Timeline

Just some approximate dates. I'll post updates as soon as I get some new information.

Ordering 03/15/2013
Receiving the steadicams 04/01/2013

This can of course change, depending on the incoming offers.

Status update and Rant

I think there are a few things to clarify:

1) CAME IS NOT THE MANUFACTURER

Joey from CAME has not responded yet to my email including the modifications and the question whether he or LAING is the manufacturer. On the other hand, the communication with Tracy from Laing is wonderful. Do you really want to order from someone who is probably lying to sell his stuff? Right now, it seems pretty obvious that CAME is NOT the manufacturer, but here is a quote from a mail he wrote me:

"We are manufacture who producing steadicam, but we do not produce stands and monitor, sorry we can not supply stand and monitor to you." 02/01/2013

2) CAME IS PROBABLY TRYING TO CLEAR THEIR STOCK

Laing who obviously is the manufacturer was already working on a new model which they will now redesign according to our needs. That means that the product life cycle of the M02 model is nearing it's end. CAME probably still hasn't expected a new version so fast is now trying to clear their stock.

3) LAING WILL DELIVER SOON

Some quotes from LAING:

"I've recorded all the requirements that you've sent to me and reported them to our technicians. As you will test our M-02 this Sunday, I think all your suggestions and requirements will come out during the next week. So, if no exception, we can start to design and produce in two weeks. That's great. We are looking forward to it:-)" 02/21/2013

"Thanks for your updated information. I will discuss it with our technicians tomorrow. I will reply you in details then. Please feel free to contact us if there is any other requirements. I will keep you informed of every step." 02/28/2013

In contrast to Joey from CAME, who stopped communication / hasn't replied yet after I requested the modifications, LAING sees this as a great opportunity for both parties.

4) IF YOU NEED A UNIT, PLEASE DON'T THREATEN THIS GROUP BUY! PURCHASE AT LAING

If you need a unit really soon, which is completely understandable when having a deadline for a project, please order from LAING. We can probably add this early orders to the group buy. You will get the M02, just not from the reseller CAME but from the original manufacturer.

5) THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS

I personally think that this custom LAING reduser steadicam will be amazing. Still, I can understand people who want to buy into an established product or company. I'm in contact with PROline, MOVcam and L'Aigle who also want to send me their offers (including new unrevealed products which could be very interesting for us). They know our price limit and are still interested. But... none of these products will probably feature the amount of cables and customization the LAING system offers.

6) TIMELINE

Ok give me a break here. We tested the unit on Sunday. The reviews were out on Monday and Tuesday (thanks again Mike and Kwan), the list with the requested modifications was sent out on Thursday morning and we already got a reply from LAING that they are working it through with the technicians today. Things take time. LAING wants to move on as fast as we do (hey the market is tough), but we can't probably expect to get our systems before early April. WHICH STILL WOULD BE AWESOME!!! You can't want a complete redesign, not really pay for it and want to have it done yesterday.

I'll post a wiring diagram and some more information later. Please don't order at CAME and threaten the group buy. You can get the same system now and still be member of the group buy in the sense that your unit counts to the total ordered amount of units.

Cheers
David

Group Buy History & Updates

I posted in [URL="http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?93751-Testing-amp-Playing-with-Chinese-Steadicam-at-Finalfootage-com-(NYC-REDuser-s-Meeting)"]two[/URL] [URL="http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?91009-Anyone-have-any-experience-with-the-Chinese-knock-off-Steadicams-Like-this-one"]threads[/URL] about the idea to make a group purchase of this [URL="http://www.camera-video-broadcast.com/products/2-15kg-Load-Camera-Video-Steadycam-Stabilizer-Steadycam-Carbon-Fiber_141.html"]Chinese steadycam system[/URL].

Update #1: The manufacturer sent me an email that as long as we purchase 10 or more units, it's USD1495/pcs including shipment to every buyer (excluding Africa and Southern America, but that's probably negotiable).

Update #2: I contacted ActionProducts, Floatcam, Betz-Tools, Movcam and EEmov (and now also Basson and Liang) and asked for quotes for a Zephyr like system with a back-mounted vest.

Update #3: ActionProducts will reveal the Raptor soon, but it's out of our price range. Floatcam and eemov will send me an group buy offer early next week. Betz-Tools might consider an offer (but it will be probably also way out of our price range).

