matt pacini Posted August 9, 2005 Report Share Posted August 9, 2005 Hi. I need to fly a CP-16R 16mm camera, so figure about 25 pounds loaded (just to be safe). I absolutely can't afford a new "real" Steadicam, so naturally I've been looking at Glidecams, which look to be much closer to what I might be able to afford (under $5K). I've heard good and bad things about the Bassoon so I don't know what to think there. So my question is, is it possible to get into some sort of rig for that amount of money? I've heard a couple horror stories from people who've bought used Steadicams, but generally I don't mind buying used stuff. Problem is, I would have no idea if something worked fine, or was a complete piece of crap, so I'm nervous about that. Any suggestions? Thanks! MP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Burton Posted August 9, 2005 Report Share Posted August 9, 2005 Any suggestions? Thanks! MP <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You arn't gona get a decent rig even second hand for that price unfortunatly i'd say hire a good rig for a week and also hire an operator for a day also. This way you get all the benifits of a workshop at a fraction of the cost. just an idea -matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mikko Wilson Posted August 10, 2005 Premium Members Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 Yeah, 5k won't really get you much to fly a 25lb camera. Definatly not anything that i'd risk putting my camera on. ..The only way to get all the benefits of a workshop is to take on. so there's $2000 down right there. I'd sugest hiring an operator with a rig to perform the shots for you, it will be more reliable and much higher quality. - Mikko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason b Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 Matt, I am in the same boat you are. After just buying an Aaton that weighs in around the same as the CP16, I really want to try my hand at steadi stuff but want to spend around 5k. It looks like a Glidecam 20 is the only real option. The problem looks like most trained operators have access to quality gear so when you compare a 50K rig to a 5k rig, its a real joke. I would love to hear from someone who started out on a glidecam 20 or similar rig and what the real cons are to this approach. Anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Steele Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 Matt, I am in the same boat you are. After just buying an Aaton that weighs in around the same as the CP16, I really want to try my hand at steadi stuff but want to spend around 5k. It looks like a Glidecam 20 is the only real option. The problem looks like most trained operators have access to quality gear so when you compare a 50K rig to a 5k rig, its a real joke. I would love to hear from someone who started out on a glidecam 20 or similar rig and what the real cons are to this approach. Anyone? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Matt and Jason, if you're thinking about Glidecam I'd really recommend waiting to see the V-25 that's just about to be released. I use a V16 just now which works really well and have the V25 ordered(I should get one of the first produced :) ). The V25 really does look like it's going to be an awesome rig and it will take cameras upto 25lbs, it'll have a dual section arm, fully wired sled for video and power, all the adjustments required to change the pitch and angle of the arm at the arm connector on the vest, new and improved Gimbal etc etc, David Stevens from Glidecam decsribed it as a baby Gold system and said it'll offer the most bang for the buck than any other system out there, it's definately worth a look. It'll be a bit more expensive that the V20 but it'll offer a whole lot more. If however the V25 does extend the budget too much then I'm sure you'll find the V20 will do the job just fine. I've been using the V16 now for around 3 years and it has served me well, the customer service from Glidecam is also great so I would definately recommend them. John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members jay kilroy Posted August 11, 2005 Premium Members Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 "What is the cheapest way to get into this" may be the wrong question to satrt out with. I feel that the old saying "You get what you pay for" may apply here. What happens when you spend your 5 grand and you hate it and are no good as an op? Or what happens when you find out you need a workshop, take a workshop, become good and realize you have outgrown your equipment. Mikko and everyone else are right when they say take a workshop. Any workshop, just so you know what your getting into. Plus you will learn a lot more about what your options are. You have your camera package, find an op willing to work with you, yes hire him! See what its all about pick his brain. Then take a workshop. I am beginning to ramble here. Just take a workshop before you buy a rig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horse Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 Incidentally a CP16R with a 400" load on board and standard battery pack weighs in at just on 18Lbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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