chris fawcett

I agree with the Steadistand. It's light, stable, and looks good too.

Cheap plastic ziplock bags piled into a peli case keeps my entropy level hovering just above the heat-death of the universe.

Hi Tally, If you want to keep the camera close to the gimbal, put the weight as high as you can. If you have a camera-handle low-mode bracket, mount it, and add weight to that. If you care about your back, and your operating, take a workshop. Fly safe, Chris

Hi All, When anyone questions my rate, after a reasonable discount for the nature of the project, or the number of consecutive days, I offer to send them a list of operators that will do the job cheaper. I have yet to loose work. The client appreciates your candour and confidence, and no experienced operator wants to be on that list. Chris

Hi Lars Erik, I bought a Kish Standard Directors' Viewfinder from Film Tools when I was in LA for Cinegear this year. On my return to Europe, I discovered that the aspect ratio was wildly inaccurate. I emailed Film Tools and Kish. No reply. I emailed both again two weeks later, this time Kish replied. They were friendly enough. Quote: "The inaccuracies can be there...If you are particular then you may recalibrate it for your self (sic) and put on an overlay sticker or if you are in LA, we can get you a better calibrated one." No reply whatsoever from Film Tools. Anyone want a barely used, inaccurate directors' viewfinder, slightly too small for use as a doorstop? Never wanted to be a director anyway, Chris

Aha! That difficult, eh? Thanks Jess!

Hi All, Having a blond moment here. How do I disable the nested posts (posts in this topic)? I much prefer browsing a long window. Thanks, Chris

Happy Birthday Alec! Thanks again to you and Afton for the lift. All the best, Chris

Searchable Location: California Bring a sweater!

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In that case, say hi to my dead uncle for me. I´d be delighted, but I´m all out of ectoplasm.

You bet. I´m a medium!

"The single most important component of a Steadicam is the...nut that holds the gimbal.¨

Any time, mon pote.

Thanks for the illuminating debate. I've opted to go for a PAL Canon HV 20. All the best, Chris

Charles, The consistency and thoroughness of your answers is inspiring. Note to self: must try harder. Chris

Dear All, Excuse my abandoning this fascinating thread. It's IBC time over here, and I'm stepping over comatose bodies of Steadicam operators lying around my apartment, and running late for the show! I hope to pick up on and digest this info soon. Chris

Pity! Lucas, I have 2 days in Geneva, 9th and 16th October. and was wondering if there was any cultural event up there in the hills that was worth spending the intervening week on. Maybe see you then? Chris

OMG Charles, What a thrillingly complete answer. Thank you very much, Chris

I'm in complete agreement with you about the appropriateness of a rig like the Clipper for carrying heavier cameras as compared to a lighter rig like the Archer. I mention it only as a curiosity that Lars Erik, Mikko, and I have all flown heavier packages on an Archer than a Clipper can fly with the G-50. The limiting factor is the arm. All the best, Chris

Very interesting Kevin, Thanks for the report. It is so tempting to go heavy, yet your 10-minute limit is not so handy for documentary work. I'm keen to hear more testimony from Merlin users on this point. Charles, I'm very curious about your XH-A1. Canon states this about the 30F, 24F, and 26F frame modes: "These Frame modes have the same look as progressive frame rates, but are not labeled "progressive" because they are created with an interlaced chip. The end result is exactly the same to the editing system (and to our eyes) as 30p and 24p, respectively." My understanding is that this cannot be correct. What am I missing? Thanks agian all, Chris

Hi Charles, I'd want to mount maybe a Sennheiser 416 or a Sanken CS1 at least, and have the possibility to add a radio mic receiver, so I'd probably be pushing it with the XH-A1, but what the hell, it looks great. Thanks for the recommendation, Chris P.S. Has anyone tried mounting a mic where the counterbalance weights are?

Hi Sven, I'm well thanks, and I'll certainly see you at IBC. Yea, I'm not looking to max out my arm this time. I just want the best possible quality within the operating weight. I'll check out the models you suggest. See you soon, Chris

Hi All, Any opinions on the best possible quality video camera to reasonably mount on a hand-held Merlin? Best regards, Chris

But I do, on your behalf.