Premium Members Niko lasarte Posted October 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Hi guys! The first thing is to introduce myself. I'm Niko Lasarte, an operator established in spain. The second thing to apologize for the mistakes in my English. any way, let´s see. :blink: This is the time to change my old EFP sled by one most complete. I was in CINEC and I had the opportunity to test several rigs. :lol: :lol: Among others tried the PRO and felt very comfortable. until now had the guru of the steadis (also because I was able to work with her and know her). also tried the MK-V and also felt very well, a very fine machine. In favor of MK-V I see 2 things: - Is a 4 stage sled (which can make a superpost in 5 minutes). - It is ready to carry HD signal to the inside of the sled. On the contrary: - price :o , and don´t know the weight sled. I have heard that working with light cameras can be uncomfortable. Has anyone had this experience? PRO sled? I like a lot but I have a feeling that is lagging behind in some respects. With this future is coming ... (RED, ARRI D-21 and those coming! I have also heard of XCS but I don´t know. I would like to know your opinion on the matter. What do you think of the HD and post in 4 stage? So I can make myself a more complete idea and decide with more discretion. Thank you very much ;) Niko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jens Piotrowski SOC Posted October 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Hi Niko, Costumer service and reliability are very important things. PRO has a great track record for both. Since you are located in Europe you should take a look at the RIG from Betz Tools. It's local (Munich) so you don't have to deal with the shipping to the USA. It has a 4-stage post and is HD-SDI capable! Very solid Rig. They are also a dealer/service for PRO in Europe. Betz-Tools RIG Jens Hi guys!The first thing is to introduce myself. I'm Niko Lasarte, an operator established in spain. The second thing to apologize for the mistakes in my English. any way, let´s see. :blink: This is the time to change my old EFP sled by one most complete. I was in CINEC and I had the opportunity to test several rigs. :lol: :lol: Among others tried the PRO and felt very comfortable. until now had the guru of the steadis (also because I was able to work with her and know her). also tried the MK-V and also felt very well, a very fine machine. In favor of MK-V I see 2 things: - Is a 4 stage sled (which can make a superpost in 5 minutes). - It is ready to carry HD signal to the inside of the sled. On the contrary: - price :o , and don´t know the weight sled. I have heard that working with light cameras can be uncomfortable. Has anyone had this experience? PRO sled? I like a lot but I have a feeling that is lagging behind in some respects. With this future is coming ... (RED, ARRI D-21 and those coming! I have also heard of XCS but I don´t know. I would like to know your opinion on the matter. What do you think of the HD and post in 4 stage? So I can make myself a more complete idea and decide with more discretion. Thank you very much ;) Niko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Charles Papert Posted October 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Niko: We have a saying here that compares opinions to a certain part of the anatomy, with the tag being "everyone's got one". Jen's point about buying local is well-taken; for us in LA, it's a fantastic boon to be able to drive over to either GPI (PRO) or to Greg Bubb (XCS) for your servicing. A European manufacturer may have similar advantages for you. HD capability does indeed narrow the possibilities a bit. If you want a rig with HD-SDI and monitoring in a turnkey package, only a few of the manufacturers offer that (including one not on your list, Tiffen--the Ultra 2 is a nice rig!) Without rehashing some of the more controversial debates that have gone on in the Forum in recent years, definitely do some searching here regarding the manufacturers you have listed and you will find some interesting opinions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members mark morgan Posted October 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 hey niko another rig that doesn't get mentioned here is the sachtler "artemis" rig it comes hd,sdi,sd and component ready and they are in munich as well Hi guys!The first thing is to introduce myself. I'm Niko Lasarte, an operator established in spain. The second thing to apologize for the mistakes in my English. any way, let´s see. :blink: This is the time to change my old EFP sled by one most complete. I was in CINEC and I had the opportunity to test several rigs. :lol: :lol: Among others tried the PRO and felt very comfortable. until now had the guru of the steadis (also because I was able to work with her and know her). also tried the MK-V and also felt very well, a very fine machine. In favor of MK-V I see 2 things: - Is a 4 stage sled (which can make a superpost in 5 minutes). - It is ready to carry HD signal to the