New website and a new store

Haven't posted anything on this blog after the group buys ended, but I felt that it would be time to write an update.

Through the contact with the manufactures, I decided that it would be a smart move to set up my own store, which you can find here, and in the process also renew my company website.

I'm not only a reseller, but am developing with other companies and alone some new products, such as the Satin Remote, a "pan bar" style remote control for brushless gimbals.

GL Optics 18-35 group buy starts now!

UPDATE: The group buy is over, but you can find more info about the lens on my store, where you can also order it. Please send me a mail if you any questions about this or other GL optics lenses.

You can start ordering the GL optics Sigma T1.8 18mm-35mm now. Price will be between 2880USD and 3280USD including shipment, depending on the amount of ordered lenses (more details below).

To order, send me on reduser.net a pm or an email with your name + email, paypal, invoice and shipping addresses, what mount you want (PL, Canon or Nikon) and how many lenses you want to purchase. I'll collect the data in a spreadsheet and send it to Nan after the deadline, which is on September 15th midnight PDT. Nan / GL optics will then charge everyone via paypal depending on the amount of ordered lenses and start immediately after IBC to ship the lenses.

Here are the answers to most of the questions which came up on reduser:

1) How big is the focus pull (in degrees)?

It's about 120 degree focus rotation

2) What's the real T stop of the lens? Could you mark the T-stops on the lens instead the f-stops?

The real T stop is 1.8, please check here: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Sigma-18-35mm-F1.8-DC-HSM-A-Canon-mount-lens-review-fixed-focal-length-quality-in-a-zoom/Sigma-18-35mm-F1.8-DC-HSM-A-Canon-versus-primes

3) Which image circle is covered (at 18mm and at 35mm). Will they cover the 5k Mysterium-X sensor or even the 6k Dragon sensor?

It will cover 5K sensor without problem. You will see the footage later. I have no 6K dragon, so I don't know it will cover or not.

4) If we order ~20 lenses, how fast could you ship them?

I think I can offer 20 Lenses within 5 weeks. maybe earlier:) But there is IBC 2013 at September, So 5 weeks is OK I think.

5) Will the lens keep focus when zooming?

Of course the Lens will hold on the focus when you zoom it.

6) How is the breathing?

I don't change the optical designed. So the breath will not change compare to the original condition.

7) Could you do some test videos incl. focus pulls and zooms?

Yes, you will find the test footage later.

8) Other than PL and Canon mount, would also be a Nikon mount possible? Are the PL and Canon mount user replaceable?

Depends one the order's number. If there are many orders of Nikon mount, I think I can make it. But I can't offer the replace Mount version now. Because it's very hard to hold on the focus on the Zoom Lens. If I offer the replace mount version, I think it maybe will has INF issue...

And, most importantly, here's the price (it's a public offer, so it's not password protected this time):

For 0-25 Lenses, the price is 3200 USD for lens + 80 USD for the cost delivery = 3280 USD.

For 25-50 units, I can offer 3000 USD for Lens + 80 USD cost delivery.

For more than 50 units, the price will be 2800 USD + 80 USD cost delivery.

Also, I asked Nan if he can ship a lens to Phil Holland to make a review about the build quality. There's already one lens in LA for a review. Nan is now contacting Phil about doing some more tests.

MYT group buy starts

The group buy will start probably tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

New deadline is August 18th midnight PDT.

Roughly, I think this is how it will work:

Everyone creates an account on the MYT online store

You send me the name under which you registered at their store. I'll send the list of names to MYT

Julia from MYT adds us RedUsers to a special group (you will only see discounted pricing once she has placed you in the group)

MYT will use the assumed quantity bracket of 25-30 orders [see blog for the discount percentage], but we only need to reach 20 orders!

RedUsers browse, viewing discounted pricing on available items

We purchase online with the discounted pricing, and hopefully we reach the 20 orders.

If not enough orders come in, the money will be refunded. If more orders come in, we either get money back or a discount for the next purchase. Will ask MYT again about it.

Given how many messages I got in the lat days, I'm pretty confident that we reach at least 20 orders, probably even more than 25!

MYT Works won the poll!

50% of us voted for the MYT Works offer which led to a clear winner, with Floatcam's offer on a strong second place.

