29Oct Konova New K-Slider Upgrade
The Konova K Slider DSLR video camera slider
This came to me with very little information. I’m still waiting to hear if this new slider will be considered an upgrade or considered a different (more costly) version. I don’t think this is even available directly from their website (yet). I’m currently unboxing it now, ready to give you guys a sneak peek at this new slider in a bit. To get updates like these, make sure you’re following me on Twitter.
For a sample of how well the first Konova sliders worked, check out some basic samples from Olivia: http://oliviatech.com/techniques-and-tips-on-the-konova-dslr-video-camera-slider
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October 29th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I have to say I was unimpressed with the first iteration. I brought it along with me on a shoot last summer and was frustrated with the results. Wasn’t able to get consistently smooth moves.
Curious to see what improvements have been made.
October 29th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Well, I have to say that, coming from a friction slider before this one, the Konova was the simple best I could use so far (first version). I’m really happy with it and all my shots are smooth (for my point of view, of course). I would like to see those new improvements!
October 29th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
just got my slider konova in the mail today. haven’t had a chance to do anything with it other than take it out of the box and throw a tripod head on it. WOW!!!! just playing with it for 5 seconds before I had to race out the door. I am amazed. I had a friction slider before this and it does not compare. I WISH WISH WISH I had this on my last three slider necessary shoots. Would have cut the number of takes I had to do in HALF!!!
As for loud? Yeah, I can hear it…but can my sound guy? Let’s wait and see. WOO!
October 29th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Hi Emm,
I saw this post a while ago
http://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/2011/08/27/birtv-2011-konova-spaceship-motorised-table-dolly-and-sliders/
Is this the motorized upgrade? I haven’t seen any other info. If you had any info about the motor that would be awesome!
October 29th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@Paul – This is not the motorized version (yet).
October 30th, 2011 at 1:26 am
@ Travis
I post once in a while over at another forum that has a particular DIY thread that’s now hundreds of pages long devoted specifically to Igus based dry linear bearing (Drylin) friction sliders. The general feeling in that particular community is one of not being able to fathom why anyone would use a roller bearing based slider hand operated if constant velocity is your goal…
so, to each his own I guess… people have different experiences with the different types, as the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
Don’t let anyone tell you “hands down” that one type is better than another… that’s an opinion, not a fact. They all have their issues and whether or not someone is able to overcome them usually boils down to practice and experience… if that’s still not working for you, maybe the other type is what will work better for YOU.
My personal experience… I built a quick and dirty roller bearing based slider when I needed something to use right away while I was waiting for my Igus parts to arrive. It wasn’t as pretty as the Konova but functionally and performance wise it would have been the same thing. I couldn’t get a smooth hand operated shot out of it to save my life and it was loud as hell but I wasn’t using the audio so that part at least wasn’t really an issue. I was later able to get way smoother slides (constant velocity) hand operated with my friction dry linear bearing based slider, alot of which I think comes down to technique. I still wasn’t completely happy, so the perfectionist in me decided to motorize it and I haven’t looked back since. Motorizing would also be a way to solve the same smoothness issue with a bearing based slider like the Konova and others… and even though I know some of the roller bearing sliders now have a friction control, motorizing is the only way I would return to using that type of slider again… or a friction one for that matter, now that I know first hand how much it improves the performance and makes it pretty much idiot proof.
Again, you need to get the one that works for YOU… and all the praise in the world or bashing for a particular slider type by a seemingly overwhelming majority on sites like these doesn’t mean squat if that’s not YOUR experience with it.
That’s my 2 cents
October 31st, 2011 at 6:36 am
I’m trying to build a Motorized Timelapse Dolly. Does anyone just make a Pre-made version? I’m not too mechanically inclined. Any recommendations for a Motorized version that has Shoot-Stop-Shoot capabilities? Or can be mated with the Dynamic Perceptions MX2 controller? I know Dynamic Perceptions sells a kit, but their dolly is really large and cumbersome.
There’s a guy in Germany who sells a nice version, but he cannot get me his new version until mid-December and I need it before then. Something like what the German guy makes would be nice (link below). It’s simple and compact.
http://www.pocketslider.de/en.html
October 31st, 2011 at 2:59 pm
I really can’t wait to hear about it.
Should I wait before ordering the regular slider? Is it worth it?
October 31st, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Bat – There’s a few changes, but the carrier (bearings) and track are pretty much the same. I’m not sure if this new one will be priced differently. I’ll post some information today on some of those changes.
November 2nd, 2011 at 5:24 pm
konovaphoto.com says the carrier is 4 bearings now instead of 3 like the original slider. I confirmed this with Frank via email too.
November 2nd, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@Shenan – There were only a few sold with 3 bearings. They immediately changed to 4 in just a few weeks. Even the older ones online should all have four bearings.
January 17th, 2012 at 6:44 am
i received mine early jan 2012 and it has three bearings instead of four, i am going to contact Frank about this
February 2nd, 2012 at 6:42 pm
@Jake or anyone who knows, I received my slider on mid-Jan 2012 and it also has 3 bearings instead of 4. I didn’t have the chance to try the 4-bearings one, has anyone compared them?
Have they provided an explanation as to why they started sending the 3-bearings one?
Thanks in advance, I think I’ll end up emailing him as well.
J.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:28 am
@anyone interested..
Konova replied telling me they sent a K5 slider by accident, and they gave me the option to replace it with a K3 if I’m interested or keep it.
I think I prefer the 4 bearing design (even if they’re smaller) and the fact that K3 is 0.5KG lighter, but I’ve already the custom’s fee (25pounds, 40$approx. UK)..I’m afraid I’ll have to pay again and end up getting a K3 at the price of the K5.
Anyone compared the K3 and K5?
Thx
February 5th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
I am in the same boat JP. I emailed asking why I didnt have the needle nose pliers with my K3. He replied with the same answer u got. Im thinkin that I will keep the K5. It is $110 more and just by looking at the side by side bearings in the K3 and K5, the K5 seems like it should have less wiggle room since the 3 large bearing ALL touch both sides. The K3 is sorta a zig zag design where the bearing touch 1 rail and 1 bearing… So please Emm or anyone who has used both, what should Jp and I do??? Thanks!!!
May 12th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
Hi, I recently purchased the konova slider, but the friction’s too tight.
I made a video to illustrate my problem. I’m hoping someone can help.
Please watch!
https://vimeo.com/42059328
Thanks,
Zack
May 13th, 2012 at 7:16 am
@zack – I’ve had about 5 different Konova sliders through the studio and they all adjust the same way. It should not be that difficult, and you may have to send that one back.