HDDSLR Run N’ Gun Kit
Check out the full kit bundle on B&H, which includes the pieces listed below!
Like the previous configuration, this is also intended for people who have a run and gun shooting style and it allows the user the flexibility to move into a more cinema-style system down the road. Based on Shane Hurlbut’s ManCam (available in a similar variation from Redrock micro), this kit steps into more professional territory as it allows you to expand upon the basic items I have listed here and build it into a more robust cinema kit over time. The manCam’s signature offset hand grips give your arms a more rigid structure and promote stability without having to press anything against your torso or shoulder. Notice that the grips are fixed to a DSLR baseplate and carbon fiber rods – this is the most essential piece for expanding your kit as it provides the support for items you want to add to your kit (Matte Box, Follow Focus, etc…) in other words these are parts that you can grow with – and that you’ll use on more complex rigs if you decide to grow your kit. You will also notice I have attached a handle to the top of the camera using the hot show mount. This gives the user an extra way to carry this configuration around while you aren’t shooting – and shoot great low angle shots and to make simple (handheld) dolly and jib moves. While the offset arms of the ManCam enhance stability – they are not ideal for carrying your camera over a long period of time (your arms will tire.) You will also notice that I have mounted an accessory arm to the top of the handle and fixed a Marshall 5" monitor to that. On this configuration I have abandoned the Z-finder in favor of this since the rig is more suitable for "shooting from the hip" rather than in front of your face. The lightweight Marshall monitor on the adjustable arm allows you to position the monitor to your liking while holding the camera and rig away from your body.
PLEASE NOTE: You can read a LOT more detail about rigs, lenses, tripods, steadicams, jibs, lights, batteries, cards, software – YOU NAME IT as well as WHY I use it the PROS and CONS of each and examples on the MY GEAR section of this site.
TRIPOD: As you have heard me mention before – not all films are shot on a hand-held rig – and so some sort of rigid support is necessary. If you want to keep things light and simple – a good fluid would be the 701HDV with the 351MBV2 legs from Manfrotto. However, if you want to build this kit into a full support system – then I recommend the 504HD Head and the 546 Video Pro Legs or the 536 Carbon Fiber legs, also by Manfrotto. These are professional grade sticks that will last you a life time. Head over to the Tripod Page to check them out.
ITEMS IN THIS RIG:
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DSLR Baseplate |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| The mounting point for your HDDSLR (such as the Canon 5D or 7D) with set screws for both Canon and Nikon DSLRs. This baseplate also serves as a quick release, allowing you to easily remove and mount your camera on any 15mm lightweight rod configurations. |
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9" 15mm Carbon Fiber Rods |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| The foundation to any serious cinema kit, rods allow you to mount any number of accessories essential to the art of cinematography. These 9" rods serve as the base of this configuration and the mounting point for the DSLR Baseplate, 4" Grip Rods, and microSupport Cheeseplate. |
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(2) microHandGrips |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| A versatile hand grip that mounts to any 15mm rod. In this configuration, these hand grips are used as an offset pair of handlebars for the most versatile operation in any environment. |
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microSupport Cheeseplate |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| This microSupport Cheeseplate allows this configuration to be mounted to any number of camera support solutions that take a 1/4" 20 or 3/8" 16 screw: Tripods, Jibs, Cranes, etc. |
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microClamp |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| This microClamp attaches to the microSupport Cheesplate, allowing it to be mounted on 15mm rods in a lightweight configuration. |
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(2) Grip Rod – 4" |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| The 4" Grip Rods mount to the 9" Carbon Fiber Rods to serve as extensions for the microHandGrips, allowing the operator to adjust both the width and length of their reach. |
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microHandle Plus |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| This hotshoe mounted microHandle Plus provides a top handle for both low-mode operation of the camera system, as well as a convenient carrying handle when in-between setups. |
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microArm (long) |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| This microArm (long) mounts to the top of the microHandle Plus and supports the 5" Marshall monitor, allowing the monitor to be placed in any number of angles for easy viewing and operation. |
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V-LCD50-HDMI 5" Monitor |
B&H |
Mfr. Site |
| The 5" Marshall Electronics Monitor is a great substitute for the DSLR’s back panel LCD screen, allowing the operator to easily judge focus and operate the camera from any angle. The best feature about this monitor is its ability to run solely off of 4 AA batteries, reducing overall weight and making this monitor more portable than ever. |
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What company produces the focusing knob?
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 11:55 am
@Lukas, Redrock micro – will add it to this list.
