The Big Gear Geek-Out
It’s been a couple months since I got the Canon XL-H1, and I’m starting to get it dialed in the way I want it. Last week I mounted a Marshall V-R70P-HDA 7″ HD monitor to the rod plate on a Noga arm that puts the monitor way out to the left of the lens, perfect for hand-held work. I can support the arm with my left hand while still able to reach the zoom and focus rings. I bought a beefier arm than I needed so I would be able to do just that. It really makes it a lot easier to “fly” the camera around.
The one drawback to my setup is the weight. The H1 is heavy to begin with, but when you tack on the Anton Bauer battery, the monitor, and the Noga arm, the rig is a self-contained workout. It’s okay, though, because I’m used to dealing with heavy gear and my size also helps in managing the mass of equipment.
I was able to try the new configuration out for the first time on Tuesday, when I shot some b-roll footage on the set of a music video being filmed at a club Downtown. The video was being shot on 35mm by a crew from Lazlo Rain. It was nice to see a Moviecam rig in action. Film is still very much alive!
I also recently added the hard mount kit to my Redrock Micro M2 lens adapter, which is very nice. Calibration is much easier, and it’s now almost impossible for the adapter to slip focus do to pressure on the rod supports. I think I’m going to switch my lens mount from Canon FL to Canon EOS, though, because the old FL glass that I have isn’t really cutting it. I already have a bunch of really nice Canon EF glass, covering the range from 17/4 to 300/2.8, so it’s senseless not to use it for cinema work. I will also be able to make use of the magnificent 85/1.2 and 50/1.2 lenses owned by my apprentice, Eva, which will be very nice.
Okay, enough babble, it’s time to go shoot something!
You shoot, I shoot.