Jon Zanone

I've got Arri L5-C fresnels, and Hive Wasp 100C (1st gen) fixtures. I've connected them with RJ-45 cables to 5 pin converters (we have a number of fixtures that have 3 pin, so the converters seemed like the most cost effective way to cable the setup). I've tried a Chauvet Stage 50 controller, software-based ADJI program called MyDMX (with the MyDMX USB converter) and an old Lightronix controller. None have worked. This setup is for a location, not a studio. My plan was to have control of the lights so my crew and I weren't crawling up ladders to dim lights. -I've updated the firmware on all fixtures. Within the Arri firmware software I've assigned a DMX channel and mode (mode 2). Changing the DMX channel on the Hives doesn't seem to work the way the manual suggests. I have an Android, so I can't use the app. I'm sure it's operator error. I'm hoping there's a simple fix to make this setup work. Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong? Thanks! Jon

One thing about Rock-n-Roller carts and air travel - make sure you gaff tape the handles down. Even then, I've gotten the cart back and somehow the 3 points I'd had double taped had broken and the handles came loose. It's a great cart to fly with, though. They're not indestructible - we've shredded wheels, bent frames - but for the most part they've held up remarkedly well. Jon

Thanks for the experienced thoughts. After dragging this rig around South Korea for 3 weeks of daily shooting, here's what I don't like about this rig: -The handle is uncomfortable. It's attached via several 1/4--20 bolts directly into the top plate. It's not adjustable so usually the camera is front heavy. -There's no place to comfortably mount a mic. I've resorted to gaffing a Sennheiser 416 to the top of the handle. This may be a universal problem, though as all the rigs I've seen are conspicuous in the lack of mic attachment options. -The connector guard does not allow for easy removal of the EVF cable. I used the zoom handles from the Zeiss CPZ to press the buttons to release the cable. I like the Wooden Camera option that allows easy on / off of the connector. I'd think they would -The top plate only has 1/4-20 holes. It wasn't really an issue on this last trip, but when it's configured for studio work, I like to use a monitor on an Israeli arm. -The follow focus doesn't have an adjustment to tighten the arm holding the gear against the lens. It requires periodic tightening to keep the gears from skipping. -The viewfinder mount is hard to adjust, affecting perceived horizon in the viewfinder. The screws holding the mount to the handle are very small and the heads are easy to strip. I finally solved the problem with LocTite. Here's what I like - -The speed plate. It allows me to put the camera on the tripod and it'll be perfectly balanced every time. Disregarding the crappy dovetail lock on the Vinten 100 tripod.... -I can balance the camera to CG for handheld work, but with the camera about 2" behind the front of the shoulder mount. -The handles. After years of traditional ENG camera work, my shoulders aren't real enthused about the 'traditional' way to hold a camera (right hand in a handle on the zoom rocker, left hand focusing). Having the handles lower and forward allows my shoulders to not work so hard. Sorry for the long critique. When we first bought the rig, I really wanted to like it, but it seems I'm constantly trying to make the rig work, and not letting the rig work with the camera.

Sorry, should've been more clear. SHAPE uses a V-plate to attach to the tripod. Some call it a speed plate, but AFAIK it came from the ENG camera side and it's a familiar piece of kit to me. Not a fan of RED's dovetail system for multiple fast setups. BTW, the picture was taken on Haeundae Beach in Busan, ROK - Kind of your neighborhood in a roundabout, get on a plane way!

Looking for rig options for a Sony F55. I currently have a Shape rig - looks nice but it's heavy and the carrying handle is not very good. Or should I just get something like an EasyRig? I like the V-plate, but open to other options as well.