I thought I would start a thread....I looked for previous threads but didnt see any. Anyway I am a new user to the xh a1 as many of us here are so post your xh a1 and show your setup. Ill start it. Thanks to everyone who supports this part of the forum.

Trent


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1268/1332833489_ae2705ce28_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com)

mind my ignorance on how to attach pictures. :)

I attached it for you Trent,

Good Idea Trent, heres mine...

I
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1268/1332833489_ae2705ce28_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com)
What is the lens shade you have? I haven't seen that before as far I know. Thanks!

What is the lens shade you have? I haven't seen that before as far I know. Thanks!

that is from www.cinetactics.com , go there and look at the dv mattlebox. It is made for dv cameras but is suggested for the xha1 over their hd mattlebox. Plus the hd is larger and more expensive. It only barely vignettes at full wide, like a wide angle lens ....but you barely have to zoom in a little to get rid of it, not a problem at all...works great. Plus it might be the fact that I have a UV filter on for protection then the extension ring from cinetactics to mount the soft matte box to. Its a really nice product and great because its soft and easy to transport and setup quickly. I have had it on since I got it unless I need a ton of light.

What shotgun mics are you guys using?

audio technica 897 or more refered to as at897. I use it with the lightwave mini mount that connects to my hotshoe. The mount on the xh a1 gives noise when you zoom so I dont like it much. Most likely will remove it before I break it on accident. The shotgun is a very good mic for the price. I would highly recomend it.

audio technica 897 or more refered to as at897. I use it with the lightwave mini mount that connects to my hotshoe. The mount on the xh a1 gives noise when you zoom so I dont like it much. Most likely will remove it before I break it on accident. The shotgun is a very good mic for the price. I would highly recomend it.

If I used a Rode SM-5 shockmount to attach a shotgun to the mic mount, do you think the mic would pick up noise when zooming?

hmm im not sure...it should get rid of it. I think you would be fine. Test it and let us know. Also post your setups people!!!

What shotgun mics are you guys using?

I use Rode VideoMic, detached the rode hotshoe setup and clamped straight onto the XHA1.
Not worried about zoom motor noise, I dont zoom in and out or mess about with the camera setup while filming static shots or interviews etc.

I use the Rode SM-5 shock mount, it removed any zoom noise and more important, sounds of my hand touching the camera. That's with the Rode NTG-2.

One of my setups when I was going out to film later at night. Ill have to post one from tonight of when I am streaming a soccer game which is pretty fun.

It would be nice if you guys mentioned at the other gizmos visible in your photos and whys, so us newbees can understand.

I for one use just the camera, along with an Audio-Technica AT831B Lavaliere Condenser Microphone when I need audio.

I soldered up this right angle-right angle cable to make my life easier. I no longer need to disconnect the shotgun mic (ME66/Windcutter) to put the cam in the bag. It saves wear and tear on the CH-1 XLR connector as well.

Does the Cinetactics Matteblox block out the auto focus assist sensor on the A1? Looks like it would.

Here are pictures of my new Canon Xh-A1, articulated arm, and spiderbrace. I also have a mattebox in the mail :) Def a step up from the XL2.

, and no im not going to be using that monitor. Im looking into getting a better one

http://www.nbfilms.us/Pictures/xha1.jpg

http://www.nbfilms.us/Pictures/xha12.jpg

This is me with an early prototype of the XHA1. I had to dress up like Santa as part of the deal. I'll explain later.

This is me with an early prototype of the XHA1. I had to dress up like Santa as part of the deal. I'll explain later.


early prototype....indeed! How many fps could it record? ;)

early prototype....indeed! How many fps could it record? ;)

175fps but the rubber band snapped...hence the completely different design of the finished product :)

This is my A1 with my brand new head and tripod system from Panther Broadcast in Munich.

The head is a T6 fluid head with two steps. Great and solid product. Everything was made in Germany.

Hey, Steven, where'd you get that shot of me and my Linhoff?

I thought there was a resemblance Bill.

Well, it's close, but my view camera is a Calumet with Schneider lenses, and the "snapshot" 4X5 isn't a Linhoff--it's an ancient Crown Graphic, and no I didn't buy it new--I'm not THAT old. I did buy the Calumet and lenses new, however.

Marcus-
Can you please comment on the quality of the Panther head? I'm looking for a fluid head right now and just came across this new product line. I'd be grateful for any feedback you can provide.
Greg

Resurrecting the thread...

I was looking for pics of setups, it's interesting to see the mods to the cam.

I just received my XH-A1 and was looking for more "inspiration" for a great setup!

I saw this pic for modding the headphone jack...
http://dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=639784&postcount=14

Here are some shots of mine utilizing the J-Rod,

Here's mine:
XH-A1 with Rode NTG-2/Rode SM-5 shockmount(removed 'thin end')/custom made XLR cable with 2 right angled plugs/'windcutter' fur over internal mic/Sony eyecup/WD-H72 wide angle lens/10 mm drilled hole for headphone/Manfrotto 351MVB/503 tripod and Porta Brace raincover.
Sorry for crappy cellphone pictures.

