By Dan Chung
Photo and video accessory giant Manfrotto are finally branching out into the DSLR and video support gear market with a new range of rigs called SYMPLA. The main features of the rigs seem to be tool free assembly, modularity and a rather giant mattebox.
Manfrotto products have a reputation for keen pricing coupled with Italian quality design and construction. Dslrnewsshooter.com will be at NAB2012 to see if the company’s claims that SYMPLA are a game changer are true.
Here’s the Manfrotto press release:
Manfrotto Distribution Debuts SYMPLA VIDEO & HDLSR Modular Rigs at the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters Show
Game-changing Design and Technology for Professional Videographers
(LAS VEGAS, NV) Manfrotto Distribution, world leader in the equipment and accessories industry for photography and imaging, has announced the launch of SYMPLA, a new family of modular rigs for HDSLR’s, and camcorders. Aimed at making the videographer’s life simpler, SYMPLA will debut at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas.
“We are thrilled to debut the new SYMPLA line at the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters show,” said Wayne Schulman, Sales & Product Manager, Video. “The SYMPLA line bridges the gap between off-the-shelf, ready-to-use convenience and custom modularity, and we look forward to showcasing it to NAB attendees at this year’s show.”
SYMPLA supports can be assembled, configured and adjusted to a wide range of situations in seconds – all without tools. Every product in the line, from the unique Flexible Matte Box to the innovative Variable Plate, is made of steel and aluminum to withstand the rigors of professional use and meet Manfrotto’s high quality and performance standards. The number of components in the SYMPLA family gives users maximum flexibility and adjustment control with minimum hassle. Like everything Manfrotto makes for professional users, SYMPLA is 100% compatible with other Manfrotto photo and video support products.
SYMPLA modular rigs are yet another example of Manfrotto’s unparalleled research and development, engineering and manufacturing expertise. They incorporate design and technology innovations and best-in-class ideas from Manfrotto’s current products. Self-supporting clamps that stay in place even before they’re locked, for example, come from the world of heavy-duty stage lighting. Flexible, easy-locking ball-joint hand grips were inspired by Manfrotto photographic ball heads. Multi-axis micro-adjusters and single locking mechanisms, which make fine tuning easier and safer, come from Manfrotto photographic geared heads. And sliding plates with quick release and secondary safety buttons were borrowed from Manfrotto professional video heads. Together, these advanced components make SYMPLA modular rigs easier, safer and more comfortable for even the smallest video teams to use on location and on the run.