Update #4: Joey from camera-video-broadcast.com (CAME) wrote me:

[I]"The packages including:
1 x Metal Vest
1 x Carbon Fiber Stablizer
1 x Support Dual Arm
1 x Base for battery Mount
1 x Base for Monitor
16 X 100g ballance weight
1 x Adjustable plate for handheld stabilizer
1 x portable bag

We are manufacture who producing steadicam, but we do not produce stands and monitor, sorry we can not supply stand and monitor to you.

One more thing,  After buyers confirm buy it and payment,  we will refund some money to you. we can not telling you how much refund will be. but we can promise it will be lower than 1495USD/set."[/I]

Since those aren't the information we are looking for, I'll write him again, asking about photos and a test unit.

Update #5: MOVcam contacted me. They are considering an offer for the [URL="http://www.movcam.com/en/avant-s-overview/camera-stabilizers/avant-s.html"]Avant Series S[/URL] for the group buy. But there won't be any news until February 18th, since the Chinese New Year starts tomorrow.

Update #6: Kwan should have received his CAME system (exactly the system we're interested in). Lets put together a group meeting in late February / early March to review the CAME system, the eeMOV Hawk Ultra Pro, the MOVcam Avant S and the Floatcam FC12.

Update #7: eemov sent me their offer. The floatcam offer should arrive today or tomorrow. eemov asked to not openly discuss the price, so I'll send a pm to everyone on the list of interested buyers with the offers. If you haven't received a pm until Friday night, please contact me. The MOVcam offer should arrive after the 18th, since it's still Chinese New Year holiday.

Update #8: Contacted Liang directly for an offer. Also asked [URL="http://www.bassonsteady.com.ar/shop/categorias.asp?id=1"]Basson[/URL] for an offer for this group buy.

Update #9: PM sent to everyone on the list.

Update #10: Floatcam's offer:

Regular prizes (excl. VAT):

FC12    4100,-€
FC14    7100,-€
Back Mounted West Upgrade    350,-€
Shipping 30-80€ depending on system and country

Our offer for the red forum:

FC12 when ordering:

2-4 pieces    discount    7%
5-10 pieces    discount     9%
10-20 pieces    discount     11%
20-30 pieces    discount    14%
35 or more pieces discount    TBA

FC14 when ordering:

2-4 pieces    discount     9%
5-10 pieces    discount     13%
10-20 pieces    discount     17%
20-35 pieces    discount     20%
35 or more pieces discount    TBA

Update #11: Basson's offer:

List prices:

Bumblebee pro 6  USD 5840.-
Blackbee pro 6 USD 6.220.-

Discount for 10+ units: 10% + free shipping + a "special invoice"

Update #12: Kwan organizes a [URL="http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?94922-CAME-LA-NG-2-(Group-buy-test)-NYC&p=1153772&viewfull=1#post1153772"]meeting[/URL] to test the CAME / Laing system.

Update #13: Joey from CAME wrote me: "We can add add a LEMO power and an HD-SDI connector to the sled." Also I contacted Laing, the original producer of the CAME steadicam. They are preparing an offer and will send it to us early next week. Laing also could add LEMO and HD-SDI connectors.

[COLOR="#FFFF00"]Update #14: Joey from CAME wrote me the lowest possible price for him (incl. LEMO and HD-SDI), but asked not to publish it openly (same as eemov). I'll send everyone a pm tomorrow.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="#FFFF00"]Update #15: Liang are doing a REDuser version of the M02 (same as CAME), incl. HD-SDI & LEMO, double battery plate similar to MOVcam and a monitor mount on 15mm rods. Photos are coming soon. Price ~1500USD. I told them we have the following requirements:

"[I]I think it would be best if there is a 4pin LEMO and an HD-SDI socket at the top as well as on the bottom of the sled . The battery plate could either go straight into the pole, and then be split up to the lower and the upper connector, or has a straight out cable to 4pin LEMO which would be connected to an additional 4pin LEMO connector at the bottom of the sled. This would make it easier to repair something, for example if a cable breaks."[/I][/COLOR]

[COLOR="#FFFF00"]Update #16: Liang just send me this message. I think we can make this group buy something really special:

[QUOTE]We are very interested in customizing a RED version for you. Please send us the list of your wishes, the datasheets and photos. We will try to design and produce a sample first.[/QUOTE]

So post your ideas, if possible with drawings or photos, so that there are no misunderstandings. I made an [URL="http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?95153-Custom-Steadicam-for-REDusers-lt-1800USD-Post-your-ideas&p=1155876&viewfull=1#post1155876"]extra thread[/URL] for it. Or send them right to me via pm or mail, if you don't want to post them openly.[/COLOR]

Update #17: Contacted also Glidecam for an offer. They are considering it. -> They declined.

