Gabe Agoado

I just purchased a Sirui p-324sr carbon fiber because from experience I've found a monopod is a lot better than a tripod for wedding videography. My intended fluid head/camera combo weighs 12lbs altogether, so at a rating of 22lbs, I thought this monopod would work. I have been testing it before taking it on a job, and with 5 x 5lb weight plates centered on top, it doesn't budge, doesn't bend, nothing. However, with actual 12lb of camera, lens and fluid head it does start to flex noticeably, though is still stable on the floor. To test the limit, I tried my Arri 16BL with a zoom lens ~19lbs and unsurprisingly it flexes even more. It's difficult to find a center balance point, as it seems to bend forward or back no matter where I position the camera. Though I was surprised with the Arri it still did not tip until it was at max height, thanks to the wide feet. The flex had no permanent effect on the monopod. I'm not knocking this monopod, it seems like good quality otherwise, and I realize 75% of the time I'm probably not using it with a zoom/telephoto lens, but considering it does flex with 12lb payload that I'm going to be using on jobs, am I better off getting something rated for 30 or 40lbs, or is weight rating meaningless and it will flex no matter what because monopods aren't really meant for camcorders/cinema cameras?

Have you tried the CCD camera yet and does it have any buttons on it? If not, the 12-pin connector could be meant for a control to open a menu and change zoom, focus, gain, etc. Especially if it's a color CCD, the color cameras usually have extra menu options. That's just a guess based on my Arriflex BL video door though, your best bet would be researching the model of the camera, contacting Jurgen directly or a place that still repairs/rents these cameras, like Visual Products: http://www.visualproducts.com/storeProductDetail02.asp?productID=168&Cat=2&Cat2=13#bigPic At this link they are selling an Arri 2C with the Jurgen video door, they probably know what the connector is for. Hope that helps.

Thank you for all the suggestions. The VCT plate recommendation is definitely helpful. I didn't know these existed, but I've always preferred drop-in plates like the Manfrotto hex plate to sliding plates. The Ronford and Baker also looks awesome, I will keep a lookout for one of those if I end up needing 1. I was also checking out some ball heads like a Sirui K-40X, which is rated for 77lbs?? I don't know what 77lb camera/lens is small enough to stick on a ball head, but I did ask the manufacturer and basically got no response. I resigned to the idea of another fluid head and found a "Daiwa ENG 30" with 100mm tripod on eBay for $250. It seemed like a Japanese Vinten copy from the pictures. It's an old model, but supposed to be rated for ~45lbs, which makes sense; I have ~20lbs of camera on with the counterbalance set fairly low and it stays in whatever spot I put it, perfect! Now if I can help whoever finds a Daiwa fluid head online for cheap, buy it. It very much feels like using an old model Vinten. My next step I think is getting a VCT plate for it.

I'm looking for a tripod head for a B-camera weighing 18lbs (20+ with rails, matte box, monitor). I already have a good fluid head I use for the A cam, but I'm not planning to do camera moves with the B-cam, I'm just looking for something I can stick the camera on and is strong enough to take its weight. I've been looking into pan-tilt heads like a manfrotto 229 or Gitzo G1570M because they can handle the weight. Anyone have suggestion?

The Crystal Sync Kinor and all lenses are still available. I pulled them off eBay because I'm actually using them for a job. I also took the liberty to run more thorough film tests for others who were interested. I don't have an accurate time-table of when it's going to go back up for sale, but when it does, I'll have the footage to show its strengths and weaknesses. There's not enough Kinor footage currently on YouTube to do a really good comparison.

Does anyone have the schematic/know how to remove the F3 top handle completely? I know it could be removed for the 3ality armor, I just want to replace it with a more useful top handle. I removed 2 screws from the front part and it seemed to be removable, but I can't figure out what to unscrew to get the back part off.

UPDATE 12/15: Tested the crystal sync camera with the 12v adapter and it runs smooth and quiet in all speeds (the running light also turns on). However in the effort of full disclosure, I only tested it for a short period of time, and haven't performed any other tests for registration, steadiness, etc. I have shot film through this camera on professional jobs (also with the lenses I am selling), and it is quiet enough for sync sound outdoors or in a decent size room, but I haven't used it in 4 years.

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post this in, but I'm trying to find a bag/case for an O'Connor suitable for airline travel. The problem is it's 57" closed with the head attached and the longest dedicated tripod bags I can find will only fit the legs. So far I looked at microphone stand bags, but I can't find one where I can attach a shoulder strap. I also looked at golf and snowboard travel bags, and they seem like decent options if I wanted to take the head off and use it for more gear than just the tripod (the legs themselves are 46" one stage). But the best I have come up with so far is a telescoping abs case for fishing rods that SHOULD work, if it's not a little too snug. Ideally I'm looking for something the same diameter as the tripod and not another big a** pelican case. If any experienced traveler has tips/suggestions, or experience with unusual packing methods, I would appreciate the help, thanks.

