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What kind of hand grips are these?


M Joel W

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I'm looking for something similar (but if possible affordable) for a similar "lightweight" ARRI Alexa Plus set up to this Alexa XT set up:

https://www.abelcine.com/uploaded/articlemodel/Da/Day-10-208-XL1-e1451422112784.jpg

I want to mount them to the rosettes on the camera rather than on rods. I don't need them that far forward but still comfortably far forward. Looking for something relatively inexpensive if possible. Thanks!

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27 minutes ago, Adrian Sierkowski said:

https://cameraaccessorysolutions.com/products/

 

Spider grips.

You can do rods or rosettes; but it's generally on rods, since they are kinda already on the camera and you can slide on and off faster.

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. 

Rosettes are easier for me for the time being. 

I have the chintziest most DIY Alexa set up there is. Would using the SmallRig equivalent (or Tilta, somewhere in-between?) for handgrips and rosettes be a huge mistake if longevity is not my primary concern and I don't plan to rent out my camera?

 

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Haven't used the SmallRig-- some of their stuff is ok, some of it... really isn't. Same with Tilta, though I've certainly used their grips before and they are fine. I think they interface well with the hand-grips from their wireless FF, which if you have/ use is a benefit.
I have owned these in the past and I liked them
https://woodencamera.com/collections/shoulder-rigs/products/rosette-handle-kit-brown-leather

but I don't see why these wouldn't work equally as well
https://tilta.com/shop/universal-pro-hand-grip-uh-t04uh-t04-15suh-t03/

(though i'm no
t a big fan of the rods adapter that uses; but that's honestly just me)

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Thanks! I don't have their wireless follow focus but I'm curious about it now. Does it record focus distance data? That's a workflow I've been interested in for vfx purposes. 

The Tilta rosette-only option is $280, it's about $100-$150 for SmallRig. If I'm using rosettes would the length that the arms extend be a factor because the rosettes are already backing the position of the grips up? They extend 8" on the Tilta, 10" on the SmallRig. 

When shooting handheld, I'm mostly using small lenses (standard speeds, etc.) with a small 4x4 matte box so it's not a front-heavy set up, if that matters. Thanks again.

Edited by M Joel W
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As far as I know I doesn't record that data. Some units might; but nothing that isn't very expensive.

As for length factors, you really have to see what works for you? What you are comfortable with will not be the same as anyone else. When in doubt, err on the side of flexibility (which is why spider grips are awesome, and most rod based systems, as you can adjust them a lot more than rosette camera systems). Not ever set up/operating scenario will allow the same handle position. In a given hand-held day I may well adjust my handle bars dozens of times! 

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What would cause you to adjust your handle bars and how? Lens changes, changes to what angle you're pointing the camera at? 

Two of the Spider Grip set ups are around $600, which isn't much more than Tilta. Is there a particular model you'd recommend for an Alexa Plus (again, small lenses like standard speeds and just an MFF-1 and Gemini recorder).

Right now I have an MFF-1 (that I like, but it gets really cramped) and I've been using my right hand to focus with it and left hand to stabilize. Is this remotely tenable? Is there a way to make it tenable? Or is shooting with an Alexa without an AC completely crazy?

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Lens change, operating position, bigger battery just got swapped on, you're not comfy-- there's lots of reasons to change handle-bar set up.

For you case, what I would do is this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1263867-REG/ikan_uh_t04_quick_release_hand_grips_tilta.html

and for focus con
trol:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1507993-REG/tilta_wlc_t03_k2_nucleus_m_wireless_lens_control.html
 

with the right hand-grip. I personally have a 2Axis with the FIZ/right hand grip and I tend to use it when I'm on manning ,or as a quick and dirty microforce zoom with this clamp on a tripod handle

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1724353-REG/camvate_c2869_multi_purpose_super_crab_clamp.html

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Thanks, that's really helpful. 

Is using a follow focus like an MFF-1 without an AC (and just using one handlebar) a really terrible idea? Is there any way to make that ergonomic in the interim while I save up for something better? 

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It's doable-- you can rent a Nucleus (depending on where you are) pretty cheaply; and they do come up used sometimes. To be honest, it really does make a difference; and can be used by an AC as well in a pinch. I think it's worth it (i bought one as i got tired of renting it all the time)

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It's looking like more of a rental item for me for now but I didn't realize a solution like that existed with the focus control on the handgrip, that is really cool. But if I had more money I'd be tempted to buy it now.

Is just not using a follow focus and pulling off the barrel an option for working as a one man band?

Or I imagine if I was pulling focus myself off the MFF-1 and bought hand grips I'd want to position them closer to where the follow focus already is for balance? So essentially a hand grip right below the lens on the left side so it's near to the follow focus on the right and my hands are positioned more symmetrically than if I had a hand grip way out front? My camera is very light on the front and more rear-heavy than most as I have a small matte box and very lightweight lenses.

Thanks again – I work in another department, as I mentioned, so the actual logistics are lost on me.

Edit: this is a little crazy, but would something like this work if I have my other hand on the follow focus?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1369375-REG/camvate_c1615_15mm_rod_clamp_handle.html

(I doubt I'd get that, but the principle of having something roughy symmetrical.) 

I'd rent more support gear for a larger shoot. I remember the old conventional wisdom with handholding a still camera is to keep your arms near your body so I don't understand why in the photo I posted the hand grips are so far out except that they're using a front-heavy rig? I know this is a bit ridiculous for me to discuss. Probably going to end up with something similar to the Tilta rig eventually, whether renting or buying.

Edited by M Joel W
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