New Ideas, compatibility and function

We have been testing the rig with some different cameras, and we want to send it out there so you could have a look.  We built out a Epic with the generous help of Joseph Victorine.

We have been thinking that the balance would be improved if the camera body was back right up against the shoulder.  We have change the design to have the bottom of the L flush to the C300 plate so the camera can slide all the way back, those 2 or 3 inches should make a big difference.  My main issue is the power and video out, even with L adaptors it is not optimal.  

We will be getting a very early demo back soon which I can butcher and really customize the Lion for the Epic.

The other obvious issue is power distribution, we started to address the issue with the Epic test with d-tap brake out right behind the camera and batt mounted on the side cheese plate.  This works but it takes up the cheese plate which could be better used and it is less than elegant.  Matt Workman has come up with this battery mount.  He has squared the back but we am going to make a plate curved to the shape of the body on one side and flat on the other.  This will be available on the next run due out in two weeks.  It will be oriented at the an angle like the images above.

Next is quick sizing test with a 7D.  We did not wire up, but it gives you a idea.  I would love to get a Blackmagic to test with any takers?

.

First Black Walnut Lion plus more

This rig is for Matt Irwin, he had 9 additional 1/4 - 20 points.  Sort of tired after getting this done but I wanted to get the pictures out there, I will write more later.

In side the camera you can add wights the package comes with two at about 1 1/2 pd each.  Also you can access the junction at the intersection of the x and y axis internal channels to do a 90 turn with a BNC or RCA or some cable head in that size range.

This the normal configuration in Walnut.

And here we are in Black Cherry.

Handles in Black Cherry and Walnut now with a Arri and through the wood #4 stainless nuts and bolts, no more epoxy.  I am waiting on some cool stainless steel lock down knobs that should be in very soon.

From the CAD program

The first Ergocine - Lion's are coming off the line, and they are beautiful, I have to glue one more piece and cut down the handle tapering it into the body.   Then Egli Machine will bore the 15mm holes for the rods, and then back to my shop to MAS epoxy the female 1/2 - 13 female receivers, the 1/4 - 20 mounting points, sanding and finishing. I hope to have pictures of the finished Lion by Thursday.

If you need a CAD .pdf for modifications email and I will send it off.

These images are of the rig as it come from the machine shop.

The hour approaches and some production pictures

Two things:
First: I will have the finished Ergocine - Lion's in Black Cherry and Black Walnut in middle of next week.  I am working with EGLI Machine in Sidney NY and Dennis has been great they have gone above and beyond in refining and manufacturing the design.  I hope you will agree when you see the final product.
Next: Matt Workman has been working the prototype and he wrote

"I brought the Ergo on a decent sized commercial today and literally every PA, sound person, camera dept., lighting, AD, art, VTR, loved the rig.  I think you're on to something.

They also love the C300 :)  Looking forward to getting mine!"

Diana took some great pictures:

Thanks Seth

This is Seth Hagenstein with the Ergocine Lion prototype in the field.  As you can see it is really carrying a heavy load, his main criticism was that it lacked padding for this shoulder.  In the day with my Aaton I would be forced to stick foam under my shirt to deal with the discomfort, so the production model (shipping at the end of June) will come with a choice of 1/8" solid leather padding or 1/2" leather and cotton batten padding.  He also suggested that I round the edges in that area which I will do.

He also asked for a rear mounting plate which I will offer as a attachment.  

As for access to the battery compartment of the rig, this is a little tricky, I am going to shave down the space behind the plate so that it is flush. That should help say if you want to use a over size battery, aside from that the design idea is that you would slide the plate froward on the rods to access the battery.  

When it come to quickly removing the Lion for tripod work (with the Zacuto studio plate), the body will have female screw in rods receivers, so you can place it on the tripod twist the rods and take the body off.  The Lion works best with the Arri plate that has front and back locks, where you can just loosen the back lock downs and out it comes. 

I just want to say that really appreciate his suggestions, this sort of constructive, insightful feedback form operators is the most critical element in developing this product.

First Lion Delivered

I just dropped off a finished prototype to Jon Yi he is going to do some world traveling with the rig.  We now have the the C300 monitor, controls and XLR I/O fully integrated and it is solid.  There is also a removable counter weight imbedded under the cheese plate if you end up using heavy glass.  In this configuration Jon is going to remove the counter weight.  The production model will also be cut to allow the camera to be position back another 2 inches, the further back the better.
For audio, video and power cables the Lion has pass throughs on the horizontal axis and I am going to add one on the vertical axis.  
The rig has many mounting points and more can be added after the fact anywhere on the body in any hole size. 
I am also going to be producing the Lion and Grip in Black Walnut which finishes to a near black, with a black anodized cheese plate and black rods.
The production model will be ready to go by the last week of June, I am working on getting a e-marketing site up ASAP.

some pictures:

If you absolutely positively must use your C300 handle.

If you absolutely positively must use your C300 handle.  I ran this by one of my trusted advisors, he said it works but it is not as solid as he would like it and he prefers the comfort of the Ergocine - BCG.

Shape HAC300

Plus two 90 degree brackets to mount it to your 15mm rods. 

Zacuto

Redrockmicro