Hi guys, just want to ask if anyone has used or seen the Manfrotto Fig Rig. Any reviews, comments or feedback about it would be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot and warmest regards!

Sincerely,


Jong

I had the loan of one from the kind UK Manfrotto rep the other week to take out on a shoot with me.
I must say that I was quite impressed with the Rig - under certain conditions. I know that it's not the answer to a Steadycam, even though I tried it out on some shots as if it were! It was something I just had to try for myself, just in case...
On a "run'n gun" situation that I had one evening, it was however just too slow for me to get at focus and things, so I reverted to the good old shoulder instead - again, something that I should have realised anyway.
Besides just holding it with both hands like a steering wheel, when rested on your knee or on the ground, it can produce stable enough shots which are useful when a tripod is out of the question.
It can be very good when you have control of the situation I think. When you can rehearse a move and not have to worry about focus. I realise that one could always connect another LANC focus unit, but it's never very precise, since there's no real "feel" like you have with a hand on the focus-ring. It's probably at its best when set to wide angle and the focus is set for mid-distance.
So, my conclusion was that the Rig would be great for some occasions and would therefore be a asset to anyone's kit.

Robin.

I second Robin's assesment. The FigRig came in for a lot of flak when it first appeared - many thought it a joke. Far from it. I think Mike Figgis is a genius to have realised a way of applying this oh-so-simple principle in his invention - that if you spread your contact points away from the centre of gravity, you drastically reduce the transmission of hand shake.

It isn't a Steadicam replacement, but for run-and-gun and when you want to get energy and life into those camera moves, the FigRig gives your camera a new lease of life and freedom for your creativity. You want rock-steady shots? Spread your feet a little, tuck the Rig tight into your body and it's goodbye tripod! - well, not quite, but it's very close. Way better than straight handheld. You'll find your waist is a pretty good fluid head!

But don't take my word - this is one of those things where it's difficult to see how some thing works so well when it's so simple. I didn't think much to it until I got it in my hand - and then it was a small epiphany. It's not for everybody, but do try one.

Thanks Michael, Thanks Robin. Your inputs are very helpful. Im tempted to buy the Fig Rig (with LANC control, shock mount, etc) but Im having second thoughts considering that the added weight of a Sony PD170 or HC1 would eventually tire my arms holding the Rig. The demo Rig unit I tried had a small consumer Sony camera only mounted yet I could already feel the weight of the whole set-up. Im imagining now how would it feel when a Sony PD170 or even an HC1 is mounted on the Rig and Ive got only 2 arms to support/hold it for a long time. It really pays to have your shoulder support your camera for a longer shots. Still, you are both correct that the Rig gives you more creative shots. Thanks again for your sincere responses and opinions.

Sincerely,


Jong

Manfrotto came in today (Ravensbourne College) to show us the fig rig and try to get us to demo it for them for Vdeoforum. Nice sales rep, BUT.

It's the most useless bit of crap I’ve ever used. Totally unnecessary, cumbersome, impractical, I could go on...

For a broadcast application, it's completley useless. You have to keep both hands on it, which means you cant make any manual adjustments to the camera audio levels, iris and so on.
If you quickly need to put the thing down, you have to take the camera off, or else you face resting it on the lens.

I tried a shot with the rig, and repeated it without the rig, and there was virtually no difference in the result.

I was told that you could rest it on a tripod if you were doing an interview...why not just take the camera out of the fooking thing, and put it on the tripod!!!!

I can't express how totally crap the thing is. Do NOT buy one.

We had a PD170 on it too.

-Richard Lewis.

Well, each to his own, Richard - which is why I say TRY before you buy - saying 'do not buy' is arrogant and unhelpful. FigRig ain't the 'perfect' camera support but it fulfils a need. Mike Figgis is a filmaker with massive experience and clearly he saw that need, particularly for the way he makes films. Just because it doesn't fulfil you particular needs, Richard, doesn't mean the needs aren't there. I used mine all day yesterday with a Sony Z1 - I needed to be quick, no setups, no balancing, travelling light with a balance between POV 'reality' and solid statics. I couldn't have achieved the shots I got or even think about the way I'm working on this project without the FigRig. Period.

