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Thomson Viper Filmstream


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Hi Eric,

 

That was for a Kristen Bell spec in March, you gave me all the pointers... but that was what the production ordered and Plus 8 wasn't very helpful either...

 

We shot at her house... will see where it goes...

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Hi All,

 

Starting a job with the Viper next week and have just started researching it. DP wants to do lots of Low mode. Viper camera is coming from The Camera Shop. Sounds like there is a handle on it with a 3/8 thread possibly but only one. Has anyone flown this baby down low and how would you do it. Thanks in advance for your time with this one, any help is greatly appreciated. Beau Chaput

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The Viper is a nice camera to fly, very light, but the accessories can be a pain. Lo-mode was obviously never thought about during the building of this camera. Here at Panavision/Plus 8 we have created a bunch of accessories that make the viper easier to use. See if you can get your hands on a low mode plate like we have made in the picture below. This one is very sturdy and has no wiggle or vibrations. You may need to have someone machine one for you if the rental house hasn't made some of their own. It's main attachment point is the V-Lock on the rear of the camera, then there is a tie-down screw in the middle of th plate to the stock handle mounting screw. Of course the V-lock on the top of the low-mode/cheese plate comes off to mount your dovetail plate.

 

Chris Konash

 

post-1256-1187183602_thumb.jpg

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Chris,

 

Thanks a bunch for your time man, that was a big help, it turns out the rental house is manufacturing one now so I should be in good shape. I guess my main concern now is that the camera may be too light for my master series! I guess its alot easier to add weight than to lose it.

Thanks again for your time and info Chris, much appreciated. Beau Chaput

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Beau,

 

I forgot to show you Brant Fagan's VLS bracket while I was in Santa Fe, sorry. It rocks for ENG style cameras...even though the Viper is a bit different without the typical "built on" tape transport recorder. A much lighter camera indeed. If the bracket they send you does not work well, call me and I will ship you Brant's VLS to demo.

 

Also, it was great working with you in Santa Fe!!!

 

Have fun in Low Mode!!!

 

Keep me posted.

 

Best,

 

Fracol

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Beau,

 

I'm shooting a feature now on the viper. The low mode plate from plus 8 works well. It needs to be tightened often. Since, we leave it on the camera all the time. it works it's way loose. Not a problem but something to keep an eye on. The double cable is a bit of a pain. I am using a trim pac on the camera for weight and ballance. This helps but is not a great solution, do to the weight being on either end of the camera( front digi prime rear battery). I think it would fly better if the battery arm was bent down so the AB plate would be in the position of an ENG camera. That being said we have been able to do all our shots well. I'm also the DP. I'm very happy with the over all set up and look of the project. Plus 8 Panavision has been great to work with. if you have any guestion feel free to contact me off forum.

 

Hope this makes some sence I just finished a week of over nights.

 

Aaron

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Beau,

I've Flown this camera a lot the plate that Chris suggests is great. Plus 8 and Panavision have made some nice attachments for this camera. I would suggest making a lowmode plate for the camera that is about 4 inches longer on the front end depending on which lenses you are flying. The Camera can be very front heavy with a small zoom onboard. When i flew in low mode my donkey box sat just over the eyepiece and my dovetail would flex. we solved th vibration issues owing to the flexing dovetail with a bunch of sash cord and zapstraps. a less than ideal solution. Next time Fly this Camera I will have PV here in Vancouver make up a longer plate.

Also a lightweight BNC cable to the back of the vest is nice if you're not running a fiber cable, as I'm sure you are aware.

I've also carried the record deck on a backpack and it is surprisingly comfortable.

Good luck Bob Findlay

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Very interesting comments everyone.

 

Aaron,

We are doing a lot of Dual Link work right now so I have researched some new coax cables for this. Canare I think has the best cable for the job a very flexible RG179 but it's not available until Sept 25.

Also, I may have the right angle battery bracket for your Viper to put the Anton Bauer plate truly vertical, mimicking a standard ENG mount. However the balance will be a bit different as the battery isn't quite as far off the back of the camera. If you are interested give me a call at the office.

 

Bob,

Interesting about the low-mode plate this is the first I have heard of this. When we do another run of plates like this I'll look into making a few of them longer for testing.

 

Thanks,

Chris Konash

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Hey man! No prob man we were busy and I learned a ton from you so thanks. The Camera House actually fabricated one up that works really well. I should look into the ENG style like your talking about cuz not every house will just whip one up for you. Anyhow I will look into Brents. Hope the move to LA was good. It was great having you out and I will be in touch. You did miss a good wrap party. Mud wrestling even no kidding. Keep in touch with Phil as he thought you did a hell of a job, which you did. Beau

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[thanks aaron,

 

I too in the middle of night shooting. Yeah the viper is pretty good, the cabling sucks but Ive gotten better at it we have the venom mags but of course they want to be tied in. Cam House made a bracket that is like the plus 8 one I believe, so I felt the relief when it showed up on day 2. Yeah not bad the camera is super light but Ive still been getting some rock steady shots even with the dumb cable. super light I guess for a old master series. Anyhow thanks for your advice. take is easy. Beau

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