Letus Hawk on Canon my 60D / 85mm F/1.2L
Don't forget that periodically Letus auctions off a few items starting at low prices with no reserve if you want to try and grab either the Letus DSLR Cage, Talon Rig, or Hawk View Finder possibly for less than half the normal price. They don't always have auctions running all the time, but right now you can check out the latest Letus auctions at their eBay store (click here).
Letus35 DSLR Cages, Rigs, View Finders
Vimeo member Tom Guilmette has a video from Shane Hurlbut's Master Cinema Series launch party. The launch party in Los Angeles showcases the first three main rigs in the product line from a handheld cage, to shoulder rig, and larger eye-leveling studio setup. Definitely looked like tons of fun and even Freddie Wong made it out to the party. More information about the DSLR rigs and accessories in the product line can be found at the website https://mastercinemaseries.com
Canon T3i / 600D shown with Letus Hawk VF LCD View Finder
Letus created a Hawk VF (View Finder) for the 3:2 aspect DSLR LCD's like the T2i. It so happened to fit on the Canon 60D and fits pretty nicely on the Canon T3i as well. There's a base plate that is mounted to the bottom of the camera (still supports a tripod mount), and the Hawk VF View Finder is attached through a quick release system. It's a great semi-permanent way to attach a View Finder to the T3i without the use of sticky frames. For a closer look at how that all comes together, check out the video below.
If you've collected quite a bit of accessories to your DSLR and are now shopping for a DSLR cage, nobody makes a better one than Letus. You can see some of my images here: http://cheesycam.com/more-canon-60d-on-letus-gear/. The auction isn't mine BTW, mine is always in rotation...
Of course, it normally takes a good chunk of change to get into one, but maybe not today. A Letus DSLR Cage with a few extra parts retailing over $900 bucks is currently on auction. No bidders so far, and recently lowered pricing. Even the Buy It Now is crazy low. There's plenty of other inexpensive type cages you can use, but If you've been looking specifically for a Letus DSLR cage, this could be your lucky day.
If you happen to miss out on the Auction, here's where you can find them https://www.letusdirect.com/cart/cage/
Today's morning mail bag drops in with some nice surprises. I finally received the two Audio-Technica ATR3350 powered Lavalier Microphones for my Zoom H1. This will be an interesting test. I was already impressed with the Zoom H1 built in mics when doing this BiGeye review, but I was in a controlled environment. We'll see what we can get with a microphone closer to the subject outside on some noisy streets. Right off the bat, the cord is loooooonnnnngg. It's a nice setup if you don't have a portable audio recorder, but not for my use. I'll cut and snip a few feet off soon. Hopefully I don't screw it up, but it's just two simple wires. Audio tests coming soon... More information here: http://cheesycam.com/zoom-h1-lavalier-winner/
Next, some nice Letus DSLR products drop in. Talk about some damn sexy camera gear (drool). If you have a lust for gear (like myself), Letus is one of those brands that will seduce you like an Empusa. Nah that's too gorey, better yet a Shakira music video. Ok, i'm getting sidetracked, back to the subject at hand. Letus has been a big time name in the film industry and very popular in the DOF adapters before DSLR's changed things. Letus didn't stand around watching times change, they jumped right in with a new line of DSLR accessories now found at LetusDSLR.com.
The Letus Hawk VF is a DSLR view finder wrapped in Carbon Fiber. Is it super lightweight? Surprisingly no. It's a solid piece of gear that when holding it will make you go OOOh. It's built for the finest gentlemen like a Bently, but also comes at a different price. Most view finders we see have somewhat of a squarish box design. Since it's comparable in price as the Zacuto Z-Finder Pro, if I had to make a choice there's no doubt this would be the clear winner. The design of the Letus Hawk VF makes the Z-Finder look like technology from a Buck Rogers episode - biddy biddy beep. The Hawk VF is silky smooth, many many curves - nothing squarish about it, finished with a carbon fiber wrapped design, and a high gloss clear coat of resin. I'll get some more information up with a video soon...
The Hawk VF mounts directly under the camera, no magnetic frames. For cameras with a battery pack, you can get the optional riser plate here: https://www.letusdirect.com/cart/hawk-riser.html
Also in the box, there's the standard Letus DSLR cage which is the basic foundation that can be used with their growing line of DSLR accesories. It's Rod compatible so you can find ways to adapt many rod type accessories. The entire cage is cheese plate designed for mounting a bazillion different things to it. This cage is thick and solid. I wish I had this thing for the 'egg drop' science project in middle school, anything will survive a drop in this cage. It's a precision crafted beast possibly made from Adamantium. More close up photos and video overview coming soon...
The Letus Hawk VF & Letus Talon DSLR Cage
