SIM Accessories

[John DeBoer]

Sim Video's Accessories

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Hi Guys:

With all this talk of accessories, what do people think of the following set up we have developed at SIM VIDEO?

http://www.reduser.net/forum/uploaded/3448_1203709563.jpg


1) Handle/VF support/Battery Plate: This system includes everything you need for your RED upper support. Using lightweight, but extremely durable aircraft aluminum, the handle is extremely versatile with multiple 3/8th and 1/4 threaded holes. On the viewfinder mount, there are multiple adjustments available, with positive locking features, and it comes with a 4" and an 8" extension rods that works with the standard ARRI style EL3 eyepiece leveler. The battery is mounted on a moveable system that allows with one lever to adjust the battery anywhere from flat across the top of the camera, to straight down the back of the body, and any where in between. Battery holder is set up for mounting RED, Anton Bauer and IDX battery plates.

2) Toe Piece: The toe piece works with all ARRI dovetails, and has 15mm rods with Studio and Lightweight rod spacings. Positive lock system holds camera securely on the dovetail.

3) Downconverter/Breakout Box: Converts one HDSDI to VBS (standard definition) as well as giving you access to USB, and all DIN connectors on the RED. Power comes via the 12v connector on the rear of the RED.

Anytime we have shown any of this at our shops, we get bombarded with requests.

What does everyone think?


John DeBoer
Director of Eastern Operations,
Sim Video Group of Companies
(Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, Beijing)


WWW.SIMVIDEO.COM

[Kevin Lang]

Well have to be honest, the first reaction was not as sexy as ET very straight lines and clean (not that is a bad thing). The handle is very remindful of a ENG camera. I would like to see more angles of this setup, very interested in the breakout box. I guess a real overall deciding factor would be what is the price point of all this and is it available?

[John DeBoer]

These handles have been adapted from our long history of changing ENG style cameras for cinematic use. We have been using these style of handles since we supplied Earth Final Conflict, many years ago. All of our cameras (Viper, F900H, F900R, Varicam, F950) have these handles. 130 in service for over 5 years, and no failures yet....they truly are bulletproof.

Prices and availability will be announced shortly.....remember, we do need to supply our 50 RED cameras with these accessories.

[Nils Ruinet]

The downconverter / breakout box sounds cool. This will become handy for steadicam work and if you need to use a wireless transmitter.

Do you have more details on weight and price (and availability) ?

Nils.

EDIT: oups, sorry, you just answered my question...
WOW, 50 cameras ?!

[John DeBoer]

Weight wise and price wise you will be very happy......


First 5 are in house......only 45 to go.....

[Curran Giddens]

HOLY S#*T!

50 REDs?

I think that setup looks pretty sweet, BTW.

[Brent J. Craig]

Hey John,

Those look pretty good! My comments:

-have you found a way to make your Swits and Anton Bauers report voltage to the camera, or another way to use 3rd party battes without nasty shutdowns?

-have you or could you include any other connectors - for example 11-pin fischer for 12VDC (and maybe start/stop with standard accessories), B4 lens connector with start/stop and return, 4-pin hirose for SIM accessories?

-the eyepiece leveller is brilliant. Looks totally usable.

-have you considered adding normal 3-pin XLRs for sound?

-is there still a headphone out?

Nice work, guys. I'd love to see these the next time I'm in.

[R. Gonzales]

Hey John,
I think you have something there. I wonder if you would be able to incorporate top rails to the handle. Something to think about, or is your design final?

Method

[Brent J. Craig]

What does the big kip-lock right under the RS232 port do?

The baseplate should extend the length of the camera. Seems like there would be a lot of torque on those front screws if you put this rig on a car mount or something.

Will this system allow for the Red Drive or is CF the way to go?

[Chris Burket]

top rails would be good. You could mount motors there when your doing steadicam.

[Ken Willinger]

Really like the handle. I could definitely use that in the doc work that I do. When might these accessories be available to the general RED population?

[M Taylor]

Interested. Do you have a handheld configuration in the works too??

[Jason Wingrove]

Jeez tough room!

Well my first thought was YAAAY a VF mount with EPL! brilliance. looks well thought out too, lots of adjustment :biggrin:

Secondly i like the fuss free simple top handle and CAM LOCKS, (crikey red why does everything red make have to have tools?)

One comment, the bridgeplate only going under some of the body looks pretty unsusual? why so much of the body unsupported? presume its more stable than it looks?

Breakout box does look good (More pics?) ET's one (although ive not used it) look flimsy enough to defeat the purpose?

Other comment is where does the drive go?

Hmm room under the camera for a drive dock?

Lastly. it seems real hard for anyone to do a separate battery block?
always having the battery on the back is a bit of a pain.

Overall, nice work guys!

[David Battistella]

I like this because it is streamlined and light weight. I have a question about where and how to mount a RED DRIVE in this setup. To me it only looks like a CF solution at this time.

I'd also like to see this setup with an LCD instead of the EVF.
My other question would be about how to make this a quick and comfortable handheld solution. Since this looks like it is geared toward EFP style, I think adding a shoulder pad of some kind might round out what you are trying to do here.

The battery mount and the fact that it is easy to move out of the way (to get at the camera's joystick control and rear screen) is an absolutely excellent idea.

Hope this helps.

David



David

[John DeBoer]

-have you found a way to make your Swits and Anton Bauers report voltage to the camera, or another way to use 3rd party battes without nasty shutdowns?

-have you or could you include any other connectors - for example 11-pin fischer for 12VDC (and maybe start/stop with standard accessories), B4 lens connector with start/stop and return, 4-pin hirose for SIM accessories?

-the eyepiece leveller is brilliant. Looks totally usable.

-have you considered adding normal 3-pin XLRs for sound?

-is there still a headphone out?

Answers:

Working on the nasty shut down problems....2 solutions being worked on now....should know answer next week.

Start/Stop is going to be very similar to the one you currently use with our F900Rs.

Eyepiece leveller is the same (you probably recognize it) as the one we used for the F900r/Varicam/Viper)

XLR3 pins will be a seperate box that will be added to the current one...you will be able to use the BNC one with/or without the XLR one.

Sorry, missed the headphone jack.....yes it is on our box as well.

[Peter McCully]

Does the standard definition conversion on the break-out box do PAL?

[Mitch Gross]

Nice work, John. Is that made for you by VF Gadgets? They do excellent work. Not meant as a putdown or evil reveal -- I'd call it a good move to have them build this exclusive for you. We do the same with others for some of our projects.

Mitch

[John DeBoer]

Jeez tough room!
One comment, the bridgeplate only going under some of the body looks pretty unsusual? why so much of the body unsupported? presume its more stable than it looks?

Breakout box does look good (More pics?) ET's one (although ive not used it) look flimsy enough to defeat the purpose?

Other comment is where does the drive go?

Lastly. it seems real hard for anyone to do a separate battery block?
always having the battery on the back is a bit of a pain.



Thanks for the positive feedback!!

Answers to your questions:

Super Stable. Rock solid, and square to the lens mount. No Play. Arri Specs to the 1/32 inch. You will see next week why so small......hint: Handles (and I like Arri S4 Handles....they work)

Breakout box (shown one has downconverter, another will be avail w/o it) is super strong.....can take a beating.

Battery plate can be removed from handle by loosening the screw on the side of the handle......as well, this screw allows for a 1 inch folcrum adjustment of the viewfinder. (See Video early next week)

Cheers

[John DeBoer]

Nice work, John. Is that made for you by VF Gadgets? They do excellent work. Not meant as a putdown or evil reveal -- I'd call it a good move to have them build this exclusive for you. We do the same with others for some of our projects.

Mitch

Hi Mitch:


All the VF gadgets handles were designed by us with the help of a local manufacturer. This is why the handles look similar. If you ever seen our mods to the viper, they were not available for the general public, but look similar. We kept those viper mods internal, but when we showed the RED mods, we have had nothing but phone calls and questions on these parts......because everyone knows our stuff works in rentals....so it should work pretty good on the RED.

:)

Good eye Mitch......

[John DeBoer]

Does the standard definition conversion on the break-out box do PAL?

Yes.....

[John DeBoer]

Interested. Do you have a handheld configuration in the works too??

Early next week.....Uses Arri S4 configuration.

[Alexis Vanier]

All I have to say is WOW. I just got the PLAYBACK magazine today and read you bought 50. Is that to share across all your outlets across America or is that only in Canada?

I love the top handle, but am not so crazy about the toe instead of full baseplate.

I might shoot in Nova-Scotia next year. Looks like I'll be dropping by to ask questions!

[Jason Wingrove]

whats a playback magazine?

[John DeBoer]

All I have to say is WOW. I just got the PLAYBACK magazine today and read you bought 50. Is that to share across all your outlets across America or is that only in Canada?


Worldwide, but many of them will be located in North America.



I love the top handle, but am not so crazy about the toe instead of full baseplate.
The toe is super solid.....there is NO movement, no slop. Please remember, the bottom is milled from one large block of anodized
aluminum. We are very grateful for the threaded holes RED has put in the camera body....the connection to the camera is the most solid we have ever made.


http://www.reduser.net/forum/uploaded/3448_1203775215.jpg


I might shoot in Nova-Scotia next year. Looks like I'll be dropping by to ask questions!

Any time. We will have a package in our LA office late next week for anyone to drop on by. Currently we have several sets in Toronto, and will have them in all the offices shortly.

[Anders Holck]

whats a playback magazine?

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=playback+magazine&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[David Battistella]

whats a playback magazine?

It's Canada's industry rag..


David

[Arthur Levy]

Handle looks great!

Do you have an adjustable LCD mount, Red Drive mount, and hand held configuration?

Weight with Red One in a hand held configuration is a problem and the lighter your products are, the better. I look forward to seeing more.

[John DeBoer]

The Red drive mount is in development.....but I can't say more as the copyright on those parts is not finished. Once we get our protection on the rest of the accessories, they will be announced.

But I can say this: The hand held system we have developed will blow every one away. The LCD mount with the RED arm can be screwed into the handle, as per what most AC's do now.....we could easily make a block that could go on the viewfinder mount with a hole tapped for the RED ARM....would people be interested in that?

The products are extremely light....we have hollowed out any peice where structural integrity was not required.

[Joel Kaye]

But I can say this: The hand held system we have developed will blow every one away.

Can't wait to see it. Other than light weight, the key thing I'd like to see is the ability to quickly pop the camera off a tripod and go handheld for a few quick shots and then back on the tripod while shooting to RED Drive.

Any ETA on delivery/pricing? Weeks or months?

Also, adding a LCD mounting hole in the EVF arm couldn't hurt. There should be a way for the operater to use the EVF while the AC uses the LCD.

[Fredrik Callinggard]

Hi John,

Are you planning on making these on order or are you just teasing us:biggrin:

[John DeBoer]

I don't tease...............lol

Website link from www.simvideo.com main page will be up early next week. Like I said earlier, we showed this gear at our open house in Toronto, and more people than I could even count asked me if we wanted to sell the accessories.

So, we listened. Is that a bunch of machines I hear working?

[John DeBoer]

Can't wait to see it. Other than light weight, the key thing I'd like to see is the ability to quickly pop the camera off a tripod and go handheld for a few quick shots and then back on the tripod while shooting to RED Drive.

As fast as you can slide the dovetail off, and slide the handles on. 4-5 seconds work for you?



Any ETA on delivery/pricing? Weeks or months?

The machines are already working.


Also, adding a LCD mounting hole in the EVF arm couldn't hurt. There should be a way for the operater to use the EVF while the AC uses the LCD.

The LCD can also be mounted off the top of the handle. The top of the handle is a single row of threaded holes, like a cheeseplate.

[James T Mather]

How much?

[Arthur Levy]

Shock mount for the Red Drive?

[John DeBoer]

It does need a shockmount, doesn't it....

[Dale Launer]

At first glance, I like the lightness factor. But this is a studio configuration and weight isn't much of a factor. If you were to put this set up on your shoulder, you'd likely find it would want to roll off because of the battery and the EVF being mounted so high.

Using RED's gear, I've mounted the drive and battery so they're hanging BELOW the camera (in the back) and on your shoulder - it's a heavy beast, but you can take your hands away and the damn thing will just sit there - perfectly balanced. If you could marry those two ideas - you'd really be onto something.

[Jason Wingrove]

good point dale, hold that thought till we see what john has planned in the HH department next week tho. cant wait. Love the KISS theory here. Top rails may keep steadicam guys happy but always seems a bit optional to me.

Still there is a need out there for the EXTERNAL battery problem,
i understand the tech issues at the moment but im really not used to all this onboard battery stuff, i guess its all efp / eng / doco friendly but for drama / tvc etc work its great to be able to get the extra weight off the camera and put it on the deck / dolly platform / round your waste / in the grips backpack etc etc. hopefully a solution will arise soon.

Great work anyway john (love that vf mount & epl)

[Jason Wingrove]

any other angles john?

[John DeBoer]

At first glance, I like the lightness factor. But this is a studio configuration and weight isn't much of a factor. If you were to put this set up on your shoulder, you'd likely find it would want to roll off because of the battery and the EVF being mounted so high.


Hi Dale:

The pics for one of our handheld configs will be up Monday or Tuesday. We found 2 problems with the stock gear: it balanced nice with the RED lens, but with a Cooke S4 or Master Prime, it was just too front heavy, and the second problem is the width of the RED itself. Its around 2 inches wide, with not enough support on the shoulder. Another note about our battery clip: It can telescope out another inch that is adjustable for balance purposes.

A hint about our handle system: I really, really like the Arri handles. And I think most operators do as well, as they have been using them for many years now. Oh, and I know how even a quick changeover from studio to HH seems to take forever on set........even if it takes a few seconds.

Dale, did you ever get a chance at CINE GEAR last year to put the VIPER/VENOM system we built on your shoulder? You could actually let go of the camera and it would stay on your shoulder. The RED system we have will be the same, but with more control over the fulcrum point.

[Scott Webster]

John,

I can see a lot of vfgadget influence in the design. Will you be priced accordingly?

[John DeBoer]

John,

I can see a lot of vfgadget influence in the design. Will you be priced accordingly?

Priced SIMilar.....lol

All our cameras (f900, Varicam, Viper, HDX900) have carried similar handles, some since the days of Earth Final Conflict. (1999?)

[Dale Launer]

The pics for one of our handheld configs will be up Monday or Tuesday.

I look forward to it - thanks.

Dale, did you ever get a chance at CINE GEAR last year to put the VIPER/VENOM system we built on your shoulder?

I did not - but it does look nicely fore and aft balanced.

But you might play with putting the weight down low - it gives you a touch of a Steadicam (if that makes sense) in that the center of gravity for the whole rig drops dramtically. Here's a wacky idea that might work - a shoulder mounted gimbal/gel pad/shoulder mount. If you have the weight hanging down off behind your back - it would be like a Steadicam mounted on your shoulder. You wouldn't get any up and down dampening, but the side-to-side rocking/tilting would likely be a little tempered in severity. (Just keep those knees bent and you might have a stabilizer.

Another idea - an Aaton like grip with a stop start button built in.

[Joel Kaye]

Still there is a need out there for the EXTERNAL battery problem,

RED sells a battery belt option already, so that's solved.

[Jason Wingrove]

a battery that clips onto your belt like a mobile phone? not the same really

[John DeBoer]

Another idea - an Aaton like grip with a stop start button built in.


Yes....like the Arri S4 handles for the 535. We put them on our F900rs, Varicams, Vipers, Etc. They are still my favorite......and a lot of operators favorites too.

[John DeBoer]

But you might play with putting the weight down low - it gives you a touch of a Steadicam (if that makes sense) in that the center of gravity for the whole rig drops dramtically. Here's a wacky idea that might work - a shoulder mounted gimbal/gel pad/shoulder mount. If you have the weight hanging down off behind your back - it would be like a Steadicam mounted on your shoulder. You wouldn't get any up and down dampening, but the side-to-side rocking/tilting would likely be a little tempered in severity. (Just keep those knees bent and you might have a stabilizer.

Okay Dale....you got me thinking. Well, that and the Balvenie Doublewood Scotch......

I'll try it mounting the battery low over the back of the shoulder......this could be very interesting.

[Joel Kaye]

a battery that clips onto your belt like a mobile phone? not the same really

It's a v-mount at the end of a 10 foot cable. Put it wherever you want. What are you looking for?

[Jason Wingrove]

This is a battery belt.. that other thing will fall off your pants the first time you run down some stairs. these things are designed to take jolts, Im sure someone will find the red version useful though. Overall Im talking PROPER on stage / location grunt, a big block you can sit on the dolly for hours running transmitters, on board monitors etc so the loaders can do other things rather than replace batteries.

[Joel Kaye]

This is a battery belt.. that other thing will fall off your pants the first time you run down some stairs.

Oh, so you're looking for that style battery belt? Buy a RED power cord and wire it in. If you're going to wait around for RED to produce exactly that item it could be a while. Or you could contact those guys and have them make a RED version. I think a RED Lemo to 4 Pin plug would solve your problem - make one or shortly I'm sure RED or 3rd parties will sell them.

[Brent J. Craig]

...Well, that and the Balvenie Doublewood Scotch......

I knew Rob was paying you too much! :-)


I was handheld with one of your Varicams all day today and I can vouch for the greatness of using the Arri handles. They snap right into the toe plate and balance perfectly.

[Jason Wingrove]

of course. was not expecting red to make anything, they have their hands full.

Hoping we can sort out the battery voltage monitoring situ that makes off the shelf battery systems a bit of a risk with the red at present.

[dok]

Nice work, John. Is that made for you by VF Gadgets? They do excellent work. Not meant as a putdown or evil reveal -- I'd call it a good move to have them build this exclusive for you. We do the same with others for some of our projects.

Mitch

Thanks for the kind words about VFGadgets Mitch. Just to further clarify John’s response, VFGadgets work with many different design engineers & manufacturers for our various products. We work with the same engineer/manufacturer at PCI that Sim does for the heavy duty camera handles – who is actually the designer/manufacturer of all of these handles. As a point of interest, keep your good eye out for some exciting Red accessories that VFGadgets will be launching in the very near future designed by this same wizard engineer.

David OKeefe
Dir. of Product Development & Sales
VFGadgets.com

[Alexis Vanier]

ARRI HANDLES ! DROOOOOL ! I've been amazed at how much the shoulder mount solutions suck so far. You've set my expectations pretty high now !

I can see how you can have steadicam ops drooling over your handle if it's also a cheese plate like contraption !

[John DeBoer]

Jeez tough room!

One comment, the bridgeplate only going under some of the body looks pretty unsusual? why so much of the body unsupported? presume its more stable than it looks?


How is this for stable?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AATbf5J8vE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AATbf5J8vE)

[P Andersson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AATbf5J8vE

nice, i want that in my kitchen when reaching for the top shelves

[Jason Wingrove]

Jeezuz, it was just a question john !!! :blush:

thats scary (but good)!, just dont let RED R&D see

[John DeBoer]

thats scary (but good)!, just dont let RED R&D see

RED should see it....and be proud.....that camera is solid....the funny part...I never even tested it slowly...I just went and stood on it. Scared the crap out of the guys in the prep bay......

I have seen inside this beast....the body itself is built tough!!

As well as the toe piece....lol

[Brent J. Craig]

Went out testing today with Red 587 using the SIM handle and baseplate. They are rock solid. The handle is big and comfortable and makes the camera feel steady and substantial. The toe plate with its big kiplock handle locks solidly and is easy to work with.

I also confirmed that the camera with the Sim handle and baseplate attached fits into a Pelican 1510 case (the largest legal carry-on), with room for a battery, LCD and 18-50 zoom. This combo weighs in at 33 pounds. Should be just right for our round the world shoot!

[Damien Molineaux]

I like the idea of the Sim toe piece, including both light weight and studio rod support, but this is only 15mm. Sim, would you please make an equivalent toe piece with 19mm studio rod support ? That will be a sure hit, I am client number 1 for that part.

Cheers,
Damien

[Petros Nousias]

Does the downconverter come in a pal version as well?

[Andrew Benz]

I like the idea of the Sim toe piece, including both light weight and studio rod support, but this is only 15mm. Sim, would you please make an equivalent toe piece with 19mm studio rod support ? That will be a sure hit, I am client number 1 for that part.

Cheers,
Damien

The toe piece IS brilliant. I love the way it allows the RED to sit as low as possible on the shoulder. Look at the 00:17 sec mark of this video to get an idea. For those that may have missed it in the threads John mentioned that people could customize a foam or gel solution to their own tastes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es6qdcoXYeI&feature=related

Damien, I hope you get a good response to your request.

Cheers,

Andrew Benz
Content Producer/Cameraman
Deep South USA

[Matthew Greene]

Great to have these options. I personally love the downconverter box and the battery plate. The other accessories don't really work for me but I'm sure others will.