Meet Sachtler in September at the IBC in Amsterdam, at the Cinec in Munich or have a look on Sachtler camera support equipment at the Photokina in Cologne.

Sachtler will showcase the brand new Cine DSLR fluid head as well as the new ENG / EFP Video 18 S1 and Video 20 S1 fluid heads at the IBC 2010 in booth 11F60. The two S1 heads are the latest models of the both legendary Video 18 and Video 20 heads. Further details: 16-step counterbalance, Speedbalance technology, and a Touch & Go plate for fast attachment and removal of the camera. The Cine DSLR is well suited for the professional use with DSLRs shooting HD Videos such as the Canon 5D Mark II or 7D.

The next generation of Sachtler camera stabilizer systems will also be displayed at the IBC. The artemis Cine HD Pro features modular construction, dual video processing as well as HiCap wiring. Hot-Swap technology provides an uninterrupted power supply when changing batteries. At the Sachtler stand, artemis developer Curt O. Schaller will present the new artemis concept and offer hands-on sessions to those interested in personally testing the system personally.

Please come and pay us a visit at our stand!

Company Name: Vitec Group

Stand Number: 11.F60

Customer Ticket Code: 14536

Customer Ticket

Your FREE Entry to IBC

With this ticket you will receive a 5-day travel pass.

Log on to www.ibc.org/registration and enter the customer ticket code shown.

 Register here for free for the IBC, using the following Code 14536. We are looking forward to your visit!

 Learn more about the Video 18 S1 and Video 20 S1 fluid heads.

 More information about the new camera stabilizer system artemis Cine HD Pro.

 Visit the official IBC website.

For filmmakers, Berlin has always had a special charm. From Wim Wenders’ "Wings of Desire" to Michael Ballhaus` documentary "In Berlin" – 

A particularly notable film project has recently started in Berlin. Instead of using the usual two dimensions to bring pictures of the city to the screen, this project will add another dimension: Camera operator, director of photography, and producer Paul Stutenbäumer from Berlin has begun work on "Berlin in 3D". Along with his team, he will capture Berlin three-dimensionally in the next few weeks and thus bring images of the capital – "with depth" – to the screen.

For the shoot, two Ikegami Editcam HD cameras, mounted on a Sachtler Video 18 SB fluid head are being used. It is necessary to provide precise movement for the two cameras that are mounted upside down and parallel to each other or in a horizontal mirror rig. Despite the high total weight, smooth and steady pans can be achieved. Due to its payload range from 2 to 18 kg, the Sachtler Video 18 SB is ideally designed for this type of mounting and thus for 3D shoots. Paul Stutenbäumer uses the Sachtler Speed Lock CF tripod as well as the Sachtler Cine Mitchell tripod with a Worral Gear Head.

The first recordings of Berlin hot spots have already been made. The Reichstag, the Office of the Federal Chancellor, the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column have already been filmed in 3D. The material will be shot during different seasons and should be available by around 2012. 

 Visit Paul Stutenbäumer´s homepage.

 Here, you can find information about the Sachtler fluid heads.

 Sachtler on Facebook. Stay up to date!

Camera stabilizing in any situation – whether at football matches or boxing. The artemis EFP HD special edition camera stabilizer system from Sachtler offers optimum functionality for camera work at sports events. The new high-capacity technology ensures an extremely long run time of both the camera and wireless systems. Thanks to Hot Swap technology, the replacement of the batteries is possible without interrupting the power supply to the camera, monitor or transmission path. Furthermore, the artemis EFF HD SE supports the processing of HD SDI video signals of up to 4.5 GHz as well as SD video signals.

German operator Clemens Treml regularly works with the Sachtler camera stabilizer system. He enthusiastically explains, “The artemis system works with all popular camera systems. It’s extremely modular, weatherproof, easy to clean and lightweight so it is ideal for Outdoor Broadcasting.“

With its multitude of characteristics and technical solutions, the artemis EFP HD Special Edition is perfectly adapted to modern HD cameras as well as to digital cinematography. Ideal for covering sports events, which are a particular challenge for camera teams and technology, the artemis system offers an ultra lightweight design as well as longer runtime. This is a decisive advantage, particularly when using wireless cameras. With the artemis high-capacity technology (HiCap), the operator and the OB van technicians are ensured increased reliability of the production process. As artemis developer and operator Curt O. Schaller explains: “Our new HiCap technology is based on a combination of new internal wiring and new connectors designed to maximize energy capacity of the batteries and provide an ultra low level of voltage drop, enabling extremely long runtime.”

 More details? Click here!

 More information about the artemis camera stabilizer system.

The containers with camera, light and sound equipment eagerly awaited and donated by German companies, finally arrived at the “Friends of film makers and Free Journalism in East Africa (VeFJO) e.V.“ membership association in Uganda after a journey of several month. Sachtler was involved in the project that supports young film students in their education. The VeFJO membership association is dedicated to supporting students at the Kampala University, thus opening up real job prospects.

