Thoughts on MK-V Genesis

[Michael Wilson]

I have looked at pretty much all of the pro level stabilizers out there in my price range and I'm thinking about getting a Genesis with a 1.5" gimbal/ 2 stage post and would like to hear thoughts from owners of this system.

 

It fits my budget and its so modular as well. I'm getting a g-50 arm and entertaining a klassen vest however I don't think I'll be able to afford it. The gimbal and top stage can support a great deal of weight. It is 12/24 volt.

 

My biggest concern is how the sled feels. I have been operating with an actioncam red edition for the past two years. It has been a great rig for me but it feels like a lightweight steadicam flyer or pilot even though is has 30 lbs of camera on it. Lots of unwanted pendular and angular action. I've gotten this under control but it takes way too much concentration away from the shot to worry about the rigs behavior. After trying tiffen and pro rigs I was amazed at how much they would just sit still.

 

Why did you choose this system? Any regrets? How does the sled feel? Solid and inert like a big rig? How does low mode feel?

 

Thanks for any and all info.

[Brian Freesh]

Hi Michael,

 

There are many threads in the archives discussing the ups and downs of all the big rigs, and the service from those companies. There is a wealth of information just a couple searches away. I suggest you start there.

 

Things to look for are not only the quality of the gear itself, but the quality and reliability of the service. Personally I will probably never buy MK-V simply because it is not based in the US, but Tiffen, GPI, and XCS are all based in the US and so am I. No fault of MK-V, just more convenient for me to get service. That thought process would hold true if I was anywhere in the US. If I was based in Europe I might look more at MK-V.

 

Brian "PC" Freesh

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Buy local.

 

And look at EVERY rig available don't jump at the first big rig you fly. There is better than MK-V in rigs, innovation and customer service. To that end ask other operators what their experiences are

[Michael Wilson]

I have found a great deal of info on most rigs be it tiffen, xcs and pro perhaps I'm forgetting one. I have done so much research I really can't wait until I purchase a rig because I'm kind of sick of researching.

 

I have searched and searched and have found 2 perhaps 3 posts that mention the genesis sled and with little depth whatsoever about the rig and concerns I have. Not really much info aside from what the manufacturer provides. So I'd like to hear from some owners of this rig.

 

thanks

[Brian Freesh]

I have found a great deal of info on most rigs be it tiffen, xcs and pro

 

I have searched and searched and have found 2 perhaps 3 posts that mention the genesis sled and with little depth whatsoever about the rig and concerns I have. Not really much info aside from what the manufacturer provides.

 

That actually says a LOT right there.

 

 

I dunno about the genesis specifically, but I know there are a few threads that discuss MK-V as a company. Those are certainly worth taking a look at.

 

But as I and Eric have said, I think it still comes down to buying locally. You'll be happy you did regardless of anything else.

 

There may be a few genesis owners on this forum, hopefully you get some info you are looking for. Good luck on your search and congratulations on the upcoming purchase!

[Michael Wilson]

That actually says a LOT right there.

 

Touche

 

MK-V does have an office in Connecticut.

[Sydney Seeber]

If you have any questions for the founder, take a hot female friend along. Feed all your questions through her, he'll ignore you otherwise

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

If you have any questions for the founder, take a hot female friend along. Feed all your questions through her, he'll ignore you otherwise

 

 

Bwahahahah

 

So true

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

That actually says a LOT right there.

 

Touche

 

MK-V does have an office in Connecticut.

 

 

Well that's what they say...

[Robert Starling SOC]

As well there's something to be said about owning gear that is prevalent / dominate among other ops in your area or market. You'll find yourself occasionally borrowing or loaning gear among your colleagues and if you don't have a modular system or common parts you lose a little flexibility.

 

As an example I'm filling in on a show on the Warner Bros lot today for another op. We have identical rigs so he left the camera built with his cables, plate etc. and I gave him mine; it saved him time on the way out and saved me a build this morning. In all actuality he could have simply taken my package. There's also been jobs where I simply walk in and use another ops rig with my arm and vest.

 

Modularity is much enhanced when you're on the same platform as most of your colleagues.

