Ultimate iPhone Video Rig | Helium Core + Moondog Labs + Tiffen + PolarPro VND + Feiyu Tech AK4500

[@RichLackey]

A quick note on the shots of the Feiyu Tech AK4500. It's come to my attention that the second handle attaches the other way around than I have shown. Keep an eye out for an upcoming video dedicated the the AK4500, I'll have it correctly explained in that video. Let me know any questions of this setup, or any of the individual items! Remember to subscribe!

[@moebazzi8412]

Still waiting for this video :(. Great video though ^. Would love to see more mobile cinematic gear and video content! Keep it up!

[@mikechudzinski6629]

I definitely want to see this as well. I've put in a lot of time comparing gimbals. With the IPhone 11, Helium Core doesn't have cages yet...so I assume you adapt this to Beastgrip..

[@RichLackey]

Hi Mike, yes, 9 months ago I could only mount the iPhone XS Max on the gimbal because I had the Helium Core for that, but no suitable cage for the 11 Pro Max. It's easier now because I have the Beastgrip Pro, which I've used with the Feiyu Tech AK4500 to shoot this video using a prototype Beastgrip 1.55X anamorphic lens. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laPXhWiro92mjJY The Beastcage for the 11 Pro Max should be easier as it's lighter and much less bulky, it's actually in transit right now. I completely forgot to create a video looking more closely at setting this up. I will put this together as my next video.

[@yolloyd]

@@RichLackey Can you control the Start/Stop video recording from the gimbal? Do you still use this AK4500 gimbal? Can't find the video of AK4500 that you mentioned.

[@RickeyRockify]

I’m not sure how I’ve never come across you in any of my searches for iPhone cinematography until tonight but I’m glad I found your channel. You’re exactly what I’ve been searching for.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks so much Rickey! I have no idea, algorithm stuff I guess. There's so much of everything everywhere, it's hard to figure out what anything is, and who's doing what. Thanks! You made my day!

[@orestes1984]

That is so awesome how you mounted a follow focus on your ND filter. I've been thinking about doing that also. It would really save from any operator error when adjusting your ND.

[@DeeNimmin]

That’s seriously impressive. Lot of hours put into getting all of that together.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks so much Dee, and thanks for sharing! Your support means a lot. 🙂

[@ramiaiki]

great video Richard I would like to see a sample footage from iphone with/wihtout Tiffen Black Pro Mist Filter

[@RichLackey]

Thanks so much, and for the suggestion! An in depth look at the effect the Black Pro Mist has on the image is definitely coming. That's definitely a video on my list to create.

[@IoVideoMaker]

Interesting! You spent a lot of money for all those adapters! I like adding more insights than just the subject of the video, you showed my the remote handling capabilities of feiyu ak4500, which ai didn’t know… and I’ll study… do you know of other models that can be remotely controlled like it? Thanks!

[@junglecommunicationsinc]

Great video Richard! I was looking for an iPhone lens rig and you just helped solve 2 problems in 1 solution.

[@RichLackey]

That's great! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Def gotta be in airplane mode. Feel like I’d get it all up and running..hit the field ready to shoot and next thing I know my mom or wife would call 😭 Great review and footage !

[@RichLackey]

Oh yeah, absolutely. Calls and notifications right when you’re getting a great shot can be super distracting. Thanks so much!

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

@@RichLackey haha I believe it!! That’s too nice of a rig for distractions, “mom I’m busy!!” Lol cheers , much success to you

[@ELECTROGYAN]

Brother can I use this kit for new s23 ultra

[@grglenn]

I had been calling Feiyu Tech, looking everywhere online and talking with anybody I knew who ever touched a video camera about how to set up the Feiyu Tech AK4500 with the iPhone 14 Pro Max. and BOOM!!!! You showed me the answer to every question I had and some questions I had not thought of. Do you have any suggestions for using the Panasonic HC X 2000 with the Feiyu Tech Gimbal?

[@rickmasters818]

Great video, simple, easy to follow & well presented. Interested in knowing how your setup looks from the audio side of things.

