Sub-Miniature Info

[Joey]

There has been a lot of demand for us to bring the sub-miniature into production. This may just wind up happening as an alternative to the Neutron Rig we are developing. These are slightly improved over the rig Geoff Boyle used but still a far cry from the Neutron. Some of the details on the sub-mini:
• It is roughly 8.5" wide by 7" tall and 7" deep, including SI 2K Minis and 8mm Schneider Cinegon standards.
• It has variable IO from 0 to 2.75" which can be driven by almost any lens drive motor. We use a Preston.
• It was used for 80-85% of Dark Country and is currently being used on a Steadicam on Mortician.

And some of what can be expected in the new run:
• These should be available in the first week of January and is a lower cost option to the Neutron.
• The two upgrades it will probably possess is a simple eyebrow barndoor kit and compatibility with the new C-Motion Heden mini lens drive motors for remote focus.

[Joey]

Well it looks like the demand for our years old technology is still strong so a decent batch of these are being produced right now.

We are working to add remote focus and possible flags which might affect price a little. For remote focus to work the rig will need a 3 axis C-Motion system with one standard motor for IO and 2 of the new mini-Heden motors for C-Mount focus. We would source the motors if necessary.


(1) axis for IO
(1) axis for focus (direct view)
(1) axis for focus (reflected view)

[dcoplan]

What's driving the demand for these rigs if the Neutron is more capable? Is it primarily cost? Pros and cons between the two rigs?

[technica3d_admin]

The demand for the Dark Country rigs are current availability, their extremely small size and the fact they only work with SI-2K with c-mount primes. Its negatives pave the way for using the Neutron. The Neutron is fully motorized for both IO and C. The Neutron can take pretty much any c-mount 1/2" or 1/3" imager and its size is still conducive to hand held and steadicam.

The Dark Country rig would be ideal for a crash cam, Neutron...not so much.

Also the Dark Country rig is not for sale. Its made available to customers who have purchased the Quasar and need something temporarily until the Neutron is ready to go.

You can see more about the Dark Country rig here:
http://www.technica3d.com/gallery/?albumid=5447238687332143537

[Pedro Guimaraes]

I have used this rig extensively as a stereographer and operator, handheld on steadicam and soon even underwater.

Naturally being restricted to c-mount primes can be challenging in many respects but it's hard to get over the small size of this rig. It's truly unique in that respect.

For specific unique shots this rig is hard to beat.

Here some additional pictures of the rig in action,

Me in the Amazon jungle shoting for a 3D Nature special for skytv UK.

http://pgfilms.tv/Bio_files/DSC_4995.jpg

Shooting footage for Discovery 3D

on stedicam
http://pgfilms.tv/Bio_files/DSC_4995.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/Pedro_promo/DSC_0739.jpg

Handheld with Element technica Mantis shoulder rig

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/ddragon76/Pedro_promo/DSC_0233.jpg