To answer Jong's concern about weight - in practise, in my case, not a concern. Even with a Z1 and. at one point a PAG light mounted. The mitigating factors are (as opposed to a handheld steadicam device): 1) you don't have to find somewhere to put it down between shots - just hold anywhere in one hand and let it hang down to one side - nothing falls off and it's still ready in an instant. 2) Because of the design, you can hold the rig in a variety of ways. This means you can alter the muscle groups you are using and keep going for longer. 3) You don't need to hold at arm's length. If you're arms are flexed and reletively relaxed it's easy to support with two hands. Moreover, in some positions, ie. with the rig tucked into your body for statics, I find it much less strain than holding the camera alone.

Micheal, are you defending your position or attackign Rick's review?

Somone called for reviews, everyone gets to have their say.


I've tried the Rig-Rig breifly. And I can see it's use as a handy way to tack a lot of gear onto a smalelr camera, and gives you a coudpl of options on how to hold it. However it did not really do that much more for actualy stability than I can do handheld normally. And no, as everyeone has said, not even to be considered in the same class as a Steadicam.
Usefull piece of gear for some situations? sure. Magical stabilizer? no way. Would I buy one? Nope.

- Mikko

Micheal, are you defending your position or attackign Rick's review?

Neither, I hope. Richard's OPINION is as valid as mine or the next person's. However, I feel the borderline between review and rant get crossed when folk use such language as "crap" and exort people not to buy - whatever the subject.

Let me state clearly that I respect your opinion and experience of the FigRig, Richard - it's clearly not for you but I hope equally that you respect the notion that for those who have bought this and use it effectively and, by extension, for many who may be yet to TRY the device, this kit may be useful and worthwhile.

Whatever is right for you, I guess.

It was my opinion, and only reflected how disappointed I was with the system, but I guess I’m looking at it from more a Broadcast perspective.

Sorry if you found my review arrogant, it wasn't intended to be, it was just passionately against it ;)

I personally really don't think Manfrotto have a product in the FigRig, but if it works for you, then enjoy.

-Rick.

OK - I got it.

How dull life would be without passion!

Well I had posted a while back about a review of the Fig Rig. Here's my question, is this a good run and gun mechanism. When I watched the demo on Bogon of Mr. Fig using his rig (pun intended) he was using it mainly in a run and gun walking in a circle method. I was really thinking of getting one instead of a shoulder mount or steady cam because for run and gun i.e. reception lines, going to to the limo, etc it might give a good shot perspective. I've never used one, so my interest in the fig rig is for mostly the above reasons. Another thing i have learned is, the mount on my 501 is the same as the fig rig so transitioning between them is seamless.

I wonder if I could talk Bogen into letting me demo it.

=Here's my question, is this a good run and gun mechanism.

If I can chip in again - I think run and gun is what it's for. I think you're on the right track with your proposed use - as long as you DON'T expect to be able to obtain smoooooooooooth steadicam-like footage. The advantage over a shoulder mount ( I have used the DVRigPro) is that you are not limited to merely by the flexibility of your knees - if you see what I mean. You've still got the variety of shot available with plain hand-held - and some. AND (here I have to disagree wth Richard on a point of fact) it's much steadier than hand-held. If you're in doubt on that, imagine this - if you extended the principle of the FigRig to a rediculous degree, say made it 4 feet across so you could still get both hands on it - imagine how little hand shake would be transferred to the camera. The degree of shake transfered to the centre reduces proportionally to the distance the hands are away from it. The FigRig is this principle in a manageable size device.

One more thing - when was the last time you jammed your camera up against a rough brick wall to get a steady shot? You think twice, don't you? But there's no fear with a protective frame round it that you can also use as a fulcrum for tilts and pans.

OK I'm sorry - I'm being as passionate for as Richard is against. It's just that the thing hepled me get some great shots yesterday that I would not ohterwise have got and I'm very grateful.