[@RichLackey]

Hi Rick, thanks so much for watching! Yeah audio is quite simple. I have a Sennheiser clipmic digital as a lav mic, and the Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset for binaural stereo recording of the sounds of places and locations. What I'd really like for planned short film and narrative type projects is a good boom mounted shotgun mic, preferably wireless and able to record in to phone. I like the look of the Sennheiser XS Wireless Digital system, there's a kit which has a small receiver with a mini jack plug, although many newer phones now don't have a headphone jack. However, I often use my older iPhone SE for dedicated separate audio recording and it has a headphone jack. I'd probably choose a MKE 600 or MKH 416 shotgun mic to use with that, and then a windshield kit and boom. Of course that requires a boom operator, so some would argue it's not really in keeping with the smartphone filmmaking spirit, but sound is just so important to the overall quality of the end product. I think a proper shotgun mic and having someone else present to help record audio for those shoots that need it, is worth looking at.

[@jamieholden8187]

What a cool setup.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks Jamie!

[@samking5382]

I really badly want that PolarPro Iris ND filter system. It's exactly what I need right now: small and easy to break out on short notice for some great footage with my phone. However, it's sold out on the Amazon link in your description and I can't find it anywhere else. Is PolarPro even making it anymore? Have I missed the bandwagon?

[@RichLackey]

Hi Sam, I have wondered the same thing and I a feeling it might not be made anymore, which is a shame because it’s the only proprietary system I liked. I switched to using standard round threaded photographic filters a good while back but that Iris system is so compact. Polarpro have a new system based around a case called the Litechaser Pro, but it’s not nearly so simple, small and flexible for multiple sizes and brand phones.

[@ceowaze5887]

Yo I felt this video I actually started off shooting music videos last year just to make some money before Christmas and all I had was an iPhone se and a free version of da Vinci resolve

[@RichLackey]

You can do a ton more than people think with an iPhone SE and the free version of Resolve! 🙂

[@ericmartin419]

Hi pal, great video with lots of insights. I am an android user (Samsung S20+), would you say that these setup would fit well for a Samsung ? Thanks

[@gilpv]

Thanks for your video. You've given me a lot to chew on. I'm hoping I can find similar products that will work with my Samsung S10 Plus.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks for watching! What exactly are you looking for? I’ve started using the Beastgrip Pro, it’s a universal smartphone cage system that works with any phone. The lens mount can be aligned over any camera position on your phone. It’s a good place to start. beastgrip.com/collections/rigs/products/beastgrip-pro

[@RyanOpelac]

Do you use a bluetooth shutter remote to start and stop recording on your iPhone or do you just press the screen to start and stop recording? I don’t think there is a way to use the shutter buttons in the gimbal with the iPhone. I have this same gimbal and use it with my iPhone as well.

[@RichLackey]

Hi Ryan, thanks for watching. I just tap the screen to start and stop recording.

[@AKMontilla]

Have you tried the Ak4500 with the DOF adapter? Wondering if it holds it and if the follow focus works with it? Thanks

[@RichLackey]

I have rigged it up and balanced it but my vintage lenses have too much resistance on the lens focus ring so the motor skips teeth. On newer lenses, or just old lenses that have been serviced properly it should work.

[@greghollick]

Where did you get the lens brackets? I couldn't find them on helium or moondogs website, thanks! Thank you for making this video, its awesome!

[@RichLackey]

Hi Greg, do you mean the rod by the lens where the lens motor mounts? That part comes with the gimbal.

[@greghollick]

@@RichLackey Thanks for getting back to me! No, the black bracket that you screwed in to the frame at 3:40 to stabilize the moondog lens

[@RichLackey]

Ah! I see, yes, that was from Helium, but I don’t think they sell it anymore.

[@greghollick]

@@RichLackey Ya I didn't see it, looks like a useful little piece. Thanks again!

[@PatrixMedia]

Great video and I'm so thankful for your content. I have one observation that may disrupt. The current iPhone with image stabilization and rumored advances in smartphone image stabilization, focus, and exposure compensation tech (built in ND) will probably make most of these expensive accessories irrelevant soon. It's quite possible that smartphone cameras and software will make most expensive photography and videography equipment obsolete. And since most video is now viewed on KZbin/Vimeo, bitrate is almost moot. What say you?

[@RichLackey]

Yeah, I think you’re absolutely right. I see a lot of these accessories as temporary solutions that bridge a current limitation. I agree that these limitations will probably be resolved within the device itself. I can’t wait for that to happen. It’s exciting to watch the mobile imaging space develop.

[@recom273]

Dont get me wrong, I am blown away - I love it, the kit, the video production - but wouldn’t you get better longevity from a mirrorless camera setup? Thanks for the level of effort you put in. Great!

[@RichLackey]

You’re absolutely right. I can’t really justify this with logic. It’s more of an irrational curiosity of what can be done with a camera that was never meant for this, and how to do it. Also, of course rigging it up like this isn’t necessary, but it is fun to use. You’re right though, by the time you go to this effort, it may as well be a mirrorless camera at least. I think the new Sigma fp looks interesting as far as small cameras go.

[@recom273]

Richard Lackey damn - you got me, I preordered a smallrig cage for my new iPhone 11. Once i saw that guide for the anamorphic lens, I knew I had to find a better solution than a clamp adaptor. It’s cheaper than your cage and easily shipped to Asia without incurring customs charges and a much better option the ulanzi with its cover fixed by magnets. I can design and 3D print a mount for the cold shoe so it sits nicely.

[@RichLackey]

Awesome! I actually just received the Ulanzi metal cage today for the 11 Pro Max. It looks pretty good, it has the magnetic kind of rim inset that holds the phone in place. It has a 12mm thread though. My Moondog Labs anamorphic lens has a 37mm thread so I still don’t have a solution to mount it yet. Beastgrip may have something in the works for the 11 Pro Max with a 37mm mount.

[@recom273]

Richard Lackey I preordered this - www.smallrig.com/smallrig-pro-mobile-cage-for-iphone-11-black-cpa2455.html - I’m off to Sri Lanka in January, I have been before and everywhere I went I was approached by shady characters, I just don’t fancy the idea of $1000 worth of phone held by a magnetic ring. I was even thinking of doing the whole holiday on a Holga MF camera.

[@rob_layton]

Great video, as always. Do you think the Moza could handle a Rode VideoMicro? And the ND filters??

[@RichLackey]

Thanks Rob! Good question, I'm actually not sure where the mic would mount. I've never looked at mounting a mic on a gimbal. I don't immediately see a way to accommodate it. What's the normal type of mount required?

[@rob_layton]

Richard Lackey I’m wondering if a lightweight case with cold shoe might work. Or maybe a Rode Video Mic Me that goes directly into the lightning port might work. I like that the port seems to be free with this gimbal.

[@RichLackey]

I'm not sure it would be possible to balance it with anything making it too top heavy. The motors are strong, but may not be strong enough. The lighting port idea sounds like something that could work because it doesn't affect the centre of gravity so drastically. Unfortunately I don't have anything to try it out.

[@adamgonzalez5535]

I just ordered FeiyuTechs G6Max to make a lighter setup. I can see why you chose the AK4500, it was a little steep in price so I went with what works with my budget. Thanks for sharing your setup ✌️definitely have a better idea of what I can mix up after watching this #subscribed

[@RichLackey]

Nice one Adam, I hope it works out for you. It should be good. Yeah, there are so many possible ways to use a phone camera now, from minimal to fully loaded. I like having a bit more weight to a gimbal, it helps to have some momentum when it’s moving, and some mass helps smooth out small inconsistencies. I’m still not very good using a gimbal, and then there’s people like Cassius Rayner who can make magic with a lightweight Zhiyun Smooth 4... kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2GQmJ6Enbdso9U

[@adamgonzalez5535]

Thank you, I’ll check that out. I definitely believe the phone camera is underrated I appreciate the advice and the information you put out 🙏

[@david4563]

Hello from France Richard. If i understand you are using a motor to control the ND filter ring, therefore to control the exposure ? I don't see the link in description. For the focus are you setting auto mode on iPhone ? Does it good ? I think your set up is awesome because it is light and usefull for the run and gun shooting. For static interview i prefer tripod and beastgrip. Thank you for the vid. I took a look on your pictures. They're very nice.

[@RichLackey]

Hi David, thanks so much. I did experiment with adjusting the variable ND with the motor, but I don’t think it’s worth it really. I always set and lock both exposure and focus. Usually focus is locked at infinity so it doesn’t shift. You could leave it on auto though.

