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Buying/Leasing/Loaning a Steadicam


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Recently I've become increasingly dedicated to steadicam and embracing the fact that I will eventually need to have my own rig. With money being by biggest issue I would hate to have a piece of gear slip out my hands because I don't have the money. At this point I'm trying to figure out what is the best route to achieve this financially.

 

I've come here to ask what everyone here has done in the past. Did you buy a new rig outright and take a gear loan? Did you find someone to buy you that new rig and strike a long-term deal? Did you buy a second hand rig and take a gear loan? Look for individual pieces and build the rig, while taking a gear loan?

 

So as of now i'm trying to consider every possible angle and what will be best for me, with the situation I'm in. Thank you for your advice.

 

 

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Hey Dennis,

 

I went the route of buying a new smaller rig (Zephyr) with a loan from my bank. The smaller Price tag allowed me to also buy a Bartech System, batteries, stand, cart, etc. When I need to fly larger cameras, I dry hire a larger rig from another operator. I just add the rental rate into my quote to production, so I'm not losing any money.

 

If you can get a large enough loan, I would suggest buying a complete used kit from another operator. Do some research, figure out what they've been selling for, and get yourself an older Pro, XCS, Tiffen or other rig that can handle the bulk of what you'll be shooting. Buying a rig that can be upgraded would be the best way to go.

 

And remember, get cash in hand before you find a rig!

 

Fly safe!

Alan

 

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