Ditched the low mode bracket?

[Andre Trudel]

Have people just ditched the low mode bracket all together? I have seen several pictures with different operators flying low mode without a low mode bracket. Everything is crazy expensive in this biz so, I can see why you would save the few bucks. I’m just wondering if I can do without it till I pick up some work to pay for it. I have yet to be asked to go into low mode but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. What are your thoughts and experiences?

 

[Victor Lazaro]

Your gimbal will be in the way of your center post without a bracket.

[Alan Rencher]

I use my F bracket all the time. I just did a Wingstop commercial where I had to follow a tray being carried to a table. I had to get the lens down to that height, so dropped down to low-high mode with the F bracket. It went down perfectly! The low mode bracket is one of those widgets I can't live without!

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Victor I think he means the camera bracket, which if the camera will do image invert is the way to go. Flip the image and go!

[Victor Lazaro]

Oh in that case yes with digital cameras that can run upside down you don't need the low mode plate. But you do need the F/J bracket.

[Andre Trudel]

Thanks guys. I did mean an F/J bracket. I know that pro tends to have more clearance between yoke and center post which probably explains why all the people I’ve seen doing this are on Pro. Add to that a lighter camera set up that lowers the gimbal away from the top stage and it seems to give you enough clearance to pan at least 90 degrees from center. The obvious answer is to get the f bracket of course but, I was just curious because I’ve seen this practice more then once now.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Pro does have the optional longer gimbal handle so you get some of your clearance back. I'm sticking with a F/J/D bracket it's the way I've always done it and the way I will continue to do it.

[Osvaldo Silvera SOC]

The XCS Ergo handle has allowed me to sell my F bracket long ago, never have to flip the gimbal either. I'm sure there will come a time where I would need it, but it hasn't in the last 5 years since getting the Ergo handle.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

I use a Ergo and I like to use the F-bracket to get lower both in high mode and in Lo-Hi mode which is invaluable when you are doing a shot with Kids or Pets

[Andre Trudel]

Thanks for the response guys.