I opened now a new thread on reduser where Julia and Etienne from MYT Works and myself will post all the information about how the group buy will work.

GL Optics Sigma 18-35 rehoused

UPDATE: The group buy is over, but you can find more info about the lens on my store, where you can also order it. Please send me a mail if you any questions about this or other GL optics lenses.

I'm in contact with Nan from GL optics for several months now because of a group buy of rehoused Leica lenses (have a look at this thread).


Nan wrote me today a mail that he's also offering now a rehoused version of the popular Sigma 18-35.

Given that so many reduser want to get this lens, I asked him whether he might be interested in doing a group buy on it and he agreed.


I'll post his offer later this week password encrypted here on my blog, like I did for the steadicam and slider group buy (the slider group buy is still open, by the way).


Send me a pm on reduser.net if you're interested in the group buy to get the password for the offer

For more updates, check the reduser thread about his group buy.

Vote now!

All offers are in. You can now vote for your favorite offer. I'll contact next week the elected manufacturer to start the group buy. Please vote only if you're serious about purchasing a slider

Floatcam - DollyCrane HD - Updated

Here's the offer from Floatcam (also known as Matthew's Slider).

Show encrypted text

Have a look at their website for more details.

Kessler - CineSlider

Here's Kessler's offer. Have a look at their website for more information on their sliders.

Show encrypted text

Cinevate - Atlas

Cinevate's offer just came in. Here's a link to their website.

Show encrypted text

 

Rehoused Leica / Nikon lens group buy

Anyone interested in getting a nice set of rehoused Leica or Nikon AIS lenses? Or maybe even a set of "real" new cine lenses? I contacted TLS, Van Diemen, Eastern Enterprises, PS Technik, Focus Optics, GL Optics and an amazing lens manufacturer you all know :) PS Technik is busy, some haven't replied yet, but others seem to be interested. Here's a little teaser

What about the other manufacturers?

So what about the other manufacturers? Glidecam can't offer us any special deal, since they have exclusive dealers in different countries. Floatcam (Matthew's) is discussing the group buy with their exclusive dealers. Cinevate and Kessler are still considering their options for a group buy. Dana Dolly and IndieDollySystems haven't replied yet.

MYT Works

Last, but not least, here's MYT Works offer. More information on their website.

I was on the phone with Etienne and Julia from MYT works. For orders of 20 of more, they could start shipping within 15 business days and should be finished within six weeks.

They are working on a motor upgrade for their sliders, but asked me not to share the information until they are nearly finished. The price sounded very "reasonable" (definitively affordable for anyone considering to purchase a MYT slider).

Orders and shipment would be individual. First of all, nobody would have to take care of sending out the sliders or of all the money.

Also, individual packages are possible, so that everyone can decide which package they want.

Show encrypted text

CinePed - Rotational Slider

Here's password encrypted CinePed's offer. Again, you can find more information on their website.

Show encrypted text

 

Roman's Cine Gear - Updated

Here's the offer by Roman's Cine Gear. You can find more information on the slider on their website (seems to be down at the moment) and in this Vimeo clip.

19.07.2013 - offer updated 

Show encrypted text

 

DitoGear offer - updated

Here's the first offer of DitoGear for their slider:

We are able to offer you the following discounts:

Show encrypted text

You can order different lengths of the OmniSlider. You will also receive such a discount for any Evolution Multi-axis Motion Control Kit as well.

We need approx 10-14 days to ship the order. We will be able to confirm it as soon as you place the order online in our store.

It is possible to sort everything out through a discount voucher but we will start shipping all separate orders after the clearance of 20 orders. Please let us know how much time we would need to wait for you guys placing the order and finalizing the payment. We just want to ensure that all orders are processed efficiently. 

The discount available for you does not cover the shipping cost. That's mean you will need to pay the whole shipping cost. We ship worldwide. To get an estimate:

• Use the shipping calculator in the box to the right at http://ditogear.com/store/

• You can also sign up for the store account, add products to cart and proceed to checkout – the shipping costs will be calculated for you if possible.

• In case of any doubts regarding the estimated shipping cost - you can always contact me and I will check it out for you personally

Slider / Dolly Group Buy

The last group buy is nearly over. Our ProLine steadicam rigs are getting finalized these weeks.