The equipment that was donated should help make lectures and tutorials more practice-oriented and better prepare students for working life. It is even possible to install a small television studio with the new equipment.

 You’re interested in the latest activities of the film class? Click here.

 On the VeJO e.V. homepage you will find the “Thank-you movie” from the students for the technology donation.

Technical Features:

With a total weight of only one kilogram (2,2 lbs), the artemis Handheld is extremely lightweight. The bow form also enables easy handling and simultaneously provides a high level of stability during operation. The system is carried in one hand with a handle while the other hand is free to operate of the camera. With Sachtler Dynamic-Balance technology, the weight distribution is precisely balanced and guarantees jerkfree movement, particularly when using light DSLR cameras.  The combination of the system support in the hand grip with the fine adjustment under the camera and the counter weight, ensures excellent balance. This ability to achieve smooth movement and panning enables cinematic scenes to  be caught perfectly.

The artemis Handheld is a decisive step in the direction of professionalism, especially when using with DSLR cameras. The system provides smooth camera movement without vibrating and shaking, and offers utmost stability during operation. The result is perfect panning and smooth moves.

Read more about the artemis Handheld here.

Further information about artemis products can be found on the artemis Homepage.

 The article in the on-line edition of the magazine ProfiFoto.

The 25 EFP 2 CF system consists of the EFP 2 CF carbon fiber tripod, which weighs only 4 kg (9 lb) and is characterized by its especially low weight and a 150 mm head. With its 7-step damping system, the matching Video 25 Plus fluid head is also well suited for professional everyday outside broadcast use.

The versatile 90 OB 2000 system with the Video 90 FB fluid head and the OB 2000 tripod is suited both for outside broadcast operations and for use in studios. The fluid head has a payload range of 0 to 115 kg (0 to 254 lb) and offers a 24-step counterbalance. Sachtler’s OB 2000 supports heavy camera set-ups up to 140 kg (309 lb).

The 18 SB ENG 2 CF system offers a payload range of 2 to 18 kg (4.4 to 39.7 lb). The system comprises the double extension ENG 2 CF tripod, equipped with a functional folding handle. Weighing just 2.6 kg (5.7 lb), it is extremely lightweight. Sachtler has recently launched the Video 18 S1 fluid head for the system, now featuring a 16-step counterbalance.

Would you like to get more information on Sachtler’s camera support systems? Then click here: 

 System 90 OB 2000

 System 25 EFP 2 CF

 System 18 S1 ENG 2 CF

 All Sachtler Tripods 

Together with the rally winners, participants, and sponsors, more than 200 guests enjoyed themselves. The highlight was the presentation of the yearbook to the Dutch driver Jan de Rooy as well as to other drivers. Rally giants like Erik van Loon or Tonnie van Deijne, both from Team Autotrack, and Wuf van Ginkel from Ginaf Rally Power, were also at the party.

The publication immortalizes the motorsport race at each stage and conveys a realistic impression of the excitement and the action. Last but not least, it also shows the hard conditions which the DakarPress Team's camera equipment had to defy.

 Want to know more about Sachtler Equipment and the DakarPress Team? Then read the interview with cameraman Léon Jansen.

 Are you interested in the 2010 yearbook? Visit the Passion4Wheels Hompage.

“The worldwide audience for the soccer world championship is estimated to be 25 billion viewers and with more than 30 camera positions at each match, it’s vital that customers can rely on our brands and receive a quick and efficient service to ensure the television coverage is perfect,” says Christian Huber. “Users can rest assured that full service support will be provided during office hours throughout the world championship. With so many professionals counting on Sachtler, we will be right there, and ready to help at a moment’s notice.”

The service centre will be open from 9 June - 11 July 2010 from 08h00 until 17h00. The centre will be located at Telemedia’s offices and workshop in Rivoni, Johannesburg and the contact number is +27 (0)11 803 3353. 

 Click here to download information about the service center. 

Be it current affairs or news directly from the Sachtler team, as one of our followers on Twitter you are always up to date. Also on Facebook fans will find everything about the Sachtler brand; news about the latest products, events and current user stories as well as exclusive information will be sent directly to the personal page.

Is there anything you would like to tell Sachtler? Facebook and Twitter make it possible to lead an open discussion with the manufacturer of camera support equipment. Through the official site you can contact Sachtler, exchange opinions and tell other users about your experience with Sachtler products.

 Keep up with the news! Stay informed about Sachtler on Twitter and join us at Facebook!

Photojournalist Rea La Greca and photographer Guenter Menn from Germany, started off towards Namibia in the middle of March. For a whole year the team will be traveling through Africa covering around 40,000 km with a motorbike. Sachtler is supporting their project “Wanderer between the worlds“ with the FSB 6 SL MCF tripod system, consisting of the FSB 6 fluid head, the Speed Lock® CF carbon fiber tripod and a middle spreader as well as the Reporter LED camera light and the FSB CELL. 