[@david4563]

Thank you Richard. In the past, for me, it was hard to switch from tv cine lens and camera to DSLR. Today it is hard to switch from mirrorless to smartphone but your channel give trust into phonegraphy potential. Good work. Have a good day.

[@RichLackey]

My pleasure, please feel free to comment and ask anything anytime. I don’t think the phone is a replacement for other cameras all the time. It’s definitely a case of choosing the type of camera that makes sense. I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe, I’m reading that things are getting difficult in France right now.

[@david4563]

Of course, I will take the time to watch your videos. I work for one of the eighteen french region administration. We broadcast our videos on socials networks. Most of people can't see or don't care about image quality between smartphone or mirrorless when they watch on their laptops or smartphones. I agree that shooting on smartphone in some situations could be better to the production line, so i'm looking how to shoot on smartphone clean and pro. Yes, it's hard times in France and Europe. Lot of littles compagnies must close to the public to slacken pace the infection. Schools and universities are close. No sport gathering, no festival gathering, no bar gathering. People say it's the end for capitalism but the first who suffer aren't the bigs.

[@nothing2see198]

excellent

[@ConstantinetheEmcee]

Awesome Vid. I put a similar rig together this year. I used a Simmod variable ND, Simmod Circular Polarizer and an Hollywood Black Magic Filter with the Moondog Labs Anamorphic lens. I was doing a search for a gimbal that can support it and I came across your video. I decided to go with the Ronin SC. My question to you is, where did you find the Moondog Labs anamorphic lens alignment bracket? Thanks in advance.

[@RichLackey]

Hey Constantine, your setup sounds great. A few people have asked me about that bracket. It used to be made by Heliumcine who make the cage. I don’t think they make the bracket anymore.

[@ConstantinetheEmcee]

@@RichLackey Thanks for responding.

[@billneboyskey9464]

Great information for a newbee like me‼️When you discussing the Feiyu Gimbal you mentioned and showed a remote followfocus system. Who makes that as I really want to look into it⁉️ Thanks in advance

[@RichLackey]

Hi Bill, thanks! The AK4500 is a bit overkill, but it’s served me well for a long time. The follow focus motor is made by Feiyu Tech and comes with the gimbal.

[@billneboyskey9464]

@@RichLackey thank you sir for your quick response‼️

[@RichLackey]

Anytime!

[@kwrench1]

Great video as always, Richard. Did you ever consider Beastcage/Beastgrip Pro when thinking about your rig? I have an iPhone XR and I’m trying to decide on which way to go.

[@RichLackey]

Hi Kane, thanks! Yeah I know of the Beastcage/Beastgrip Pro but have never used it. I am sure it would be just as good. I wouldn't hesitate to go that route either.

[@rickmasters818]

Hi Kane I have the same question regarding the beastgrip vs the helium core. What way did you finally decide to go. Look forward to your reply as I’m looking to move forward one way or another. Thanks

[@kwrench1]

@@rickmasters818 I haven't pulled the trigger yet as I am waiting on the new iPhones.

[@Pollerizer]

Awesome rig! Are the follow-up videos re: filters and gimbal still in the works?

[@RichLackey]

Thanks! Yes, they are, and are taking an embarrassingly long time. With the whole global pandemic situation right now, I have a bit more time and I'm hoping to finally get caught up with new videos in the coming few weeks.

[@Pollerizer]

Sounds good. I’m building a KZbin channel chronicling my journey as a creator, but my main job in health care is currently priority with the crisis ongoing. Yours is one of the channels I’ve sub’d to for staying motivated as a creator as time allows.

[@Echotapper]

Thanks for your educational video! I’ve noticed that you’re using the color card assumably for each shot while mentioning Davinci Resolve. Two questions; are you using the white patch to set your ND’s for each shot? Are you using the color patches to calibrate in post in Davinci Resolve?

[@RichLackey]

Hi Piet, actually my approach has changed since I started out. I realized that white balance was one of the variables I was spending a lot of time making manually consistent in post, because it’s not just color temperature, it’s also green/magenta. So I just started locking it off, usually to daylight preset (because mostly I shoot outside during the day). I still shoot the chart fairly often, not every shot, but whenever there is a significant change to light but I keep white balance locked to a preset. For ND’s (VND’s especially) I’ve started building up a collection of correction nodes in Resolve for different filters I use regularly so that correcting for color shifts caused by a VND filter is as simple as applying the correction node for the filter used. Then since all the shots are recorded with a fixed, locked white balance, 5600K for example, then a single small white balance correction (if required at all) applies across everything I’ve shot. This has made achieving a consistent, base color correction much faster (and more consistent than trying to manually balance every individual shot, where color temp and green/magenta balance differ shot to shot because white balance of each shot was manually set). Nowadays I try to lock down every last variable I can.

