Danna Kinsky chooses Sachtler, photo by Gina M. Garcia
Danna Kinsky Uses Sachtler Ace for the “Untold” Project
Director of photography Danna Kinsky may use large cameras and heavier support equipment when shooting feature films like the upcoming “Untold,” but she wants the same kind of support performance when she shoots with smaller form factor cameras, like her Canon 7D. She recently tried out the new Ace system by Sachtler, a Vitec Group brand.
In connection with the “Untold” project, Kinsky shot a public service announcement about anti-gay bullying in schools, using her DSLR and new Sachtler Ace tripod system, designed for camera packages weighing from 0 to over 8 lbs (0 to 4 kg). The bottom of that weight range is important to her, because she often uses a lightweight camera package, her Canon 7D and a small prime lens.
“Smaller cameras actually present more of a challenge to a tripod than larger cameras, because there’s so little mass to help smooth the panning and tilting moves,” she said. “I’ve shot before with small tripods that want to inch along the floor when you pan, which means you have to hold the sticks in place with one hand while panning with the other. It makes me a more confident shooter to know that I don’t have to deal with problems like these when I’m using the Ace.”
The way Ace solves both those issues for Kinsky is that Sachtler’s engineers developed a completely new patented SA drag™ (Synchronized Actuated Drag), which guarantees
the familiar accuracy and repeatability that Sachtler’s larger tripod systems are famous for. With 3 vertical and 3 horizontal grades of drag (+0), the patented SA drag enables fine adjustment for precise panning and tilting, no matter how small the camera package. Additionally Ace has five different counterbalance settings.
Kinsky adds that, “The Ace is stable enough that it stays put when you’re panning, and the legs are substantial enough that there’s no backlash when you start or stop a pan.” Ace can be tilted through a range of +90° to -75°.
Kinsky also appreciates the ruggedness of Ace. “When it’s time to move the camera to a new location, I easily adjust the mid-level spreader and the sticks come together, and I’m off to my next spot. The Ace is rugged enough to handle circumstances that happen on set.”
Ace is easily adjustable up and down, and it can be used on uneven surfaces. For shipping, it breaks down to less than 34” (86 cm) which allows it to be put in a suitcase instead of requiring its own shipping case.
“What’s really amazing,” said Kinsky, “is that at a remarkably economical price, Sachtler has incorporated a lot of the features that were previously only available in tripod systems that cost thousands of dollars.”
For more information visit www.sachtler.com or contact: Sachtler, 709 Executive Blvd., Valley Cottage, NY 10989, Phone: 845-268-0100, Fax: 845-268-0113, Email: info-cd-usa@vitecgroup.com
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About Sachtler
Sachtler, founded in 1958 by cameraman Wendelin Sachtler, is a worldwide market leader for professional camera support systems for cinematography and television production, its name a symbol of top quality and reliability for decades. With an extensive range of camera support systems as well as a finely modulated product line of reportage lighting, Sachtler is the highly qualified partner for broadcast and film applications. Since 2000 Sachtler has been offering the artemis modular camera stabilizer system. With its numerous workshops and training sessions, the Wendelin Sachtler Academy has become a top address worldwide for invaluable know-how and the exchange of information, creating the ideal international platform for creative talents.
A Snapshot of The Vitec Group
Vitec is an international Group principally serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and military, aerospace and government (MAG) markets. Listed on the London Stock Exchange with 2009 revenue of £315 million, Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands on which its customers worldwide rely. Vitec is organized in three divisions: Imaging & Staging, Videocom and Services.
Imaging & Staging designs, manufactures and distributes equipment and accessories for photography, video and events.
Videocom designs and distributes systems and products used in broadcasting and live entertainment, film and video production and MAG.
Services provides equipment rental, workflow design and technical support for camera, video, audio, fibre optic and wireless technology used by TV production teams and film crews.
More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com