Nicholas Davidoff

For sale are 2 - 12/24 volt Victory Cinevideo battery belts. These are the standard Victory/Cinevideo belts. The belts are few years old but have been re-celled with top quality Sanyo cells less than a year ago. Leather is scuffed in some places from light general use and the new cells are strong and hold a great charge. Power outputs are 3 pin XLR for 24 volt. And 4 pin XLR for 12 volt. Belts have internal charger cable to plug into AC outlet. Everything is in great working order. Asking $350 each or best offer. Can ship anywhere as buyer pays shipping. Can accept payment through paypal, personal check, or cash. I can also offer buyer a trial/testing period of a few days to make sure the belts and cells function properly. ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

Very sorry to hear about your loss Timothy. I (and probably many others on this forum) would like to know the details about what and how this happened. Perhaps knowing the full story may somehow help track down the guilty parties. And may also prevent others from having the same experience. If and when you're ready to share please do so. Best of luck, I'll keep a look out for your gear.

Steadicam job on Craiglslist for $175 a day feature film - gigs-953131603@craigslist.org Good luck to all you backstabbers and undercutters!

Sold. Thanks.

Like new condition Gorelock docking ring for 2" post. Part #DR2. $50 plus shipping. Or pick up in L.A. ~ Nick (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

I just got off the phone with a producer who offered me $300 a day to work on a SAG low budget feature film. I politely turned him down, but I GUARANTEE he'll find somebody. One of the big problems in the low budget steadicam league is the ridiculous amount of losers with junkyard rigs who call themselves steadicam operators. These guys (and girls) don't even know the difference between drop time and spin balance let alone anything about camerawork and composition. But yet they're happily taking jobs for $100 a day and delivering godawful work. Producers and directors on these "projects" can't tell good camerawork from a hole in their ass and they think they got a great deal. Meanwhile rates continue to plummet thanks to all the "weekend flyers" out there. Most of the "A" list operators aren't exposed to these rate massacres but I'm sure it's slowly trickling up the ladder. Yes, it's a sad state of affairs. Instead of going off on a rant, I offer some solutions to consider. 1. EASE BACK ON ENCOURAGEMENT. The good people of this steadicam forum are extremely kindhearted and supportive of every newbie who wants to start flying professionally. But there is a TREMENDOUS backlash to this, especially in the big cities. Coming up as an AC I developed a great respect for the craft of the steadicam operator. Steadicam is a sacred and respectable tradition which is currently being desecrated by any joe-schmoe with a credit card. Every half assed film school kid and their grandma is getting a rig these days and making a joke out of steadicam. Unlike ten years ago, there is no longer a shortage of steadicam ops and work is really hard to come by. I'm not trying to be a prick here, I'm just trying to separate the men from the boys. If you're going to SERIOUSLY get into this, then make a proper commitment. Raise proper funds and invest in quality, reliable equipment. You're investing in an expensive business so if you can't afford it, then hold off. Whatever you think you're gonna spend, add about 30 percent. Or save your money and get a Red camera and start calling yourself a DP. Invest the time and sweat to train hard and learn proper operating techniques so when you show up on a set you don't embarass yourself and the entire steadicam institution. The point here is, if you want to be a professional steadicam op, you must do it with TOTAL dedication, passion and commitment. If you're a "weekend flyer" going in half-assed with no funds, then PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do something else. 2. MINIMUM RATES - It's been said time and time again here so all I can do is re-iterate. Let's make a commitment folks to stick together. In the low budget world, let's agree on a rock bottom minimum of let's say $500 for 12 hours. And this is ROCK BOTTOM. Not too long ago when I was starting out, this is what I charged for student projects. Consider $400 for 8 hours as an alternative. Explain to the person hiring you that you're giving them a huge break. You're working for free and charging for equipment rental only. After 12 hours worked, overtime is in order and should be firmly addressed. Maybe we can agree on some minimums for low budget features in the neighborhood of $700 a day? These numbers suck but it's the reality out there. If they can't afford these minimum rates then here's where your commitment is tested. If you agree to work for peanuts, then you've just stabbed all your fellow operators in the back. Keep this in mind as you say "sure, I'll do it". If you hear of someone working below these rate minimums, give them a call. Ask them to be more respectful of the steadicam profession. Let's be more communicative with eachother, stand firm on our minimum rates and have "pep talks" with fellow operators who are screwing us all. I, for one, am willing to make these commitments. Is anybody else? Or is this whole idea ridiculous?

Does anyone know what the current options are for a detachable tilt stage? I read some posts and checked the net and can't seem to find a solid answer. I'm aware of Tiffen's integral tilt stage but what about us Pro, MKV or XCS owners? I checked Chrosziel and Baer Bel and came up blank. Who makes a tlit stage and how can I get one? Any info is appreciated.

That would be the single most despicable thing a rental house could do to the steadicam profession! I would boycott that place.

