5D2 + Blackbird + LCDVF + Manfrotto Tripod

[Headshotzx]

Hi all, I need some help here. i'm creating a rig to fulfill my 4 wants for when I do certain projects, which are stills, flying, run-and-gun and tripod work.

Now the LCDVF is the simplest. Only question is if I'm short sighted by 200degrees, the screen wouldn't be an issue right?

Now for the blackbird and manfrotto tripod setup. The tripod head I'm going to buy would be either a 701HDV or a 501HDV. Then the blackbird. I notice that the QR plate for the manfrotto head is for camcorders and thus is a little long for the camera itself.

For my still work, i use arca-swiss compatible plates. Is it possible that I rig two arca swiss / wimberley clamps, one on the manfrotto QR, one on the blackbird, and get them to work? Do i need special screws / nuts / bolts to do so? Not sure if the clamp bottom is 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch etc.

 

[alternus]

Perhaps you can bring your gears down to Cathay Photo to try it out? I'm sure the guys there will allow you to.

 

[Headshotzx]

Perhaps you can bring your gears down to Cathay Photo to try it out? I'm sure the guys there will allow you to.

Yes, but I'm sure they're as clueless as me regarding the quick release options and freak-rigs for video. They were already unsure about stills' arca-swiss & manfrotto QR.

 

[ckchan]

Regarding the LCDVF- it does not have a diopter. There are other that allow for adjustments like the zacuto, which Cathay photo carries as well. But its really bulky & costly. The LCDVF works great for me cuz its really easy to mount & dismount with the magnetic frame

I have thought of using the arca-swiss system as well but I stick to the manfrotto sliding plate. because it allows me to slide the camera back to accomodate for the heavy front. esp with a big lens, matte box, follow focus. I can compensate by sliding the camera back on the tripod head.

I guess u can still achieve what u want by attaching a arca-swiss adapter on the manfrotto plate. U can also do the same on the blackbird. But I prefer to keep it simple. My biggest fear on a shoot is releasing the wrong plate & the camera falls off... which has happen before.

I use my 701 when I'm using my DSLR without a rig. When I have a full rig, the 701 cant stand the weight. I use the 501 or equivalent

 

[Headshotzx]

http://www.kirkphoto.com/SQRC-501PL_Manfrotto_Quick_Release_Clamp.html

heh hehh hehhhh :devil: Found what I was looking for!

I'm setting up a shoulder rig with all the peripherals such as top handle, LCDVF, follow focus (probably a Genus Bravo / Basic FF), Rotating arm for Zoom H4n and separate shotgun mic.

I'll probably buy the above manfrotto QR / Arca-swiss Kirk clamp quick release for the camera to be rigged onto my shoulder rig so I can transition between stills and video quickly. Then the 501HDV or 503 that I buy will have the QR where i put onto my shoulder rig for fast transition between shoulder-braced and tripod shooting.

Not going to try it on the blackbird though. My arm will die :sweat: