The P&C GB-1 GearBox sold out on it's first day, and a small second inventory has become available again today. If you're not sure what this is, you can check out the previous article (here).
If you already have the GearBox itself, you will be able to upgrade to the 15mm Rod system with the GB-R Kit. For those who want both in one purchase, there will be a GB-2 GearBox Bundle available on the website.
Emm
Post author@ross - Battery door on a GH1 will not be accessible.
ross
will it work with a GH1..and the battery is accessible?
MeezinSeason
Disregard, I just watched the video again and I see they fully swing out the LCD on a T4i. Thanks.
MeezinSeason
I was wondering if you would be able to use the flip out LCD on the Canon 60D or T4i?
Emm
Post author@Ralph F. - It will come with a hex tool, and we find a hex can be tightened better than a coin. Hopefully you won't need to reconfigure your setup constantly. One I have mine configured it pretty much stays that way.
Ralph F.
Emm: Nice job. I like the heft of this cage, its looks and the build quality. I look forward to using it for years.
One question: Why hex screws? We all carry something to address flat-head and phillips screws, but this cage will require me to carry another tool, for it alone. Why?
Thanks.
robert
Hello can anyone tell me the name of the mount used for the shotgun at the top of the cage? Otherwise can anyone recommend a mount for a shotgun the ends in a female 1/4 20 even if it's a part of a shoe extension?
Thanks
Nnamdi Ejim
@Emm thanks for the heads up on the handles! I think it will make my rig a lot more comfortable throughout the shoot day.
vaitor
I also saw you have a handle connected to the top of the gearbox... is that the same one, modified to screw on the top?
Emm
Post author@Nnamdi Ejim - Very comfortable handles, high quality manufacturing, those handles are from Express35.com found here: https://express35.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=64&product_id=54
Nnamdi Ejim
@Emm purchased the GearBox and Rail Upgrade Kit separately over the past week. It's an great looking piece of gear at an incredible pricepoint. On a side note, I'd love to know where the handles in the P&C setup pictured in this post come from. I'd also love to know where your handles in the swiss rod explanation video came from. They look sturdy and I like that they don't have any colored accents. If you've got the time I'd love a heads up on those bits of gear.
getem
Thanks Emm
Will purchase now!
Emm
Post author@getem - The shorter arms will be more stable. The arms sold on P&C include free shipping in USA, so you'll find a better deal there than the one on Amazon. Also here's a video about the P&C arms httpss://cheesycam.com/photographyandcinema-com-friction-arms/
getem
@Emm
Thanks for the heads up, quick question though. I just put a monitor (5.6") and wanted to know what size would be good for a friction arm? The 7" or 11"? Also I seen P&C sells them, but Amazon sells these
https://www.amazon.com/FMA-1-Variable-Friction-Adjustable-Kamerar/dp/B005HQ5O8K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344919381&sr=8-2&keywords=friction+arm
Are they the same?
Thanks a lot, plus please spread the word as I am building my rig for a shoot next week and really want to have it decked out with the rods and all
thanks
Mike
Got mine today. Good build quality. I really like the handles. My t4i with battery grip fits nicely. P&C decals have already fallen off. They just won't stick to the rubberized handles. I'm gonna try a dab of super glue. I think it would be cool if the handles had a compartment to store allen wrench and and extensions...
Jason
Yea it's definitely on my shopping list. Thanks for the info. Ive never been really interested in cages because they have that same general industrial design and just seemed like too much for me. The P&C gearbox seems much more practical and appealing visually. Like I want to go pick it up and use it. I dont get that other feeling from cages..if that makes sense.
Emm
Post author@Jason - Take a look at these cages. They are meant only for mounting accessories, and not used for any hand held type of use. httpss://cheesycam.com/trusmt-ultimate-cage-video-review/. Those cages are also pretty proprietary not allowing you to use a variety of camera bodies. The P&C GearBox is designed to give more options to use it as either a simple mounting bracket, or with lightweight setups (especially for my NEX-7), it can be used as a handheld stabilizer (fig rig). It's probably one of the most affordable and versatile cages on the market, and allows you to break it down for travel.