I've never jammed the camera against a wall, but I've certainly braced myself against the wall (the meat being a bit more forgiving than the plastic) to stabilize a handheld shot. I would think it would be a bit unwieldy to have to swing that large of a device through an arc to pan back and forth in that situation.

As far as having to hold the rig between setups (same thing goes for handheld Steadicams), what happens when you need to go to the bathroom or munch on a sandwich? You need to be able to put the rig down somewhere. I feel certain that Mr. Figgis hands his off to an assistant between takes while conferring with his actors.

Personally, I picked one up for a few minutes at NAB last year and got everything out of that experience that I needed to know, and I'm glad for those who have purchased it and like it. Mostly I find it excellent marketing; the application of Mike Figgis' name and endorsement has undoubtedly sold many more units than if it was simply the Bog-Rig or the Manfrott-O or something like that. It's given me many ideas for my own solution to the handheld stabilizer issue which is on the drawing boards as we speak.

As far as having to hold the rig between setups (same thing goes for handheld Steadicams), what happens when you need to go to the bathroom or munch on a sandwich?

I was addressing the need for hand-held stabilizer users to completely relieve arm strain after a shot - much more frequent than taking a break. It seems a small point, but in use it's one that I find significant.

Agreed - when it IS time to put the thing down you do need to think carefully, but where there's a will there's a way ... I don't think the safety of the camera is compromised if you're careful.

when was the last time you jammed your camera up against a rough brick wall


umm, at that point this this whole discussion would be moot because I'd pass out. :}

Hmmmmm - maybe I dramatised a little ... What the heck - I knew what I meant! Maybe I don't expect to be taken too seriously?

Dear Michael, Rick, Steven, Charles, Mikko: Thank you so much for your passionate opinions and views. I guess we must all agree to disagree for the sake of free expression and unrestricted/uncensored flow of helpful knowledge and information. All your opinions are most welcome because it contributes to me making a decision whether to buy the Fig Rig or not. I really appreciate your inputs as it helps me avoid making unnecessary or costly purchases. Sometimes you could "afford" trial and error and you just "charge" it to experience but as much as possible, I would rather experiment with not so expensive gears and stuff. Again, thank you guys! Hope to hear from you when I need a review of another item, as we like to call it: FORUM SHOPPING. :-)

Sincerely,


Jong

I use a Fig Rig and a GL2 frequently for following conversations and really like it -- sure it gets heavy, but you can get in so much closer and really move around and be a part of what is going on, esp. with the shotgun mounted right to it. Most of the other handheld stabilizers I've seen seem kinda clumsy for that type of work.

I use a Fig Rig and a GL2 frequently for following conversations and really like it -- sure it gets heavy, but you can get in so much closer and really move around and be a part of what is going on, esp. with the shotgun mounted right to it. Most of the other handheld stabilizers I've seen seem kinda clumsy for that type of work.

Philip, could you recommend something with in the same price range for a wedding run and gun type of situation? I have a GL2. I shoot weddings mostly from a tripod, but when I'm following the bride and groom to the car or up stairs and such, or want to really get in close to the dance, I want something that will work for that. So Philip, or anyone else that uses one, is this a good wedding alternative to handheld, or is there something with in the smae price that I might want to conisder.

I got the fact that the fig rig is like an apple and the other rigs are oranges, they are different, got it. What else in the same price range would work for running and gunning?

how do you have any control over your cam if both of your hands are being used?? how would you pull focus?

how do you have any control over your cam if both of your hands are being used?? how would you pull focus?

I have a zoom controller, that's another question I'm wondering.

I have used it with my HVR Z1 for some commercial TV spots one has been transfered to film and the others were for broadcast television (a furniture store)
All shots are kind of "reality" run & gun shots with lots of movements and I loved it and my customer also likedthe shots we got.

We did very interesting and unsual steady shots and it is fun to work with, and a good piece of converstaion also
(The customer didnt wnt to pay for the stedycam and after using the Fig Rig he was pleased with the results and the savings)

I used it first without the controller and it was a little weird but then I bought the the Bogen 521PRO Zoom and focus controller and it really helps
to use the FIG RIG

Now I use it almost daily

Here are some pics of the last production http://www.video.com.mx/precios/cineminutos.htm

Ing. José María Noriega
Director
video@video.com.mx

www.video.com.mx

I have used it with my HVR Z1 for some commercial TV spots one has been transfered to film and the others were for broadcast television (a furniture store)
All shots are kind of "reality" run & gun shots with lots of movements and I loved it and my customer also likedthe shots we got.