Thanks alot for the replies guys, very helpful. Eric, to answer your question, I have a Pro arm, Pro vest, MK-V post (carbon fiber, 4 stage), Pro DB and JBoxes, Nebtek Neb70 HD monitor. Brad, although GPI doesn't advocate the use of ACF 50 (or Corrosion X), so many ops seem to swear by it. So my question is how much to use and where? Some people I've talked to use it sparingly where needed. Another friend of mine said he used to spray down his entire Pro arm at the end of the day when he was shooting in Hawaii... Any war stories?..

Hi all, I'll be working for a few weeks around beaches and saltwater and I would love to hear any input you may have about steadicam maintenance under these conditions. Considering saltwater in the air, is it recommended to keep as much of the rig covered as possible? Saran wrap? Rain covers? How about daily maintenance? Should the rig be thoroughly wiped down? Washed? Drenched in CorrosionX or ACF50? Any tips, tricks and experiences about beach shooting are greatly appreciated. ~ Nick

Sold, thanks.

This is a Gorelock 2 docking fork and docking ring for a 2" post. Docking bracket NOT included. Parts are in excellent condition, cost $485 new + tax. Asking $400 or best offer. Jerry Hill Part# GAD2/DR2-2.00 ???...Gorelock2 with a DR2-2.000" (Ultimate, MK-V, AR) ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

I'm seeking an MK-V POST CLAMP for docking low mode. It's a standard post clamp for 2" MKV post to work with standard MK-V docking bracket. Thanks, ~ Nick (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

Charger sold, thanks. BTW - It will charge Hytrons with chip installed from Anton Bauer.

For sale is a 6x6x6 Pelsue heavy duty rain tent, model 6506A. An excellent industrial use working cover that can comfortably fit a steadicam rig, an operator and two buddies. Tent is in great shape with no holes or tears. Just minor signs of wear. Everything works great and should provide years of service. Selling because I got a package deal on 2 units. Check out the specs at this link - http://store.phonetx.com/3749-0000n.html And here's a thread on the steadicam forum - http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...0&hl=pelsue Tent costs $511 new. Asking $300 (plus shipping) or best offer. ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

will it charge hytrons I'm looking into that.

ANTON BAUER/PANASONIC SUPERCAM LIFESAVER CHARGER INTERACTIVE LOGIC SERIES - MODEL ABC800 Works great. Great condition. Charges any AB mount batteries. 2 at a time. Located in L.A. Can ship anywhere. $200 ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

I need a few used Anton Bauer Trimpacs with digital readouts. Any condition. They can be completely dead as I'll be re-celling them anyway. Thanks, ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

The only way we'll ever be able to stand up for our rights against the machine is with a UNIFIED VOICE. Until then, rates will continue to fall, rights will continue to vanish and we should get used to being bent over. I see this happening everywhere and it's getting worse and worse and it really pisses me off. From rentals to medical coverage, good people getting screwed over in record numbers. A question for the elder wisemen of the forum - Is it conceivable to create a unified front for us craftsmen? A universal set of guidelines for steadicam hire that must be respected by all employers? Of course, this would require standing together in support of eachother if these guidelines are not adhered to. Is this all a naive fantasy? Just curious if there have been any advances lately. Colin, at the risk of losing your job, I say round up the crew and collectively speak out against this contract. Maybe it can inspire change? Good luck and fly safe. (Especially on that show)

Does anybody know the proper cleaning/lubricating procedures for an MKV gimbal? It's got dual, all-metal bearings (so it appears). Do the same guidelines apply? Contact cleaner (and/or alcohol bath) followed by two drops of high speed oil? Or does the MKV require different handling? Any feedback or experience is appreciated.

Still available. $400 or best offer.

SOLD. Thanks for the calls.

GPI Pro VZ Gimbal for sale. New condition, bought less than five months ago. Has had minimal use and has been treated with utmost care. An excellent gimbal in pristine condition. Comes with gimbal wrench, oil and spare O rings. I paid $7500 for it ($6950 + tax). ASKING PRICE DROPPED TO - $6300. (or best offer) I'm sadly parting with it only because I've switched to a 2" post and sled. Save a $1200 off a brand new VZ gimbal. ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

This is a Gorelock 2 docking fork and docking ring for a 2" post. Docking bracket NOT included. Parts are in excellent condition, cost $485 new + tax. Asking $400 Jerry Hill Part# GAD2/DR2-2.00 ???...Gorelock2 with a DR2-2.000" (Ultimate, MK-V, AR) ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com

GPI Pro VZ Gimbal for sale. New condition, bought less than five months ago. Has had minimal use and has been treated with utmost care. Nothing wrong whatsoever, an excellent gimbal in pristine condition. Comes with gimbal wrench, oil and spare O rings. I paid $7500 for it ($6950 + tax). Asking price - $6500. I'm sadly parting with it only because I've switched to a 2" post and sled. Save a $1000 off a brand new VZ gimbal. ~ Nick Davidoff (310) 567-9668 NicholasDavidoff@hotmail.com