New handle for F900

[Brad Grimmett]

new handle

Has anyone used one of these handles yet? It looks like a good option for low mode for those non-Panavision/Clairmont 900's. This company also makes similar handles for the Varicam and other video cameras. All of the handles sell for $1100-$1200. I'm interested in hearing any feedback from anyone who's used one. Also, does anyone know if any rental houses in LA have these?

Thanks.

[Scott Klepetar]

Hey Brad,

 

Burnes and Sawyer have this handle or one close to it on a few of their Varicams. Just recently did a show with it on there. Not a bad handle at all.... Have to kick the plate over a bit though to get a good blance. E_mail me if you have any more questions about it.

 

 

Scott

 

new handle

Has anyone used one of these handles yet?  It looks like a good option for low mode for those non-Panavision/Clairmont 900's.  This company also makes similar handles for the Varicam and other video cameras.  All of the handles sell for $1100-$1200.  I'm interested in hearing any feedback from anyone who's used one.  Also, does anyone know if any rental houses in LA have these?

Thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[James Puli]

Hi Guys

 

For those operators in Australia and some in New Zealand, Australia's main Video / HD rental company Lemac (also Steadicam agent) has put SIMILAR handels to these on all their HD cameras (both the Sony and Panasonic). And having used them on numerous occasions I can say that they work a treat. I am not sure if they are these exact ones, I will pop in and check them out and post a photo if I can.

 

I can definantly say that they s#*t all over the standard ones as far as rigidity, strength, accessory mounting and steadicam friendliness goes.

 

I know the ones that Lemac has, on the top the holes are properly threaded, but I couldnt tell about the ones in the photo.

 

JP

Melbourne Australia

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

When working with an HD camera such as the Varicam, you can invert the image with the flick of a menu switch. No need to flip it in post (this gets producers nervous). I always find this to be the most stable low mode solution in the video world. Lets face it, low mode is still an upsidedown steadicam.

Video camera handles are just to weak, mostly plastic or thin metals, they are never very stable.

 

Jeff

[Brad Grimmett]

When working with an HD camera such as the Varicam, you can invert the image with the flick of a menu switch.  No need to flip it in post (this gets producers nervous). I always find this to be the most stable low mode solution in the video world. Lets face it, low mode is still an upsidedown steadicam.

Video camera handles are just to weak, mostly plastic or thin metals, they are never very stable.

 

Jeff

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I agree. Unfortunately, I had a job late last year that became a problem because the DIT told the DP and Director (who were both new to HD) that flipping the F900 upside-down was out of the question. She basically made up some BS about the electronics not working upside-down or some such nonsense and they got scared and made me use an absolutely horrible low mode bracket that was rushed to set at the last second. (Of course later the DIT came to me and told me it would have been fine to fly the camera upside down. To which I replied, "I know! I do it all the time!) Every shot was low mode because one of the main actors was a kid, and every shot suffered because of the bracket. The loom of cables hanging off the camera didn't help either. Needless to say, no one was happy with the shots, especially me, because of the neverending wobble and vibration caused by the wanky bracket. So, as a result of this nightmare I started looking for some kind of solution, and found those handles. I'm glad to hear good things about them, but hopefully won't have to use one.

Thanks for the info.

[Mitch Gross]

The Varicam can invert the image because it has a framestore within its DSP. The F900 cannot unless you have a Mark-3 model or one with an add-on board. Flipping the image in the F900 will also add a very slight delay in the audio. Not saying don't do it; just letting people know the facts.