3D Film Factory Introduces the All-New, Handheld 3D Rig

Priced at a fraction of other professional 3D rigs, this compact, modular beam-splitter rig is the perfect solution for location, reality, or action 3D filmmaking.  It’s features actually surpass that of other more expensive rigs.

“The 3D Bullet Rig is going to take 3D production to a whole new level.  I love this rig. It’s incredibly light, rock steady and most of all – it’s really easy to shoot with from your shoulder, or tripod.   This rig is a 3D filmmakers dream, very versatile“, said the company’s veteran stereographer Keith Driver.  “Most 3D rigs are bulky, expensive and worst of all - tripod bound.  They require a crew to operate.  We’ve shot 3D projects in Africa, the Middle East, Hollywood soundstages, you name it we’ve done it in 3D.  And we realized we needed a more mobile 3D rig. A 3D rig you could just pick up and shoot with.  This is the 3D Bullet Rig.”

The 3D Bullet Rig makes handheld 3D filming effortless and smooth by transferring the weight to your waist and shoulder.  Each 3D rig includes a spring-loaded suspension rod, comfortable weight displacement belt and adjustable, padded shoulder mount.   The result is hours of mobile, handheld 3D filming capability.  In addition, the rig features detachable rubber hand grips for easy manoeuvring and a standard tripod mounting plate (¼-20 and ⅜-16 holes).

Weighing approx. 13 lbs. (5.8 kgs.) the steady 3D Bullet Rig accommodates the Canon DSLR 5D, 7D, 60D, XF105, XF305, XH-G1, Sony F3, EX3’s, HDCP1, X5U, Z1U, Panasonic AF100, HVX200, HC 1500, HC 1800 and many other professional HD cameras.

The rig also features custom camera mounts that easily lock and load cameras into place using a standard quick-release plate from Bogen/Manfrotto.  The horizontal camera mount offers IO (inter-ocular) adjustability from 0” – 3.5” (0 - 89 mm) and simple convergence movement from 0°-3°.  Both functions are easily controlled using smooth, accurate finger knobs, with calibration markings.  The vertical camera mount adjusts for perfect stereoscopic picture alignment by elevating and performing full x-y-z rotation (yaw, roll, tilt).

The light-weight, mirror box housing is constructed using space-age foam core plastic that’s durable, corrosion-free and substantially cooler than a metal matte box. This ensures your beam-splitter glass with its expensive coatings will stay cool on hot days.  The rig itself is hand-milled employing a nearly indestructible aluminium alloy frame.

Perfect for traveling light, the entire 3D Bullet Rig is ingenuously designed to set-up and break down in a matter of minutes, packing into a small, water-tight pelican case.

As a bonus, the horizontal rail easily detaches, along with the camera mounts, transforming into a side-by-side rig 3D for wide and landscape stereography.

Our opti-prime, 50/50 beam-splitter glass is optimized to meet the demands of 3D filmmaking.  See specs.  Within the matte box, a simple adjustment tool allows stereographers to fine tune the glass angle from between 43° to 47°.

The outcome is simply the world’s most affordable, professional handheld 3D rig.

It should be noted that using our simple Lanc system camera operators can now synch start/stop, focus, alignment, lens shift and many other vital functions thru both cameras or individually.

The 3D Film Factory offers a complete line of 3D beam-splitter rigs intended for HD camcorders, as well as larger ENG and broadcast style camera.  In addition, we offer several inexpensive side-by-side rigs and real-time 3D viewing solutions.