power for wireless follow focus

[Jake Rosenbatt]

I'm still in film school but have been flying the old glidecam V-20 for a few years now. I'm researching around to get my own rig together and I was wondering if anyone had advice on mounts for powering wireless follow focus units like the bartech and prestons. I was looking to Anton Bauer for something but figured I'd just throw this out here. so any info you guys have would be helpful. Thanks.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

I'm still in film school but have been flying the old glidecam V-20 for a few years now. I'm researching around to get my own rig together and I was wondering if anyone had advice on mounts for powering wireless follow focus units like the bartech and prestons. I was looking to Anton Bauer for something but figured I'd just throw this out here. so any info you guys have would be helpful. Thanks.

 

 

The more important question is what rig are you looking at buying?. Big rigs all have that feature. smaller rigs and knock-offs don't

[Emre Tufekci]

I'm still in film school but have been flying the old glidecam V-20 for a few years now. I'm researching around to get my own rig together and I was wondering if anyone had advice on mounts for powering wireless follow focus units like the bartech and prestons. I was looking to Anton Bauer for something but figured I'd just throw this out here. so any info you guys have would be helpful. Thanks.

 

Larger rigs will have ports that will allow you to connect external gear like follow focus, wireless transmitter...etc and power them off the rigs batteries. As Eric stated you need to pick a few manufacturers (and a budget range) to see if the rigs you choose have those options.

 

For example the steadicam flyer will have a single power port (you can use splitter to power more equipment) but you have to make sure you dont overload the system.

 

A rig like mine (clipper 2) will have multiple ports and carry a heavier load.

 

I am sure Eric's rig can power a small city. Again, pick your budget range and from there you can see what your options are.

[Jake Rosenbatt]

well, as of now my price range is up to $10,000. And the glidecam X-22 is looking like a pretty ideal rig for that price range. I usually end up flying REDs, and other HDs usually with DoF adapters, and recently the 5D/7Ds. I think that starting out a single channel would work since that is really what i would primarily be using it for the follow focus. I also talked to someone who told me that the anton v-mount has a p-tap out and i can use that to go to i think its a 4 pin limo for a bartech and that it was that simple.

[Tom Daigon]

well, as of now my price range is up to $10,000. And the glidecam X-22 is looking like a pretty ideal rig for that price range. I usually end up flying REDs, and other HDs usually with DoF adapters, and recently the 5D/7Ds. I think that starting out a single channel would work since that is really what i would primarily be using it for the follow focus. I also talked to someone who told me that the anton v-mount has a p-tap out and i can use that to go to i think its a 4 pin limo for a bartech and that it was that simple.

 

You might want to consider another Glidecam product as well. I was in the same place you were with limited funds but with a desire for a rig that had the wiring and the design to handle more that the X-22.

There is a wonderful company called Profeel on ebay that works with Glidecam in selling their products. I got a very sweet deal on a Glidecam V-25 / X-45 rig that has a lot more professional options than the X-22

or other manufacturers in the same $10,000 price range.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Glidecam-V-25-Vest-V-25-Arm-and-X-45-Sled-/150404572005

 

It has 2 - 12 volt connections and 3 video (hd capable) connections and a very nice stage with micrometer adjustments. Sure its not a Clipper or a Archer, but it suites my applications just fine.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

well, as of now my price range is up to $10,000. And the glidecam X-22 is looking like a pretty ideal rig for that price range. I usually end up flying REDs, and other HDs usually with DoF adapters, and recently the 5D/7Ds. I think that starting out a single channel would work since that is really what i would primarily be using it for the follow focus. I also talked to someone who told me that the anton v-mount has a p-tap out and i can use that to go to i think its a 4 pin limo for a bartech and that it was that simple.

 

 

I would suggest looking in the used market and seeing what your money can buy there.

[Amando Crespo]

well, as of now my price range is up to $10,000. And the glidecam X-22 is looking like a pretty ideal rig for that price range. I usually end up flying REDs, and other HDs usually with DoF adapters, and recently the 5D/7Ds. I think that starting out a single channel would work since that is really what i would primarily be using it for the follow focus. I also talked to someone who told me that the anton v-mount has a p-tap out and i can use that to go to i think its a 4 pin limo for a bartech and that it was that simple.

 

 

I would suggest looking in the used market and seeing what your money can buy there.

 

I agree.

Should be most "interesant" a second hand Hi-Tech-sled than a new....sled.

[Brian Freesh]

well, as of now my price range is up to $10,000. And the glidecam X-22 is looking like a pretty ideal rig for that price range. I usually end up flying REDs, and other HDs usually with DoF adapters, and recently the 5D/7Ds. I think that starting out a single channel would work since that is really what i would primarily be using it for the follow focus. I also talked to someone who told me that the anton v-mount has a p-tap out and i can use that to go to i think its a 4 pin limo for a bartech and that it was that simple.

 

 

Anton Bauer does not use V-mount, but Anton Bauer mounts do have P-taps. So does the V-mount on the Red One. BFD is 2 pin Lemo power, and you can get the cable from Bartech engineering.

 

Is your total price range $10,000 for rig and wireless FF? Definitely won't get anything worth while new. I agree with looking into used gear. Though if you end up with a Flyer with a custom power splitter box, let me know, it's mine.

 

Be prepared to power more than just the wireless focus!

[Michael Sutton]

Jake like Eric said you should look in the used market or look at the new Zephyr. You will probably need more than the 10K assuming you do not already have all the other toys that make operating happen (Wireless FF and Video, accessories, plates, brackets, etc)

 

Either take out a loan and get everything you need to be successful (including workshops if you need them) or hunt for a used, quality system that will have most or all of what you really need.

 

If this is indeed what you want to do for a profession it might make more sense to look at Steadicam, GPI or MK-V rather than a glidecam rig that you will most likely end up regretting owning or selling at a loss down the line.

 

Mike

[Jake Rosenbatt]

Does anyone have any suggestions of where I can start looking, as far as the used market is concerned?