OT: A Nice Jib?

mjroddy wrote on 12/25/2005, 9:48 PM

I'm thinking on selling my EZ FX Jib that I use for my freelance work.
I've become spoiled by the Miller PRO-JIB that I use at Real Job. It's lighter, easier to set up and is more functional (I have an old EZ FX Jib that doesn't lock in any way). The older I get, the heavier the EZ is.
If I plan on using a full rig (rods, follow focus and maybe a 35mm emulator) under a Z1U or XL-H1, what jib would your pros recommend?
And, anybody wanna buy a great condition EZ FX Jib? (If that question is out of line, let me know and I'll edit that line out.)

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 12/25/2005, 10:28 PM

If you don't need length/height. I LOVE the Hollywood Microjib. Superlightweight, manages up to 20lbs of cam. Kinda wish I had the extension though. We have a heavy crane that rarely goes out now, because it's so dang heavy by comparison. Micro is 12lbs packed up.

Coursedesign wrote on 12/25/2005, 10:41 PM

I bought a Microdolly Hollywood Jib on DSE's recommendation a long time ago, and have been very satisfied.

My camera weighs about 24 lbs. in standard configuration, and the jib works great with this. It is in fact rated at more than 50 lbs. camera weight (for heavy Panavision cameras), and I have no doubt that it can handle this.

It is very important to follow all the instructions to get full stability, I even took a training course at Microdolly, which taught me some things that were not immediately obvious.

They are raising their prices on January 1, now is the time if you want one.

They also rent extensions and curves, etc.

mjroddy wrote on 12/26/2005, 12:10 AM

I have to assume you mean this unit
http://www.microdolly.com/micro_3.html
And NOT what Google first comes up with under Hollywood Microjib, which is
http://www.habbycam.com/microjib.html
Very different units ;-)
Thanks for the suggestion and recomendation. I have just visited their web page and am requesting the pricing guide now.

Spot|DSE wrote on 12/26/2005, 12:52 AM

Yes, the former. (microdolly.com) We have one of their dolly systems that we've used in snow, creekbeds, on tabletops, etc. LOVE it. Coupled with a Fischer tripod and Microjib, it's a 40lb kit (dolly, jib, stix) and can't complain at all about that.
I would like to take the class that Coursedesign refers to, but haven't ever had time to go see Jerry at their shop. I know the Microjib is rated for 50lbs, but don't know that I'd use it that heavy, but it's all really well-tooled aircraft aluminum.

farss wrote on 12/26/2005, 3:14 AM

Have a look at the Portajib Traveller from Losmandy, same crew that gives us the Spider Dolly, we have both and they're a huge hit, handle anything from DV to Super 16 cameras, the Spider Dolly is good for 35mm now that we have all the couplings and the Portajib would be OK for lightweight 35mm cameras.
Best thing is they fold up very small.
What else gives you 15M of track that'll go around corners (or any shape you can imagine) and a jib that'll fit in a station wagon?
Bob.

Coursedesign wrote on 12/26/2005, 8:24 AM

I like the Losmandy Spider Dolly as a budget solution, haven't seen another good quality sitdown dolly for anywhere near this price. The only thing to watch out for is at the end of a dolly move, it's easy to get a "bounce."

The Microdolly jib has one really cool feature. It has a folding "crate" in the back instead of a barbell weight holder, the crate can be filled on location with a water pouch, sandbags, tools, heavy gear or anything else that is handy.

This is really fabulous, especially when shooting in remote areas where you actually have to carry the gear rather than just roll it in.