[@Echotapper]

@@RichLackey Thanks for the elaborated answer! A possible simpler approach would be to get a grey chard at each shot to correct colourshift while keeping your new workprocess I think. Resolve does have a vector tool that possible fits that requirement. This with your calibrated nodes, clever idea from you, would help (also in skin tones).

[@scotiavanlife78]

Hi Richard, have you had a chance to try the new iPhone 11 ultra wide lens on your big gimbal. If so does any of the base plate show in the image...

[@RichLackey]

Hi Colin, not yet, as I didn't have a suitable cage for the 11 Pro Max to mount it correctly on the big gimbal. That'll be an interesting test for sure. I also want to try and get the DOF Adaptor on the gimbal, and balanced correctly, I'm curious if that's possible too. I'll do both of these tests this weekend and report back on this right here.

[@RichLackey]

Hi Colin, my apologies I didn't get to try this out over the weekend. I will get to it soon and report back.

[@scotiavanlife78]

Richard Lackey look forward to hearing from you...

[@hisuinazogumba9260]

I wish I could have that set-up but I'm unfortunate 😆, well but that inspired me so much! Thank you Sir Richard Lackey for this informative video! This is so cool! ✨

[@youngludovic1793]

I like you how you show and explain makes details.tool how make one of the best video Cinematic.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnRamsden]

Crikey, that's some impressive kit! Do you attach an external mic too? (sorry if you did and I missed it!)

[@RichLackey]

Hi John, I don't use an external mic on the camera, at least not yet. The audio side of things is still something I'm working on figuring out what works. I'd like to invest in a boom mounted shotgun mic but would then record separately, not to camera, and of course that would require another person. That's a subject I'd like to get into in future, but only after I've figured it out for myself. :)

[@JohnRamsden]

@@RichLackey ;)

[@Kayree_Ali]

Hello I’d like to see you use a rig that has external memory built into it if anything like that exists.

[@RichLackey]

Wow! Something like that would be cool. The iPhone as far as I know won’t record video to external storage, maybe some Android phones can, I am not sure.

[@justincase8731]

Oh yes I’ve watched this video already!! That’s insane Video gear

[@RichLackey]

You don't really need all of this stuff though. Just a few carefully chosen things can be more than enough.

[@normankellogg6624]

does the iphone 14 have a helium core yet? I need to know.

[@maritalackey6250]

Wow that’s so cool! 😱😄

[@SouthPhilly28th]

Awesome🔥🔥🔥💯

[@AnriWhite]

Wow wow wow super !

[@euxim]

This is beautiful.. I want it..

[@Nino234mff]

Thanks for the informative video! Do you not record audio? I would like to try gimbals but it seems like Shure mv88 cannot be attached if I use a gimbal. Could you do a dedicated video on audio recording?

[@RichLackey]

That’s an excellent question. I don’t typically bother or worry much about recording audio to the phone I’m capturing video with. I like to build up sounds in post from high quality field recordings and effects, foley etc. If I were recording actors I’d probably want to try to conceal a lav mic on each and record to a separate phone, hidden on each person. I have the Sennheiser ClipMic Digital, which I like a lot. I use an old iPhone SE as a recorder with that mic. Or I’d want to use a traditional shotgun mic on a boom, and rope someone in to operate the boom. A good shotgun mic could also record to a phone, even wirelessly using a wireless interface like the Sennheiser XSW-D with XLR transmitter and a mini-jack receiver into the phone (with a lightning adapter). The XSW-D receiver should be able to be mounted on the gimbal (if using a larger gimbal like the one I’m using). This means you probably could record to the same phone you’re shooting with. Mostly I’d be recording to separate devices and syncing it all in post. I’ve thought about solutions but haven’t actually tried any of this yet. This sounds like a Sennheiser ad by now, but the Ambeo Smart Headset is fun to record binaural audio to phone. I do have one of those. That could work to capture ambient sound while operating the gimbal, but again, you’d need to record to a second phone on your person and sync it in post.

