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XCS Ergo Handle


Jens Piotrowski SOC

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Hi Jens:

 

Like many, I circled the Ergo handle distrustfully for years before diving in and overall am delighted with it.

 

For me, it places the wrist at a more comfortable angle (sort of like those Perfect Pushup devices) and allows it to visually clear the monitor so I have a better view. It also can be used right-side up for low mode as it is long enough to clear the camera body without needing an F bracket.

 

Downside is that it weighs more, and the non-symmetrical shape makes it tough to feed onto the balance pin when holding the rig with both hands as it wants to flop over (I've learned how to manage it but generally it's easier to have the assistant guide it onto the pin for you).

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Yeah, I love it too - for all the reasons Charles states. True, it adds a bit of weight....

 

"and the non-symmetrical shape makes it tough to feed onto the balance pin when holding the rig with both hands as it wants to flop over (I've learned how to manage it but generally it's easier to have the assistant guide it onto the pin for you)."

 

Hummm..... I always end up putting a knee under the sled (while resting that foot on the leg of the stand) as I move one hand to the Ergo handle placing it on the pin.

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I totally agree with Charles & Alec. I have been using the Ergo handle for 4 years. It especially shines when you go to low mode, and have the same gimbal feel as high mode. Another point not mentioned is the fantastic service XCS gives to every one of their customers. Gregg Bubb reacts as fast and as well to problems as anybody in the business. Great products and great service. What more can you ask for?

 

Mark

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Can't agree more w/ the Gents here. Love the extra view of the monitor the ergo provides. Amazing what a big difference a little bend can make.

 

I will point out however, that on the last movie I had two sleds built. One in super low mode - it was a movie with a lot of dogs and kids. On the super post I had a regular XCS gimbal handle with the F bracket.

 

For my 6'6" height the F bracket set up does buy me some critical inches in low mode. But like Mark pointed out, unless it is imperative that I get to ankle bone height (the mag hit the ground w/ the super post set up) I love the fact that I have the same gimbal feel in both Hi and Lo mode due to the J bracket set up.

 

Can't say enough about XCS and Mr. Bubb. One of the most rewarding business relationships I've had. The combination of exceptional gear quality and supreme customer service is 2nd to none in our industry.

 

Will

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Hey Jens,

 

I forgot to mention that I carry both the XCS Ergo & regular handle. Switching handles takes about 10 minutes. I had a shot yesterday moving through a trailer where the doors were 27" wide. I switched from my Klassen to a PRO vest, and went back to the regular handle. I was able to move through the tight spaces fairly easily. At lunch I went back to the ERGO for some low mode work in the afternoon.

 

It's a cheap date to have both on hand. You never know when it can save you.

 

Mark

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Okay... of course I had to take the picture myself...

 

Here my friend and A cam op Jesse Feldman, trying his hand on my steadi.

 

 

Invert the Sled, add a J-bracket and you get lower but still have the same handling and feeling...

 

 

As always, everybody's own... works for me.

post-45-1236138657_thumb.jpg

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