inside of the sled. On the contrary: - price :o , and don´t know the weight sled. I have heard that working with light cameras can be uncomfortable. Has anyone had this experience? PRO sled? I like a lot but I have a feeling that is lagging behind in some respects. With this future is coming ... (RED, ARRI D-21 and those coming! I have also heard of XCS but I don´t know. I would like to know your opinion on the matter. What do you think of the HD and post in 4 stage? So I can make myself a more complete idea and decide with more discretion. Thank you very much ;) Niko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jens Piotrowski SOC Posted October 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Artemis HD Yes, sachtler has a nice rig, but they are a big, big, company, - Christian Betz on the other and builds and lives Steadicam for 20 years... hey niko another rig that doesn't get mentioned here is the sachtler "artemis" rig it comes hd,sdi,sd and component ready and they are in munich as well Hi guys!The first thing is to introduce myself. I'm Niko Lasarte, an operator established in spain. The second thing to apologize for the mistakes in my English. any way, let´s see. :blink: This is the time to change my old EFP sled by one most complete. I was in CINEC and I had the opportunity to test several rigs. :lol: :lol: Among others tried the PRO and felt very comfortable. until now had the guru of the steadis (also because I was able to work with her and know her). also tried the MK-V and also felt very well, a very fine machine. In favor of MK-V I see 2 things: - Is a 4 stage sled (which can make a superpost in 5 minutes). - It is ready to carry HD signal to the inside of the sled. On the contrary: - price :o , and don´t know the weight sled. I have heard that working with light cameras can be uncomfortable. Has anyone had this experience? PRO sled? I like a lot but I have a feeling that is lagging behind in some respects. With this future is coming ... (RED, ARRI D-21 and those coming! I have also heard of XCS but I don´t know. I would like to know your opinion on the matter. What do you think of the HD and post in 4 stage? So I can make myself a more complete idea and decide with more discretion. Thank you very much ;) Niko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Eric Fletcher S.O.C. Posted October 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Hi guys!The first thing is to introduce myself. I'm Niko Lasarte, an operator established in spain. The second thing to apologize for the mistakes in my English. any way, let´s see. :blink: This is the time to change my old EFP sled by one most complete. I was in CINEC and I had the opportunity to test several rigs. :lol: :lol: Among others tried the PRO and felt very comfortable. until now had the guru of the steadis (also because I was able to work with her and know her). also tried the MK-V and also felt very well, a very fine machine. In favor of MK-V I see 2 things: - Is a 4 stage sled (which can make a superpost in 5 minutes). - It is ready to carry HD signal to the inside of the sled. On the contrary: - price :o , and don´t know the weight sled. I have heard that working with light cameras can be uncomfortable. Has anyone had this experience? PRO sled? I like a lot but I have a feeling that is lagging behind in some respects. With this future is coming ... (RED, ARRI D-21 and those coming! I have also heard of XCS but I don´t know. I would like to know your opinion on the matter. What do you think of the HD and post in 4 stage? So I can make myself a more complete idea and decide with more discretion. Thank you very much ;) Niko XCS can do HD no problem, there is a SDI line already in the post. Sales and service are top notch Pro Solid rig and a solid company like XCS sales and service are top notch Tiffen Great products and service Sachtler, No real innovations a copy-cat company MK-V.... Well I suggest you talk to some others and also check them on their deliver times. (Talk to Job Scholtze and Juan Ramos) I had their pro conversion, the rewire the post for no apparent reason and use small gauge wire, the 4 stage post is nice but I never had the need to run it in superpost mode so it was just un-needed weight Bottom line is that you need to look at who is going to give you the best service after the sale. It's easy to be your best friend and promise you the world in order to get the sale, it's how they handle themselves AFTER the money changes hands. I believe in shopping locally (XCS, Pro, Preston) and that decision has never haunted me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Site Sponsor Christian Betz Posted October 8, 2008 Site Sponsor Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Dear Niko, didn't you visit us at cinec on our booth Betz-Tools ? The Rig has anything you are searching for also one of the best known service station in europe. ask: Carlos Cabeceran Steadimakers in France (sam alga) etc. If you ave any questions or need a demo RIG don't hesitate to contact us you are wellcome info@betz-tools.