mk-v v2?

[guillermo nespolo]

hi im about to change gimbal and i would like to have a word of those ho already own and use a v2 mk-v gimbal?

at this time im working with a 3a gimbal that are ok what u think its tumbs up or thumbs down for this exchange?

 

thanks for sharing ..and paciense :D

[Ruben Sluijter]

It certainly is a big step up from the 3a gimbal, you'll notice it immediately.

There's less friction and overall it's much, much smoother.

It's also quite big which may feel a little strange at first but you get used to it very quick, there is a lot grip.

The engineering is incredibly solid, there's no play whatsoever in it.

The larger size yoke takes a little getting used to also but is pretty nice and gives you a good view of the monitor at most times (moreso than the 3a)

And you can change the yoke by screwing it off and replacing it with a longer one (for greater height) or put some new electronics in there (mmh, subtle hint of the future??)

 

All in all it's a great piece of kit but it's not cheap and takes a little getting used too (you need to be a bit more delicate when doing whip pans for instance).

Don't forget to tell Howard what size post you have so he can get you the proper spacer to make the gimbal fit.

Hope that helped.

 

Peace, Ruben "still V0.2beta" Sluijter

[guillermo nespolo]

thanks ruben....u not what happens with flemmings v2 gimbal...cause hi posts some problems with the v2 and after that never say anithing about it...im just want to now.....cause i love howard rig tha only time a have a problem with it was that i broke a internal cable and howard seand me a new one the next day ...plus hi call me on the phone so i can fix the problem at the moment this hapends

for me was a big deal cause im live in argetina very far from manchester...and hi helpme always so much .....

and at the time flemming toll his problem wiht the v2 i was puting my money together to buy one of this...

 

ps thanks for try to understand my english ;)

[Anthony Hardwick]

Haven't seen the V2 yet, but you might want to take a look at Greg Bubb's Ultimate gimbal & Ergo handle too. It's smooth, rock solid, and will fit various diameter posts up to 2".

 

Customer service is probably the best in the business.

 

His company is XCS Inc.

 

i'm not affiliated in any way, nor do I benefit from recommending his products. I'm just a very satisfied customer.

 

http://www.xcsinc.com/ultimate/ult_compnts_gimbl.html

[WillArnot]

I would enthusiastically second Anthony's recommendation of Gregg's gimbal. Phenomenal performance, and the Best service.

 

Hey Anthony, how are you?

 

Will

[Anthony Hardwick]

Hey Will,

 

I just sent you an email off board... how are you, bro?

 

Looking forward to catching up over a beer next time I'm in NYC (or you're out here).

 

Best,

 

Anthony

[WillArnot]

I will second that second to say that Gregg's gimbal won't need service.

 

One of the priceless aspects of it was it's field service-ability.

 

This time last year I was A/Steadi on the Ron Howard film 'The Missing' filming in the hi desert of New Mexico.

 

One day we were filming in a Gypsum mine. It's almost as fine dust as Talcum powder. Absolutely horrible. After filiming galloping horses at hi speed off ATV (tons of dust), a wind storm blew in that literally shut production down.

 

Funny story... I had just docked w/ the aid of the key Grip Doug Cowden, who was helping me off the ATV, & I had just put the rig in the dock and turned around side by side with Doug when this god almighty gust blew directly at our backs (from the direction of the rig) so we both instinctively spun around to face the rig...and with our arms outstreched to catch it, it was going, we both screamed bec. we were literally being held back by the wind and unable to move even one step forward to put a hand on the rig. It literally blew into our hands!! thank god for that & the new steel steadi Stand made by American.

 

So back to the gimbal. After getting the rig on the truck and beginning the daily blow out of gear, i found the gimbal was practically siezed up on the pan axis from all the wind driven fine dust...and that puppy is sealed as well if not better than any gimbal out there.

 

So I pulled it off the sled (<1 min), called Gregg who advised me to get some carburator spray cleaner. I took it back to the hotel, took it apart very easily(<1 min) w/ no little parts to lose or anything...very simple...sprayed it out... and voila! like brand new. Fantastic. It's what we all have wanted so dearly, that field service ability.

 

Can't recommend XCS.inc equipment enough. And yes it will fit on any diameter post, and is no-tools adjustable.

 

Will

[guillermo nespolo]

thanks will i will keep that im mind...

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Well, it looks like I'm a little late to this party, but I concur - Greg's (by the way, its two "Bs" on the end of Bubb, but one "G" on the end of Greg) gimbal rocks. The Ergo handle makes low mode a lot more comfortable, as does the symmetrical design of the top cap. Again, Greg's customer service is second to none.

 

I, by the way, have changed my post size so being able to do this without purchasing a new gimbal really is not just a gimmick - big time savings.

 

Will, that is a great story. Yes, it is very easy to pull this gimbal a part and clean it. By the way, what do you use as a lube? I have traditionally used Arri Hi-Speed oil, but I'm out so now is as good a time as any to get opinions. Funny thing about this - I ran into T'bor (CSC camera guy) at a party the other night and he told me that the 435 requires NO lubrication on a regular basis (only when they send it back to the factory). Thus, CSC doesn't even carry the oil anymore (although he says they are bound to have some hidden away). Bizarre.

[Benjamin Treplin]

Anything new about the lube job at the gimbal service station.

I'm currently cleaning my gimbal and wondering what is best for the bearings. Does the lube has any impact on the friction gimbals have or don't have?

 

Best

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Benjamin,

 

Wow, its funny to read these posts because my last one was a year ago (scroll up to see what I'm talking about)! Well, all still holds true - the XCS gimbal is incredible. By the way, it WAS designed from the ground up to feel the same in low mode as high mode and CAN have the rig inverted in shot without problems (Lynn uses it on his "Alien"). I've wanted to address this for awhile but I refuse to post in that "other" strand (you know the one on 2" posts) as it has been polluted and I don't wish to look as if I'm taking sides (because I'm not). Oh, my 2" post from XCS is still working beyond well too - solid, light weight, dependable and crazy rigid AND compatible with the PRO.

 

As for gimbal lubricant? Yes, it makes a big difference. You could clog it up with lithium grease and reduce its performance to nil or you can use an ultra-light weight oil such as Arri High speed oil (which CSC DOES still sell - good news). Greg Bubb tells me that many people use a slightly heavier lubricant to curb the "friction feel" just a bit - it all depends on preference.

 

Hope this helps.

[Benjamin Treplin]

Continued in ?What do you pour in your gimbal??

new topic

[JamieSilverstein]

I own and love the XCS Gimbal and I think that the Ergo handle is a wonderful modification. I honestly don't know what I had done without it in the past..... I use rollerblade oil and I am probably going to switch to ARRI in the near future.

FOR THE MONEY, the XCS is a pretty great deal, but I think that the PRO is also a fantastic Gimbal as well, not to mention that I have heard good things about the MK-V. My advice, try all 3, see how much each will cost and then based on experience and budget, take the plunge. But you really should try each to see what they are like. After all its only a ton of cash you are spending, so the best way to be happy with your purchase is to do the research.

Good luck.