Digitechs rejoice – there is a new portable camera cart (aka production, studio or film carts) called 'Schlepp One' on Kickstarter that is reportedly 30-40% smaller, 50-75% lighter and less than a third of the price of other professional camera carts and workstations.
The Schlepp One takes its name from the Yiddish term “schlep,” meaning to haul or carry something heavy. Living up to its name, the Schlepp One is here to make transporting gear far easier. Weighing 12.5kg, the cart can be assembled in 2.5 minutes, making it a practical solution for solo users. Crafted from a combination of stainless steel and aluminium alloy, it offers durability despite its compact size.
While the 12.5kg weight may sound heavy and the asking price of 799 EURO (around $1,300AUD) might sound pricy, if compared to the 35kg, $3,685AUD adicam MINI+ production cart it's a steal.
With a weight capacity of up to 55kg, the Schlepp One packs a surprising punch for its size. The shelves are designed to fit standard carry-on luggage, providing a snug home for gear such as a Pelican 1510 case or large backpack. Its adjustable work surface can be raised between 75-95 centimetres, adding versatility for different tasks.
While it doesn’t claim to replace traditional heavy-duty camera carts (the adicam MINI+ can handle 200kg), Schlepp emphasises that the Schlepp One is tailored for smaller-scale shoots. It offers the same level of functionality without the bulk, making it an excellent choice for projects where a full-sized cart would be impractical.
During the Kickstarter campaign, the Schlepp One is available in two configurations. The first is a self-assembly model priced at around $1,300AUD, and the second is a fully assembled version shipping out of Berlin for around $1,500AUD. Both options are slated to ship by spring 2025.
In addition to the cart itself, Schlepp has plans to build a community around the product. The company aims to encourage user innovation by providing a Hardware Development Kit with detailed technical drawings and specifications. This will allow users to design and share custom accessories for the cart. Schlepp hopes to cultivate a space where creatives can exchange ideas and modifications to enhance their gear-hauling experience.
Compact, portable, and innovative, the Schlepp One has the potential to become an essential tool for photographers and filmmakers looking for an efficient and lightweight solution. If the Kickstarter campaign succeeds, this little cart could leave a big impression.
You can find out more on the Schlepp Kickstarter page.
