Machina Rentals

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At Machina, we are committed to providing unparalleled support and delivering the right equipment.

10/22/2026

A different way to move the camera.

The Proaim Alpine Vertical Tower delivers smooth, controlled vertical movement without the footprint of a traditional dolly or crane.

With 26.7 inches of vertical travel and 360° rotation, it's a practical tool for product reveals, tabletop cinematography, motion-control setups, and precise elevation changes in tight spaces.

Whether you're building a dramatic reveal or adding subtle movement to a static composition, the Alpine gives camera teams more flexibility in how they approach the shot.

How would you put it to work on your next production?

Available to rent at Machina.

10/19/2026

A first look at what's next in reflected light.

We're excited to bring something new to the prep table.

Join Machina for a special Gear Showcase + Workshop featuring the world's first public demonstration of the dedolight EFLECT Reflector Kit, alongside the Lightbridge CRLS C-Drive and Godox LiteFlow K1 systems.

Our technicians will walk through how these reflector systems redirect, shape, and control light, demonstrating practical applications across different production setups.

Whether you're just getting familiar with reflected light or looking to expand your lighting toolkit, this is an opportunity to compare systems, experiment with different approaches, and get hands-on with equipment you haven't had the chance to try before.

Be among the first to experience the dedolight EFLECT in action.

Free + open to the public.
RSVP through the Luma link in our bio.

10/16/2026

Some shots are better when you can't escape the perspective. 🎃

The Tilta Hermit Helmet Rig puts the camera right in the action, keeping the subject framed while the world moves around them.

From unsettling close-ups and disorienting horror sequences to music videos, action scenes, and character-driven storytelling, this versatile helmet-mounted rig opens up new ways to capture movement and perspective.

Whether you're after a claustrophobic close-up, an exaggerated sense of motion, or a shot that puts the audience uncomfortably close to the action, the Hermit Helmet gives camera teams another way to approach the scene.

What would you shoot with it—a horror sequence or something completely unexpected? 👀

Available at Machina.

10/07/2026

Sometimes the right light starts with where you send it.

Join us for a hands-on Gear Showcase + Workshop featuring the Lightbridge CRLS C-Drive Kit and Godox LiteFlow K1 Kit.

Our Machina technicians will demonstrate how reflector systems can redirect, shape, and control light across different setups—from creating a natural-looking key to reaching places where positioning a fixture isn’t practical.

Whether reflected light is new to your toolkit or already part of your workflow, come experiment with the systems, compare approaches, and ask questions along the way.

Free + open to the public.

RSVP through the Luma link in our bio.

10/02/2026

One light. A lot more ways to shape it.

Rosco Opti-Sculpt filters give you control over beam shape without changing fixtures—softening edges, creating linear and asymmetrical patterns, and producing shapes that are difficult to replicate with focus or shutters alone.

Drop one into a gel frame and a spotlight can quickly shift between setups.

Think softened pools of light for interviews, elongated patterns for product and tabletop work, controlled washes across backgrounds, or asymmetrical shapes for more precise highlights. Pair them with a rotating barrel and there’s even more room to dial in exactly where the light lands.

A simple addition to the lighting package with plenty of practical applications.

What would you use them for?

09/25/2026

Three angles. A lot of ways into the shot.

The DZOFilm X-Tract 18–28mm T8 combines a full-frame probe, macro capability, and a zoom into one system—with 0°, 90° + 360° configurations for getting the lens where a conventional setup can't.

0° Direct — Straight into the action. Ideal for tabletop, food, product, liquids, miniature environments, and push-through shots.

90° Periscope — Looks sideways while the lens travels forward, opening up low-angle tracking shots, tight spaces, surfaces, and perspectives that would otherwise require repositioning the camera.

360° Periscope — Adds rotation to the equation for orbiting perspectives, Dutch angles, barrel rolls, and more complex motion-control work.

Across the set, you get an 18–28mm T8 zoom, 2.1:1 maximum magnification, a 6mm working distance, full-frame coverage, and a slim, rear-weighted design that lends itself especially well to sliders, motion control, and other precision setups.

And because the X-Tract is parfocal with tightly controlled breathing, you can change focal length and pull focus without the image fighting the move.

A specialized lens, but one with a surprising number of ways to use it.

Available for rent at Machina.

09/16/2026

Different glass for different ways of seeing.

Our Canon collection spans modern cinema primes, vintage character, photo glass, and versatile zooms—from CN-R and CN-E to TLS FD, EF, and RF.

Different formats. Different generations. Different optical approaches. All under one roof and ready to build into your next camera package.

Sometimes finding the right lens starts with having enough options on the prep table.

09/04/2026

Go wide.

Join Machina on Wednesday, September 16 from 4–5 PM for a hands-on Gear Showcase featuring the DZOFilm X-Tract 18–28mm lenses.

One of our technicians will break down the glass, image characteristics, and practical applications before opening things up for hands-on testing and questions.

Come see where the X-Tract lenses could fit into your next camera package.

Free and open to the public.
RSVP through the Luma link in our bio.

08/20/2026

Great lighting showcases your work better.

The Aputure STORM 400x is distinguished by its exceptional color performance, brightness, and controllability.

Featuring a breakthrough BLAIR light engine, it delivers the highest quality white light and greatest +- green adjustability of any LED technology, achieving exceptional color tuning control without gels. Its brightness output can match or exceed higher-wattage COB lights with a compact powerhouse.

Equipped with ProLock Locking Bowens mount, flexible control options and head-to-toe protection, this light is also able to handle diverse production environments.

Compared to STORM 400x, the STORM 700x offers higher brightness levels and color accuracy levels while retaining the innovative BLAIR chipset and control experience.

Paired with the CF10 Fresnel lens, it can deliver over 19,000 lux at 3m. Its full CCT range of 2,500 to 10,000K enhanced with green-magenta color correction makes white-point control more precise.

These two lights are ideal for commercial shoots, interviews, and mid-to-large-scale productions, providing a reliable lighting solution with high output, precise white-light color performance in a weather-resistant design.

08/18/2026

Two Sony systems. Two different approaches to the image.

Join us Wednesday, August 26 from 4–5 PM for our next Gear Showcase, featuring the Sony FX5 and Sony a7R VI.

We’ll put both cameras on the prep table for a practical, hands-on look at their capabilities, workflows, and where each system makes sense on set. Our team will be available to walk through the builds, answer questions, and give you time behind the cameras.

For DPs, camera operators, ACs, photographers, and anyone interested in seeing how these two systems compare before putting them to work. Free and open to the public. Sign up through the Luma link in our IG bio.

Address

5645 N Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL
60660

Website

http://www.machina.rentals/

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