Yeah, I just don't want to be known as the guy at the wedding with the steering wheel. :}

Here's what I have to say about it. This unit is definately better than handheld if you are moving around. I am an owner and I can say that it does what it is supposed to. Is it as good as a steadicam device for walking shots? The answer is no. However, it is the best device I have found for non-steadicam shots. I am a run-and-gun videographer and I do not need a steadicam vest and support arm in my way. First, you must learn how to move with it. Elbows horizonal will produce the smoothest shots. You also must learn how to walk smoothly. Your arms will absorb a lot of the shock, but will not totally eliminate it. Practice makes perfect! I cannot stress this enough, practice, practice, practice! I am a wedding videographer and the Fig Rig fits a role that no other device will. For the ceremony, I use a custom made shouder mount with a waist support. During the reception, I turn to the Fig Rig. It allows me to move freely with a considerable amount of stability. If you are wanting to use the Fig Rig for weddings, and you need mobility and steadiness, the Fig Rig can't be beat. For an amateur film-maker on a budget, the same applies. Some may agree, and some may not, but I don't care if it looks like a steering wheel, the customer will appreciate the finished project when I am done with their video. I can't tell you how difficult it was for me to spend $300 for a piece of aluminum tubing shaped into a wheel. I removed this item from my shopping cart at least 3 times from BHPhotovideo.com before i actually broke down and bought it. I am glad I did. Hope this helps!

Thanks for those thoughts, Grady - they're more or less my feelings about the rig as well.

Robin

Well my plan is to buy one in a couple of months to use at weddings. I have a lot of faith in my plan to use it to get those run and gun shoots such as the bride and groom walking to the car etc. My plan is to have all my tripods have the same plate so I can go from the fig rig to the pod and back and forth. There is that 30 seconds or so that I have been missing between the end of the ceremony and the bride and groom in the hallway etc. Although I will soon have two main cameras, so that shouldn't be a problem. But I do want the ability to pull off the tripod and onto the fig rig.

If that doesn't work I will install it in my Xterra. :}

To answer Jong's concern about weight - in practise, in my case, not a concern. Even with a Z1 and. at one point a PAG light mounted. The mitigating factors are (as opposed to a handheld steadicam device): 1) you don't have to find somewhere to put it down between shots - just hold anywhere in one hand and let it hang down to one side - nothing falls off and it's still ready in an instant. 2) Because of the design, you can hold the rig in a variety of ways. This means you can alter the muscle groups you are using and keep going for longer. 3) You don't need to hold at arm's length. If you're arms are flexed and reletively relaxed it's easy to support with two hands. Moreover, in some positions, ie. with the rig tucked into your body for statics, I find it much less strain than holding the camera alone.

Michael, I have a question comparing the DVRig Pro and the Fig Rig.
However, my curent setup is a DVRig Pro setup with VX2100, mic, PAG Light C6, LANC Remote, wireless, PAG battery on back of rig, with tripod mount.

My question is, that I see how you mount accessories to the Fig Rig and mount it on a tripod. But how heavy would it get on your arms loaded up with wireless, light, shotgun mic, LANC, and what do you do with your PAG light battery pack (sling it over your shoulder)?

It is good that you can have a variety of freedom and positions for moving shots, but with my DVRig, I can shoot all day pretty much fatigue free. I picture this doing a number on my shoulders and arms by the end of a long 6-8 hour shoot.

So with this being said, would a Fig Rig be condusive to someone who shoots live events, like weddings, recitals and such, where a shoot could be as long as 6-10 hours?

I figure that I could use the Fig Rig when needed and mount back on a tripod for lockdown shots and release again when needed.
Mainly I wanted to find out how physically demanding on your upper body, would something like this be. Tthis from someone who has upper shoulder, neck pain.

