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EX1 Configurations
I’m in the midst of an edit so haven’t done a full trial run with my new EX1 yet, but the pic quality is truly impressive. Really enjoy the full manual control and lens is significantly better than Z1 etc., no problems with vignetting.
Agree with earlier observations: non-positive Camera/Off/Media switch, no 5600k preset (except in pic profile), rear menu roller too fiddly, would like more choice with the Assign buttons, but overall performs brilliantly. I really like being able to split a clip and lose the NG part of a take while keeping the rest. Disappointed at no obvious ‘power on’ indicator light; it is easy to leave it switched on accidentally.
Tripod: Interested in other experiences – I have a Miller Solo with the DS20 head. It works well for the size of the camera and with a matte box attached remains reasonable steady in wind, although specialist long lens work would need a heavier tripod/head.
Matte Box: With the Z1 I had a 2-stage Chrosziel on rails, worked well and the rails were helpful with handheld work. I have a Petroff lens-mounted m/b for the EX1 – love the box but am thinking of switching to rail mount. Also, two issues with this m/b. The LCD screen can not be closed with the m/b fitted, it has to be flipped out. Second, the m/b also fits too close to the camera relative to the baseplate; so the m/b has to be released in order to mount/unmount the camera frin tripod.
I’m waiting for the Sony wide angle adaptor but will switch to a century optics zoom-thru wide if it comes out soon enough.
It’s tricky to develop a comfortable handheld technique especially when a matte box and shotgun mic are mounted.
I’m sure these issues will be smoothed out with more experimentation but interested to know how other users have configured their systems.
Derek
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8 Replies
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I’m looking into getting the same set-up you have…mattebox and all. That’s interesting about not being able to close the LCD screen. I was wondering if the mattebox gets in the way of a mounted shotgun mic. Have you done any handheld work with it with the mattebox attached? How’s the balance?
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Looks like with the Cavision piece the flip out screen is in the closed position.
https://www.cavision.com/pictures/EX1/MB4510SPWM-EX1-2.htm
– Don
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My EX1 is coming Monday. I’ll put it on my 20 year old Vinten 5 sticks. I have a sachtler QR plate for going handheld fast. I got the Letus adaptor with a scaled down rail system by zacuto. I just got the V3 bridge plate and front rails with Z riser for fitting Letus. I also got the 7″ rods for behind V3 to fashion my own counterweight. I got Nikon FD and Canon EOS mounts to use my still lens group. I have my eye on a vocas matte box I found online. I used one like it (the 350) on a previous job and really liked it. I’m trying to find the attachment to mount the vocas MB to 15mm rails instead of clamping it. Holding off on Follow focus until I make a buck with the rig!
Got an ESATA two drive enclosure from OWC with E34 card for MacBookP. I think the card is 3G/bit rate max. The 0 Raid is as well so this should be be fast. With my current lacie 500G FW800 I’ll have redundant back up.
Now I need a Matrox card to monitor and use Color.
Upgraded to FCP 6.02 yesterday. Macbook pro 15″ (C2D) loaded Color w/o hiccup but don’t know if it will have the horses for any real workflow.
cheers,
Caleb Crosby, soc
calebcrosby.com -
The matte box doesn’t get in the way of a mounted shotgun mic, even when the flag is up and the mic is wearing a rabbit. I’m using a Sennheiser ECM-60. However the mic appeared in frame at the widest zoom setting. I solved this with a Rycote camera clamp adaptor (CCA) which raises the mic a bit but which also adds an essential extra level of noise insulation – the camera mic mount transmits too much noise.
As far as handheld work goes, it’s a slightly cumbersome configuration and requires two hand support unless you have particularly strong forearms. This is the other reason I’m thinking of using rails instead of the lens mount for the Petroff matte box – it means I can also support the camera with my left hand under the rails and still reach the lens controls.
However I’m also wondering about the value of one of those shoulder mount adaptors for ‘palm-held’ cameras. The camera performs so well it’s worth doing some experimentation to get the handheld side of things worked out.
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Sorry I meant Sennheiser ME-60…
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Thanks, yes that does seem to fit (just). I’d like to keep the Petroff but will look at options.
Also – I can solve the tripod head clearance issue by sliding the baseplate nearer the rear of the camera, however that puts the centre of gravity some way in front of the baseplate position, which isn’t ideal.
Derek
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Derek,
[Derek Hall] “However I’m also wondering about the value of one of those shoulder mount adaptors for ‘palm-held’ cameras. The camera performs so well it’s worth doing some experimentation to get the handheld side of things worked out.”
This and other considerations are why I’m going to hold off purchase until after cruising at NAB.
Ron Shook
Ron Shook
Shoulder-High Eye Productions
CreativeCOW Forum Host for Discreet edit* -
Interesting config Caleb and a testimony to how long a good set of sticks will last. I’m using Lacie Rugged 250GB drives for field storage and still finalising desktop storage – I’m testing a LaCie 500GB eSATA/FW800 which has performed better than expected so far.
My laptop is WindowsXP so I’m testing mediafour’s MacDrive utility to transfer SxS media to the LaCie rugged field drive and transfer that media into the Mac/FCP system. As soon as I’ve rehearsed an easy/reliable workflow I’ll double up on storage so that I have a duplicate set of all project media/rushes.
As for archiving, I think that’s another thread or forum.
Derek
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