14 Responses to “FresHDV Test Bench Video Review - VFGadgets Pro Gripper Quad”  

1. 1 Kenn Jan 10th, 2007 at 4:40 pm

   Hey Guys, great video review! If you guys were gonna buy a car mounting system would this be the one or is there another. I can spend up to $1000 or so.

2. 2 freshdv Jan 10th, 2007 at 4:51 pm

   Thanks for the kind words, Kenn.

   What is the specific application you had in mind for the vehicle mount? What camera, how much weight?

   -Matt Jeppsen

3. 3 Kenn Jan 11th, 2007 at 12:23 am

   I have an HVX. And I want to use it to shoot cable commercials and my own features.

4. 4 freshdv Jan 11th, 2007 at 12:48 am

   This rig would probably work fine then, assuming you aren’t loading the HVX down with tons of accessories and weight. The manufacturer has clearly communicated with us that this rig is intended for the consumer and pro-sumer market, and it works best within that operating envelope.

   I wouldn’t personally want to load this particular rig up with more than 10 lbs or so, simply because the plastic knuckle joints don’t instill a ton of confidence in my mind. They tighten down pretty good, and they do what they are intended to…support a small, relatively lightweight camcorder. Oh, and be careful with the tool-less racheting tighteners, as they tend to strip in our experience.

   It works good on low mounts, and side-mounts in close to the car. It’s a dream for hood, roof, or trunk-lid mounting options. The classic “two-shot through the window” is a little tougher to get right, and we never could get all the shakes out (as evidenced in the review footage).

   The suction cups are really tough, and when mounted properly form a very strong grip. The fiberglass/composite arms are tough and lightweight. I just wish the plastic knuckles were metal, or toughened in some way so you could lock them tighter. It would change the whole dynamic and capabilities of this rig.

   Note: For a few dollars at the hardware store you can easily modify the rig with washers so that you can use wrenches to REALLY lock the joints down when you need that extra security for risky side-mount shots. We found that helped a bit (and it’s how we overcame our errant funky joint that slipped past QA at the factory). This also solves the stripping issue referenced previously.

   So…bottom line: for $500 this rig is very useful. It will enable shots you can’t get otherwise. It’s very configurable, though obviously it must be used within it’s limits. I’m not personally aware of a lot of rigs that in this price range, particularly that offer so many mounting options. I’d say that for under $800-1000 you’d be hard pressed to find a better alternative.

   Hope this helps.

   -Matt Jeppsen

5. 5 Kenn Jan 11th, 2007 at 10:09 pm

   Thanks Matt! It’s a shame about those plastic containers, but what can you do.

6. 6 Kenn Jan 11th, 2007 at 10:11 pm

   Containers?! Where did that come from? Fasteners is what I meant.

7. 7 Kenn Jan 14th, 2007 at 11:12 pm

   Hey Matt, check out this site for another car rig solution

   http://www.stickypod.com/osc/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=30

   It’s called the StickyPod Director. Have you heard about it?

8. 8 Matt Jeppsen Jan 15th, 2007 at 1:02 pm

   I’ve heard it mentioned before, but didn’t know they had the “Director” package with all the major accessories and options included. I’d like to see it in use with a larger camera.

9. 9 John Pozadzides Feb 1st, 2007 at 2:52 am

   Guys,

   First of all, the review was very informative. Thanks for that.

   Secondly, the video review it’s self is just a work of art. I mean seriously, I loved everything about it. Cool music, engaging dialog, nice transitions…

   Being a completely rank beginner at videography I hope that I can one day produce content as professional as yours.

   Thanks,

   John

10. 10 ryan Mar 16th, 2007 at 8:41 pm

    i’ve used the vf mount quite a bit. you can take a lot of shake out by purchasing another suction cup, robo arm, and mafers clamp. i clamp the bottom screw knob w/ the mafers (its plastic, so it bends) - play w/ it a bit… if you support just beneath the camera the VF arms don’t have as much leverage during road shake… has worked well for me.

11. 11 Lucas Mar 2nd, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    Hey guys,
    Thanks for the review! extremely helpful.
    I am a film student shooting a thesis short film soon. I am trying to find a versatile car mount that can help me get several shots without having to spend too much money. As far as I’ve researched, this one seems like the appropriate mount but I still have a few doubts you can help me with…
    -Would this camera support a HVX with 35mm lens converter and the lens?
    - If I am trying to get a CU on an object that sits on the passenger seat (flowers) can I mount it on the inside and put it on the whindshield? or would it fall off?
    -Do you know of anyone in the NY area that could rent one out? As every student film, we don’t have a lot of money.

    Thanks Much

12. 12 Matthew Jeppsen Mar 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    I believe that the unit has been beefed up since we reviewed it. Best to contact the manufacturer directly with your camera rig weight specs and get an answer from them. As to rentals, I believe a number of rental houses offer car mount rentals, though I don’t know if they offer this particular version…

    Best of luck,

    -MJ

1. 1 Josh Oakhurst Official Site Pingback on Jan 15th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
2. 2 VFGadgets Pro Gripper Quad Review at FresHDV - Digital Camcorder News Pingback on Jan 17th, 2007 at 12:15 pm