“The FSB 6 tripod system with Sachtler’s carbon fiber Speed Lock® CF impresses us with its combination of quick and easy handling as well as its light weight“, Rea La Greca said. “We will use Sachtler’s Reporter LED as a fill-in light for a Sony PMX EX1R. That way we can give the shots more brilliance and brightness depending on the lighting conditions. The FSB CELL battery is the ideal accessory for it.“

“In our shots we want to capture something which might not exist in this form any more: the traditional life of the Nomads. They are people wandering between tradition and modern life whose cultures are in the process of change.“

Rea la Greca

 For more information on the FSB 6 SL MCF tripod system please click here.

 "Works with SOOM“: The FSB 6. Click here for further details.      

 More details on the Reporter LED and the FSB CELL battery system.

 Find out more about Guenter Menn and his projects.

You can read all about Sachtler and their products on more than 100 pages. Plenty of information on camera support and reporter lighting can be found quickly in the clearly-arranged catalog. You can also find detailed product features and some insight in practice. Illustrative user stories tell of their projects and their work with the versatile Sachtler products. 

Marko Vucic has been working with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. “The new Video 20 S1 combines reliable quality with new features. Together with DSLRs, the movie tube PR and the Zeiss Compact Primes CP.2, which we favour, it is a fantastic combination. However, since such a system quickly runs up a weight of 15 kg or more, it must be used with the 100 mm tripod. Only then is it possible to work efficiently and precisely with the relatively small camera, which is not optimized for filming.“ The payload of the Video 20 S1 now starts at 2 kg instead of 7 kg and ends at 25 kg. 

The counterbalance of the Sachtler Video 20 S1 has been increased from 4 steps up to 16 steps, providing for especially fine adjustment. Important functions for daily production include the Boost Button for a quick payload range shift, parking positions for spare camera screws, a Touch & Go plate, as well as the Sachtler Speedbalance Technology. Marko Vucic says, “Even minor technical improvements and simplified handling are worth more than gold for those working every day with this equipment.” 

Photo: Marko Vucic 

 More information about the new Video 20 S1 fluid head. 

For the second time, the Dakar Press team has durable Sachtler equipment on board their Toyota  and has subjected it to one of the hardest performance tests ever: heat, dust, wind and little care. In the year 2010 the cinematographers not only have the extremely robust Video 18 fluid head and the lightweight ENG 2 CF carbon fiber tripod with the Sachtler fast-action clamp on tour with them, but also the artemis DV Pro MD camera stabilizer system.  

Read soon about how man and his equipment withstood the hard test, why León Jansen‘s team got a taste of the Chilean FBI, and what happened behind the scenes in a full user story under Made with Sachtler on our website

  Find all information about Rally Dakar 2010: www.dakarmagazine.nl, www.dakarTV.nl, www.dakarpress.nl.

 Read about the Dakar Rally 2009 on Made with Sachtler “Adventure between two oceans”.

The DakarPress team experienced an adventure on land in South America. 6,000 miles (9,500 km) of dust, stones and temperatures between 95° and 131°F (35° and 55°C) –  the working conditions of the 8-man team who followed this year's Rally Dakar. It's all about Made with Sachtler: "Dakar Rally 2009: Adventures between two oceans." 

 View all „Made with Sachtler“.

TV stations in Poland and in Turkey have equipped their teams with Sachtler equipment. They chose Sachtler due to the excellent quality and the superior price-benefit ratio.

Polish television network TVP has thus far ordered 31 Sachtler Video 18 SB fluid heads along with carbon fiber tripods. Furthermore they chose three 25 C III systems which each consist of the Video 25 Plus fluid head and the C III Pedestal. In 2007 the TV station had previously purchased a large quantity of Sachtler equipment. With the new order, all of the TV station´s teams are now equipped with the same Sachtler support gear. 

A major Turkish TV station also trusts the reliable Sachtler equipment. Three news studios of the station will be equipped with 90 Sachtler Topas 220TM lights. This fluorescent light offers extremely consistent light distribution and draws considerably less electrical power than traditional studio lighting fixtures. 

 Ask about the Video 18 SB fluid head.

 Find an overview of Sachtler lighting.

How reliable are Sachtler products in practice? Sachtler takes you behind the scenes with film makers using the company´s equipment for reports about the challenges, large and small, encountered during a normal shooting day. Just go to www.sachtler.com.

Currently there are two new Shortcuts online:

Filmmaker J. A. Puyol fights icy winds and snow with his Sachtler equipment while shooting a documentary in the Antarctic. You can get the complete report in “Extreme conditions in the Vinson Massif.”

Canadian cameraman Frederic Chamberland is also a satisfied user. He reports about his experiences with the artemis Cine spring arm in the “Made with Sachtler” story “Heat in the city of shadows.“ He also relies on his Sachtler stabilizer when shooting commercials and praises the camera stabilizing system artemis Cine HD and the artemis vest. You can get some interesting impressions of the shoot from “Commercials by artemis.”

 Let yourself become inspired, go to an overview of all “Made with Sachtler” user stories.

 Find detailed information about the SOOM tripod system.

