Q: How difficult is it to learn how to use a GearNex™ geared head?

Don’t let a geared head intimidate you. You will find with a geared head, a majority of shots will either be a pan or a tilt.  With a few passes you can feel comfortable with a geared head.  For more complex shots which require both pan and tilt movements at the same time, we recommend practicing with a GearNex™ training kit.  With the GearNex™ training kit, you should be able to be efficient in only a few hours.

Q: Will the GearNex™  replace my fluid head?

No.  Though your geared head may be your first choice, you must determine whether it is the appropriate tool for the shot. Action shots, where the subject moves erratically or unpredictably may be more appropriate for the fluid head.  Most professional Cinematographers are prepared to use both because each one has its purpose.

Q: I already own a fluid head, why would I want a geared head?

In the hands of any skilled camera operator, a fluid head can be adequate for most shots. A camera operator that has mastered a geared head however will find a dimension to their operating unlike any they have ever experienced, a level of control that one can only achieve with a geared head.

Here is couple of examples which the GearNex™ may give you more control over a fluid head.

1)      If you have ever operated a shot off a dolly, you may have experienced “fishtailing” which is a tendency to speed up and slow down a number of times throughout the shot.  

2)      When making an abrupt “Whip Pan” which is under or over shooting your mark can be a problem.

On a geared head, these problems don’t usually exists because of the nature of turning the wheels at a constant speed eliminates “fishtailing” and “Whip Pan”.   By settling into shots, your muscle memory or hand position cues you into your stop mark.

Q: Other then price, what is the advantage of your GearNex™ geared head over others available?

The GearNex™ geared head was affordably priced for the working cameraman.   Also, the GearNex™ was designed for today’s smaller digital cameras like the RED, HVX, EX, Varicam and so on.  The GearNex™ geared head is much lighter (about 25lbs) then a conventional geared head.  In most cases, a cinematographer or assistant can easily pickup and move the camera, sticks and head alone, this is not usually possible with other conventional geared heads.

Q: What kind of Cameras can the GearNex™ geared head be used with?

We designed the GearNex™ geared head to be used with any camera package up to a recommended weight of 40 lbs for the best intended performance.   All of Panasonic’s line of professional broadcast and prosumer cameras such as HVX, DVX, HPX, AG will work.  All Sony’s line of professional broadcast and prosumer cameras series such as the EX, FX, HDW, PDW will work.  Any 16mm film camera and smaller 35mm camera such as the Arri 435, 235, ARRI III should work.  

Q: How does a camera attach to the GearNex™ geared head?

Be aware that the GearNex™ camera lockdown screw is a 3/8” 16.  Cameras that use a ¼” 20 lock down are going to need an adapter similar to the Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 357 Pro Quick Release Adapter or something larger.

Q: How is the GearNex™ geared head perform when using a fully loaded RED?

If properly balanced and adjusted, it will work very well.  One of our clients recently used a Red with an Angenaux 25 to 250mm zoom, 6 x 6 matt box, batteries and hard drive.  Our cinematographer reported that once the camera was properly balanced the head preformed beautifully.  See the video of his comments here.

Q: Can the GearNex™ geared head be inverted (mounted Upside down)?

No.  The GearNex™ geared head was not designed to be inverted or mounted upside down like under slung from a jib or dolly as in motion control usage.  Any attempt to use the head this way may result in damage to the head and equipment, poor performance, bodily injury or even death.  So, don’t do it you risk takers.

Q: What options can I get for the GearNex™ geared head?

We are offering or will be offering options for your head to accommodate a number of configurations.

·        For tripod mounting. The GearNeax geared head ships standard with a Mitchell mount. As an option, a 100mm or 150mm ball can be added.

·        Risers, to give the head more clearance.

·        “Big Tilt” plate.  This will allow the camera to tilt, either, forward or backward in increments or extreme tilts.

·        Eyepiece leveler

·        Sliding base plate

·        Dovetail

·        The GearNex™ ships with 6” hand wheels, however a 5” and 4” are also available.

·        A custom aluminum front box for putting spike markers, pens, chalk etc. 

·        Front box bracket, in case you have your own front box

·        Hard wheeled case design to accommodate the GearNex™ and its accessories.