[@Nino234mff]

@@RichLackey Thank you for your reply! I'm gonna try out Shure MV88 since this has a low profile and easy to attach :)

[@SGardner11]

Those shots were great. Can I ask; once you get to that level with equipment, wouldn’t it make more sense to get a dslr?

[@RichLackey]

An excellent question. Someone else just asked the same thing. The short answer is yes, absolutely, it’s really a no brainer. Trying to extract great looking images from an iPhone is a real pain. It’s not easy, you fight the phone all the time because in the end it’s a consumer device, and even when using an app like FiLMiC Pro that lets you set and lock everything down, the internal processing tries to do its own thing. In terms of purely achieving the end result, it makes zero sense. However, I do it more as an ongoing experiment. My professional background is in high end cine, camera and post, so the iPhone video thing is a hobby. To be honest I feel the higher end tech has kind of hit a plateau over the past decade or so. I just don’t find it interesting anymore. On the opposite end of the scale, mobile camera tech is in an exciting state of very rapid development. A lot of the real digital imaging innovation is happening in the devices we hold in our hands. So you’re 100% right, but shooting with the phone is a lot of fun, it’s challenging and frustrating, but it’s far more interesting to me. I don’t know... that’s my personal reasoning. Most of my work happens in post to be honest, shooting it is only the beginning.

[@SGardner11]

@@RichLackey I appreciate the reply. I'm trying to start up and im just looking at a simple "moment "set up and i see this and it makes me feel like it wont be enough

[@RichLackey]

It'll be perfectly enough. You don't need all this gear. I don't shoot with all of it all the time. All you really need is a phone and a good app. I recommend FiLMiC Pro, but there are others.

[@karryjohnson3261]

Could a setup like this work with the beastcage for iPhone 12 Pro?

[@RichLackey]

Hi Karry, absolutely yes, I have been using the Beastcage for the 12 Pro Max and it’s awesome. Super versatile for rigging it up pretty much any way you want.

[@karryjohnson3261]

One more question, would this setup work with the ronin RS 2 pro?

[@loganklein4645]

Looking at the helium core cage, I could only find it for an iPhone 6s. Is there one for an 11 pro max, and beyond? Or did they stop producing them for new phones?

[@RichLackey]

Hi Logan, as far as I am aware HeliumCine unfortunately shut down.

[@mohammadiqtidarghias7083]

Amazing

[@thegamingdozen1983]

@Richard Lackey that gear strap thing around the filter. What is it called, please?

[@atomicanvil4236]

Great info! I am just wondering if your rig has changed since this video was released? Specifically, would you still recommend the Feiyu-Tech AK4500 versus say the DJI Ronin RS 2? I need a multipurpose gimbal, and I have been going back and forth between the two for some time trying to decide.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks for the question! I actually haven’t used any other similar capacity gimbals so I can’t make a comparison. The AK4500 is still my go-to gimbal if I fully rig up a phone, and for the mirrorless cameras, but this is just because it’s what I have and it works for me. Zhiyun also have some awesome gimbals, and of course DJI as you mentioned, but I haven’t used them. Sorry for not being very helpful.

[@atomicanvil4236]

@@RichLackey I appreciate the honesty!

[@innatemusic]

Hey, Richard. I’m thinking of purchasing the AK4500. But there’s also the Crane 3 Lab. How would you say your experience has been with the FeiyuTech gimbal? Thanks, man.

[@RichLackey]

Hi Nathan, I actually have to be honest, I haven’t used many of these larger gimbals so I can’t provide comparison with any others, only what I think of the AK4500. I actually have nothing bad to say about it. It’s well built, I find it easy to set up and balance. I’m about 8 months in with it and it’s still going strong. I would recommend it, based on my experiences with it, but that doesn’t mean something else isn’t better. The Ronin S and Ronin SC are also worth a look. I’d be tempted by the Ronin S because it’s compatible with the Steadicam Steadimate S, which I’d love to start using to smooth out the bounce when walking.

[@innatemusic]

Thanks for the reply, man. Maybe I will take a look at those as well. I also like the weebill S. Hey, we’ll see...

