Run N Gun

This summer I will be producing approximately 60 videos per month.

Only 3 minute videos you would say but then again each clip is shot in a different location.

Editing won't be a problem on AVID MC5 with its great file organization, combined with my super fast MacPro.

My concern was with the amount of time I've been using to set up for a shoot.

Since I started shooting in HD using 35mm lenses, external monitor, external recorder, matte box, filters, and extra power on a V-Battery... set-up just seems to take forever!

It's clear to me that I need something light and small without loosing that great image quality and depth of field I have grown to love.

My rig needs to be fully assembled in my carrying case so I can start shooting as soon as I get to the location.

I need to be able to switch from my shoulder mount to my dolly or tripod in seconds.

Using gear I already had (aside from a RedRock Micro Clamp and a Small HD thin battery), I was able to put together... the perfect Run N Gun rig!!!!

Here it is...

Panasonic Lumix GH2 DSLR

I found that the GH2 offered the best video quality (no Aliasing and little Moiré) with the most built-in tools (Histogram, Focus Assist, etc...) and you can run it for hours without over heating.

Novoflex FD Mount Adapter

Zeiss 25mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm

Lumix 14-140 Zoom

I've had my Zeiss prime lens kit for about 5 years now and I LOVE them.

I can quickly select the right lens and adjust the amount of depth of field for the shot.

Tiffen and Hoyas 72mm Filters

I have a huge collection of 72mm filters from a old film camera I use to have.

To achieve a lesser "video" look, I use a 1/2 ProMist ALL THE TIME.

To keep control of my Depth-of-Field I must have another control to the amount of light coming into the camera without using my Aperture or Shutter speed - (Because I'm shooting at 24fps, I want my shutter to be at 1/50 which is very close to the 35mm film 180˚ shutter angle)

I use ND filters to achieve this.

My favourite one is a HOYAS fader ND, which can be dialled to the exact required setting.

So I have the ProMist and Fader ND mounted permanently on a 72mm hood.

I've fitted my lenses with a 72mm step up rings.

Changing a lens is now very quick: unscrew the hood (filters), change lens and screw the hood back on.

REDROCK MICRO Follow Focus

This is a must to pull and push focus effectively.

To speed up the set-up, I have focus rings attached to all my lenses.

REDROCK MICRO Hand grip, Clamp, Rail and Base Plate

I already owned these except for the clamp, so it was an easy choice.

I must say that the DSLR Clamp is GREAT. Removing the camera from the rig to change the battery is very fast and easy.

SMALL HD Monitor and Hood

An external monitor is essential to properly focus on a rig like this.

The great thing about this monitor is that it's light and can be mounted on any sides.

I chose to mount it on the camera's hot shoe.

The thin battery mounted on the back of the monitor will run for 4 hours.

DV RIG PRO Shoulder Mount

I've owned this for over 10 years but the shoulder pad is great so I changed a few screws to make it fit on this rig and the result is perfect.

MANFROTTO Small Tripod

Because the rig is small, I am able to use a very light tripod and head

GLIDETRACK Hybrid HD 2M Slider

Mounted with the same head as the tripod I can quickly move the rig from one to the other using the same plate.

The most awesome feature of this rig is that it fits in my Kata bag... fully assembled!

There you have it, THE PERFECT RUN N GUN RIG