Cinematographer
Der Primo ist mein Lieblingsdolly. Die Präzision der Bewegung, die Stabilität - er verwandelt jede Fahrt in Butter.
GF-Primo Dolly: electromechanical column camera dolly by Grip Factory Munich featuring crab, front, and rear steering with 250 kg payload capacity.
Overview
The GF-Primo Dolly is a professional camera dolly manufactured by the German company Grip Factory Munich (GFM), based in Eching near Munich. Its distinguishing feature is the electromechanically driven, rotatable, and detachable lift column, operated via a wireless or wired hand control unit (HCU). The GF-Primo shares this column with its sister model, the GF-Secondo; the models differ only in their base. The GF-Primo features a central one-touch selector that allows for immediate, one-handed switching between crab, front, and rear steering, whereas on the GF-Secondo, each wheel must be adjusted individually. The dolly was introduced in 2009 and has become a widely used grip tool on European sets.
Technical Data
The following values are from the official GFM manual (as of November 2015). The lift column is identical to that of the GF-Secondo.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Column Lift Duration | 2.5 s |
| Lift Travel | 0–70 cm / 0–27.6" |
| Minimum Column Height | 70 cm / 27.6" |
| Maximum Column Height | 140 cm / 55.1" |
| Maximum Lift Load (Column) | 250 kg / 551 lbs |
| Dolly Base Transport Weight | 80 kg / 176 lbs |
| Column Transport Weight (without batteries) | 68 kg / 150 lbs |
| Wireless Control Range | approx. 100 m / 330 ft |
Use on Set
The GF-Primo is designed as a mobile personnel and camera support system for sets and studios with level, stable ground, as well as for track operation. The base features four steerable and lockable combination wheels; for track operation, GFM offers compatible GFM track systems with a maximum track spacing of 640 mm / 25" (inside edge to inside edge). Platforms, seats, and offset arms can be adapted via the multifunctional turnstile mount; the rotating bearing allows for infinite 360° panning.
- Steering Modes: Crab, front, and rear, switchable with one hand via a central selector.
- Lift column with programmable ramps, speed settings, limits, and a record/play function for saving repeatable movements.
- Expandable to a crane: With the GF-Primo Jib mounted, 1–2 people plus camera can be carried; the jib offers an additional lift range of 154 cm / 5'.
- Manufacturer's safety guideline: Operation only by trained personnel; in jib mode, exclusively on solid wheels (no pneumatic tires).
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Mit dem Primo bekomme ich die Kamerabewegungen die ich mir vorstelle. Kein Wackeln, kein Ruckeln, nur pure Eleganz.
Producer
Der GF-Primo ist eine Investition die sich lohnt. Viele Rental Houses weltweit setzen auf GFM für ihre Premium-Flotte.
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