Consise history of vests?

[Mark Schlicher]

I'm curious as to the history and characteristics of the main models and generations of CP/Tiffen vests...what vest was/is supplied with each rig, what the major differences are, the generally agreed strengths/weaknesses of each design, and common/desirable mods.

 

I've found scattered bits here and there, but not been able to find this information collected anywhere, so I'm starting this thread. Thanks!

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

I'm curious as to the history and characteristics of the main models and generations of CP/Tiffen vests...what vest was/is supplied with each rig, what the major differences are, the generally agreed strengths/weaknesses of each design, and common/desirable mods.

 

I've found scattered bits here and there, but not been able to find this information collected anywhere, so I'm starting this thread. Thanks!

 

 

Universal 35 Horrible vest

 

Panavision builds the Panaglide vest (Oh boy was this one was bad)

 

Model I Great non breakaway vest, the precursor to the Pro Vest

 

Model 2 Breakaway arrives. a large velcro panel on the back is pulled off from the bottom left corner to the upper right via a lawnmower starter handle

 

Model 3/3A Pin and Cone (Parachute style) breakaway is first used, most operators disable it since it can "Misfire" easily

 

EFP is a lighter version of the 3/3A suit

 

Master Suit Brings a switch from plastic to squeaky leather, sound men groan when steadicam is called for

 

PRO-GPI introduces the PRO Vest There is great rejoicing. This is the suit to have then and now.

 

DSD Backmount first designed what can only be described as Lederhosen meets a dominatrix

 

Tiffen starts building a bewildering array "Little" suits

 

Walter Klassen refines the backmount designs

 

Lot's of knock off front mount and backmount suits start to be built, none match the two standard bearers the PRO-GPI Front Mount and the Klassen Backmount

[Pedro Guimaraes SOC]

I dunno, I tried the sachtler vest the last day at recent NAB for about 40mins with a red camera...

I thought I was not going to find something I didn't like but by the time I took it off I have to day I liked it.

 

that said, I'll probably be replacing my tired mod'ed EFP vest with a PRO soon!

[Mike Marriage]

I dunno, I tried the sachtler vest the last day at recent NAB for about 40mins with a red camera...

 

I think the Sachtler is better suited to thinner body shapes, I have only tried one at trade shows but really liked it. I can only just get my Ultra vest tight enough (although they obviously now make the compact version) and as Eric says it can squeak like hell.

[Mark Schlicher]

Belated thanks for that rundown, Eric!