 

There are great rigs out there across the board but there's also a reason why you see the same rigs, components, arms and vests over and over among the full-time large market operators in features, episodic and live work.

 

Try before you buy!

 

Robert

[John atkinson]

I have found a great deal of info on most rigs be it tiffen, xcs and pro perhaps I'm forgetting one. I have done so much research I really can't wait until I purchase a rig because I'm kind of sick of researching.

 

I have searched and searched and have found 2 perhaps 3 posts that mention the genesis sled and with little depth whatsoever about the rig and concerns I have. Not really much info aside from what the manufacturer provides. So I'd like to hear from some owners of this rig.

 

thanks

 

I have bought three rigs from MKV. Just got my new Genesis V3 this week. Very happy with service, response and delivery time. No complaints here! For what I do it's a great rig. Howard has always bent over backward to accommodate me and my demands. Whatever problems from the past seem to have been resolved.

 

John A

[Scott Jason Gill]

I have found a great deal of info on most rigs be it tiffen, xcs and pro perhaps I'm forgetting one. I have done so much research I really can't wait until I purchase a rig because I'm kind of sick of researching.

 

I have searched and searched and have found 2 perhaps 3 posts that mention the genesis sled and with little depth whatsoever about the rig and concerns I have. Not really much info aside from what the manufacturer provides. So I'd like to hear from some owners of this rig.

 

thanks

 

I have bought three rigs from MKV. Just got my new Genesis V3 this week. Very happy with service, response and delivery time. No complaints here! For what I do it's a great rig. Howard has always bent over backward to accommodate me and my demands. Whatever problems from the past seem to have been resolved.

 

John A

 

I second John. I know people have had issues with MK-V in the past and I took my chances purchasing through them because I really liked the product. No issues or complaints with the gear or the service. As a matter of fact, I feel like Howard went out of his way for me. Hopefully any negatives are in the past because I certainly haven't run up against them. To each his own on design, but I have been very happy with the sled. Very rigid compared to the Tiffen rigs I've flown, but a different design approach. For what it is worth, MK-V is now CT based with support offices overseas. Best of luck Michael.

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

I have found a great deal of info on most rigs be it tiffen, xcs and pro perhaps I'm forgetting one. I have done so much research I really can't wait until I purchase a rig because I'm kind of sick of researching.

 

I have searched and searched and have found 2 perhaps 3 posts that mention the genesis sled and with little depth whatsoever about the rig and concerns I have. Not really much info aside from what the manufacturer provides. So I'd like to hear from some owners of this rig.

 

thanks

 

I have bought three rigs from MKV. Just got my new Genesis V3 this week. Very happy with service, response and delivery time. No complaints here! For what I do it's a great rig. Howard has always bent over backward to accommodate me and my demands. Whatever problems from the past seem to have been resolved.

 

John A

 

 

I will jump on this positive MKV thread. I agree with John. My experience with Howard and the folks at MKV has always been very good. I love my MKV! Very diverse and modular equipment. Try everything before you buy and see what fits best into your world, best of luck.

[Gustavo Penna]

Howard & MKV Rock! Last Year the TSA Broke my AR distribution box when they packed my gear after inspection. when I arrived in Italy I didn't find out until my second week of shooting, when my Assistant took the AR cage out of the case that all the connectors where bent 90 Degrees.

 

We tried to fix it but the pins where half broken and half stuck inside the female connectors, I called howard sent him only my box and day and a halve later I had received my box and cables fixed back in Rome. and the AR was back in business, I never stopped working I even got all the low mode shots done just with the AR cage the day that I found out about the TSA's pampering.

There is only one way of storing everything in that case, but because I transport two battery chargers inside this case, the computer and distribution box where packed on top of those chargers. my assistant wanted to prep the AR the first day in Italy but I told him that with the prep that we had done back in the US we where OK plus the first two weeks we would only use traditional steadicam.

 

This is the first time something brakes on my Nexus or AR since I bought it on 2006. and it was caused by the Bad attitude T.S.A. ( Terrorist Searching Assclowns)

 

gp

[John Buzz Moyer]

I've been using the MK-V sled for about 7 years... never had a problem with it.