of Betz-tools?

My previous system was a clipper2, since a few weeks I have the RIG.

And WOW, this is a dreammachine!

You must check it out...

 

Cheers and happy 2010!

Diego

 

Diego,

 

I think the Betz Rig looks very nice.

But it's a bit more expencive than the Clipper system?

What do you Think is the best/worst things about it?

And how does the motorized thing work ?

Are there any remote to adjust the trim?

 

What arm and vest do you use ?

 

Thomas

[Diego Dezuttere]

Hi Thomas,

 

I 've been thinking, studying, trying, doubting and trying... and after all...

In my eyes the RIG is a very good designed sled and flies exactly.

The electronic and mechanic is very robust and flexible for accessories.

 

I chose for a RIG 4stage (V-Mount Batteries) with the Transvideo SB HDMonitor, Pro-arm and Klassen BMvest.

This config is perfect! Flexibel for large and small cameras. Manual topstage (same as MKV). Batteryunit is motorized to adjust dynamic balance (no remote, just a button, see pic). Toolfree RIG with very solid clamps on the post and gimbal (haven't seen this by others).

 

And more important:

Christian Betz´s service is excellent and he is based in Munich/Europe – not far away in the states, with long shipping time and custom troubles.

 

Diego

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

"Batteryunit is motorized to adjust dynamic balance (no remote, just a button, see pic)."

 

Huh? Why on earth would you want a motorized bottom stage? Talk about complicating the pluming. The reason to have a motorized top stage is so that you can adjust trim on the fly (i.e. side-to-side on a coaxial mag or tilt for headroom). The only way it makes sense to adjust the bottom with a motorized stage is if there were a remote and it also moved the monitor in a choreographed fashion so you could adjust your pan inertia on the fly, but that's a bit complicated for my taste.

 

As for "Toolfree RIG with very solid clamps on the post and gimbal (haven't seen this by others)."

 

What about the Ultra 2, XCS Ultimate, and the PRO 2?

 

Not saying anything bad about the "RIG" as the one time I played with it it seemed good and you are located in Europe.

 

Cheers.

[Thomas K. Jensen]

I chose for a RIG 4stage (V-Mount Batteries) with the Transvideo SB HDMonitor, Pro-arm and Klassen BMvest.

This config is perfect! Flexibel for large and small cameras. Manual topstage (same as MKV). Batteryunit is motorized to adjust dynamic balance (no remote, just a button, see pic). Toolfree RIG with very solid clamps on the post and gimbal (haven't seen this by others).

 

And more important:

Christian Betz´s service is excellent and he is based in Munich/Europe – not far away in the states, with long shipping time and custom troubles.

 

Diego

 

Hi Diego.

Sounds like you have a really nice setup.

Why did you choose the Pro arm instead of the G70?

I love the G70's 80cm boom range and its GEO-feature.

 

Your system costs in the region +60.000$

I'm in the under 40.000$ budget.

So as far as I'm aware, the only "BIG RIG SYSTEM" in that price range, is the Tiffen Clipper 312.

I know I don't get the 70lbs lifting range - and I can only do 12v camera jobs, but I have to sacrifice something.