Sachtler celebrated the launch of the dimmable Reporter 8LEDim with an online sweepstakes campaign. During the months of February through May, the Sachtler sweepstakes question was: “How high is the light output of the Reporter 8LED?” The correct answer is: 250 lumens.

The lucky winner of the online sweepstakes is: Bert Schelfaut from Anderlecht, Belgium. With his new prize light, Bert can now enjoy the innovative LED technology. The new version of the Reporter 8LED with a dimmer provides even greater versatility and optimal lighting.

The ten winners of the mini croco clamp were:

David Tasker, UK

Herbert Kania, Germany

James Morgan, UK

Janina Lau, Germany

Jens Thelander, Sweden

Konrad Simon, Germany

Lutz Schuler, Germany

Steve Lynch, Canada

Michael Bresch, Germany

Silvester Kok, Netherlands

 More information about the Reporter 8LEDim 

• Where, why and how is a camera stabilizing system used?
• Functions and adjustment of the system, the spring arm and the vest
• Moving and stepping techniques  
  
• Hands-on with the artemis camera stabilizing system

Two artemis operators, Clemens Treml and Sergio Brighel were in charge of the Academy workshop. Interested participants could get acquainted with the basics of the camera stabilizing system. Many visitors used this opportunity to extensively test the modular Sachtler artemis camera stabilizing system.

The Wendelin Sachtler Academy regularly organizes workshops covering camera stabilizing, photocomposing and HDTV at their Studio in Eching, Munich. The seminars are set up in modules and offered at different levels – basic and advanced.

Are you interested in attending workshops at the Wendelin Sachtler Academy? Then you’ll find more information here.

• Payload range from 2-22 kg (4-48 lbs)
• 16-step counterbalance
• Boost Button for adjusting the payload range
• 7 horizontal and 7 vertical grades of drag
• Tilt range from +90° to -80°

What’s more, the Cine 7+7 HD offers cine features such as Sideload technology and an optionally attachable front pan bar. “The Cine 7+7 HD offers proven Sachtler quality and it’s an cost-effective alternative to 150mm heads designed for smaller film cameras and small to medium HD systems”, emphasizes Robert Zierer, product manager at Sachtler.

Further information on the Cine 7+7 HD

"The new FSB 8 has a 10-step counterbalance as well as five grades of drag – horizontal and vertical. Naturally it operates with the reliable Sachtler features, e.g. Speedbalance and the self-illuminating Touch Bubble. The FSB 8 therefore is the ideal head for professional (H)DV users," says Sachtler designer Thomas Wehrmann.

It is, along with the other FSB heads, also part of the high quality "Works with SOOM" products, which are ideally matched. The new fluid head and camera support products, i.e. the innovative FSB CELL, together form a practical and effective equipment package, allowing filmmakers to realize their creativity.

For additional information on the new FSB  8 click here
For an overview of all FSB heads click here
Works with SOOM

“Its payload of up to 8.8 lb (4 kg) provides camera support for almost every (H)DV camera. What’s more, the new head perfectly meets our clients’ expectations regarding robustness, reliability and durability.”

Robert Zierer, product manager at Sachtler

Sachtler presents the FSB 4. This fluid head works especially well with small and lightweight cameras equipped with professional accessories. It is the perfect device to use for a variety of productions such as wedding videos, documentaries, corporate videos or coverage of sports events.

The FSB 4 works with Sachtler’s proven Speedbalance technology, which enables fast and precise balancing. In addition, it has an integrated flat base fitting and can be used with tripods with a 75mm bowl. The FSB 4, the multifunctional SOOM, the compact Reporter 8LED and the innovative FSB CELL make for a strong “team” of quality products.

Further information on the new FSB 4

Works with SOOM

The 14 stages of the 9,500 km desert rally presented the drivers with extreme challenges. The members of the DakarPress team, including cameramen, photographers and journalists, worked under demanding conditions such as heat, dust and rough terrain – like everybody else. As soon as the drivers showed up, the equipment had to be ready. The functional SOOM proved to be the ideal tool, being easy to carry, versatile and extremely robust. The team also relied on the innovative FSB CELL that provided optimal power, the compact Reporter 8LED for proper lighting and the versatile FSB 6 for well-balanced pan-shots.

More about the DakarPress press team

Watch Dakar TV’s promotional spot

Since January 3, 2009, the press team have been on their way with two Toyota Land Cruisers. The team of eight includes two cameramen, five photographers and one journalist, who is responsible for interviews. The desert rally makes high demands – not only on the drivers. The equipment is also exposed to extreme conditions. But the robust, lightweight and versatile SOOM is ideal for working between dunes. At this point, the drivers have reached Valparaiso, Chile on the Pacific coast and are half way through the route.

Read about the team’s daily experiences

Watch Dakar TV’s promotional spot

SOOM it your way!

The Vitec Group plc., Sachtler's parent company, has gained a new member: Litepanels, the market leader of the LED lighting systems. Litepanels offers an innovative range of LED lights for the TV, video and film industry.

