{"id":3444,"date":"2016-05-05T13:11:08","date_gmt":"2016-05-05T13:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mountainproductions.com\/blog\/?p=3444"},"modified":"2017-01-26T19:59:21","modified_gmt":"2017-01-26T19:59:21","slug":"qa-insight-with-the-experts-kevin-rinaldi-young-and-leica-geosystems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mountainproductions.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/05\/qa-insight-with-the-experts-kevin-rinaldi-young-and-leica-geosystems\/","title":{"rendered":"[Q+A] Insight with the Experts \u2013 Kevin Rinaldi-Young and Leica Geosystems"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWhen all think alike, then no one is thinking.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2014Walter Lippman<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What equipment do you use to verify your measurements, perform site surveys and chalk out rigging points? Chances are, one of the items in your mind is a tape measurer. Accuracy and precision are so critical that if even the slightest measurement is off, disaster can strike. What if there was a way to rethink the way we take and record measurements that would ensure the most precise data?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve asked this question in the past, we\u2019re happy to have the answer. Partnering with Leica Geosystems<\/strong>, Mountain Productions proudly offers their DISTO laser distance meters <\/a>and LINO laser levels<\/a>. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

These tools truly have the capability to change the way we work, and deliver accuracy down to 1\/16th<\/sup> of an inch. I spoke with Kevin Rinaldi-Young from Leica Geosystems<\/strong> on the advantages of using a DISTO for all of your measuring needs.<\/p>\n

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Q: What are some of the main benefits of using a Leica DISTO over a traditional tape?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kevin:<\/b> The benefits can be described using this acronym: REAM<\/strong>. Okay, maybe not the best acronym, but it stands for: Range, Ease, Accuracy, Mobility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

R<\/b>ange: The entry model of the Leica DISTO line, the E7100i<\/a>, measures up to 200\u2019 and increase up to 1000\u2019 with the S910<\/a>. This means no more 100\u2019 tape and a person at the other end. No more stringing together measurements with a 25\u2019 steel tape. Using a DISTO requires one worker, one laser, and produces one measurement\u2014the only measurement you will need.<\/p>\n

E<\/b>ase: The most basic function of the DISTO is the one you\u2019ll use the most: aim, shoot, and measure. Using a DISTO with a built in point finder scope camera is perfect to see the laser dot for long distance and outdoor measurements.<\/p>\n

A<\/b>ccuracy: In the entertainment industry, there is no room for error. Leica invented handheld laser measurers in the early 90s. Mountain Productions<\/a> partnered with us because the DISTO is simply the most accurate and unwaveringly consistent laser measure made. When we say accurate to 1\/16\u201d, we mean it every time.<\/p>\n

M<\/b>obility: A stage build can be a hectic environment with a lot of moving parts and people. Leica DISTOs are compact and allow for remote measurement, meaning you won\u2019t have to worry about people jumping over your tape. Not only are DISTOs compact, they are also durable, so they go with you regardless of conditions. Rain? Dust? No problem. DISTOs are IP rated to protect against the elements<\/a>, and if something were to happen to your DISTO, Leica has you covered with a 2-year standard warranty, and an optional opt-in 3rd<\/sup> year free.<\/p>\n

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Q: Leica overflows with innovation and technology. How was Leica been able to stay at the forefront of measuring technology and advancements?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kevin: <\/b>Pretty simply, we hire the best and brightest scientists and engineers, and we invest more than 10% of revenue into R&D<\/strong>. No other geospatial company comes close to that number. Pushing technological boundaries is a bit of an obsession of ours. It has been for the past 100 years, and will be for the next 100.<\/p>\n

Q: What is your most unique\/favorite way you have seen Leica\u2019s DISTOs utilized?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kevin: <\/strong>This is a toss up. I think my first answer would be when a DISTO was used, unbeknownst to us until it was released, in the 2003 remake of the Italian Job. In the scene, Edward Norton uses a DISTO classic model to coordinate a room layout with Seth Green for a heist.<\/p>\n