[Steve Tan]

I just received shipping notice on the Handy Base.X so when I get it, I'm going to try to do a video "review" of it. I've never really done any before, so if there are tests or things that I should point out, please let me know!

Here's a promo video of the rig: http://vimeo.com/15714640



And here's their website: http://www.handyfilm...m/new/index.php

[AmilaC]

Steve Tan, on 01 November 2010 - 04:28 PM, said:

I just received shipping notice on the Handy Base.X so when I get it, I'm going to try to do a video "review" of it. I've never really done any before, so if there are tests or things that I should point out, please let me know!

Here's a promo video of the rig: http://vimeo.com/15714640
And here's their website: http://www.handyfilm...m/new/index.php

Thats awesome rig. i saw that b4. amazing. (also the intro is perfectly for the cinema )

Hmmm, technology comes and goes, its better to grow with currant. i think this is one of a big change and it's finishing is also perfect.

today i got my cowboystudio Shoulder Support Pad . its pretty perfect and low cost for my budget and working perfectly with my 60D.

here s te link - http://www.cowboystu...14/p1411-01.php

Simple and pineapple . .

[planetMitch]

That is interesting thanks for sharing

(going to see if they want to be part of the planet5D family grin)

[Steve Tan]

I just got the rig in the mail today. Here's a couple of pictures:
http://ow.ly/i/5c5H
http://ow.ly/i/5c5I

Initial reaction? It's incredible well-made. When I get home from work, I'm going to test it out some more.

[dreadedphoto]

Steve Tan, on 04 November 2010 - 07:20 PM, said:

I just got the rig in the mail today. Here's a couple of pictures:
http://ow.ly/i/5c5H
http://ow.ly/i/5c5I

Initial reaction? It's incredible well-made. When I get home from work, I'm going to test it out some more.

I'm really curious about the double shoulder mount. I'm not entirely sure how it works.

[planetMitch]

Steve Tan, on 04 November 2010 - 07:20 PM, said:

I just got the rig in the mail today. Here's a couple of pictures:
http://ow.ly/i/5c5H
http://ow.ly/i/5c5I

Initial reaction? It's incredible well-made. When I get home from work, I'm going to test it out some more.

Hi Steve!

Would you be willing to do a little review for us to post on planet5D blog? We've been in contact with them and will be doing a blog post this coming week - would be cool to have a user review to go with it.

planetMitch

[Mert]

Hello Guys,

I firstly want to thank Mitch for his invitation and warmly welcoming us here. I am happy to be here to answer any questions related to Base.X.

While we are making plans to make our own video to show features of Base.X in detail, we'd appreciate any sort of review showing our customer's experiences with Base.X.

Again, thanks for the invitation to planet5D to officially answer questions and collect any sort of feedback.

Regards,

[Jordan]

Hello mert,

I'm wondering if you can comment on how you see base.x integrating with future updates, upgrades, and new products.

I ask because my priority right now when buying gear is to really focus my spending on components that I know will work for me down the road even if (when) I change cameras/accessories. Things move so fast these days that I think general utility and universality are the most important factors.

[Mert]

Hello Jordan,

I will try to explain it as good as I can, but when we have a introduction video everything will be more clear.

We designed Base.X for maximum flexibility, and compatibility with both today's and future camera's requirements. We have many bundle suggestions but we actually want people to pick whatever they need and build up their own rigs.

There are things that will not change in near future (or like never) like rods, 1/4 screw holes and hot-shoe connector points. We preserve these in our system as it is, but we let you place whatever you need, wherever you want with almost everything length and height adjustable.

So it's safe to say that there isn't about anything incompatible with Base.X. Even sometimes we assemble things in different ways and make use of the rig in many different forms. Yet we are not suggesting these yet, maybe we will show these in short minute-videos in near future.

Like I said, someone who picked bundle 12 for some major professional shooting can just disassemble parts and go for his friend's wedding shooting with a lighter system like seen in bundle 8. Or someone who purchased bundle 8 can always upgade, add slots for hot shoe or 1/4 screws, screw holes etc.

At the end of the day, it's all about flexibility.

If you have further questions I'll be around.

[Jordan]

thanks for the detailed response. I'm glad to hear some people on the design/manufacturing have some of the same concerns as us users.

I'm really drawn to the cage-type systems out there for the DSLRs. Are you guys working on any components in that category?

[Mert]

There are many types of cages, but in general in a cage system you have to attach your equipment right around your camera. In my opinion in setups like these, the equipment kinda gets in your way, and blocks your view.

I know that most of you use LCD screens, viewfinder etc. but therefore during shots where you have to move around alot, I wouldnt be comfortable with a cage type system. That's why in Base.X all connector points are kind of placed behind the operators head.

You can place vital equipment where you can reach, but there is no need to keep stuff you don't need to touch right in front of your face right?

Well that's my personal thought. It might be different for other people of course.

[Jordan]

I think for handheld work you are totally right. I think my train of thought leads more to a studio-style setup. In that type of situation (controlled environment/tripod mounted) I think it actually pays to keep the camera as tight and compact as you can. Whenever you hear about these DSLRs being used on big projects (house, etc.) the filmmakers are always praising it's small size and ability to get shots from improbable angles. Some of these rigs spread the camera/aks out over so much rod and bracket that I think you lose the benefit of the small size.

I think for me the ideal solution is a slim fitting cage for studio work that can have a simple shoulder pad mounted for the necessary handheld shots. The new HDMI EVFs are gonna be totally essential for this, but I think ultimately it's the most pro/cine-style answer.