So it's time for a new group buy. This time let's get a nice slider / mini dolly. I'll share here on this blog, like the last time, all the information about the different offers and especially password protected the prices.

Contact me here or on reduser.net to get the password.

I contacted already many manufactures... write me, if you know any other manufacture I should contact:

MYT
Dito Gear
Kessler
Glidecam
Dana Dolly
IndieDollySystems
Cinevate
Floatcam

Cheers
David

Mail to all Group Buy Members

I sent an email to everyone who ordered a ProLine T2000 reduser edition.

Please send me a mail or leave a comment if you didn't receive an email!

ProLine Group Buy Successful

UPDATE: The group buy is over, but you can find more info about the steadicam rig on my store, where you can also order it. Please send me a mail if you any questions about this or other ProLine products.

Wow that was (is) a wild ride. My attempt to gather a group of ten buyers for the Laing M02 ended up in two successful group buys and one still in planing: Action Products Raptor (organized by reduser member Carey Lee Coffey) and ProLine's T2000 reduser edition each reached their target with 20+ and 40+ orders, and Laing started redesigning the Laing M02 as a special reduser edition.

Now that all the orders are in, Luciano or myself will send out emails to everyone who ordered a unit with questions about the individual customization. I'll also post more info on the different possibilities here on the blog.

The units should be delivered within the next 45 to 60 days. There will be updates here as well as on ProLine's website about the progress of the rigs, including many photos and some videos of the manufacturing.

ProLine Group Buy Update

UPDATE: The group buy is over, but you can find more info about the steadicam rig on my store, where you can also order it. Please send me a mail if you any questions about this or other ProLine products. 

Updated info

The needed amount of orders for the price in the webshop was lowered to 40.

New deadline is April 2nd.

Until now, 30 people (out of 66 who voted for the ProLine rig) ordered a unit. Hopefully, most people just hold out until the deadline is reached before ordering.

I attached the ProLine offer, so that you don't have to look for the old post.

Show encrypted text

Partner - a short film produced by stage5 and Continuum

The boring and exhausting part of the group buy project seems to be coming to an end. The fun part should start in 45 days, when we take delivery of our rigs and can shoot with them :smile: Vitaliy seems to be in charge of the Laing group buy on reduser, so my work there is also done.

Many of you wrote me mails and personal messages to thank me for my work, which I really appreciated, especially in times when chaos ruled the threads.

Now I would like to ask you all for a favor. My short film, which I produced and directed for stage5 and Continuum, got published today. The film's executive producers are Mark Kern and Cindi Rice. Mark posted some months ago here on reduser about his ambitious project of funding short films (check out the thread).

Nowadays, views on youtube are a currency. I do have a great new film project which I want to shoot for stage5, but to get the funds, this first film has to be successful. So please have a look at my film "Partner" and, if you like it, share it with your friends.



Cheers
David

Password for the ProLine T2000 Reduser Edition

I started the first steadicam group buy thread on REDuser on 01-29-2013. We went into discussing a complete redesign with a Chinese manufacturer, got offers from many European, Chinese and American manufacturers and can now finally order a system which most of us (at least I when I started it all) would have never even dreamed of.

Again, you can order the ProLine T2000 for the 40+ price, which is very close to the 60+ price. If not enough orders come in (<40), all the orders get canceled. If more than 60 orders get placed, the price will be further reduced to the price posted on my blog or some stuff like cables will be added.

There are two version, one with flight case and one without.

And one more important info: monthly installments are possible for US citizens via Bill Me Later. Non US citizens have to take their credit cards installments plan, if they want to purchase via installments.

Here's the password for the ProLine webshop

Show encrypted text

ProLine final price update

The final price for the ProLine T2000 is updated in the original offer. The password for the webshop will be posted here later today or tomorrow.

Action Products Offer

Action Products, the well known Swiss company, also sent me an offer for their new product, the ActionCam Raptor, which will be ready to ship around NAB2013.

Action Products was one of the first companies I contacted concerning this group buy, since they already created once a special RED edition of their ActionCam for redusers.

