Eching. Sachtler, the world’s leading supplier of equipment for the film and TV business, presents its complete range of camera support systems. At the heart of this product range are the so-called fluid heads. These tripod heads can be adjusted individually for any camera. Together with the matching tripods, stabilising systems and camera cranes, they provide the best-possible stability in operation. Thanks to their intelligent, sturdy construction, all Sachtler products are extremely robust, flexible in use and easy to operate.

Light, yet extra-stable camera support systems are a must for professional work on the set. Whether in the studio or under extreme conditions – at 40 below zero in Alaska or sixty Celsius in the Sahara (-40/+140° Fahrenheit) – the camera must be as flexible as possible in use, so that even exceptional settings can be used. Stability can only be guaranteed by the perfect alignment of all components that have to work like a clock over many years of professional use.

Key components: fluid heads in use

Sachtler fluid heads are absolutely reliable in use: “Extreme temperatures have no affect on how our fluid heads work or on their durability”, says Robert Zierer, Sachtler’s Product Manager ENG. ”They work smoothly, contain no hydraulic oil that will gum up (resinify), and so are completely immune to external influences.” Even under exceptional conditions, the Sachtler heads are easy to use: “Camera operators no longer have to turn the fluid head back and forwards to find the point of balance, but can get a perfect setting with a finely-tuned counterbalance system”, says Zierer, explaining the niceties of the heads. Further advantages of the Sachtler fluid heads are that they can be accurately re-positioned, with quick setting of damping and counterbalance, the so-called SPEEDBALANCE. Whether it’s a MiniDV camcorder weighing only a few hundred grams, or a heavy film and studio camera weighing in at well over 50 kilos (110 lbs), Sachtler has a suitable fluid head for every model.

The key figure showing the load-bearing capacity of a fluid head is the so-called centre-of-gravity height (COG) of the camera assembly on the fluid head. It gives the dimension between the centre of gravity of the camera and the upper level of the fluid head used. The smaller the figure, the greater the camera weight can be.
All Sachtler’s fluid heads are suitable for use with high definition (HD) cameras. Some products are specially geared to the working habits of classic film camera operators, with the operating elements put in their usual places. Many proven film camera features have also been integrated for cinematography camcorders, such as an adapter for the viewfinder extension or the front box.

Standing steady on your own three feet

However, a fluid head can only perform at its best when matched with a suitable tripod or pedestal. For 47 years, Sachtler tripods have proven their worth all over the world, with their no-compromise light-weight construction and extreme rigidity. Sachtler uses dural aluminium (DA) and carbon fibre (CF) for its tripods and pedestals. Both feature extreme load-bearing capacity and resistance to fracture, even under extreme conditions. Carbon fibre also has decisive advantages over the cheaper aluminium. It weighs considerably less, making it ideal for mobile use and it is more pleasant to the touch at extreme temperatures. For even greater stability, Sachtler features its HD tripods (heavy duty). The Hot Pod® gives film and TV professionals the world’s fastest ENG (electronic news gathering) tripod system in carbon fibre.

Head and shoulders: the perfect connection

The right connection for the fluid heads depends on the load to be carried. Light MiniDV cams only need a 75 mm bowl, while digital camcorders need a 100 mm bowl and heavy film and TV cameras are best placed on tripods with a 150 mm bowl. Studio pedestals and OB tripods are equipped with a flat base fitting for the appropriate fluid heads. Individual tripods may also be fitted with adaptors for other applications.

Stability and mobility: tripods

Simple extending tripods usually have a twist fitting that locks the leg at the required extension in seconds. Double extension tripods with Sachtler quick clamping system are locked immediately by reversing a lever. The patented SpeedLock® clamping system is even more convenient in use with double extension tripods: both locks on the tripod’s legs are released in a flash, using only one quick-action lever.

Pedestals: easy to manoeuvre

Sachtler’s studio pedestals make life a lot easier for camera operators. The Quickfix attachment makes for speedy head changing. The wheel positions can be seen at all times and all three wheel brakes can be operated in every position. The crab-and-steer function enables simple manoeuvring with defined rolling turns, while the surfaces are rubber-coated to push the unit with your foot. For the safety of the camera team, the lead weights for the column are coated in plastic.

Camera stabilising systems: artemis – Sachtler’s crossover machine

The camera stabilising systems in Sachtler’s artemis range feature a modular system for ease of expansion. The systems are designed as so-called crossover machines. The range thus covers all the requirements of film, TV and high definition operation. Sachtler designed the artemis EFP Pro SDI HD specially for the new generation of HD cameras with SDI interface. This rig uses a patented cable system for reliable transfer of high data levels. The artemis EFP entry-level system has been designed for use with video cameras, camcorders and 16 mm cameras and features Sachtler’s widely-used Touch & Go® quick-locking system. If required, this EFP system can be up-graded to an artemis Cine HD. For detailed information, see: www.artemis-hd.com.

Camera cranes: perfect damping

In 2002, Sachtler expanded its product range to include the CamCrane DV and CamCrane EFP lightweight cranes. The CamCrane EFP was designed for extra low vibration, to ensure good recording quality. Damping packages, which had proved themselves over many years in Sachtler fluid heads, were also used for the crane. Its unrivalled three-stage damping reduces the crane’s vibration to a minimum. The CamCrane EFP can be run out to various lengths, up to a maximum of 6.5 m (22 ft). The crane can be used for parallel, top and bottom views. It comes with the proven Touch & Go® camera plate. The camera can be put in place for an immediate switch between crane and tripod. The camera selected can be quickly balanced, using the sliding plate. With its low weight and compact dimensions, the crane is ideal for mobile use.

Remo One remote head: flexible in use

The “Remo One” remote head weighs only around six kilos (13.2 lbs). Yet it has a load-bearing capacity of up to 13 kilos (28.7 lbs) for film and video cameras. Its joystick operation make starting and stopping smooth and easy. Its intelligent electronics count how often the head swivels and warn the operator of any likely damage to the cable. It has an external control box where speed, direction and damping can be pre-selected for the remote head. The Remo One was designed to be extra flexible in use. As well as its classic “suspended” fitting from the CamCrane EFP, it can also be used in a standing position, e.g. on a Sachtler
OB 2000 tripod.

Co-operation is the motor behind innovation

Sachtler has had a long tradition of co-operating closely with filmmakers in designing new products – after all, the founder was himself a cameraman. The result of various co-operative activities in the camera support area have been not just product novelties, but the revision and development of proven products. ”Our philosophy is to design products that are light, sturdy and well-finished, easy to operate, with an above-average working life”, says Robert Zierer. The company’s objective is to put a perfect instrument in the camera operator’s hands, to set your ideas in motion!