Crazy idea here but do you think there'd be demand for a set of handles that have a retractable, 2-section carbon fiber, shock-corded, bipod foot style handle. I envision it as a design something like a hybrid of this: http://www.amazon.com/Tippmann-X7-Action-Bipod-Handle/dp/B000X0ETCC and http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Sanford-Connect-Tripod-Connex/dp/B006DX1HVY/ref=pd_sim_p_7. Basically this would allow you pull out the legs from each handle to create a 4-point stand. When not in use, the mounting hardware for the carbon legs would slide up into the handle once folded. This would be great to be able to set the M10 down on location for a moment without needing to home base to the stand. I'm not sure if this mechanism could fit inside the current diameter M10 handle but I though it might be a cool idea. Mike
Interesting idea, you would want to make sure there is a locking mechanism to keep the legs securly in place. It would be a disaster to have one drop out while in a full sprint!
Ha! An accidental "landing gear down" scenario would be troublesome. In this case I'd say that the legs would still be rather short, just long enough to provide clearance for the tilt arm's bottom most swing.
Haha. At first, I thought this was a rediculous idea, but today, I was shooting and just wished I could set the rig down for a minute or two on the floor without having to return to the MoVI stand. Any idea on how this would attach to the crossbar? It may be simpler to just attach those flexible 6" tripods to the bottom of the handle. Yeah it's more permanent, but you wont have to worry about that retractable mechanism failing.
Yeah. I can't profess to know the best engineering solution but it would be great to have some kind of built in stand so we don't have to re-enact the Karate Kid "Crane Kick" pose.
Hahaha. Love it. All joking aside, this is actually the biggest problem I have with the rig at the moment. It's so awkward to put down. I need a person or a table following me around at all times.
Looks like a neck strap might do the trick? Or a sound guy's shoulder straps along the lines of http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010BZKGW/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_ST1_dp_1 -- it would need extra straps that would hang loosely when you're shooting, but could be used to support the mass of the MōVI when you're not. Andy.
I like the idea of a neck strap. Will try that soon... How about something like what Mike Duval first suggested. I'm thinking just a mini tripod on the bottom of each handle. Just tall enough to allow you to balance the rig on the ground without a stand. Haven't seen these yet in person, but I'm going to give them a try. Not sure how I'm going to attach them yet either. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/821145-REG/magnus_tb_200r_maxigrip_flexible_tripod_red_.html
Epoxy a 1/4 x 20 nut to the base of each handle? Better check if that might void your warranty though! Andy.
I just posted this in another thread, but would love to get some help on making a more refined version of this...I just want to be able to set the rig down on the ground for a minute or two at a time to get some rest. What do you guys think?
I think you should put little bootees on the feet. It would be a great talking point -- you could put it down on the ground, take a few paces away, turn around, point your finger at it and say, sternly, "Stay!" Nice experiment though. It doesn't look terribly stable though... Andy.
haha, will definitely do the "stay" routine a few times. It's actually more stable than I though it would be, but I'll add a few inches of PVC at the T-joint. One thing I've noticed is that it is now VERY susceptible to vibrating while sitting on these PVC feet. i actually can't set it down for more than a few seconds before the motors start freaking out. But then I put it back on the standard MoVI stand and it settles just fine. Is my stand too rigid? Does the rig need some ability to move in order to avoid the resonating frequency and vibration?
James on those PVC pieces once it starts to vibrate there isn't enough resistance to absorb any of the resonance. The stand is better and in your hands is best. Same issue when tuning in the stand. You can get higher gains when holding it than in the stand.
James it might be a great video. In the back of my mind I hear Dire Straights Walk of Life and see the MōVI on the PVC jiggling, dancing and walking across the floor...
Oh, man. I like where your head's at. Except that song instantly reminds me of Space Camp; remember that flic? Maybe I need to make this video to break that mental link