Actually Joe, having to change a battery during a shoot is a real pain in the A*%$ whatever system you use. Anything which hinders that process can mean missing shots especially as the action doesn't stop and wait for you. Having to remove the VML uses time which can be ill afforded. The VML has a badly designed fixing system, but when the solution to this removes the clip-on battery change convenience you are simply transfering the problem to somewhere else.
joejack wrote:
Actually, ukphotographer, the speed at which it takes to change the battery on the VML using the VML Bracket was never really an issue for most people. And with the VML2, it's still not an issue.
However, the VML2 does allow for quicker battery changes than the first version because the new design doesn't require the photographer to use the knurled thumb screw (a wing nut on the first version) if they don't want to. The VML can be secured to the VML Bracket with a single velcro cinch strap which makes changing the battery quick and easy. Simply loosen the strap, take the VML out of the VML Bracket, replace the battery, pop the VML back into the VML Bracket, and tighten the cinch strap. Easy! And even using the knurled thumb screw in addition to the velcro cinch strap only adds a few additional seconds to the process of changing the battery.
I'll be posting videos on my website soon to demonstrate the battery changing process, as well as a few other key features of the VML2....Show more →
No, I was referring to version 2 of the bracket I designed. I suppose I should use different nomenclature so as to not cause further confusion. My apologies for any confusion.
For those of you who have been following the developments of the newest version of my VML Bracket, you'll be happy to know that the brackets are now in stock and will be shipping out starting tomorrow! I'm also happy to announce that for a limited time I'll be offering a 10% discount on all orders! Please go to http://www.vmlbracket.com for all the details.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and thanks again for all the support and well wishes during this adventure!
I ordered 2! I move my lights around a lot and I need a secure system to keep everything locked down, I don't want the VML swinging from a strap, and I don't want the Brass nut pulling out of the VML. Not cheap by any means, but I can't wait to receive mine!
Thanks for the post, Bob! Your brackets are shipping out today, and I'll email you the tracking number once they ship.
The VML Bracket will most certainly take care of the two issues you mentioned in your post (the VML swinging from the strap, and the brass nut pulling out of the VML because of too much stress placed on it). And while the cost of the VML Bracket might be considered a bit on the high side for some, one needs to keep a few things in mind when considering the price.
The cost of production for the VML Bracket isn't cheap. Since I decided to have it made in the USA, that (unfortunately) means that it costs more to produce. And while I could have had it made overseas for a little less, it wouldn't be the same bracket. Which brings up the next point...quality.
The quality of the VML Bracket is second to none and something that you simply won't find in any other mounting solution for the VML. This isn't a piece of scrap steel that I had some guy hammer out in his garage over a weekend. The VML Bracket is a professionally designed and fabricated solution for mounting the VML. It's made of the highest quality materials, cut to precision using state of the art laser cutting technology, formed on a multi-million dollar machine press, and powder coated to a durable finish that will withstand years of use. You won't find that kind of quality in any other mounting solution for the VML.
Aside from the quality of the VML Bracket, one should also consider the other (and more important) benefits of using it compared to the other various mounting options available. Simplicity, functionality, less wear and tear on the VML itself, security, aesthetics, and peace of mind are just some of the benefits of using the VML Bracket over other mounting options. Once you have your VML mounted to the VML Bracket and attached to a light stand using a super clamp, you can rest assured knowing that your VML isn't going anywhere so you can focus on your shoot and not worry about your gear. For me personally, that reason alone is worth the price of the VML Bracket and why it is that I designed it in the first place.
Got one of these from Joe recently. Can't say enough about the great build quality. Everything from the documentation down to the included hardware was well thought out. The bracket itself is beautifully crafted.
Customer service was great as well. I received an email shortly after ordering that the unit was shipping that afternoon, and shortly thereafter, an automated email from the USPS with the tracking number.
tonecaster wrote:
Got one of these from Joe recently. Can't say enough about the great build quality. Everything from the documentation down to the included hardware was well thought out. The bracket itself is beautifully crafted.
Customer service was great as well. I received an email shortly after ordering that the unit was shipping that afternoon, and shortly thereafter, an automated email from the USPS with the tracking number.
Great product, great company to deal with!
Thanks for the testimonial, Ed! I'm glad you're happy with the VML Bracket!
tonecaster wrote:
Got one of these from Joe recently. Can't say enough about the great build quality. Everything from the documentation down to the included hardware was well thought out. The bracket itself is beautifully crafted.
Customer service was great as well. I received an email shortly after ordering that the unit was shipping that afternoon, and shortly thereafter, an automated email from the USPS with the tracking number.
I put spongy dense foam rubber (1/4" thick) on the inner and outer side of the PCB clamp and used contact cement to affix, trimmed with a sharp blade and have never had a slip yet.
I could hang from my my VML Brackets... I actually used them for a shoot last week where the stands blew over several times (wind+PLM's= PITA), but the VML Brackets never moved even a little. I just stood the stands back up and kept on shooting without issue. There is no way the PCB clamp would have held. No. Way.
Got mine yesterday, and set it up. What a nice piece of gear. I was thinking about making my own...but I am telling you this is so much better than I could have done.
Jon Uhler wrote:
Got mine yesterday, and set it up. What a nice piece of gear. I was thinking about making my own...but I am telling you this is so much better than I could have done.
Glad you're happy with your VML Bracket, Jon! Thanks for your post, and the compliments on the bracket. Let me know if you ever have any questions...I'm always here to help!