My Video Problems

rooster · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Ireland

I get the Foton mail every so often, they have produced a very inexpensive "steadycam" and having had a look I decided to order one, our friend from SDV fora, Karolina is leaving Foton sometime in the next few weeks (Husband has got a super new Radio Journalist Job) So I have ventured €80 euro and see if its any good it should arrive here in Dublin any day soon. Ill let you know what I think of it.
Remember I mentioned I bought some lighting stands well they are about to be tested in a few weeks time, We tried them in a large shed but now we are about to try them out doors. For what they have cost me they are very very good. If any of you are thinking of buying of the Foton stuff nows the time to do it as we still have a Forum member "at court"
Bill
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rooster · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Ireland

It arrived yesterday, didn't get time to "play " with it buts its very impressive for €85 thats around £60 in your money, its well made has a very good ball joint approx 22 mm diameter,well lubricated but with a screw type locking device. the weights are ingenious and can be added to or removed very easy,its light but I can see a need to strengthen the arms (mine) with a PD 150 sitting on top, I think the Manfrotto sliding table might be essential to get better balance, I just have that feeling, Theres a quick release on the top which will be very useful,I havn't figured out what the two movable handles are for I'm sure Ill get some explanation from Karolina before she leaves the Job. SWMBO thinks I.m just completely mad going up and down the stairs with this thing swinging. verdict so far great value for money,I couldn't make the gimble thing for anywhere near the cost.
As I make progress Ill keep you posted
Bill
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Robind-r · Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 7:54 am Post subject:

rooster · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Ireland

Thought that might generate a Embarassed

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Ben · Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 98 Location: London, UK

my short experience (not this model) was that the damn things are impossible to balance. but don't let me put you off!
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rooster · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Ireland

You know Ben you might be right (more right than not) but I have worked out a simple plan and if it works, its all down to how to suspend the handle, it will be for the PD150 only so I wont be changing it much. Unfortunatly I'm up to my eyes with organizing the Rally festival and I don't seem to have any time for my hobby,(Damn) maybe a few weeks from now things will have calmed down and Ill experiment a lot more but in the meanwhile Ill see how this thing "flys" if you excuse the terminology. (Ti's ) I have looked at all the home built on the selfbuild web site and theres no way anybody could make one of these for what it has cost me to buy it from Foton. I genuinly think they have seriously underpriced it, see the one on Hague is almost 3 times the price.
Bill
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"A stranger is just a friend you have yet to meet"