A large factor in the decision to incorporate Litepanels into the Vitec Group is the energy efficiency of Litepanels' LED light technology. Compared to tungsten lights, in which nearly 95 percent of the power is lost to heat generation, only 50 percent of an LED light's energy is lost to heat. The energy savings from Litepanels LED fixtures is amplified by the need for less air conditioning on the stage. “Our goal is to bundle innovative and promising products within the Vitec Group. Our leading brands Sachtler (Reporter luminaires) and Anton/Bauer (Ultralight and ElightZ) will continue to develop their camera and location luminaire lines. With Litepanels we are now able to offer customers an extensive array of LED products,“ emphasises Joop Jansen, Chief Executive of the Vitec Group, Broadcast Systems Division at the IBC 2008.

At Sachtler’s IBC exhibition booth (9.C40) the system can be tested “hands-on”. The artemis EFP Pro HD SDI can process basically all conventional video signals (SD, SD SDI, HD RGB, HD SDI), thus representing a cross-over system. The multi-functional camera stabilizing system is also geared for productions in HDTV format, making it “an all around fit for the future of digital cameras”, as emphasised by Jürgen Greithanner. At the booth further systems of the product range as well as current product highlights – such as the new artemis ACT 2 Carbon spring arm and the flexible and comfortable artemis ACT 2 vest – can also be tested.

For further information, please visit www.artemis-hd.com.

With the revolutionary new artemis ACT 2 carbon spring arm you don´t have to be a heavy-weight to keep it stable. Try out our lightest operator-friendly carbon fiber arm and our newest modular artemis systems at the IBC 2008 (booth 9.C40) and the cinec 2008 (booth 3-D20). Send an email to sales@artemis-hd.com to make your personal appointment or simply visit us during the IBC and cinec.

Different versions of the camera stabilization system are at your disposal for testing – for example the artemis DV Pro MD or the main version, the artemis Cine HD. For any questions or instruction we have an experienced artemis operator and developer available. The ACT 2 carbon spring arm is of special interest: it is based on a free moving lightweight construction and is particularly suitable for fast movement courses. In this version, the ACT 2 is a much lighter arm with more sensitive response mode.

More information on the ACT 2 carbon spring arm and the ACT 2 vest at www.artemis-hd.com.

Sachtler offers a perspective change at IBC and cinec 2008: SOOM, the multifunctional camera support tool, can be tested with hands on, at the Sachtler booths (9.C40 and/or 3-D20): When filming by hand, the SOOM HiPod system with 250cm maximum height, offers new views – quasi from a birds’ eye view. The compact SOOM HiPod system consists of the SOOM TriPod, the SOOM TriSpread (usable as a mini tripod and a mini spreader) and the SOOM tube (Monopod): three products, four application possibilities. It’s modularity and light weight, 5.8kg enables the SOOM to capture not only event, documentary and advertising filming, but also work allows cameramen to work single handedly.

At test units "experts" tell of their experiences with SOOM. For individual hands on, there are not only the individual modules from SOOM available, this tool can be also combined with the "Works with SOOM products" from Sachtler:  FSB 2,  FSB 6,  FSB CELL, Reporter 8LED. The possibility for Hands on exists at the Sachtler stand daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More on the new perspectives

 
Further information about 50 years of "ideas in motion"

"We are excited about the support given to children infected with HIV and are pleased to be able to help with this important project“, explains Sandra Rademacher, Marketing Assistant at Sachtler. The world market leader of professional camera support systems is involved with several other projects, which help the plight of others, including BaanGerda.

Living and laughing without worries
As opposed to traditional homes for children, the living situation for the orphans in BaanGerda is more like being in a family, each family unit is supervised by either two widows or a married couple, who also carry the HIV virus. The daily activites in the village are geared to the children’s infection, which requires constant medical attention. Nevertheless, the children are able to develop like most other healthy children growing up in a family. The activities of the organisation help the children of BaanGerda experience the thing they need most: carefree laughter and love.


For further information see: www.baangerda.org

Christian Huber
+86 1085 28 87 48 or
Christian.Huber@vitecgroup.com

Itsuro Tezuka, Head of Sales, Asia Pacific, Vitec Group plc. trusts in his brands’ reliability and robustness. All the same, at a major event like the Olympics all eventualities have to be considered. “Our customers can contact our service team hotline in Beijing at all hours and expect immediate technical support, whether it’s a really fast turnaround on spares or trouble-shooting on site”, says Tezuka.

For a PDF map download please click here

The Sachtler team was very pleased with the excellent response at the NAB. In contrast to the fair’s trend – there was a decrease in visitors – Sachtler’s stand at the “NAB Vitec Group Village” attracted even more visitors than last year. At the centre of the visitors’ attention were, of course, Sachtler’s latest products, as team members noted. “A positive effect for Sachtler was that the NAB proved to be not only a “presentation fair” but also a genuine interest in buying also prevailed”, observed Jürgen Sommer, Director of Brand Development, Camera Dynamics.