[planetMitch]

I had a little twitter chat with one of the planet5D followers yesterday - @elskidblog about the base.X and he was a bit dubious... I asked him to come post his ideas/suggestions/complaints here, but he decided to do it on his own blog which is probably a good idea

so, here's his HANDY BASE DSLR RIG – SEXY 3D RENDERS WHOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!! I WON’T BE BUYING THIS.

he's got some interesting questions and since I'm not carrying rigs around all the time and trying out new and different systems all the time, I don't know what make of elSkid's comments. What do you think?

[Mert]

Thank you Mitch for letting us know about some previews.

We have respect towards every sort of comment, negative or positive. Therefore since judged through pictures, and just specific ones where alternate setups or mechanical parts of the rig not shown or mentioned, I need to clear up a few things.

First of all, there is a complaint about monitor being so high. You can simply turn the monitor holder upside down, and attach your monitor that way. Most of all HD LCD monitors have horizontal flip, so you can set the monior somewhere low below, and top handle's height is adjustable, as well as the monitor holder's length.



Secondly, there are so many alternate setups we came up with. Using the rig for such a long time, we have felt nothing wrong about the handles position. Uncomfortable with it? Use the viewfinder plate and you can just move the handles and rods right in front of you into the middle. There is no picture for this configuration since it is just a suggestion, but there are many things that we can do by attaching or removing parts, and using a little bit of imagination.

I also need to remind that every piece on the body is height and length adjustable to fit your comfort.

Finally, regarding the flexibility issue. We have nothing fixed static on the body other than the rig's base itself. Everything is adjustable, you can attach your equipment almost anywhere you like and you may even come up with some use that we are not aware of. In fairness to the design, I simply can not accept Base.X not being a flexible system while preserving all industry standarts and giving maximum compatiblity.

P.S. - About comparison regarding the prices and use, I can't comment on that subject, and it wouldn't be ethical, therefore I can confidently suggest everyone reading this article to go ahead and do the comparison themselves.

By the way: Handy FilmTools is not originated in North America.

Regards,

[AmilaC]

Nice Discussions there. Hay Base X guys, i have little question. i saw your 3D rig. and wanna know, i'm gna do a 3D shoot with two 60Ds. is your rig supports DSLRs with perfect length dimensions of that mount?

Thank you guys . .

[Mert]

Hello Amila,

Well practically it's a 3D setup just because it has 3D plate on it, so whatever combination you get, you can add the plate on, so there is no seperate 3D rig. I just wanted to clear that up because some people might think that there is a seperate rig for 3D setups

Anyways, move on and answer your question. Maximum camera width for this setup is 135mm (approx. 5.31 inches). As far as I know 60D is about 145mm in width. Putting 60Ds side by side might just leave a bigger gap between two lenses than what we aimed to accomplish with that plate.

Plate was meant for enthusiasts who are willing to experiment around it, rather than high end 3D projects. You can also confirm the dimensions of this plate on our website by visiting Base.X Parts.

Regards

[AmilaC]

Mert, on 08 November 2010 - 10:20 AM, said:

Hello Amila,

Well practically it's a 3D setup just because it has 3D plate on it, so whatever combination you get, you can add the plate on, so there is no seperate 3D rig. I just wanted to clear that up because some people might think that there is a seperate rig for 3D setups

Anyways, move on and answer your question. Maximum camera width for this setup is 135mm (approx. 5.31 inches). As far as I know 60D is about 145mm in width. Putting 60Ds side by side might just leave a bigger gap between two lenses than what we aimed to accomplish with that plate.

Plate was meant for enthusiasts who are willing to experiment around it, rather than high end 3D projects. You can also confirm the dimensions of this plate on our website by visiting Base.X Parts.

Regards

Much appreciated about your reply Mr. Mert. Yes. its not possible to handle side by side 3D setup for DSLRs because of the long inches width separately. then its better to upgrade the 3D plate for DSLR 3D Shooters if asked them. and i found this 3D setup from the google and they found the correct dimensions with the width from upside down of another dslr . .

As you can see below . .




Thank you Mert . .

Cheers . .

[Mert]

Hello again guys,

In case you were never linked to our blog earlier, I just wanted to share a post from our prototype days. We actually did field tests on some real projects with Base.X

You can see the video by following this link to our blog (which has a url problem right now, it looks sort of out of place but you can see the behind the scenes video of a music clip where Base.X was in use).

Handy Base.X Prototype – Field Test

[Jordan]

How do you see the Base.X integrating with any of the off-camera battery solutions. Primarily the Anton Bauer Gold Mount with adapter cable.

[Mert]

Hello Jordan,

Please see the page below for detailed information about our cheese plate. You can attach your battery about anywhere you want on your rig. The cheese plate can be attached on counter balance weights, behind the top handle (if you are not getting double shoulder support), etc.

http://www.handyfilm...p?id_product=63

Of course if you have the double shoulder support and if you are not willing to use counter balance weights in combination with batteries, you don't have to get the cheese plate, since same screw holes are already on the double shoulder support's back.

Anton Bauer battery systems are compatible with both cheese plate and double shoulder support.

Also I remember that you had questions about tripod mount, cage type rigs etc. We have posted a video of a project where Base.X was tested few months ago. You can see some footage where Base.X was used in combination with a slider and a tripod, etc.

http://blog.handyfilmtools.com/?p=53

If you have further questions, I'll be around

Regards,