Update #18: Joey from CAME wrote me. He offered us a new price which I'll send you early next week via pm plus a discount for every future purchase. I just want to wait with the pm for the other offers by MOVcam and Glidecam, since sending a pm to everyone is quite time consuming.

[QUOTE]what is more , in future all your buyers can get our 12 percent discount if they shop at our company website: [url]www.camera-video-broadcast.com[/url][/QUOTE]

Update #19: I made a [URL="http://davidkellermann.blogspot.de/"]blog[/URL] where I'll post all the info on the group buy. Also I contacted L'aigle Paris and PROline. I made a [URL="http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?95153-Custom-Steadicam-for-REDusers-lt-1800USD-Post-your-ideas&p=1155877&viewfull=1#post1155877"]list of modifications[/URL] people want to see in the system. Have a look if you want to add something.

This list is just for a more detailed quote and NOT a final list if buyers!

Show encrypted text

Ideas for Modifications of the LAING M02

That's a collection of ideas and suggestions of reduser.net members on how to redesign the Laing M02. I sent it out earlier to Laing and CAME.

• Stronger arm springs for a payload of up to 11kg or more. Maybe replaceable springs for heavier loads
• Easy and fast adjustment of the springs. Right now, an allen wrench is required even though there is a hand knob
• All parts milled and not made out of folded metal
• Monitor mount on 15mm rods
• Battery plate on 15mm rods, angle adjustable (either V-mount or AB-mount depending on every individual order) with LEMO 2pin out
• Quick release dovetail system with two 1/4" and one 3/8"
• Additional forward travel for the camera mounting dovetail plate
• Additional clearance of bottom of tilt head when mounted on the sled cradle. A thicker docking ring or additional spacer would solve this problem
• Docking plate which mounts to any light stand
• Sturdy carbon pole with diameter between 1.5“ to 2“
• Improved vertical adjustment length of the arm
• A 90 degree mark for camera head tilt. Also markings on the center pole to align the monitor and battery sleds.
• Bubble levels on both stage and bottom of the sled (with back-light)
• 2x 2pin LEMO, HDMI and an HD-SDI socket at the bottom of the sled
• 3x 2pin LEMO (2x 12VDC, 1x 5VDC), HDMI and HD-SDI socket at the top of the sled
• 1x 2pin LEMO to 6pin RED LEMO cable
• 3x 2pin LEMO to flying wire cables
• Junction box with 1/4" thread or rod clamp: 2pin LEMO in / 2x D-Tap, 2x XLR and 2x USB 5v out (at additional cost / not included in the base package)
• No generic printed text or labels like "Camera Stabilizer"or "Hotwheel"
• All aluminum parts black anodized

Basson offer

List prices:

Bumblebee pro 6 USD 5840.-
Blackbee pro 6 USD 6.220.-

Discount for 10+ units: 10% + free shipping + a "special invoice":

The good news is that to help our customers to pay nothing or to pay less to their country customs we will ship your order with an invoice with a lower price, the invoice will say that the price of the steady is u$s 499.- Then if your country customs will charge you any import tax, if applicable, they will do it over the amount on the invoice. So this deduction on the final amount of the invoice is very important in order to save some money.

Floatcam offer

Regular prizes (excl. VAT):

FC12 4100,-€
FC14 7100,-€
Back Mounted West Upgrade 350,-€
Shipping 30-80€ depending on system and country

Our offer for the reduser forum:

FC12 when ordering:
2-4 pieces discount 7%
5-10 pieces discount 9%
10-20 pieces discount 11%
20-30 pieces discount 14%
35 or more pieces discount TBA

FC14 when ordering:
2-4 pieces discount 9%
5-10 pieces discount 13%
10-20 pieces discount 17%
20-35 pieces discount 20%
35 or more pieces discount TBA

CAME offer

Show encrypted text