50 years of Sachtler
The Sachtler team not only presented the latest products but also the new, hot-off-the-press Sachtler catalogue. The innovative 2008 edition, with its combination of magazine and catalogue, marks the beginning of the activities marking the company´s 50th anniversary. Fifty years ago, cameraman Wendelin Sachtler started to develop fluid heads in a small workshop in Munich. Today, Sachtler is a global player, a company which still operates in accordance with its founder’s principles of robust construction, quality and, above all, a focus on filmmakers’ needs. This striving for success was once again encouraged and confirmed by the five awards for product innovation which the Sachtler team took home from the fair.

to "Five Awards for SOOM"

to "4EVER Group Award for On-Board Light"

to "50 Years of Sachtler"

Intense light for all purposes: on-camera light Reporter 8LED
Another premiere for the US market at NAB will be: the on-camera Re-porter 8LED, Sachtler’s first LED light fixture. Because the Reporter 8LED operates from a low-level input voltage of 6 to 24 volts, it can be perfectly paired and share a power with small 7.2 volt (H)DV cameras as well as with all commonly used broadcast camcorders. Intelligent optional acces-sory sets expand the light’s configuration possibilities and provide a wide range of light design solutions.

artemis – die ACT 2 range keeps growing
At NAB, Sachtler will present a carbon upgrade for the artemis ACT 2 aluminium spring arm, and the ACT 2 vest.
The upgrade replaces the arm’s aluminium bones with carbon fiber. This provides several advantages for the operator:

• Less weight
• Extreme stiffness
• Even more sensitive responding properties
  
  

The new ACT 2 vest is constructed of breathable nylon cordura and fits all operators due to the seven ergonomically designed vest segments that can be placed freely at the right position, following the shape and height of the operator's body. It is also equipped with the American standard industry vest-arm connector (mating block) and therefore fully compatible to systems and spring arms of other manufacturers. The ACT 2 vest is de-signed for camera stabilizing systems including the artemis EFP, EFP Pro HD SDI, Cine, and Cine HD.

More information on the product novelties - SOOM, Reporter 8LED and artemis – are available on the respective product pages. 

More information under www.artemis-hd.com.

Mike Steffl, you were one of the first cameramen to test SOOM. How do you rate the system?

Mike Steffl: Sachtler has achieved a huge success with the SOOM system. Even though the system is very innovative, the company still paid attention to the key qualities of reliability, robustness and flexibility. At the IBC, I disassembled the SOOM into its individual components and reassembled it again countless times each day, and never had any problems or difficulties. I was totally impressed with the SOOM system.


Which of the system's features caught you by surprise? What distinguishes it from other tripod systems?

Mike Steffl: The system's flexibility, combined with its high stability and light weight, fascinated me from the beginning. But what really surprised me was the concept a camera support system combining a very tall, normal tripod, monopod and baby tripod. A tripod system that offers the SOOM's range of applications has been missing on the market until now. The awesome maximum lens height of 98.4" (2.5 m ), and the integrated function of the baby tripod are really impressive. No other tripod system offers this brilliant double function of the mid-level spreader, where It can be removed to serve as a baby tripod. Sachtler has virtually redefined camera support.

Are there any weaknesses or anything else that Sachtler's developers need to take into account for the future?

Mike Steffl: In the end there are always tiny modifications that can be made, the need for which arises from handling systems on a daily basis and using them in diverse practical applications. The SOOM system I presented at the IBC, however, was trimmed right down for the harsh realities of day-to-day production. The only tip I would offer is the need for wheels on the transport bag.

What kind of camera operators would you recommend the SOOM system to?

Mike Steffl: The SOOM system is exclusively designed for cameras up to around
13.2 lb (6 kg) in weight. These cameras are being increasingly used, for example, in the areas of (H)DV or Mini-DV, whether in the semi-professional field of wedding shoots, the professional field of documentaries and reports, or even as backup for the “heavyweight” cameras. I would especially recommend the SOOM for solo shoots. It's an ideal companion in all situations, with its high flexibility, low weight and maximum reliability, are decisive reasons for its success.



Additional modules in the SOOM series are already being developed. What's on your personal wish list?

Mike Steffl: My main wish would be to adopt the innovative double function – the mid-level spreader and baby-tripod rolled into one – for the complete range of Sachtler tripods. Whether or not this is realized will be answered by the Sachtler developers. At the 2007 IBC I often heard people discussing this possibility. I would like to see every professional cameraman checking the SOOM system out, as the operative range of small cameras – and their quality – is becoming increasingly interesting for all broadcasters.

More on Mike Steffl

Things that never change
Wendelin Sachtler was directly involved in both the technical and construction aspects of new products, but his involvement didn’t stop there. Fifty years ago, he also did the work that marketing and sales departments do today. “He made the first international contacts, carried out extensive sales talks and even helped set-up trade fair stands,” remembers Jaumann.

One thing hasn’t changed. “Wendelin Sachtler wanted his products to speak for themselves and to convince broadcasters through their quality and functionality. That’s why he made sure from the very beginning that his products would be easy to recognize. His distinctive ‘S’ has become an extremely catchy product logo, known all over the world.”

