Geoff Smith

Thanks much for the detailed answer John! I think I'll follow your example and start by experimenting with it along with my trusty Spectra IV-A and use the spot meter to understand where various parts of the scene will fall relative to middle gray.

Hi, I just got a Pentax Digital Spotmeter and am trying to work out how to use it for motion (other DPs I know swear by them). Do I have this roughly right?: 15 footcandles = EV 6 = T2.8/4 split @ ISO800, 24fps, 180º shutter So I would want a gray card to give me ~EV6 back on the meter and then I would adjust the overall ratio to not exceed the camera’s usable dynamic range (and be appropriate for the scene/subject/project of course). If I want to overexpose by 1 stop then I would 2x the light to EV 7. Does that math work? How do people use these in practice? I’ve noticed with these that if you line up the motion shutter speed tick mark along the centerline, you get an ISO/ASA of 160. Am I better off lining up on the motion shutter speed and doing the 2.33 stops math in my head (if I am shooting at ISO 800, the base/native ISO of many cinema cameras) or should I leave ISO/ASA 800 lined up on the meter and work it out the other way? Is it just a matter of what feels more natural? Thanks for any insights... --Geoff

Satsuki -- sorry for misspelling your name (damn autocorrect)

Satsuma -- thanks, I think we're on the same page about the Easyrig, it didn't feel quite right to me either. I also had the Varicam35 on so a bigger payload that was a handful. Thanks for the tips on modding the Cinesaddle, will give it a go next time I have one to use. I think the strap I'm thinking of may have started life as a rifle sling of some kind, there are ones that have some "give" to them, probably neoprene or another thermoplastic material. But I have no idea how it attached to the camera (perhaps through a rapid-style speed ring or something like that as you suggest). Certainly sounds like a DIY solution and not an actual product. Oh well, thanks all for your thoughts on this. If I cobble something together for my next shoot I'll share some pics.

Not sure, was kind of under the impression that it didn't, and just attached to the back of the camera at about sternum height, maybe with a cinesaddle or small "buddha bag" underneath for support. Ha, maybe I dreamed this?

Thanks Robin, but no, I've operated with the EasyRig before and found it a bit awkward (but only once and without enough time to dial in the fit properly). Plus it's a bit bulky/indiscreet as well for run-n-gun. I've heard of this (elastic strap thing) being done with a stripped down Red Epic as well.

Hi, First time posting here, amazing what a great resource this site is even in "read-only" mode, great thanks to all for advice and help past, present and future... I'm a DIT usually but I have an opportunity to do more operating/DP work in the future with Canon C-series cameras. I've heard tell of, but have never seen, a handheld scheme for these consisting of a sturdy elastic strap worn bandolier-style, perhaps in conjunction with a vest, that essentially allows you to "bungee" the camera to yourself for chest-level handheld operation by cradling. Obviously with a very stripped-down rig. Is this a "thing" or just an urban camera dept. myth? I don't feel these cameras go well on the shoulder and this type of arrangement is appealing (I'm about 6'4", so shoulder-mount rigs on me are usually from a slightly unnaturally high POV). Thanks for any info. and for such a great resource...