ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXGimbals
9 years ago - Graham Bradshaw
In the last year I've been gimbal operating and renting out my kit
How does everyone here feel about them? I think they're under utilised especially on short films and lower budget productions but they're gaining worth in huge budget productions too
Only members can post or respond to topics. LOGIN
Not a member of SP? JOIN or FIND OUT MORE
9 years ago - Mark Wiggins
They're a tool, just like a steadicam or technocrane.
Mostly, on big productions, I've seen them operated by a grip (or sometimes two) and the actual head/camera is operated remotely in the same way that a remote head on a crane is. Although a friend of mine has just used a Letus with the Letus operator doing the pan and tilt as well.
Seeing some good things with the letus. Seems to be more useful than a Ronin/Movi and there has been great success in using bigger cameras with it (for example, 35mm film cameras such as the Arri 235 and even the Panaflex XL).
With regard to operating the head/camera remotely, on bigger productions, it is almost always with a 'wheeled' control consol such as is used with a technocrane.
9 years ago - Graham Bradshaw
That's interesting. I know a lot of old guard cameramen see it as a grips job to use something like a ronin- but a lot of them I know seem fairly split.
I agree it's a tool of course but some are better than others I think it's as I originally said under-utilised. However I don't feel it's had its proper break in yet and when it does it will be a lot more popular - especially with the vests and harnesses that are available. I use the readyrig GS vest and it's awesome
Great to hear from you and see how you feel about it!
9 years ago - Mark Wiggins
A Camera Operator controls the pan, tilt and, sometimes, roll of a camera. When the head/camera is being operated remotely, the gimbal operator is a grip as he/she is not controling the pan/tilt of the camera. If, on the other hand, the gimbal operator is operating the pan and tilt as well, he/she is a camera operator. That is the difference.
To say someone is a grip by no means demeans their role. Grips are just as important as camera operators. The most important relationship an operator has on set is with his/her grip. Each one's job relies on the other. At the end of the day, they are just labels.
9 years ago - Graham Bradshaw
I understand roles of course, I was more interested in a discussion based on people's opinions of the new wave of gimbals.
I do agree they are rather brilliant if you just attach one to a crane as well.
And yes from your first reply the letus look awesome and I haven't had a chance to try one. Maybe your friend could give a fellow film maker a demo?
9 years ago - Mark Wiggins
9 years ago - Graham Bradshaw
Yeah they are great