Here's what I have to say about it. This unit is definately better than handheld if you are moving around. I am an owner and I can say that it does what it is supposed to. Is it as good as a steadicam device for walking shots? The answer is no. However, it is the best device I have found for non-steadicam shots. I am a run-and-gun videographer and I do not need a steadicam vest and support arm in my way. First, you must learn how to move with it. Elbows horizonal will produce the smoothest shots. You also must learn how to walk smoothly. Your arms will absorb a lot of the shock, but will not totally eliminate it. Practice makes perfect! I cannot stress this enough, practice, practice, practice! I am a wedding videographer and the Fig Rig fits a role that no other device will. For the ceremony, I use a custom made shouder mount with a waist support. During the reception, I turn to the Fig Rig. It allows me to move freely with a considerable amount of stability. If you are wanting to use the Fig Rig for weddings, and you need mobility and steadiness, the Fig Rig can't be beat. For an amateur film-maker on a budget, the same applies. Some may agree, and some may not, but I don't care if it looks like a steering wheel, the customer will appreciate the finished project when I am done with their video. I can't tell you how difficult it was for me to spend $300 for a piece of aluminum tubing shaped into a wheel. I removed this item from my shopping cart at least 3 times from BHPhotovideo.com before i actually broke down and bought it. I am glad I did. Hope this helps!

Gary thanks for the feedback, as I too am an event videographer.
One question...
Would you consider using the FigRig for Ceremony processionals and then just mount it to a preplaced sationary tripod for lockdown shooting?

And after a long wedding reception shoot, are you fatiged?

Currently I use a DvRig Pro in this manner for both the ceremony and reception, and it has served me well, pretty much fatigue free.
But the Fig Rig would give me more mobility for moving shots than my DvRig, but fatigue worries me, as I have slight issues with my upper shouder-neck area.

Well my plan is to buy one in a couple of months to use at weddings. I have a lot of faith in my plan to use it to get those run and gun shoots such as the bride and groom walking to the car etc. My plan is to have all my tripods have the same plate so I can go from the fig rig to the pod and back and forth. There is that 30 seconds or so that I have been missing between the end of the ceremony and the bride and groom in the hallway etc. Although I will soon have two main cameras, so that shouldn't be a problem. But I do want the ability to pull off the tripod and onto the fig rig.

If that doesn't work I will install it in my Xterra. :}

Steven, you can mount the entire Fig Rig on a stationary tripod. So you mount and remove the entire rig setup at a momenst notice.

Steven, you can mount the entire Fig Rig on a stationary tripod. So you mount and remove the entire rig setup at a momenst notice.


Do you have a picture of this?

Do you have a picture of this?
I don't have a picture of this, but take a look at page 7 of the Fig Rig Brochure PDF.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/literature/download.php?pdf_file=file0011608.pdf

... Light it and let the lion leap through the ring...

I don't have a picture of this, but take a look at page 7 of the Fig Rig Brochure PDF.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/literature/download.php?pdf_file=file0011608.pdf

It appears that the hardware store and I will be come very close soon. :} Thanks for the headsup

I actually just use one a shoot last weekend with an XL1 (against the rental guy's advice). My Dp hated it, she though it was too heavy and cumbersome and would have rather done handheld. I tried my hand at it and liked it alot. I'm sure its no replacement for a steadicam or serious stabilizer, but it was more steady than handheld shots in my hands. It does get heavy though. and with an xl1, there is no viewfinder so you have to guesstimate where your subjects are in the frame, i had the wide lens so that wasnt much of an issue. overall i would probably pick one up, i think it would be really useful for solo jobs cause it holds everything you need

I use a Fig Rig all the time with an HVX-200. Love the thing. It's not a substitute for the smooth 'walking up the stairs' type Steadicam shots but for everything else (except many head and shoulders interviews) I find it near perfect.

I use a Varizoom controller for zoom-iris-focus. This means I can hang onto the rig and never move my hands except occasionally to hit the focus assist. Oh how I wish that button could be on the Varizoom.