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I found it – NANO Focus Zoom Lever
http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/DSLR-microFollowFocus/nanofocuszoomlever
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Vincent,
Thanks a lot for all the variations based on budgets and experience. A lot of young filmmakers like myself are excited that we can muster up enough cash at 23 to go out and grab a 7d. Your information really helps in a framework for baby steps and I greatly appreciate it.
Matt Rath
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Vincent:
You mention a “focus knob” on the lens that makes it easy to finger focus. Can you tell me who makes these and where they are available?
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Hi, greate info regarding rigs for dslr cams for film purposes.. Wanted to inquire about if you might have any recommendations for nikon cameras. Being that all dslr cameras are moving towards upping the hd movie specs on higher end models. I was wondering what you might recommend for nikon enthusiasts out there. I have alot invested in nikon lenses and have never really paid attention to video features on dslr cameras until I went out on a shoot with my friend who just purchased a nikon d7000. I have to say I was pretty impressed. I am awaiting to upgrade my d700 with it next successor which is set to come out in 2011 and the video features should be further along by then compared to what is available in today’s features on dslr cameras (short capturing times, weak sound and inability to effectively use autofocus features from higher end lenses while in video mode) Great info by the way!!! Any info you have is greatly appreciated
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Ahhh… never mind! I answered my own question — I can see you’re not offering this as a long day solution, but a light weight super mobile attack –looks great and is probably best used as part of a larger kit. I’d like to see how this would modify into a shoulder rig – for the doc shooter of longer format – and long work day – pieces.
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And by the way, I’d be very interested in hearing why you choose Redrock- as opposed to, say, the Zacuto rigs.
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I’m starting to build up my kit for my D7000, but my question is about the lens gear. I think RRMicro has 4 different sizes.
I was wondering which size fits on the Nikkor 24-70 2.8?
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Hi Vincent,
Can I put a microShoulderPad or a microBrace body pad in this kit?
What I have to buy more.
Thanks.
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Hi Vincent,
I bought a Redrock Run N` Gun and I would like to add a:
MicroBrace body pad accessory kit
OR
microShoulder Pad with Rod Clamp with microBalance Counterbalance Weight
Do I need any accessories (I.E. clamps, brackets, etc) to attach them together to the bundle?
Greetings
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Thank you for taking the time and putting these kits together.
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[...] Camera Rig für Spiegelreflexcamera – HDDSLR Run N’ Gun Kit « Vincent Laforet's Blog [...]
That’s really srwhed! Good to see the logic set out so well.
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Is the Marshall monitor worth it if you have a 60D. It wouldn’t be that much bigger of a screen size than the flip out on the LCD. And if the Marshall has the same scaling issues as some other monitors would we even be getting a bigger image at all?
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 12:29 am
The 7″ Marshall is great. The 5″ is nice – but not as necessary w/ the 60D as all other Canon cameras that don’t have flip out LCDs.
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Hi, love the info;
Q: can one attach a micro-brace body pad to the run n’ gun kit, to give extra stability?
thnx,
Rex
rexpix.net
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:26 am
Not sure – perhaps someone can answer!
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I’m tiaklng about the fader ND from FADER FILTER, not lightcaft .. Reply:May 27th, 2011 at 1:33 pmTruth be told – I’d have to do some updated tests. I used some of the very first ones for the purposes of using them for the blog. I used Schneider filters myself with all my stuff (circular + rectangular) on a daily basis and have stepped away from these rotating filters. Let me see if I can get updated demos from both companies and do side by side results. The one I tested is a lightcraft and it works very well for video (stills you notice differences vs Schneider fixed filters.)
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Vincent
Thanks so much for all the great info. I see that you use the Z Finder from time to time along with Red Rock gear. Is there a significant difference between the Red Rock rigs and those made by Zacuto?
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:12 pm
No – they are quite different in style/feel/look but both are of excellent quality.
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Hello Vincent,
Great piece and Thank You for taking the time to put it together. My question is where I would find the follow focus that you have in the video. I did not see it on the parts list or see it on the B&H list. Would love to know where to pick that up when you get a chance, Thank You!!
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Hi,
A question about the cheese plate in this rig,
So I understand that its for Run n Gun and I see how the cheese plate attaches to all the rods handels etc,
So what if I want to attach it to a quick release plate? Would that be possible? (attaching the quick release plate to the bottom of the cheese plate I mean.)
Thanks
Yohan V
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
August 31st, 2012 at 9:24 am
Yes – I do that so I can quickly put a shoulder mount on or affix the camera to sticks/slider.
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Does that focusing gear on the lens come with this kit? Thanks.
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Vincent Laforet Reply:
September 14th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Every item is sold sepearately – but I do believe RedRock does sell them as kits.
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