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Pat Miller
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Gentlemen-----been reading, observing, studying & learning for several months now from this board and all who have contributed to it. I can say it's definitely been a "Hoot".
I did write a quicky review of a Pro Am crane I'd bought several months ago also but didn't post any pics or video of it-----till now. I'll post pics. I'm still shooting video and making improvements to the little crane almost daily.
I am a technical type guy but lacking the space or the inclination for some serious shop tools I bought my remote head and haven't regretted one iota or dollar spent on it. After all the research and reviews I'd decided on the Camera Turret Company, model PT 20 which I'm using specifically for an XL2. The unit weighs an actual 6 lbs. and even though my little jib isn't rated but for 10lbs, with the camera and some added support it works fine. I've taken the manual tilt completely off and mounted the remote directly to the end of the crane using 2 1/4 " bolts, adapted one cable strut straight down the middle for support and control, redrilled a hole for monitor mount, weight handle, remote control box, and Varizoom remote for focus/zoom control on the rear, built an L shaped shelf for a small 12vdc battery, rewired the monitor and the remote for completely cable free (electric) operations, put the tripod on a steerable dolly. Now if shooting indoors I can move the jib with one person semi safely tied down, with 2 people perfectly safe.
The thing about camera equipment is that they are always "works in progress"! Even my friends who own and operate Jimmy Jibs like to come over and play with my "toy". (which rents for about 60/75% of what they charge for the 'big boys'! Now if I can get the pics to upload! Next is video and like I said, I'm still working on that!
It's really smooth, it's REAL EASY to set up, and the Camera Turret Remote Head is a joy to use. It's smooth, easy to adjust to whatever speed your shot is or needs, and extremely well made for the cost. I found dealing with them via email and phone to be fun, funny and the owner to be MORE THAN ACCOMODATING and friendly.
I've already had several sub rentals with the little unit and I haven't had it more than 2 weeks. It was easy to balance, and it's pretty to look at! The single strut cable added tons more control to the little crane and I can built it from scratch and balance it in about 15 minutes. Enjoy. Video comes later.
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