[@innatemusic]

Hey Richard. So, per our last chat, I ended up getting the Crane 3Lab. Just got it yesterday so I’m currently checking it out. My question for you is, are you monitoring your footage via an external monitor and if so, how? I have the Atomos Shinobi but I’m trying to figure out how to come out of the iPhone, into the crane for the app and then into the monitor. If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears. Thanks, man.

[@innatemusic]

I may end up taking my Crane back and getting the ak4500. Id like to be able to control the gimbal remotely, say on a Crane jib or a car mount. Also, is there a place to mount a field monitor?

[@ironcascade7921]

How much did it cost you for the whole set (including the phone)

[@RichLackey]

Well, it cost me very little because companies send me the gear. I started using this setup because all the individual pieces came together for reviews or testing, and I was able to experiment with what combinations were working best and especially things that could be used in multiple different ways. Looking back on it, the Feiyu Tech AK4500 is way overkill but I still use it in this way. I am not sure why this video is getting traction again now, it’s an older one.

[@MrNpkellogg]

ingenious

[@johnryansullivan]

Any chance you’ve gone through and figured out what the total cost of this is? I was happy messing around with some mobile gear until I sat down and looked at the actual numbers.

[@RichLackey]

Yeah it adds up, which is another good argument for just investing in an actual camera instead (which at this stage gives better images too). The flip side is that actually very little of this gear is really necessary. I’m just pushing and experimenting with different ways of using it all because I’m in a fortunate position of not having to pay for all of it. The reason I got into all this in the first place was that I didn’t have gear, just an iPhone SE on a contract and wanted to push the thing as far as I could. All the rest of the stuff came along afterwards but the only thing I feel I really wouldn’t want to do without is a set of ND filters. If I had to choose just one of the things I’ve shown here, it would be the Iris ND filter kit, because it clips on and doesn’t require anything else. I think mobile imaging technology is developing at a rate which far eclipses the rate of innovation happening in traditional cameras. That’s what’s so exciting.

[@moha2131]

Question: can i put with an iPhone 11 Pro Max : Circular ridden Black pro mist 1/8 Variable nd filter 6/9 Do you think it’s a good rig for cinematic video I need to add something or remove something Help meeee :))

[@RichLackey]

Hi, yes I love using the Black Pro Mist 1/8 and a good variable ND filter. I’m not sure what you mean by a circular ridden? Do you mean a circular polarizer? If so, it’s important to know you can’t really use a circular polarizer stacked with a variable ND, because the variable ND is already two polarizers together.

[@moha2131]

Richard Lackey yes a polariser but when you need to use the polariser if you can’t’use it with a variable nd ??

[@RichLackey]

You know what. After researching a bit more, maybe I am wrong about stacking a circular polarizer with a variable ND. I don't do it myself, and have always thought it is better to use a fixed density ND filter when using a circular polarizer, but I am reading on some forums that it works. So, I could be wrong about this. I have to say I can't actually answer this one right now because I am not sure myself.

[@moha2131]

Richard Lackey ow thanks for researching , do you have an other rig for 11 pro max to give me? With the black pro 1/8 and the variable nd what I need to put more ?

[@RichLackey]

The simplest solution may be the new Moondog Labs multi camera filter mount for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, and the Moment iPhone Thin Case for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

[@ericmartin419]

Hi pal, what is the exact name of the helium core you used. The attached link seems to be invalid.

[@RichLackey]

Hi Eric, I’m pretty sure they are no longer being made. I can highly recommend the Beastcage made by Beastgrip Pro. It has all the same things I loved about the Helium Core and is available for a bunch of iPhone models. beastgrip.kckb.st/7c2359ee (affiliate link).

[@ericmartin419]

@@RichLackey Ibreally appreciate your swift response 🙏🏿. I do social media and content management with the use of IPhone 13 Pro Max and I was looking to get the full gear you have. Btw, your videos are very informative 👌

[@AnandaGarden]

Always interesting - I watch your videos not because I'm engaged with video 24/7/365 but because I appreciate your demonstrations of craft. I'm just a feckless school web manager and music rehearsal shooter who loves the convenience of a GoPro Hero 7 Black in a pocket with stabilization built in. Formerly I shot with a 6S and Movi, but even that was too fiddly. Still, the more we know, the better. So - your work is greatly appreciated.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks! All the toys really don't make as much difference as we like to think. Just having the bare minimums to shoot (a camera) can get you 90% of the way just by learning how to use it, and the other fiddly bits add a few more small increments only. I do like the ND filters especially, an ND filter solution is definitely worthwhile even without any of the rest.

