EFP rig good starter rig for tv?

[CharlesEdmond]

Hello forum...I mostly do small time shoots for regional television using a company owned crappy glidecam, but I know of a used Steadicam EFP for sale at a decent price and was thinking of going for it. Anybody have pros or cons of using an EFP rig for tv shoots? Will this sled support a Alexa camera if it comes up?

 

CE

[Mark Schlicher]

Yes, EFP can handle broadcast cameras. The next question is: is this particular EFP a good investment for you?

 

Short answer...it depends.

 

What condition mechanically/electronically of gimbal/vest/arm/sled?

Has it been checked out by Tiffen or another qualified service person?

Has it been modified/improved/repaired?

Batteries/chargers included (age and condition)?

Other accessories included?

How much will it cost to bring it up to snuff?

 

I have never owned an EFP but know guys who have. A decently maintained EFP can be a good starter rig. As to the question of a "decent price" and whether you should "go for it", the answers to the questions above can cause a several thousand dollar swing in what is a fair price (not to mention the headache of getting a rig repaired and modified if it needs it). I believe that a reasonable Alexa configuration wouldn't be a problem from a weight standpoint, but there are probably other complicating factors regarding power and so on.

 

If you haven't already, buy the EFP training DVD and Steadicam Operators Handbook for the wealth of information they offer. Search the forum for old threads about the EFP also. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

Hello forum...I mostly do small time shoots for regional television using a company owned crappy glidecam, but I know of a used Steadicam EFP for sale at a decent price and was thinking of going for it. Anybody have pros or cons of using an EFP rig for tv shoots? Will this sled support a Alexa camera if it comes up?

 

CE

[CharlesEdmond]

Thanks for the advice Mark. I'm mostly concerned if the EFP can hold the weight of a fully loaded Alexa or RED One. I've seen the efp training video, and the rig is in good shape for the price (everything is under 10 thousand dollars) and includes just about everything except a zoom focus device. I would love to get my hands on a Stanton handle since thats what the top tv guys use but I called Jimmy Jib and they dont make them anymore. Hopefully I can find a used one.

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Yes the EFP will hold an Alexa. Change out the breaker from a 5 amp to a 10 amp and add a second battery holder to use 24v and it's perfect. Or just fly the Alexa with a battery on the back. It's been my experience that it doesn't like 12v as much as 24v

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Oh and for the zoom control you can get a G-Zoom with Eric's new adapter box that allows it to work with the Stanton Focus motors so you don't necessarily have to buy a Bartech

[John Perry SOC]

Hi Charles,

 

I am very fond of the EFP for tv...it was the very first rig that I owned when i started out but that was long before Alexas and Reds were around. I've never tried an alexa on an EFP but from what Rob said it sounds like it may work. You should probably buy an HD monitor like a Cinetronic for the sled. You will definitely have no problems with any broadcast tv cameras on an EFP. I used to fly betacams and 16mm easily when I had my EFP (does anyone still shoot on film?). It sounds like the used price is pretty good if it includes the arm & vest.

 

For zoom/focus, I've tried the G-zoom...it's okay but I still prefer Stanton so if you see a used one you should snatch it up. However if you get an Alexa or Red shoot you would need a bartech or something similar.

[Mark Schlicher]

(posted on wrong thread..., oops)