MSE Introduces Air Climber, Cross Dovetail Plate, LB2
The company’s latest solutions were unveiled at the CineGear Expo in Los Angeles.
Matthews Studio Equipment has introduced the Air Climber, the Cross Dovetail Plate and the LB2 Location Baby Bracket.
The pneumatically controlled Air Climber modular grip and lighting stand (pictured above) can raise lights or camera rigs 25'. Its design features a large leveling platform with four telescoping legs and four heavy-duty jacks that keep it level and support a telescoping column. Featuring eight sections, the column employs seven locking collars, each with tension controls and a frictional locking system.
A turn of the handgrip engages a metal band that braces each riser section to safely tighten and lock a riser tube fully extended or in intermediate positions. A pan ring allows 360 degrees of column rotation without the need to completely lower the system. A rotating base provides a lock-and-pan wheel to ease positioning of fixtures up to 200 pounds. Four rugged tires with brakes and security struts assure safe, smooth movement and secure lockdown. The telescoping column can be easily removed from the dolly with a single wrench.
For pricing on the Air Climber, fill out this questionnaire on the MSE website.
The Cross Dovetail Plate offers camera professionals greater orientation versatility when mounting a camera to a fluid or geared head. It’s also a solution for prime and zoom lenses where minimal balancing is required.
A quick addition to existing camera supports, the two-layer, swiveling plate design provides both traditional camera mounting as well as additional 90-degree and 45-degree angles. Each rotating plate has a different finish for easy identification and features a spring-loaded post and stationary stop to prevent the bridge plate or sled from sliding off. Other safety features include an angle lock design and an internal positioning safety spring. The 20 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 threaded holes on the plate bottom feature Heli-coil wire inserts for secure connection.
The Cross Dovetail Plate lists for $649.
Matthews’ LB2 Location Baby Bracket was conceived by cinematographer Peter Warren, CSC, to address a common problem: how to attach and hide from the camera’s view lights and support gear in an environment with exposed beams or columns. The bracket features a stamped-metal base with three holes along each side to attach via nails or magnets if needed. The raised center includes a pair of strap cut-outs on each side, as well as a knurled baby pin that’s finished in black zinc and welded in place. Additionally, the LB2 features hard-rubber pads to provide extra gripping power and prevent the plate from damaging walls or columns.
When faced with a pole, post, beam or other unusual mounting surface, users can simply thread straps through both sides of the Location Baby Bracket and securely wrap and fasten them around it. The only contact with the structure is hard-rubber grip pads on each side. The integral baby pin accepts most standard hardware.
The LB2 Location Baby Bracket lists for $45.
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