• To the Sachtler Story

Current projects:
 

- Documentary about the medicinal aspects of hop
– Documentary film about Swiss artist Jean Tinguely (filmed in the Netherlands, Italy and Switzerland)

For more on Mike Steffl and his projects, please visit: www.msteffl.de.

A key member of the film crew was Argentinian camera operator, Peter Trivino. Despite a host of tricky shooting situations, he and his artemis Cine HD system sprang into action, delivering outstanding pictures for “El Otro”. For example, the Estacion Terminal de Liniers, the large central bus terminal in Buenos Aires, was one such difficult location. The producers were given permission to shoot for only two hours - too short to set up the equipment needed for a conventional set-based shoot. Peter came to the rescue with his artemis Cine HD system, filming all the scenes in less than two hours. For more information about how this film was shot and Peter's experiences with his artemis system, visit Made with Sachtler.

The adolescent comedy was shot by, among others, camera man Tony Luu, who used his old Sachtler studio head 7+7. Even though this head has not been manufactured for over 10 years, it is still used widely in professional shoots. The classic head, together with Tony, even appeared in the cover picture of the Australian Cinematographers March 2007 edition, which also ran a review of the film. The cover photo featuring Tony Luu and the studio head 7 + 7 was shot by photographer Thom Kotis.

For the first time, Sachtler was represented by a 400 square meter booth as a member of the Camera Dynamics Business Unit – together with Vinten, Vinten Radamec and OConnor. Such cooperation is part of a concept that is gaining popularity: “More and more manufacturers and their partners are working together. Full service in every aspect of camera workflow is a growing trend – a fact that was clearly displayed at the NAB” according to Jürgen Sommer, Director of Brand Development in the Camera Dynamics Business Unit. The integration of different systems and cooperation between manufacturers reflect the current demands being made by customers. “Our cliental are delighted that, with the integration of Sachtler into the Camera Dynamics family, they now have access to new generations of products that combine the very best technologies available.”

In terms of overall interest, Sachtler was also part of a growing trend: the Sachtler team was kept busy greeting NAB organizers and more potential overseas buyers at the combined Camera Dynamics Business Unit booth, than ever before. This was directly reflected in their sales figures at the exhibition: four artemis camera stabilizing systems flew from the fair to their new homes in South America, and two systems were also purchased by European customers.

Combined excellence: Successful new products

The new fluid heads FSB 2 and FSB 6 and the FSB CELL all met with great interest – not just from visitors to NAB, but also from the experts. The fluid head FSB 6 was presented with three awards at the congressevent. The new heads will be available shortly in the USA and will be launched worldwide at the IBC. And to give users a preview, we will introduce these products in detail in a special newsletter in the very near future.

The newest model in the artemis series, the artemis DV Pro FX, and the new spring arm ACT 2 for large systems, both attracted huge numbers of visitors to the stand. At the artemis “hands-on” exhibit, experienced operators Billy Parks (USA) and Curt O. Schaller (Germany), both showed just how far you can go with the revolutionary camera stabilizing systems. “The visitors almost had to stand in line to test the systems. After a short time, there was a real trail left behind on the stand’s floor from all the prospective operators going up and down with the artemis”, reports Jürgen Sommer. With its new turnkey solutions, Sachtler convincingly demonstrated that its products are HD-ready and that HD camera operators can rely on the classic Sachtler qualities: innovation, robustness and reliability.

The new FSB 2 and FSB 6 fluid heads are the first on the market to support payloads from 0 to 2 kg/0 to 4.4. lbs (FSB 2) and 1 to 6 kg/2.2 to 13.2 lbs (FSB 6) and feature the Sachtler sideload Snap & Go mechanism. In addition, the FSB 6 is the only head in its range to feature 10-step counterbalance, while the FSB 2 offers a 2-step counterbalance setting of 0 and 1. The heads provide three dampening steps in both pan and tilt directions, as well as a zero setting, which deactivates dampening.

Whether you need a quick and easy set-up for ENG and EFP or to perform the perfect pan shooting weddings, documentaries, shorts, etc., the FSB 2 and FSB 6 heads are the ideal solution. When combined with the newly developed Sachtler FSB CELL, the support team becomes a powerful solution. The new FSB CELL is a 10.5 AH lithium rechargeable camera battery, which fits directly below the camera to provide 8 hours of power. This ensures maximal flexibility on the job, so that operators can focus on the shoot instead of worrying about the batteryís runtime. Plus, the FSB CELL conveniently incorporates the Sachtler Snap & Go camera attachment system to its top and bottom surfaces for sure and easy connection between the camera and the head.

The Sachtler FSB 2 and FSB 6 heads will be available in the USA by IBC 2007.

Fifty members of the press attended the press breakfast on the second day of the congress alone. They were there to learn about the business activities of these leading companies, as well as get to know some of their new innovations.

Joop Janssen, Chief Executive Officer of the Vitec Group’s Broadcast Division, Jürgen Sommer, Director of Brand Development in the Camera Dynamics Business Unit, and Bob Carr, President of Camera Dynamics Inc., were on hand to answer journalists’ questions. And after the conference, members of the press were able to take advantage of the hands-on section of the breakfast and try out the newly-launched products for themselves.

Artemis developers are always on the go. With the ACT 2, they have completely redeveloped the spring arm for full-sizedlarge stabilizing systems including: the artemis EFP, artemis EFP Pro HD SDI, artemis Cine, artemis Cine HD, as well as sytems from other makers. This new version offers numerous enhanced features over previous models.

A strong arm for the big guys
Even lighter weight, quicker to react and even easier to handle, the spring arm’s optimized bearing enables immediate arm activation. New pre-tension technology guarantees spring tension adjustment with a minimum of effort, and the design makes child’s play of replacing springs. Furthermore, the innovative turning mechanism at the interface between spring arm and vest, greatly simplifies the changeover from right to left hands – without need to dismantle.
To press information

Sachtler played a starring role in the launch of the new Toyota Auris – with a Sachtler camera tripod system featuring in the advertising. From 23 February to 5 March, 202,000 Toyota posters in 82 German cities caught the eyes of millions of passers-by. The was the largest campaign ever carried out by a company in Germany. The Cine 2000 medium tripod with fluid head video 90 FB cut a very good picture in the poster: Despite the heat and dust, it enabled the camera operator to keep the new Auris perfectly in sight far off in the desert.

“This association of leading, extremely well-known brands enables us to significantly expand our market presence. Synergies such as a common sales team, the exchange of know-how, and technology transfer, not only help the company to become more efficient, it also delivers significant benefits to customers,” stresses Jürgen Sommer, Director of Brand Management. Examples of this include the cooperation between Sachtler and Petrol in developing the vest for the artemis camera stabilizing systems, and between Sachtler and OConnor in developing the “Snap & Go” sideload mechanism for the Cine 30 HD. Sommer believes this “institutionalized form of bench-marks” is the way of the future: “Right now Camera Dynamics is being distributed for the first time by a joint sales team. The next step is to use this cooperation to strengthen our dealer network and offer enhanced local service and support. In this way, we will continue to offer innovative products and services, and further consolidate the market leadership.”

The Sachtler Academy presented itself and its program for the first time in the Arab world from 6 – 8 March, 2007. The proposal to hold creative, multi-faceted workshops in the Middle East made an impressive impact at CABSAT. The program pamphlet in Arab and the new image film also attracted a lot of attention from visitors to the convention. Marion Ahrensfeld, responsible at the Academy, comments: “Up to now, we haven’t seen these kinds of workshops in the Arab world, so our program will soon be able to fill this niche in the market. The response from visitors to the convention has strengthened our resolve to become more active here and we will definitely be increasing our engagement in the Middle East.”

Cooperation with a future
Marion Ahrensfeld took advantage of the convention to further develop old contacts and establish new ones. Talks with studio operators and dealers at CABSAT showed that there is great interest to work together with the Sachtler Academy, with some visitors actively offering to make their venues available for workshops. “Our Arab friends hold a similar view of the developments in the branch as we do: These days, professionals who want to stay ahead have to keep on top of continually-developing technical and technological innovations, as well as remaining in close contact with colleagues in order to share experiences. That’s why workshops at the Sachtler Academy are such a good platform,” she adds.

Homepage with Arabic contentThe highly positive response from Arab professionals had another favorable result: visitors to the Sachtler Academy Homepage www.sachtler-academy.com will soon be in able to find the workshop program in Arabic. At present, a questionnaire is being designed that will ask media professionals to propose seminars and content for the program.

With a new, attractive look and exciting range of subjects, Sachtler, Camera Dynamics GmbH ensures informative surfing, especially on the product pages. You’ll find all the information you need conveniently and at a glance, with comprehensive product descriptions, technical data and matching accessories. Which head is found in which system? The answer is only a few mouse clicks away on the new Sachtler website. Enjoy your virtual trip through Sachtler’s product range. Would you like to be kept up-to-date on the latest products and services from Sachtler in future? Then simply subscribe to the Sachtler newsletter. You’ll get exciting new product information and stories from sets all over the world delivered directly to your email inbox.

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Sachtler’s fluid heads have made a name for themselves in the industry, but so has Franz Eibel as a member of the service team with a reputation for being a wizard. The 41-year-old admits that he takes great pleasure in the long working-life of Sachtler products and, as a result, is inseparably linked to the products.

If for example something sticks and a tripod head no longer runs smoothly, it’s Franz Eibel who knows exactly what to do. After 22 years of experience in Sachtler’s service workshop, fluid heads hold no secrets from him. While other technicians need sketches and serial numbers to identify a fluid head, a quick glance is often all that Franz Eibel requires.

Even models that have been out of production for years, like the legendary Hollywood head, are in good hands with Eibel. After working his spell in the workshop they come out looking like new. Speedy recoveries such as this save time and eliminate stress for camera operators waiting it out. Camera support advice from Franz Eibel is priceless. He is truly a head above the rest.