The Kessler Pocket Jib - How to Assemble, Operate, Motorize & Attach a Slider

The Kessler Pocket Jib is the ultimate compact, portable jib. Not only is this jib fully collapsible for easy transport, but you can also mount the Kessler Pocket Dolly or CineSlider to it, turning it into a virtual “all-in-one” production tool, offering both a jib and mini-dolly in one unit. The standard Pocket Jib is recommended for cameras less than 20 pounds.In this post, I will show you how to:

• Install the Hercules Head

• Install the Swivel Mount

• Extend the Weight Bar

• Use the Ball Mount

• Telescope the Pocket Jib

• How to Use the Drag Control & Brake

• How to Operate

• How to Mount a Slider

• How to Motorize

The Pocket Jib PRO has been designed for a greater weight capacity when larger cameras and rigs are being used. With its heavy duty arms, the Pocket Jib PRO can handle up to 50 pounds in any length configuration.

Installing on Hercules Head

Like its larger siblings, the Pocket Jib can be mounted to the optional Hercules head for the greatest support.

1. Install the Hercules Head as usual and move the locking pin to prevent the Hercules Head from tilting.

2. Align the Pocket Jib so the side of the jib is in line with the side of the Hercules Head.

3. Using two (2) 1/4” diameter thumb screws, attach the Pocket Jib to the Hercules head using the middle thread holes.

Installing on Swivel Mount

Exclusive to the Pocket Jib, our Swivel Mount provides great jib support in a compact package.

1. Insert the Swivel Mount into the 100mm bowl of the K-Pod (or other heavy duty tripod rated for the weight of the jib and camera setup).

2. Install the cup washer and handle to the bottom of the Swivel Mount. Note, mount the washer flat side up if you do not want the head to tilt in the bowl (recommended).

3. Remove the two (2) plastic knobs on the Swivel Mount top and lower the Pocket Jib over any two of the diagonal corner holes.

4. While supporting the jib, replace the two (2) plastic knobs and secure.

Extending the Weight Bar

The weight bar collapses for easy transport. To extend it for use, follow this procedure:

1. Loosen the two (2) knobs holding the telescoping weight bar in place. There is one on each side of the jib.

2. Once each side is fully extended, re-tighten the knobs making sure they are fully seated in the recesses provided for alignment.

3. Loosen the two (2) back, ratchet thumb screws to release the horizontal weight bar and slide them back.

4. Swing each side out so they are at 90 degrees two the main jib.

5. Slide the two weight bar halves together so the joint is in the center of the bar and re-tighten the ratchet thumb screws.

Using the Ball Mount

The Pocket Jib includes a 100mm ball re-locator so you can easily attach your fluid head or Hercules head to the end of the jib.

1. Loosen but do not remove the knob holding the ball mount to the end of the pocket jib.

2. Once loose enough, rotate the ball mount around and tighten the knob again.

3. Insert your Hercules head or 100mm fluid head (75mm with optional converter).

4. Tighten fluid head down with cup washer and handle as normal.

Telescoping the Pocket Jib

The Pocket Jib extends from 5 feet to 8 feet with two lock increments in between.

1. Loosen but do not remove the two (2) knobs on the main arms and one (1) knob on the tilt arm of the Pocket Jib. NOTE: On the Pocket Jib Pro, there are two tilt arms. Loosen the knob on each tilt arm to adjust length.

2. Make sure the knobs are loose enough that they are no longer seated in the recessed locking hole of the jib.

3. Extend the jib to the desired length choosing any of the four lock positions.

4. Align the knobs with the recessed locking points. The tilt arm knob may require tilting the head of the Pocket jib in order to re-align with the lock point.

5. Secure the two (2) knobs on the main arms and one (1) knob (2 on the Pocket Jib Pro) on the tilt arm(s). Make sure the knobs are fully seated in their respective recessed locking points.

Drag Control & Brake

The Pocket Jib has both drag control and brake control.

1. Drag is adjusted by turning the top knob (A) on the Pocket Jib fulcrum point. Turn the knob clock wise to increase drag and counter clockwise to decrease drag.

2. The brake is adjusted by turning the bottom knob (B) on the Pocket Jib fulcrum point. The brake has an arching track and can be used to aid in locking down lift angles of the jib.

NOTE: The brake is provided as an added safety feature. It is important that your jib setup is properly balanced before use. Do not use the brake to compensate for an unbalanced configuration.

How to Operate

You can operate the Pocket Jib from either the front or the back. It is extremely important that the jib is fully balanced. When you operate from the back, you may want to run a monitor back from your camera. What separates this rig from others on the market is the ability to attach a pan and tilt head to the front. If you operate from the front, you are able to create more dynamic shots as you have access to two more axes.

Mounting a Slider

The Pocket Jib is designed for mounting a Pocket Dolly or Cineslider to the top. This creates an all-in-one production tool.

1. Locate the pre-installed Dolly/Slider mounting brackets and 4 stainless steel screws.

2. Remove the two (2) round top stain- less steel screws. One from each side. Leave the flat, countersunk screws in place.

3. Place the dolly/slider on top of the Pocket Jib and align the mounting holes on each end. Re-insert the two (2) round top stainless steel screws and tighten securely.

How to Motorize

Motorizing the Pocket Jib is extremely easy. In order to motorize it, you will need a few additional accessories. You will need the Shuttle Pod Cart, Shuttle Pod Pedestal Feet, electraDRIVE motor kit for the Shuttle Pod & a 500 series motor.

1. Attach one of the end clamps to the arm of the jib.

2. Run the belt through the Shuttle Pod Motor Mount & attach the 500 series motor.

3. Weight down the cart so it does not move.

The Canadian Rockies

About the Video

This film was shot over a week in various locations through Alberta and British Columbia and showcases shots from an upcoming tutorial for the Kessler Crane Pocket Jib. Many shots were done using the Kessler Pocket Jib.Music is by Sigur rós - Glósóli. To find out more about using Sigur rós in your personal projects, check out the attached link. sigur-ros.co.uk/band/faq.php#13.

To purchase the music on iTunes, visit itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/sigur-ros/id73720797.Special thanks to Nils Sorensen & Leanne Schinkel.Shot using the Kessler Crane Pocket Jib, Cineslider, K-POD, Hercules Head, Stealth, Oracle, ElektraDrive System & Shuttlepod System.Special thanks to Eric Kessler & Chris Beller.Shot on 2 x Canon 5D Mark II's and a 5D Mark III using the 24-105mm 4.0 L, 50mm 1.2 L, 70-200mm 2.8 II IS L, 14mm 2.8 L, 16-35mm 2.8 L.

Locations:

Three Valley Lake

Griffin LakeGolden, BC

Bow LakeJasper, AB

Kootenay LakeKelowna, BC

Summerland, BC

Salmo, BC

Revelstoke, BC

Banff National Park

Nelson, BC

Kokanee Creek, BC

Glacier National Park