I also made one other mod. I attached a compact carbon monopod, which I leave on most of the time. When collapsed to 2' it makes a nice counterbalance. When extended the Fig Rig and I become a very mobile three legged tripod.

What's really great is that you can be shooting rock solid like a tripod with pans and zooms and then hang right in over somebody's hands for an extreme closeup. You have all the flexibility of hand held but with the steadiness of a tripod.

For sound I do one of two things. I double record everything to a SD744, usually with a stereo ambiance mic and one or two lavaliers feeding the 744. If I have a boom operator, I use a wireless transmitter off the mix out from the 744. I receive this into the camera. I use the tone on the 744 as my clapper most of the time. This makes for easy sync-up of the four tracks to the video in FCP.

If I don't have a sound person, I carry the 744 over my shoulder, mount the stereo mic on the Fig Rig and run a cable from the mix out to the camera. Sometimes if I don't have a boom operator I mount the boom onto a light stand with a boom brace and do the same setup as with a boom operator.

All of this stuff is marginally carry-on. I usually just put the light kit and my clothes through as baggage.

I love my Fig Rig and HVX, and it was Bill Southworths review of the HVX on a Fig Rig that finally made me go for both. Thanks Bill.
I've got a Foxi focus and a Manfrotto zoom controller attatched left and right, and this gives me wonderfull control of my camera. I love the sense of balance you get with it like a slow little gyroscope in your hands as the camera is mounted dead center, tilting it forwards and back gives the best understanding of this. It allows you to react very quickly to circumstances as there no clearance room to worry about apart from what you have complete control over in your hands.

I second the need for focus assist on a remote.

I also need a case for it though for when travelling with it on public transport as too many people think you've taken the wheel off your car.

I thought I'd discovered the perfect solution, but they're too small:

http://www.harpanddragon.com/bodhrancases.htm


anybody else use anything as a case?

mike.c

anybody else use anything as a case?

mike.c


Hey Mike, have a look at this http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ProMark-CC10-Deluxe-Cymbal-Bag?sku=443720

I fortunately have a wife who sews, so she'll be cranking the ole' sewing machine for me. But have a look at that case.

This thing is perfect at the reception. But not at the church or the park. For corporate video work, a bit limited.

But it is fun to get the looks similar to those garnered when the XL1 first launched. The real proof will be the high speed scene transitions when stuff happens fast at the reception.... nice peice of kit...

Ah, I love it. It wasn't the drum bag, but the cymbal bag!

Thankyou, I'll check it out.

I did a beach wedding this weekend and for the most part the fig rig did well. I did some walking backwards on the pear following the actors etc. But I found the one weakness of the fig rig. Walking in lumpy sand trying to follow people. Wow, was that ever fun. I'm sure that footage will look like I dipped into the punch a few times. I eventually would just remain stationary, I used a tripod for most of the shoot. Over all, since it was my first time using it, the fig rig did above my expectations. It does very well trying to follow actors etc. My z1u with mic is what I was using, I had the biggy battery as well on it. So my arms were just about ripe somewhere 2 hours into it.

I'm glad I bought it.

Used one this weekend in a cathedral for capturing some great shots of the congregation as I walked around and then paused for shots in various locations whilst our other cameras were doing shots on tripod and Hague K12 jib. Found it remarkably easy to use with my Sony HC1 and (quite heavy Sony) wide angle and Rode SVM onboard (i.e. not too heavy but not exactly lightweight either.)

Just viewed the footage in Vegas 7e and it looks so incredibly steady I would be hard pressed to tell it was not on a tripod!!!! These inpromptu shots will edit in really well with footage from the two main cameras!

The ability to hold it various ways was also good (e.g. holding it above my head on a few shots to get the dancing children behind some standing people that our other two cams could n't get.)

Great device...but you don't half get some funny looks from people when they see it for the 1st time! Despite this (or maybe just for the fun of it because of this!)...it's going to be part of our regular kit from now on I think.

Great device...but you don't half get some funny looks from people when they see it for the 1st time! Despite this (or maybe just for the fun of it because of this!)...it's going to be part of our regular kit from now on I think.

The funniest comment I ever got was, asking me if it was a prop from Star Trek.