Preffered Docking Stand

[Matt Petrosky]

Hey Brooks,

 

The bag I use is the Harrison Doctor Bag (click here). I just happened to have it from assisting. It is padded and I just got creative rigging it to the stand. Usually I use it not rigged to the stand. It will hold backup batts., long arm posts, J & D brackets, sunshade, a preston, etc., but if I get the new Hand Unit 3 I will probably want something to protect it a bit better. Right now the bag is better then a plain boat bag or nothing at all, but I'm sure someone has found something better out there.

 

I like the doctor bag because it is not too big and was free because I already had it.

 

Alec, thanks for your suggestion about the carabiner, I have one on my FI+Z and never thought to hang it by that.

 

-Matt

[Charles Papert]

Brooks:

 

I had a custom thing made for the American stand years ago, sort of a Steadicam front box if you will. It fits over the horizontal blue leg braces and hooks into the bottom of the center post, very solid (wood base, cordura with plastic stiffeners for the structure). Lots of pockets for the Preston, bracketry, armposts, cel phone etc. Unfortunately the assistants always seem to think that it would make a great place to also store tape measures, marking boards, gel holder boxes etc...!

 

I'll try to scan some pix I have. I had a 2nd generation one made a few years back and didn't finish it all the way, keep meaning to go visit the shop!--if you are interested, it wouldn't be hard for them to make you one with mods of your choice.

[brooksrobinson]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Alec? interesting idea?I hadn?t thought of doing that. Matt, the bag looks like a good idea also. Does your arm and vest bump into it, or does it sit low enough to be out of the way? I'd love to see a picture of your stand front box Charles if it isn't too much of a hassle. That sounds exactly like what I was originally envisioning.

 

I really appreciate the fact that people take time out of their busy day to provide advice to others. This is a great forum. People have always been very generous and open with suggestions and words of wisdom. Since it is rare to be on a job with other steadicam operators and see their various set ups in person, it is a real gift to have a place like this forum to share ideas and experiences. Thanks to all who make it work.

 

Brooks Robinson

bandmj@pacbell.net

[nick franco]

The american 8" wheels are great, heavy as Matt said they widen the footprint out, can make some doorways tricky.

For hanging the follow focus, I found a large climbing chalk bag( I think it's a prana) that has a loop on the back that slips over the post of the stand and tucks nicely between the legs. It has a stiffener that holds the mouth of the bag open. You just have to remove the drawstring used to keep the chalk in. I'll try and find a picture.

Take care, Nick

[Scott Jason Gill]

Gents,

 

Sorry to resurrect this one, but I am in need of a stand...maybe two. I fly on commercial planes a lot and need a travel stand, but I think the turtle base C-Stands I have don't have the weight capacity for a fully loaded rig (at least they don't seem safe). Any ideas?

 

Also, considering the American for "drive-to" gigs. Anyone have any other suggestions for that Genre?

 

How about this MSE 366066. In Texas, we can't just go check these things out so easy!

 

Thanks

[Charles Papert]

Legs are a little on the short side--I wouldn't feel comfortable spin balancing a full size rig on that. Stick to the American stand, it's tried and true and a large percentage of operators swear by it.

[Scott Jason Gill]

Legs are a little on the short side--I wouldn't feel comfortable spin balancing a full size rig on that. Stick to the American stand, it's tried and true and a large percentage of operators swear by it.

 

Thanks Charles.