Hubert, you are the answer to my prayers. I have been looking for a rain cover that would fit with my Rhode Shock Mount setup just like yours. I am assuming that the Porta Brace rain slicker fits with the shock mount still attached? Thanks a bunch,
Jeff

It doesn't look like at least the mic is loaded up for the rain cover shot.

What tripod model is that?

What tripod model is that?

If you are refering to Huberts tripod, "Manfrotto 351MVB/503 tripod"

What tripod model is that?



Manfrotto 351MVB/503 tripod

XH-A1, SGpro.R3, Contax/Yashica Zeiss lenses, Cavision grips

If I used a Rode SM-5 shockmount to attach a shotgun to the mic mount, do you think the mic would pick up noise when zooming?

I use the SM-3 and a NTG-2, and it does in fact pick up a little zoom-noise, but only when I zoom at high speeds.

I have been looking for a rain cover that would fit with my Rhode Shock Mount setup just like yours. I am assuming that the Porta Brace rain slicker fits with the shock mount still attached?
No, i haven't test it yet, but i don't believe both the shockmount and the mic will fit in the rainslicker. The shotgun itself will fit, but even that isn't easy. The Porta rainslicker is a really thight fit in places, wich is good for keeping the rain out, but sometimes a pain to get it around the camera.

Hi

Hubert, is it a 351MVB or 351MVB2 tripod? Do you find it stabil enough?


Regards,

/Bo

Bo, it's the MVB2. It's heavy and stable. The head is another thing, not bad, but i expected it to be better.
Next time i have to double the budget for a Vinten Vision 3 or something like that.

Just to add a little diversity... here's my A1 in Gates housing

Very cool the Gates Housing!



Here is mine (with Letus Extreme, IndiSlider, IndiFocus)

Just to add a little diversity... here's my A1 in Gates housingThat's awesome, looks like a crazy sea critter. Or some weird camcorder hermit crab.

Nothing radical here, I'm in love with the blue star eye cup though. One of the best $8 I've ever spent, and on a superficial level, it perfectly accents the red ring on the lens. The headphone hole is something to think about, I can't stand the rubber flap. I'm also quite envious of the right angle XLR cables... although for now I just pull off the Rode windscreen and put the XLR cable inside it when it's in my case.

I do get a good amount of tape drive and zoom noise with the NTG-2. I would love to find another mounting solution that doesn't involve a hotshoe mount, maybe there's a J-Rod in my future.

Great Thread!

Glen, how long is your XLR cable? That looks to be the exact length I'm after.

Thanks!

Speaking of right angle XLR's I've been using Redco custom cables to get exactly what I want. http://www.redco.com

Here is my new setup. I have two identical setups like this one and am also using an hv20

Canon Xh-a1
Hoodman h300 lcd hood with magnifier
audio technica shotgun mic
right angle coiled XLR
sony large eye cup
glidecam 2000 ( it's heavier but is balanced perfectly and works great!)

So you are using the GC2000, with a quick release? I assume its working well for you? I might want to do that as I have to rebalance each time but I have gotten pretty good at it.

Here is my new setup. I have two identical setups like this one and am also using an hv20

Canon Xh-a1
Hoodman h300 lcd hood with magnifier
audio technica shotgun mic
right angle coiled XLR
sony large eye cup
glidecam 2000 ( it's heavier but is balanced perfectly and works great!)

So you are using the GC2000, with a quick release? I assume its working well for you? I might want to do that as I have to rebalance each time but I have gotten pretty good at it.


Yes, I only used it once on and off before I decided that i needed the quick release. Its sooo much faster and only takes a second to balance it once you have to put it back on. Definitely worth it!!

Here is my new setup. I have two identical setups like this one and am also using an hv20

Canon Xh-a1
Hoodman h300 lcd hood with magnifier
audio technica shotgun mic
right angle coiled XLR
sony large eye cup
glidecam 2000 ( it's heavier but is balanced perfectly and works great!)

What model # is your mic?

Nothing radical here, I'm in love with the blue star eye cup though. One of the best $8 I've ever spent, and on a superficial level, it perfectly accents the red ring on the lens.

Hey Matt, do you remember what size that eye cup is?
Is it the "Oval Long" - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/444687-REG/Blue_Star_90124_90124_Natural_Colored_Microfiber.html
Or the "oval large"
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/444699-REG/Blue_Star_90138_90138_Red_Fleece_Oval.html

Very good thread, all the pictures are very helpful!

Here's my A1's typical set up:

IndieSnap Mattebox
IndiFocus Follow Focus and Rails
old Bogen 3068 Tripod

Here's my A1's typical set up:

IndieSnap Mattebox
IndiFocus Follow Focus and Rails
old Bogen 3068 Tripod

How do you like the IndiFocus? How well does it work? Are there any problems? Do you have the old or the new gear box? Thanks!