Its been really cool seeing how people are using rig configurations from Episode 39. Thought I would share a few with you here:

This first configuration is from Scott Owens:

Scott’s Setup:

Panasonic GH2

Manfrotto 577 Style Quick Release

$14 BARSKA Accu Grip

Rode VideoMic

2 Magic Arms

Here is another great configuration that Stefano Armanini shared on Facebook:

Stefano’s Setup:

Nikon D7000

Manfrotto 577 Style Quick Release

2 Magic Arms

D Focus Follow Focus

Have a custom rig set up using magic arms? Share it with us on our Facebook page or in an email!

So check it out, remember the top handle rig I talked about? Well using the same parts you can mount any follow focus with a 1/4 inch mounting point to your Magic Arm! Check out the video to see how I did this with my D|Focus.

Quicktime File.

Parts List

Affordable Manfrotto Style Base Plate

Not as many mounting options as the cinevate baseplate, but it is a fraction of the price. Get a couple if you can so you can use the same baseplate on multiple rigs, tripods etc.

Friction Adjustable Arm

These are great. There are so many uses for these arms so if you every switch up your rigging you will always have a use for one of these.

UPDATE:

Looks like Express35 Changed their handle design so it functions more like the Cinevate handle. So you might be able to find a more affordable option elsewhere or just use the Cinevate handle.

Friction monitor arms for a top handle, who knew? Check out this simple yet efficient rig.

Quicktime File.

Parts List

Cinevate Base Plate (Option 1)

Fairly expensive but a truly solid baseplate. If you plan on building out larger rigs this thing is build for larger work horse uses, as well as simple minimal setups.

Affordable Manfrotto Style Base Plate (Option 2)

Not as many mounting options as the cinevate baseplate, but it is a fraction of the price. Get a couple if you can so you can use the same baseplate on multiple rigs, tripods etc.

Friction Adjustable Arm

These are great. There are so many uses for these arms so if you every switch up your rigging you will always have a use for one of these.

READ UPDATE ABOVE - Express35 Grip (Handle 1)

Really nice grip and can be used on 15mm rods. This is the grip you saw at the beginning of the video above.

Cinevate Grip (Handle 2)

This grip is a little more affordable than the Express35 one. And it has a 1/4″ male thread for accessories.

Remember that killer little shoulder rig I did a show on a while back? Well its price just dropped to $16 on Amazon. Grab yours before the deal is gone or they are out of stock! I’ve shot several projects using this little rig and it has perform very well for me. Check out the images below for a couple rigged up versions.

Folding Shoulder Rig

Shooting Contact Jugglers With Shoulder Mount

Shoulder Mount Used in "PILLOW FIGHT" Project

Just a little iPhone video showing you what I used to shoot this little piece for my Cinegrain review.
I really love how compact you can get a 5n package. The DP4 is also perfect for this little setup.

Final video:

Stuff you see in this video:

Cinevate Atlas 10 FLT

Sony NEX 5n

Small HD DP4 Monitor

Canon 50mm F1.4

Davis and Sanford Grounder Tripod

Friction Monitor Arm

Just the other day on twitter Sam Fack shared some pictures of a track he built for his Cinemover. I’ve been looking for something like this myself and was quite impressed with it. It looks like something that could easily be used with a couple light stands or tripods. Great job Sam!

Check out his tutorial below and a some footage he shot using it.

Video Description:

Well this is the first time for me being on the wrong side of the lens, so apologies for being slightly out of focus all the time.

This is a short video on a track that I made for a Cinemover (links below). The track is made up of System 30. It’s a really useful resource as you can pretty much make anything frame based that you could think of.

Links:

• Exel – http://www.exelcomposites.com/
• Cinemover – http://moveyourcameracheap.blogspot.com/
• Caleb’s site – http://dslrvideoshooter.com/
• My main Vimeo Channel – http://vimeo.com/samfack
• SlideShow video – http://vimeo.com/30489153

Check it out, DVD Spindles are actually 15mm in diameter! So you can use them as rods. I’ve tested them will some Redrock gear and they work great.

NOTE: These “rods” are plastic. So don’t put too much faith into them. So if you put your 5D and a huge lens, monitor and battery pack on them and it breaks, don’t come running back here to flame me. Be smart.

Thursday, December 9th from 6:00pm-8:30pm at Calumet Photo Chicago we will be showcasing various gear configurations from wedding setups, to film and documentary rigs.

Be sure to RSVP on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111645445572088

Would love to see you there!