Show encrypted text

Pros & Cons - ProLine vs. L'Aigle

Please leave comments about other pros and cons and I'll add them to the list.

L'Aigle

+ Latex system is silent
+ Experience (10 years in the market)
+ Made in France
+ vastly improved over last version, i.e. easy tension adjustment via knobs (see reviews on HomeBuiltStabilizers and NAB2009 article which I posted earlier)

+/- Cables can be run through the pole, so it's an open system
+/- double V-mount / AB-mount battery plate
+/- Payload adjustments from 4kg to 12kg / 8.8lbs to 26.4lbs
+/- trolley suitcase with three compartments
+/- warranty (2 years for everytihing and 10 years for latex)

- arm is mixed folded metal and cnc machined
- no cables included
- no J-Box (upper junction box)
- no D-Box (lower junction box)
- no low mode (low mode cage available for 349€; will ask for a discounted price)
- thin(ner) pole (than ProLine)
- not well known outside Paris...

ProLine

+ Payload adjustments from 0.45kg to 20,4kg / 1lb to 45lbs (2 sets of caliper springs)
+ arm completely cnc machined
+ custom made 6pin LEMO power cables for the RED one and Epic / Scarlet are included
+ 4x 12v and 1x 24 volt power cables
+ 12 / 24V for RED and film cameras
+ J-box with LEMO / HD-SDI conenctors
+ D-box with LEMO / HD-SDI conenctors
+ Arm and Sled made in Argentina and the US
+ possibility to pay via monthly installments
+ tripple V-mount / AB-mount battery plate
+ low mode

+/- Cables can be run through the pole, so it's an open system
+/- classic spring system
+/- Vest made in India, but modified in US
+/- young company
+/- 2 years warranty

- the spring system could be noisier (mechanical springs vs. latex bands)
- not well know either
- fly case not included for the two lowest prices (extra 150USD for the case)

L'Aigle test in Paris

Quentin Devillers will test the L'Aigle unit on Monday the 11th in Paris. Contact him on REDuser, if you want to join him.

EDIT: The test was postponed!

Side by Side Test - ProLine & Laing

UPDATE: The group buy is over, but you can find more info about the steadicam rig on my store, where you can also order it. Please send me a mail if you any questions about this or other ProLine products. 

There will be a test this Saturday the 9th of the ProLine and Laing units in LA at ProLine's office. I'll update this blog post with all the information, as soon as I get them. If you want to join the test, you can directly contact Luciano at ProLine.

Update #1

Info on the LA side-by-side ProLine and Laing test are posted in this thread. Contact nickmilo for more details.

Update #2

Nick wrote on REDuser

Finalized meet date/time/location:

3:00, this Saturday 2/9 @ Civic Center Park in Irvine.
(Entrance at corner of Harvard Ave and San Juan)

google maps

Two rigs will be there:
Laing/Scarlet: David Winters setup
Proline/Red1: Proline will bring their setup, and we’ll mount my R1 on there, and try a light and a heavy config...

I’ll be filming the whole thing, being sure to capture and compare a lot of the things brought up in the thread. If any RedUsers had any specific requests/tests or things to document on the rigs, please let me know (either on this thread or via PM) and I’ll be sure to cover it…

Update #3

Nicky Milo posted the results on reduser

So, here is the video from the PROLINE / LAING test... word of warning: they are LONG. It's not a polished edit, it was all whipped together rather quickly from a crazy long day of running around and testing -- but I figure, the more footage the better...

I just tried to do my best of getting all the info on there-- the first two are overviews of each system, and the last video is the raw footage straight out of the cameras: No CC, so please excuse the glaring differences in footage, especially the exposure differences towards the end of the day :) -- I just tried to get it done and up...

And two last warnings: I forgot to turn off the IS on my 5D, so yea, please excuse the annoying grinding sound while talking, and b/c there was no audio, I just threw in some M83 over the stabilizer footage, so if you don't like em, please feel free to mute the sound :)

Laing Overview

Proline Overview

Stabilizer Footage

Here is some bonus footage that David put together if you haven't seen it yet - some good BTS footage of the rigs in action :D

PROline offer

Here's the offer for the PROline T2000 rig

Updated with the final price 21-03-2013

Show encrypted text

Update #1: prices added for 40-80 and 80+ sold units 

Update #2: I asked Luciano at PROline if it would be possible to add special RED cables, so that we can directly connect our RED one or Epic / Scarlet camera to the sled.

