Handsfree

[chris fawcett]

Check this out:

 

http://www.ulik.com/handsfree/

 

under 'Steadicam' you'll find a link to a video.

 

Chris

[luis castro]

ARE COMPLEMENTARY THUS MEANT FOR EACH OTHER , SEE THE WEB IS GOOD IDEA OR NOT ?http://www.ulik.com/handsfree/

[David Allen Grove]

This Handsfree transporter will be the standard for the future of steadicam use?? :unsure:

 

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb379199.htm

[Imran Naqvi]

This Handsfree transporter will be the standard for the future of steadicam use?? :unsure:

 

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb379199.htm

 

Right and you still wouldn't be able to do some of the most famous shots, like Larry McConkey's shot from Goodfellas or even one of the all time most famous shots from Rocky, the stair climb, from way back when (a relatively straighforward shot).

 

I like the idea of the segway, it will let people do shots that you just can't do at the moment, but no way is it going to be the standard. After all how often do you need to do tracking shots that last so long that you can't walk the rig yourself, and all stay on a surface that the segway can handle?

[TJ Williams]

Already I saw two types of Segway transporters at NAB one extensive modification with foot controls and one with a clip on mount. the toe controls were very cool, but being able to bring some accessories and rent a segway locally was also good..... waiting for next years stair climbing segway....

TJ

[Jerry Holway]

I own one of the first Handsfree Transporters, and helped with its development for Steadicam a little bit, so here's my take on it.

 

What I believe the Handsfree does best is replace westerns and other dollies, rickshaws, etc. under some circumstances, but clearly not all. These are the key good things ? it gives back to the operator the ability to nagivate, accelerate, slow down, etc., and gives it back with as much accuracy and finesse as normal walking. No communication problems, delays, confusions. And a lot less fatigue.

 

It has a small form factor, fits and turns in tight spots. Turns on a dime.

 

It goes faster and further than you can run with the rig or grips can push a dolly, and it accelerates quickly and smoothly. Up hills without tiring or loss of speed, down hills without the risk of running away. It also goes very very slowly and smoothly for the slowest and most precise of creeping shots. For running shots, shots that drive straight into a character, etc., it's amazing. Totally smooth dolly shots.

 

With the hardmount, there's no fatigue: great for sports, parades, shows, tracking shots. Soft mounted, one can get on or off, just like on a crane. I don't have the hardmount yet (just tried it briefly at NAB) so I now feel that the softmount offers more finesse... but I think that's just a few more minutes of training.

 

Downsides? Yes, of course. It does not go backwards very fast, so shots preceding actors going faster than walking must be done in the Don Juan. Its motor makes noise (perhaps not as much as the grip's feet ??), so it's not for quiet interiors. You shouldn't use it if the surface is slippery (actually applies to other dollies as well). And like all walking shots, part of your brain must navigate, hit marks, etc.

 

And unlikke any other tool, it's great fun to ride it around the block, shock your neighbors. A real mood enhancer on or off set.

 

Jerry

[RobVanGelder]

Jerry, you make me want one, NOW!!!

 

:D :D :D :D

[Peter Abraham]

And unlikke any other tool, it's great fun to ride it around the block, shock your neighbors. Jerry

 

I dunno about that Jerry. When I bought my first rig, a Model I and chased around the neighborhood, I got some highly suspicious glares from the Greek Orthodox Priest at the church down the block from me.

 

:D

[SegwayGlideCamera]

And unlikke any other tool, it's great fun to ride it around the block, shock your neighbors. Jerry

 

I dunno about that Jerry. When I bought my first rig, a Model I and chased around the neighborhood, I got some highly suspicious glares from the Greek Orthodox Priest at the church down the block from me.

 

:D

 

Hi, this is itsi Atkins new member and the owner of the only Hands Free Segway on the east coast. I bought it from Handsfree in Germany for rental in NYC. I also own six segways which I use for promotional events, limited tours and one xt is rigged with Mitchell, Sachtler mounts. I am a retired upm.

I am looking for a NYC steadicam operator to give demos and get some footage for a site. I hope to have Segways in the equipment houses and invite you to have a demo. contact me at segwaynyny@gmail.com and check out my site at www.NYSegwayTours.com.

thanks

[Dan Coplan]

How would/does Steadicam on a Segway work for broadcast and live events as far as video transmission is concerned? I can't imagine you'd have a utility guy with a long ass cable running after the Segway all over the place. Or maybe he has his own Segway...

 

I know there's an obvious answer, it's just not obvious to me.

 

Dan "Typically Oblivious" Coplan

[Peter Abraham]

Dear Dan,

 

This is cleary a situation where a Microwave transmitter set-up would be mounted on the camera's back end instead of a Tri-Ax back. They've been around for quite a few years and at this point deliver pretty rock-solid images as we turn, leap and twirl.

 

I suspect that would be perfect for the Segway setup.

[SegwayGlideCamera]

Dear Dan,

 

This is cleary a situation where a Microwave transmitter set-up would be mounted on the camera's back end instead of a Tri-Ax back. They've been around for quite a few years and at this point deliver pretty rock-solid images as we turn, leap and twirl.

 

I suspect that would be perfect for the Segway setup.

 

The Segway Hands Free does give you the freedom to step off with an assistant holding the back. So a step off shot is possible. I urge anyone interested in using it to get a demo and some training time on this great new steadicam accessory. You are all invited to demo it in NYC. thanks itsi atkins nyc upm

[Brad Grimmett]

Hi, this is itsi Atkins new member and the owner of the only Hands Free Segway on the east coast.

I believe Jerry Holway mentioned owning one of the first ones in a previous post. And I also believe he's on the east coast. He probably owned one before you.

[Peter Abraham]

We really ought to talk to the Moderators about locking this thread and banning this joker.

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Another Moderator emailed me about this last night and I believe he is issuing a warning. I have just emailed this Itsi as well with the following comments:

 

"The other reason I'm writing is as a Steadicam Forum moderator. I know you are just excited about your new purchase, but our community gets easily agitated by people they don't know coming in and posting all over the place about their new products. I've already received two requests to ban you from posting. Please be more careful on these matters as well as excessive quoting - if you must post, don't quote the entire post you are responding to!"

 

For full disclosure, I was actually trying to arrange a demo at a local rental house with his Hands Free for local operators. Before I continue this pursuit, I'll see if things clear up here.

 

Cheers,