Brooklyn-based MYT Works highlighted the versatility of their camera support systems, both for static and motion positions. On display were their full range of nodal pan-tilt heads, as well as sliders and skater dollies. Glide Sliders are available in three sizes, supporting anything from a small DSLR to a full broadcast camera rig. The unique bearing design ensures a smooth move every time, and removable high-hats allow for fast setups and efficient re-configuring of dolly systems. Skater Dollies come in full kits with Mitchell, 100mm, and 75mm bowl adapters, and stand mounts for the track ends. The Skater systems interface with standard speed rail for custom runs of track as long as the shot requires – MYT’s internal splicer keeps the pipes together with no disruption to the camera’s smooth movement. MYT highlighted a new use of their dolly system, with a camera test pattern system rigged to the ceiling of their booth, which could be positioned anywhere down the track for camera calibration at different focal lengths.
Matthews Studio Equipment
Matthews Studio Equipment brings several updates to classic product lines as well as new equipment to their growing catalog of grip gear. An update to the K-Stacker, the K-Stacker II allows for (3) Kino Flo Select 31 fixtures to be mounted vertically on one position, or (2) classic 4-bank Select fixtures. The unit features junior pins at the base and out the side, for horizontal or vertical rigging, and a baby pin on the top for grip heads and other accessories. Also updated was the Dutti line with the Dutti Dock, which is a camera sled that, when paired with a quick release plate, allows for convenient camera support on any medium-duty light stand.
New products from Matthews included the MQ mount, a rugged T12 clamp that is designed to be a tight fit without the possibility of over-tightening and damaging the fixture. Also new is the panel stand, a crank-driven light stand with a combo mount and a low base, specifically designed to support long 120-profile fixtures in a vertical orientation without their running into the legs of the stand.
Alzo Video
The ALZO Smoothy Radius and Linear Camera Slider is an excellent tool for interview and B-Roll video, adding talent-stationary camera motion; it is also very useful for ‘A’ camera in commercial product presentations. The slider has a 40 inch run and can replace time-consuming track and dolly for many shots. This slider easily converts from curved radius to linear sliding by simply changing the track attachment to the base beam. Constructed from a lightweight, yet rigid aluminum track that mounts to a base beam with thumb screws in either curved or straight while stainless steel nylon wrapped bearings assure an ultra-smooth action and very long life. The slider camera bed allows for 1/4 inch x 20 or 3/8 inch x 16 thread mounting of camera quick releases plates; with the exception of the basic model, a camera quick release is included. For best results, they recommend using a Pro video tripod with a load capacity over 5 pounds, like the ALZO Pro-Pod V. Another support option is to use 2 light stands screwed into the ends of the slider, which is the most stable slider mount. For the ultimate lightweight and rigid camera sliding, we recommend adding the ALZO Camera Slider Brace Support to a tripod. The slider can also be placed on a table or any flat surface by adding the ALZO Slider Table Leg Set accessory (see image); this is a stable solution, but height adjustment is more difficult. The load capacity for the Smoothy Slider is up to 3 pounds of camera weight. The center tripod mount includes 1/4 inch x 20 and 3/8 inch x 16 threaded mounting holes. In addition, the base beam ends include 1/4 inch x 20 and 3/8 inch x 16 threaded mounting holes on the bottom. These mounting holes allow for attaching the ALZO Camera Slider Brace Support.