Re: Jib search

In EXACTLY the same buying mode as you, and have spent considerable time researching. I've had numerous shoots using the Seven jib ( www.longvalleyequip.com ) that a fellow shooter owns, and only had two complaints; 1- it tends to "bounce" a very small bit when trying to swing into a final rest position (usually during a more "dynamic" kind of move) 2- when you're "out of balance" position (say during a high to low move), the jib naturally tends to want to return to balance, thus making it slightly harder to hold on the out of balance position.

I've talked at length with the owner of Long Valley (GREAT guy, AND a DP), and he feels the 1st issue is one that will go away as the jib is used more - that the bearings still need some more "swing time" - and with decreased friction, that small "bounce" will diminish. The 2nd issue is probably the same with almost ANY jib arm (as it's simple physics). That said, PortaJib has a new "vector balance" thingy that they say helps. After reading their page carefully, it appears it's not a dynamic doohickey, but that you need to adjust it for the shot you're doing. (CAVEAT - I have *not* talked to them on that point.) As to "bounce", I *assumed* that having a pan friction control would help stop bounce, but after talking to Doug @ Long Valley, it seems more friction would only make bounce worse.

Now, I've talked alot about these 2 issues, but they're really VERY picky topics. I'll say that the Seven jib is very fast to set up, works great. I tend to use the LCD on the camera, so monitor mounting isn't a big concern. As I'm using a HPX500, rear controls, etc would add $$$ (my remote zoom/focus are just long enough for tripod use), so that wasn't part of my decision.


So on jib, I've decided to save $1100 and go with the Seven. It's got a fantastic build quality. I think the couple of extra features on the PortaJib Traveller just wouldn't come into play enough to make it worth it for me. (Given someone else's $, I'd buy the Traveller.)

On to dollies. Initially thought I was going with the Losmandy Spider Flextrak dolly. Seemed like an awesome concept. After much thread searching, seems like a great idea that's not so hot "in the field". Seems the Flextrak needs a really smooth surface to lie on. Also, the track stiffens below about 50F. Doorway dollies... also have found many comments that it's just "not enough"... great for smooth floors, but usually relegated to hauling gear, not camera. Chapman, Panther, Fisher, etc - right out due to cost, weight, crew.

Have read many success stories about skate wheel dollies, running on either ABS, PVC or standard metal track. IndieDolly, Microdolly, Supertrack dolly (from Long Valley), Glideshot dolly (VERY similiar to Supertrack Dolly). Indie & Micro, besides being $$ more than the other two, don't offer a way for cam op & AC to "ride on", or add weight (heavier = smoother, usually). Seems to me the simple design of a platform for your sticks & op, riding on skate wheels is the way to go. So I'm opting for Long Valley's Supertrack. That said, given OPM (other ppl's money), I'd buy a Matthews Doorway Dolly, along with Matthews Hot Buttons to ride it on track. But I'll save $$ instead. (PS - going to try to mod the Supertrack platform into a doorway dolly by adding removeable pneumatic wheels on top side of wooden platform.)

Hope this helps, as it's the end product of my research into your question.

"Constituo, ergo sum"

Bob Woodhead / Atlanta
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