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Karavite Posted October 9, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Dear Niko, Being an owner of PRO, XCS & MK-V components, I feel qualified to comment on your questions. Eric's points are all well taken. THE MOST important thing to look for in a company is how they will support you after the sale. I agree it's tougher to support someone overseas, but I'd rather have an overseas company with great support than one next door with poor support. You cannot go wrong with the component quality and unsurpassed support given by PRO & XCS. I looked at the 4 stage post, and I didn't like 3 things about it. 1) carrying the extra weight, 2) too long a post for my taste 3) minimal need for a superpost & not worth carrying it all the time. As far as HD, consider what else on your rig needs to be HD, like video transmitter, on board recorder, etc... Until everything can be HD, I'm sticking with a downconverted signal. It is worth buying a rig that has the proper guage cable to be able to carry HD signals in the future. The good thing about buying a Steadicam today is all the choices. The bad thing about buying a Steadicam today is all the choices!! Take care, mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Ramon Engle Posted October 11, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Hello Gentlemen. Hi Mark. Couldn't agree with you more about the downconverter sitch. Untill the market produces not only an affordable xmitter but affordable hand held Casio-like easy LCD's, I'll continue use a down converter. Having small handhelds for the director or whomever is huge. I'll do anything to keep people from hovering over my shoulder. On manufacturers, Local service is huge! But Great Service is even more important. I own MK-V, PRO, Preston, Transvideo, Canatrans and Klassen gear. Out of all of those MK-V has been tough to deal with. Sending gear across the pond is expensive, time consuming and has the potential to cost you work because of displaced gear. Until MK-V can establish a proper support facility here in the US they will be at a distinct disadvantage. Hope Howard gets that worked out very soon. Can't say enough about the others I mentioned. Also, can't wait for Howard Preston to come out with the larger Cinetape display screen for the HU3! Ramon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members RonBaldwin Posted October 11, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Also, can't wait for Howard Preston to come out with the larger Cinetape display screen for the HU3! Ramon You already bought the $700 cable to make the ac's life easier...maybe it should be up to the ac to buy the bigger display? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members nick franco Posted October 11, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Also, can't wait for Howard Preston to come out with the larger Cinetape display screen for the HU3! Ramon You already bought the $700 cable to make the ac's life easier...maybe it should be up to the ac to buy the bigger display? Not to mention the $7400 for the HU3! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members BJMcDonnell SOC Posted October 11, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 I am a big fan of GPI PRO! they have always had killer customer service. Never a problem and they are quick to repair or clean. XCS all I have is 2 TB-6 monitors and Greg Bubb has always been killer when I need to have them serviced or cleaned. I can't say much for MK-V other than I liked the PRO gimbal upgrade they sold me before I got a VZ gimbal. I say PRO is the way to go if you live in the US for sure. MK-V if you are in Europe. Just my 2 cents. OH yea and Lisigav is a must for all sleds. BJ McDonnell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Karavite Posted October 13, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 13, 2008 Hey Niko, One thing I forgot to mention is that, being in Europe & buying with Euro's, you'd get a great deal on PRO or XCS due to the falling US dollar. Check the current exchange, but I bet you'd save nearly 30%. Worth a look, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Eric Fletcher S.O.C. Posted October 13, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 13, 2008 Hey Niko, One thing I forgot to mention is that, being in Europe & buying with Euro's, you'd get a great deal on PRO or XCS due to the falling US dollar. Check the current exchange, but I bet you'd save nearly 30%. Worth a look, Mark You need to take a look at the currency markets, the Dollar is rallying against the euro, right now it's only 22% weaker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Nikolay Kerezov Posted October 22, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 I can wote for RIG (from Betz Tools) with both of my hands(I have one ofcorse)!You will like it a lot.Any questions ASK me! Regards! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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