Jason
Joel, Emm, Seenematic:
Thanks for the response and insight. My first exposure to a cage was on this site 2 1/2 years ago, (LOL) and I guess from there I always assumed it was for hand held shooting like a beefier fig rig based on how Emm was demoing it. I feel silly now that I never thought about it being used in conjunction with a tripod. Kinda like a "no duh" moment. Anyway, thanks guys!
Emm
Post author@vaitor - I haven't heard of anyone having problems with Paypal international. I also cannot send totals directly, as I don't handle any of the products.
vaitor
@emm
sorry can you check on the paypal system? i'm abroad but i cant order since paypal is not adding the int. shipping? people above have the problem too I think... Or is it possible to just sent the total amount directly?
thanks for checking! cant wait to get cage+rods, great design!
Emm
Post author@getem - The Rails and Rods were in last week, but they were waiting on a single thumb screw to arrive. Those could be in as early as tomorrow. They didn't expect the Rod Adapter to be a popular item, so the first inventory that arrives will be small. Keep checking the site, or make sure to register on the newsletter.
getem
@ Emm
Any update on the rails? Been waitng for them to go live so I can purchase
thanks
Emm
Post author@Brandon - I used a 90 degree clamp at the bottom, one 15mm rod vertically, and then a handle.
Emm
Post author@Adam - For USA it's free shipping, and the Rod adapter upgrade will come out to the same price (during the introductory pricing).
Joel
Jason ~ if you are flying totally handheld, the shot you are capturing would normally be design to not require live focusing. For shots that would require you to pull focus while shooting, you would use a shoulder rig (with which you could emulate a handheld shot).
Adam
If I buy the GB-1 now and the rod kit later is it going to cost me significantly more than waiting for the combo together? I really want both but also want to get it asap.
Brandon
Thanks for the responses! Appreciated.
Last Question what parts/mount did you use for your handle configuration the way you have it set up is ideally how I wanted mine as well.
Seenematic
@Jason : as Emm said, with all this equipment attached to it this is of no use for handheld work. It might be if it wasn't that rigged out, sorta like a fig rig.
But in general a cage is way too front heavy.
You need to mount it to either a tripod, shoulderrig or crane. On a monopod this would be way too heavy either. And for most sliders it would be off balance too I guess.
Emm
Post author@Jason - In this configuration it's used as a cage or video accessory bracket to mount all your accessories on a tripod. You dont have to carry it, that's optional. Many shooters dont ever go handheld. Looking at all the pieces you can see how convenient it is to have these items, and how a mounting bracket like the GearBox makes it easy to keep tjing together.
Jason
Ok I have to admit the fully decked and geared out cage looks pretty rad..but that leads to me to this question I've always wondered..Practicality and weight..Ive never used a cage obviously so don't judge, but I don't see how with all that loaded on the cage, you can one hand hold it and then pull focus on the follow focus, while keeping it in the air and steady...Even w.o all the gear loaded, how are you able to keep that steady with one hand and pulling focus? it just seems like it'd be heavy..
Any insight or comments on those who use cages on the regular would be greatly appreciated.
Emm
Post author@Brandon - Probably not. It's not a complicated stud, just a simple 1/4"-20 screw found at your common hardware place. You might also want to look into Friction Arms, to easily mount and position things like an LED light, HDMI Monitor, and even a microphone.
DaveT
What's this? International shipping?
I'm one happy Canadian Emm! Order imminent!
Brandon
Sorry to be nit picky but does the Frio or other mount come with the stud that you would need to thread it onto the P&C cage???
Emm
Post author@cliff - The mic holder comes as part of the Rode NTG-2 microphone kit (found here)
, and the short XLR cable is a 1' Foot Angled XLR found here: Short 1' Angled XLR Cable
Emm
Post author@ProductUv - Those original arms from P&C are great, but wait till you see these new (slightly more expensive) ones. This is an original product with Stainless steel accents, and designed from the ground up to be much stronger for heavier items.
