Nexus

[Erwin Landau]

Did finally someone had the chance to test fly the MK-V Nexus base?

What's the feedback?

Are the 6 battery mounting possibilites worth it?

 

As I heard, the Nexus is the first part of the highly anticipated Revolution rig. Where is the rest?

 

Please don't answer with: Oh it's so great...

 

Specific and objective evaluations please.

 

 

Fly safe,

 

Erwin"not in the market, but nosey"Landau, SOC

www.landaucamera.com

[RobVanGelder]

After 20 days on the forum still no answer from anybody..... Is it out there, working in the field? Kelly, I heard you tried one, do you have an opinion?

 

I mean, the pictures look good, many configs, but does one need it, or really use it during shooting?. What about altering some things, how quick do you find dynamic balance again?

 

 

Rob van Gelder, Bangkok, Thailand

[Erwin Landau]

Please don't answer with: Oh it's so great...

 

 

I think I should remove that, then people would answer... maybe.

[Rich Cottrell]

I went out to cinegear this year to look at what I am going to do about getting a new rig...

 

While I had a big list of questions for each manufacturer there [Tiffen, Pro, MK-V and Sachtler], I was never able to get this question sufficiently answered. I was wondering if anyone out there has been using the Nexus Base from MK-V.

My real questions revolve around: "Why is it so special?"

 

I understand the Nexus was developed to work with the Alien Revolution, but because Howard was not at liberty to discus the AR with me, I still do not understand what makes this base so great.

 

There are many pictures on the MK-V web site of different battery positions, but I do not understand why these configurations are beneficial. Many of these positions look like they compromise rigidity. And the swivel part that locks with Allen machine screws looks like it could be problematic. [The demo rig out at Cinegear showed wear at this friction point.]

 

I am not trying to be critical of the MK-V [i actually really like their V2 gimbal], I just was not able to get this question sufficiently explained out in LA and was hoping to hook up with someone who has been using this system.

 

Thanks,

rich

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Rich,

 

The Nexus is VERY stiff, and at no time does any battery position compromise rigidity. In fact the Nexus HAS to be the most rigid sled available otherwise it will cause issues with the AR. The battery/Gyro Module pivots to change the Modules center of gravity and provide clearance for the operator when using the AR. (I tried to explain this to you at the show) The other thing that makes the Nexus base so nice is that the carry-through structure (What the masses attach too) are very light concentrating the weight at the extreme ends of those structures increasing inertia without increasing weight.

 

And having lived with that sled for the last week I can assure you that there is ZERO wear at the battery pivot and it is not problematic.

 

I'm sure that the operators that bought the sled this weekend will chime in, but I know that there's a lot of guys working on big shows and buying the Nexus that understand why the Nexus is "So Special"

[Rich Cottrell]

Howard at MK-V as been talking to me about the Nexus off the forum.

 

Amongst other topics I had emailed him about, we talked about the wear I had seen in the Nexus at Cinegear.

"The Nexus base that you had at the show had some wear at the banana pivot

point. The Nexus is black, but clearly some of the metal was wearing away

because the silver was scraping through."

 

 

Howard has told me that the Nexus out at Cinegear was only a demo model.

There will be a few changes in the production models. [Howard has given me written permission to share this with the forum.]

"The Nexus production models have thicker walls by 50% and the battery system is the same as the Evolution. The 'banana part' also has washers on to stop any rubbing. - the one you saw is the original."

 

 

So I guess my structural concerns are put to bed.

I would still love to read some feedback from someone using this system on a daily basis. So if any of Eric?s "guys working on big shows and buying the Nexus" get some free time over the summer months I for one would greatly appreciate any feedback.

Sincerely,

rich cottrell

[maxfischer]

I know that some of you were discussing the MK-V before the Forum was hacked (grrrr), so I just wanted to restart the topic and share my thoughts.

 

I had been unhappy with my sled (not going to mention names), just an inherent design flaw, nothing that could be fixed. I felt that the solution was a thicker post. I considered 3 brands.

 

The first was the old standby, but I think that their sled had too many bells and whistles (ie. gimmicks), and not enough ergonomics.

 

The second was a low-volume, very expensive sled. I tried the demo, it was beautiful. I had a difficult time getting used to some of its unusual features, but I could see how it was a great evolution from what we are used to. Unfortunately, too much $$$.

 

So process of elimination lead me to the MK-V Nexus. I had heard good things, but was a bit afraid of buying a piece of gear that was made overseas and didn't have a local rep. But I took a chance, an Howard eased my worries.

 

As I wait for my sled to be completed, I've got the Nexus demo sled. Holy crap. First off, you could use it as a bettering ram if you wanted. It makes my old sled look like a toy! Rock solid, stays balanced, ergonomically perfect, simple electronics, 4-stage post (built in Superpost!), affordable, almost infinitely adjustable, beatifully machined/anodized, and oh, that monitor!

 

My first job with it was flying a BL-4 Evoltion with no video only top and Cooke S-4's. Ugggh. But the sled was flawless, no flex, no vibration. At first glanced I turned my nose up at the topstage, it seemed so primitive and simple. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it; it was easy to balance, and held that pig like a puckered sphincter.

 

The gimbal was perfect. Enough said.

 

I had no time to experiment with battery/monitor configurations, but it seemes very easy to adjust.

 

Last but not least, the monitor. I wasn't able to use it on that job (I couldn't get an image and later realized that it was in PAL mode, and simple fix). But once I got it up and running, it was great. Large, bright picture, easily-adjustable frameline generator, and for all of those that think that LCD monitors are 'girlie,' this thing is solid. It's suprisingly heavy, which I think is a good thing for both durability as well as balance. It seems like it is machined out of a large block of steel!

 

That's all for now, I can't wait to get my sled! Feel free to post questions, Max.

[guillermo nespolo]

wellcome to the mk-v club!!!!!! :D

[Mhodges]

I just upgraded my aging 3a to the Nexus base and electronics last Friday. A very simple upgrade. It was nice to know that I could get what I need now and look forward to all that's to come. Been shooting the past two days with it and I'm thrilled to get such a simple and solid solution. Howard has really thought things through. I'm probably the only op out there with a Pro post, 3a gimble & top, and Nexus everything else. I'm not even sure what to call the dang thing.

Anyways, Howard made the transformation in a few hours at his shop and I was fortunate enough to witness the AR. Holy cow! I'm a believer. Made me really glad about the new direction my sled is headed. Unfortunately not an owner yet. I think I'll start with the new Post and see where that leads.

 

Michael

[JobScholtze]

For how would be intressed. :unsure:

 

My new sled has arrived today. Its a Mk-v Nexus with 2 inch 4 stage post. Wow, this is really a nice sled. The V2 gimbal is, well, great. It spins forever. I had to get used to the 2 inch post but after a few minuts it feels right to me. I also love the modular way of this rig. And low mode is for the first time, FUN

 

I am very happy with my desicion and it flys great with the G50. Now that other vest :rolleyes:

 

Howard, thx for that hole day spending with this noob and being patience with me

 

Job

[JobScholtze]

Wow, thx all <_<

[Morgan Lowndes]

i have tried that sled with the 4 stage post and you are a lucky man job! the gimbal is awesome.

somewhere on the mkv website there is a pic of howard proving how strong that post is by placing it across a gap and than standing on it... word!

morgs

[Guido Lux]

Guys,

 

I can only second what you said!It's a wonderful sled!I just got my G70 arm and that is a combination that is truely perfect for me!Thanks to Howard and the Tiffen guys!!

 

 

Guido

[JobScholtze]

G70, thats my next project :P

[mantas satkus]

congratulations! :)