Which Rig?

[chip mead]

Hi all,

 

I learnt to operate Steadicam some years ago. Mostly on a 3a and a little a with Master Film. I managed to get some work, but kept loosing out to owner/operators, as i couldn't afford my own rig at that time.

I worked as a camera grip for several years, but left the film industry a few years ago and began working in theatre.

 

Now i'm older, wiser, and slightly richer and i'm considering making a second attempt atv Steadicam operating. My problem is that i'm not up to speed on the kit.

 

What would be a good choice of second hand rig - i'm familiar with the master series, but are these outdated now? I know DV camera size is much smaller that the betaSP and digibeta days. Is a master rig too big?

 

Any advice welcomed... thanks,

 

chip

[Matteo Quagliano]

Hi Chip,

 

I'll let some of the other and more prepared ops reply on what rig to buy... I can just say that in this forum real names are mandatory, so please change it to your real full name.

 

reagards,

 

matteo quagliano

[chip mead]

thanks matteo. name changed accordingly ;)

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Hi all,

 

I learnt to operate Steadicam some years ago. Mostly on a 3a and a little a with Master Film. I managed to get some work, but kept loosing out to owner/operators, as i couldn't afford my own rig at that time.

I worked as a camera grip for several years, but left the film industry a few years ago and began working in theatre.

 

Now i'm older, wiser, and slightly richer and i'm considering making a second attempt atv Steadicam operating. My problem is that i'm not up to speed on the kit.

 

What would be a good choice of second hand rig - i'm familiar with the master series, but are these outdated now? I know DV camera size is much smaller that the betaSP and digibeta days. Is a master rig too big?

 

Any advice welcomed... thanks,

 

chip

 

Ok Chip,

I'll be the first to hit you back on this subject . . . .

 

First there's a ton of info in the archives regarding this but I know that takes alot of time to search through all of that . . .So . ..

 

1. Whats your budget

2. More importantly, what is your use of the rig going to be, (ie:Small DV cameras, Beta, HD, Film . . .ETC . . .)

3. Once you know that then you can narrow down your search to fill the needs and get the most bang for the buck, or in your case the pound . . .

4. Once you have chosen three rigs to narrow down your search, find someone near you that has one you can try out . . .then make the decision

 

 

I think once you state your needs, you will get many more responses to our recomendations.

 

 

The good thing about the Master rig being outdated, as you put it, is that the price of them has come down substantially and they are still a great rig . . . . .as is the EFP, which both of them can fly anything from Mini DV to HD cam and film.

 

again it all comes down to your needs and wants

[chip mead]

Hi,

 

My current budget is about £10,000 ($20,000 or 13,000 Euros). I realise this is not a huge amount, but i'd be happy with used kit.

 

As for the use, i'm a bit stuck. I could do with a rig for practice before i take on real work, but i don't know what real work will come along until I start.

I have poential contacts in broadcast and film - so it'd probably be flying bigger cameras. Also, if i needed to fly smaller cameras I could always add some weight.

 

I already have the offer of a Flyer to try (thanks pete) so hopefully once i'm back in the saddle i'll get a feel for what i'm after. I'm going to try alocal hire place to see what they have to try too.

 

What i don't want to do is end up with a rig that is too out of date (maybe that's not possible, i still love the 3a). Battery and flat screen technology has moved quickly and new rigs seem much lighter. Are parts easily interchangable ie. Modern batteries and TFT with a 3a sled?

 

I shall continue reading with interest... thanks,

 

chip

[Richard James Lewis]

http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...amp;#entry35426

 

Seems like a good deal... I'd probably swap out the monitor arm tho, but that should fly anything you need. Good price, nice rig. The Baer-Bel stuff is nice and solid. I was playing with a setup very similar last week. You have product support in the UK too with Joe Mac, along with a host of accessories and extras...

 

Rick.

[chip mead]

Thanks Rick,

 

So what the general opinion on the Baer-Bel rig?

 

I now nothing about this type of rig, but based on the pictures it looks great, plus it's ready to go straight out of the case.

 

 

Also - another question... Power-wise am i right in thinking most video cameras - including broadcast, run 12v and most film run 24v?

Edited May 1, 2008 by chip mead

[Gus Trivino]

Baer Bel:

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...amp;hl=baer+bel

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...amp;hl=baer+bel

[Erik Brul]

Chip,

 

You can take a look at below EFP system. Torben has it for sale, a really nice and in amazing technic/cosmetic condition :

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...ic=7887&hl=

 

Erik