[@gianlucaa.4480]

All this stuffs just to spend more money for a Gimbal? I had the Helium Core but is too heavy for a Gimbal like Osmo2 or Smooth4 and doesn't fit with lens like Moment...With Smooth 4 you get also the Follow Focus for a fraction of the cost. Anyway, good vlog experience

[@RichLackey]

G M&M Thanks for watching! Yeah, you’re right, the Helium Core is too heavy for the smartphone gimbals. That’s why I went for a larger gimbal. You don’t need all this stuff to make good videos though. I often just shoot with the phone by itself, or with just the PolarPro Iris ND filters.

[@EduardVain]

Why not just buy a dslr instead of using many equipment?

[@RichLackey]

Totally valid point. I just have fun shooting with the phone and seeing how far I can take the image. Something like the Blackmagic Pocket Camera 4K, or 6K is a much easier and faster way to get a better result. However, I would find that pretty boring. I enjoy the challenge of this, especially in post production. It’s fun. Even if it’s not a very logical or rational choice.

[@RichLackey]

I actually just wrote out a longer answer to this same question on Shawn Gardner’s comment, maybe it helps explain the madness behind trying to do this.

[@area51xi]

Richard Lackey - It will be interesting to see what happens as smartphone sensors and cameras continue to improve...

[@RichLackey]

Absolutely, there's a lot happening at the moment in the mobile camera space, especially around computational image processing. It will be interesting for sure.

[@BDESAI777]

Sir, i liked your knowledge about phone film making, Can you travel to India fro my film making? it will be a paid job. Please.

[@RichLackey]

Thanks so much, but I am not available for projects.

[@bassstudent4life]

What's your latest setup? Feiyu Tech AK4500 is no more.

[@RichLackey]

Ah, I didn’t realize it was discontinued. To be honest any gimbal with a payload capacity for a typical mirrorless camera setup will work in this same way. There are so many.

[@Noealz]

That's cool man - but I thought it was suppose to be mobile photography hahah - no but seriously looks cool

[@RichLackey]

Yeah, often it's just me and the phone, and the PolarPro Iris ND filters, that's pretty minimal. It all depends on what I'm shooting. Really appreciate your comment Noe! Thanks!

[@SabrinaVideo]

For those who can`t afford Helium Rig, you could check my Ulanzi Rig video.

[@wayneread1534]

I CANT FIND THE LIKE TO THE MAN YOU MENTIONED IN YOUR VID MY FRIEND ID LOVE TO SEE HIS VID TO CHEERS

[@RichLackey]

I mentioned Gerald Undone and his variable ND filter comparison video. It's here: Variable ND Filters Compared // Is PolarPro's PMVND the Best? - Gerald Undone - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o32Qc6uehtuXf6c

[@lored96]

After all the buying of equipment and time to set it all up. Why not buy a dslr? The iphone is a phone with a camera and a dslr is an actual camera with features built in.

[@RichLackey]

That's a totally valid point, and one which most people would be better off making. A couple of people have asked this question. I gave a bit more of an explanation for my reasons in my answer to Shawn Gardner's question, I'm not sure where his comment appears in this list of comments, but it's just my reasons for doing all this.

[@ruthun]

iPhone SE enters the chat

[@Anooppie]

U sound like Dani

[@RichLackey]

Thanks for watching! Who is Dani?

[@Anooppie]

@@RichLackey kzbin.info Check him out

[@RichLackey]

Ha interesting, I’ll check out his channel.

[@TheMaijicalKingdom]

Oh yeah, sure! Make me salivate!

[@RichLackey]

Sorry about that :)

[@TheMaijicalKingdom]

@@RichLackey NO, NO! I’m putting my setup together, and you’ve put together a really smart set-up! When i saw the price for the gimbal, I saw that what I was expecting to pay was for something far more sedate! I want a gamble to handle my phone-camera rack system, and, well now I want the damn thing, which means $$$ which means … … It’ll be a while!