Camera/tripod setup question

[Rebecca]

I am working on making setup as quick and painless as possible... What do you think about this?

Background info: I have a Bogen 3246 tripod with a 701RC2 head. I also purchased a Mini Rover to help with my handheld work as well as as place to put my wireless receiver. The MiniRover attaches to the cam using a screwdriver and then I attach the quick release plate for the tripod (I also have the same QR assembly on my monopod)

My little dilemma is that while setting up and again when packing everything back in the cases, I need to remove the QR plate before I can get to the screw that attaches the rover to the cam. Would it be overkill to add another QR assembly in between the minirover and the cam?

(thinking of either this adapter: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=241139&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

or this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=149686&is=REG&addedTroughType=search)

[AndrewMSV]

Do you HAVE to use the mini rover?
I think it might be better to get another device that can hold your wireless mic receiver without using the screw hole reserved for the quick release plate.

Perhaps something that goes on the hot shoe mount of your GL2?
something like this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=284436&is=REG

[Rebecca]

No, I don't have to use the mini rover... but it does appear to help me with holding the cam steady. I thought about getting one of those brackets that allow you to add an additional shoe to the cam, but then I would have to get a new light (I have one of the little 3watt lights)

I like the idea of the bracket in the link you provided and I also know that some people just attach their receiver to the cam battery with velcro. I will have to think about which way I want to go with this.

Thanks
-Becca

[AndrewMSV]

No, I don't have to use the mini rover... but it does appear to help me with holding the cam steady. I thought about getting one of those brackets that allow you to add an additional shoe to the cam, but then I would have to get a new light (I have one of the little 3watt lights)

I like the idea of the bracket in the link you provided and I also know that some people just attach their receiver to the cam battery with velcro. I will have to think about which way I want to go with this.

Thanks
-Becca

Well, once you get to the reception/dance portion of the day where you need the 3watter (i have one for my GL2, too) you don't really need a receiver for your mic right? so up until that part of the day you can just use the bracket thing and keep your quick release plate on all the time.

That's my thinking, anyway. Let us know what you decide!

[Rebecca]

Well, I ended up using the mini-rover all day long and only removed it at the end of the evening, so my original post was just trying to make everything more complicated than it needed to be. :rolleyes: The only time I removed the receiver was when I was at the golf course.

[vegas06]

Well, I ended up using the mini-rover all day long and only removed it at the end of the evening, so my original post was just trying to make everything more complicated than it needed to be. :rolleyes: The only time I removed the receiver was when I was at the golf course.
Rebecca, I use the Mini Rover as well, in conjunction with other devices, and setup and breakdown in the manner that you described.
Basically, the more you use it the faster it is to setup and breadown.
I use it with my VX2100, which has Beachtek box (permenantly attached to the bottom of my camera), then I mount the Mini Rover, then QR plate.
I actually attach my shotgun mic, to the handle and wireless to the flat bracket support, and leave my light attached to my cameras hotshoe.
I then either go solo with this setup, attached to DVRig Pro rig, or tripod.

Works good for me...:)

[Rebecca]

Thanks Michael! It is so good to hear about other's setups. Eventually, I plan on having a setup similar to yours.

[vegas06]

Thanks Michael! It is so good to hear about other's setups. Eventually, I plan on having a setup similar to yours.

BTW Rebecca, pickup a mini mate for your Mini Rover, as it screws into the handle of your Mini Rover, giving you the option to mount 2 accessories on top. You lose the use of the hot shoe on the top of the handle, but pickup 2 cold shoes, and mount them in the 2 predrilled holes for mounting your wireless, and or shotgun mic, or light.

Mini Mate:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=228201&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

After many try's with cold shoes (they kept coming lose) I have found these from Custom Brackets, and they work fantastic and hold tight.

Custom Brackets Cold Shoe for Radio Slaves:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=241690&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

You'll be nice and tidy and ready to roll at moments notice. :dance1: