Yes

Here is the first prototype of the DSLR ENG Cage rig – The RR-1. Only a quick note tonight as it just had the last bolt screwed down for its first job tomorrow morning. Ill update here tomorrow evening as to how it worked out.

The rig

Based on my early training on the ENG cameras of old (400′s etc.), I’ve always felt that whilst never delivering the ideal picture, the ENG camera body and the design behind them allowed for the greatest versatility in operating, and while having been put off DSLR shooting for anything other than product shots, I wanted to combine the two practises in one unit, so I designed this rig:

DLSR ENG Cage 1

DSLR Camera body ( / scarlet / yada – i.e. small forma factor chip body)
Lighter then todays prosumer video cameras.
Neutral weight on the shoulder to allow natural operating (with V-lock battery attached)
Full access to cameras controls whilst shooting
Orientatable viewfinder (!) – Shoot form the shoulder / hip / floor instantly
Breaks down to just the camera body with one click
Breaks down to a handheld action cam cage in 4 clicks
Dual monitor breakout (DA’ed)+ 12v Tap for follow focus. Upgrading to Lemo outs in the next version.
ENG snap plate

This is the first prototype; electronics made by Anthony of MKV Stedicam fame and cage parts by CPM Film Tools (and B&Q for bolts + bits to make the thing become one piece…) and it seems to do all of the above.

Its not perfect yet but its already better than I wanted from the first attempt. More to follow.

UPDATE | 26/04/10

7 Hours after the first build and the rig was on set for its first outing shooting a Commercial in sunny East London – This rig is QUICK. Quick to build, operate, mount and lucky fix. We were getting twice the shots we were expecting and they looked amazing. Everyone a client pleaser.

Now… The minor problem is that we were told a we got on set that we had to all be under NDAs as the product launch isn’t for month, so all the behind the scenes footage of the rig at work is in the suite awaiting until I can output it… This is the only picture I can use and its not the most dynamic…

©The RR1 Prototype

On the day

In use it worked perfectly in terms of operating. Getting shots on the shoulder then instantly re-positioning to the hip or even floor, whilst rolling to get another angle. I’d happily shoot a documentary project with this, even in this early build. The viewfinder in B/W with Peaking, so once calibrated in the morning, you can shoot all day pulling sharps yourself if you have to. I was using f2.8 L series Zooms most of the time and nervously double checking my focus, but so far so good! I was pulling correctly just using the SD viewfinder – double checked my my AC. Im not sure I’d want to pull the 1.2 /1.4 series on the 5d like that, but anything in the f2.8-f4 range seemed very usable – Again, definitly a rig I’d use for small crew doco style filming.

My AC on the job (Simon Turnbul) was fascinated by it and tested it from his point of view between setups – He loved it, just the week before he was shooting on the Zacuto rig, 20 min take and said he felt his arms aching, normal for that style rig and ok, but ones reactions become slower with fatigue and the shots suffer. Because the RR1 is operated by having the arms closer to the chest (ENG style) and a more neutral balance, your more free to take the weight on the shoulder, brace your arms to your body and operate hand held for longer… want to grab a shot low on the hip? 2 second re-jig. Easy.

Problems

We had an issue with the video DA in the viewfinder unit, but thats being fixed today – just a loose connection. I also thing the cage needs to be re-enginnered to be more quick release in the right parts, its not slow now, but could be quicker – these build was from pre-exisitng parts so the next will be a custom unit thats a little prettier, smaller and more focused on the object of an ENG style system.

We (FW) are looking for a partner now who can work with us to help build a more focused cage unit…

The Future

Ill update this page with a video demo and proper shots. In the meantime i welcome any thoughts or feedback.

Design / Concept: Rollo Hollins (© Rollo Hollins 2010) @ FLETCHERWILSON
RR1 will be available to rent from FLETCHERWILSON shortly. Please inquire at the following address: Email