Emm
Post author@Brandon - You can find them from different sources, but this is like the one i've used Shoe mount Flash Adapter with 1/4-20 Thread
.
You have to be careful that your accessory doesn't slip off of something like this, so there's another adapter from Frio that has a little lock here: https://oliviatech.com/frio-universal-hotshoe-mount
cliff
Monster setup!
I just ordered my cage today and cant wait to test it out.
?
where did you get the mic holder and L-shaped XLR cable from.ive never seen those and would definitely love to grab a few.
thanks for making lo-cost yet effective tools!
Cliff
Brandon
Hey Emm what hot/cold shoe mount would u suggest to go along with this like the one u used in the example video?
ProductUv
Nice catch Joel the new arms look good. I have a package at the office from P&C with some arms, grips, and plates. Can't wait to try them out for a week long shoot. Ordered on Tues. and arrived on Thursday! (free shipping!) to the office in time thank you! to be shipped to Cincinnati for the shoot on Monday......
Joel
Didn't anyone else catch "...and sneak peek at new P&C Friction arms"?
Look closely at the friction arms in the thumbnail.
Chaz Rough
got mine the other day... very nice.
Jason
emm, oohh ok. cool thanks.
either way this is on my shopping list this month!
Emm
Post author@Elias - Shipping is free to USA (lower 48 states) and would be $15 dollars for one GearBox internationally.
Emm
Post author@Len - It was not originally designed to be stacked, but we'll take a look at that suggestion.
Emm
Post author@McGuillicuddy - We've been using it on a Manfrotto Fluid Head (tripod), and using the handles to steer the camera instead of the pan bar. Feels pretty good. It can be used on a Monopod also.
Emm
Post author@Jem - The GearBox is not designed to work with Rods. The Grips aren't set very wide, and most FF's stick out a bit (not flush to the lens). I think you'd be able to pull focus quite easily, or you can always use a crank or whip.
Elias
Trying to check shipping cost, but cant update, i m located at Greece. Any help?
Len
Can the Gearbox be made taller with a second set of extension adapters? If it can, will you sell those separately and how much will they cost?
McGullicuddy
@Emm ( or anyone who got one already)
Have you shot with the gearbox on a Manfrotto fluid monopod yet? Was curious how it handles.
Jem
Emm,
Do you think I could just use 15mm rods instead of the grips?
I think the grips will be in the way of the follow focus as you can' put your hand through the side, or bending your arm around to get to it.
Emm
Post author@Sqweezy - I don't think it would be possible or even worth it. The wide platform P&C grips are fairly inexpensive as it is.
Emm
Post author@Jason - The handles are not the same. These handles don't have a wide platform and also have an alignment pin that prevents it from twisting under the plates.
Owen
Ordered! Would be great to see a matching top handle. Any plans in this regard? Are there any reasonably priced third party options that would fit? Are the little extension pieces 15mm?
Jason
Emm, I already have 2 handle grips from the pistol grib bundle. Are you going to sell the parts separate so I can build mine own w.o having to purchase two more handles?
thanks
Sqweezy
@Emm
I know you mentioned earlier that the handles on the Gearbox are not the same as the pistol grip handles sold separately. However, do you think an adapter plate could be made to convert them into something like the pistol grips?
Sqweezy
Waiting for the rails kit to become available...this weekend, I hope. Such a nice setup!
getem
The GearBox is amazing, I love it. Just waiting for the rails , as soon as their live I will purchase them. The next step EMM might be manufacturing sliders and possibly a monitor later down the road.
Chris A.
@Emm- thanks I'm still thinking about picking one up, maybe i'll find away to add something to the extension adapters to make it a little taller
Ryan
What's the timetable on the rails?
Emm
Post author@Chris A. - No it won't.
Chris A.
I seen the setup with a T2i + battery grip, but will it also fit with T2i + battery grip + quick release?