Hello, I have an O'Connor and am looking for a good tripod bag/case for travel that will fit it. Normally I just have a strap on it and throw it in my trunk, but I need something suited for airline travel. The problem is that the closed length with the head attached is roughly 57", and I've only been able to find 1 thing that might work, which is a telescoping abs case for fishing rods. If I take the head off there are a lot more options, but I was just curious if anyone has something that will fit this they are looking to sell.

Looking to sell two Kinor 16cx-2m 16mm cameras and lenses. One camera has a Tobin crystal sync motor upgrade and I've shot film with it in the past. I haven't used it in a while so I bought a new power brick to test it with (just waiting for it to arrive) so I have to say untested atm, comes with a 400' magazine. The other is just a standard 16cx-2m that's perfect for upgrades/mods. Both are in good cosmetic condition. I also have 3 Lomo Kinor-mount lenses for sale. These are all in excellent condition and can be used with the Kinors or adapted to other 16mm or MFT cameras for nice results. Everything is listed on eBay, but I would be happy to sell direct on the forum to avoid taxes/fees. Thanks for looking. 1. Kinor 16cx-2m with Tobin Crystal Sync Motor and 400' magazinehttps://www.ebay.com/itm/284093928072?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 2. Kinor 16cx-3m with two 100ft magazineshttps://www.ebay.com/itm/284093895887?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 3. Lomo 12-240mm f3.5 zoom lens (very rare)https://www.ebay.com/itm/284093949084?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 4. Lomo 10mm f1.8 lenshttps://www.ebay.com/itm/284094060750?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 5. Lomo 6mm f1.8 lenshttps://www.ebay.com/itm/284094047987?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Hey, thanks for the reply! I only knew Came-tv for their tripods, I didn't know they also do lights. I checked out the Came-tv light and it seems like a good light but I really don't have need for DMX control or wifi at the moment. I guess I kind of ended up answering my own question. I'm going to get a few Godox LED lights and some budget C-stands. For $1k I can swing 3 lights, stands, diffusion and carrying case. I've used tungsten a lot in the past, while I was originally going to go with tungsten, the fact that LEDs don't run hot, don't need bulb replacement and can be run off a battery just seems like the best solution for me. Especially in weddings, it's nice if I can give the bride and groom some accent lighting without making them sweat through their clothes 😄

Do you have them listed online like craigslist/ebay?

Hello, I own a startup videography company and want to purchase some budget friendly lighting for interior shoots and photography. I am shooting on film and with a Sony F3, and my budget for lights is $1,000 with ideally room to upgrade later on. I am looking for at least a 3-light setup. In the past I've used everything from rented Arri and Mole-richardson tungsten lights to shop lights and clamp lights I got from the trash/home depot. I want to now purchase some video lights that are easier to work with than home depot 500w floods. I know for $1,000 I cannot expect the best quality, but I was considering purchasing either some of the Chinese Arri tungsten fresnel copies or some of the 60-80w LED lights that can be bought on Amazon. I was leaning towards buying 6-8 LEDs because they're easier to work with, easier to replace and I can always clamp 2 or 3 together if I want a stronger source. Just looking for some advice if anyone seasoned with videography experience knows a better option.

The center contact is 4.8v and the side contact is 2.4v, correct. I haven't used this camera in about a year since I have upgraded, however I did manage to obtain the dummy adapter for it, and there are two hot wires going to the center contact, each providing 2.4v, one hot wire going to the side contact which is 2.4v, and one ground wire which might go to the side of the battery compartment, not 100% sure. If you're building a pack from scratch, the later version of the 2008 or 4008 might be a bit easier because they have 3 larger contacts in the center that you can attach alligator clips to, one is 4.8, one is 2.4 and one is ground. A voltmeter is incredibly useful in these situations to double-check which is which. There is also this https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beaulieu-4008-Replacement-Battery-Pack-Kit-with-Charger-Model-Mk-II-/263159382092?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275

Hello, when I find myself having to repeat myself over and over because people do not read my post I get tired of being civil. Once again I am having to repeat myself because my initial post was NOT vague. If you thought it was vague, then you don't know what Custom Upholstery Products is, yet you feel the need to respond to me despite the fact that you can offer me no help. Wow...just wow. So let me get this straight, I post a question asking for help, you're first response is "I don't know", then you assume I'm stupid and link me to a forum I've already read, and now you're calling me stupid and lazy because you managed to google "Custom Upholstery Products", and me taking up space on this forum, posting my original question just bothers you so much. YOU are the one who insists on responding to me when you don't know anything yourself, go pick a fight with someone else. Next time you post on one of my threads I'm reporting you. Can an admin please delete this thread?