Yes we can do the wires, no problem, but I'll need the samples to make exactly the same cables. We also will customize parts and accessories to suit the needs of the majority of red users, creating a red-user special edition...what do you think?

Also 6pin cables which pass on the battery charge information should be possible.

No problem about the center post cable. We can do it. We'll need more info about the configuration for our technician. Can you give us some details?

Update #3: Luciano answered some more questions of reduser members

How much do sled, arm and vest each weight?

The Arm weighs 2kg 800g, the Sled weighs almost 4kg, the Vest is 3kg.

The case, that is shown on the photo, is included, isn't it? Is there also a case or bag for the vest?

The hard case is included, but the vest doesn't fit in the case. The case for the vest is not included and it will be shipped in a regular box. I will do my best to source some sort of bag for carrying and transport purposes. The pricing on the last two estimates [see blog] are extremely close to cost and I would set up an option to additionally purchase the case for $150 dollars.

Is there a tripod included in the package [additional to the mounting plate -> see offer]?

The tripod is not included because the cost of shipping will be more expensive than the cost of the tripod, so it's a better deal for our customers to buy one separate. But we can include an adapter if any of the red users know they will be using Speaker Tripods. These work really well for heavy weights and they are what I prefer to use. When I travel, I buy one for the job and the leave it there so I don't have to pay additional overweight charges.

Did you had a change to look at the special RED cables (2pin to 6pin LEMO)?

Yes, the cables we will provide for Red Cameras, as well as extra cables with Xlr for accessories.

Is it possible to run your own cables through the pole?

Yes, the topstage and the dbox twist of in seconds to pass the cables through the post for hdmi and other cables.

And if a cable breaks, is it user fixable?

Yes, all cables are fixable and exchangeable we can ship the new cables the next day.

How would we go forward with the group buy? Will you open a paypal store with a discount coupon for redusers? Or should I forward you the list of group members?

Regarding the payment process, I can set up a special page in our website with login and password and we can use this as a special purchase page. The special price depends on how many gears you plan to buy [...].

And is shipping included in the price?

Shipping is also not included in the price because shipping prices vary greatly with international shipping. All gears will be available in Los Angeles and shipping from there will be at the buyers expense, although we are happy to arrange the shipping for each customer.

A special invoice like in the Basson offer is included for international buyers.

 
 
 

L'Aigle offer

No part of this offer, neither price nor description of its contents, is to be posted anywhere. Only exception are the photos which can be posted on reduser.

 
Show encrypted text

Update #1: Some new info inside the encrypted text

Update #2: Pierre from L'Aigle wrote me an other mail about the arm.

Since people asked, attached are pictures of what our sheet-metal arm looks like, in compare to our "sexy" CNC arm. We'll actually merge the design and adjustment method of the CNC arm with the technics of the sheet-metal arms for "your" series and our upcoming regular series. We'd just do it a little earlier than scheduled for the REDusers, if ever needed.

I attached the photos below the photos of the CNC version.

Update #3: Pierre from Aigle responded to the questions of reduer members I forwarded to him

Are all parts manufactured in France?

Yes, they are, except for standard catalogue parts like bearings, spirit levels, screws, etc.

Can you post some pictures of the bag and trolley?

See attached. The bag is for arm, sled, tripod, frontmounted vest and a little softbag for accessories and monitor.

Could you include in the package a power cable for the RED one or the RED Epic (6pin LEMO, see manual), depending on which option is ordered?

We wouldn't supply any cable (other than standard BNC and XLR4 cables), but just an extremely easy way to wire the sled the way each user want it.

How much do sled, arm and vest each weight?

Sled 3,8kg, arm 4,5kg, vest 2,8kg.

Quentin wrote me that the test was postponed. Are there any reviews by independent authors, which you could send me?

Attached is a review from a canadian journalist and operator, about as outdated as the 2005 to 2010 reviews you [posted]. 

Here some photos of the previous arm. The proposed arm will look similar, but will feature the improvements mentioned in the offer.