Hi T,
I've been stuck on set for a week doing very little and so researching rigs and bits and pieces, as at some time in the near future I'll buy a rig £££
I've read your thread with interest, lots of views and advice in the plenty and some seriously kind offers which is totally amazing.... you know who you are!
Its always a worry when any kit doesn't work out of the box, whatever it is and hopefully it ends up just being 'finger trouble' maybe a red face and getting away with it, but when its not it can be very difficult to work around especially with steadicam related gear, because its not so easy to have spares of everything because of cost and phoning for replacement while on set or in the studio could take hours to get the problem rectified.
I'm glad the problem for you has been sorted eventually.
I dealt with MK-V many years ago and it was a pain free experience and Howard show me all the new developments and was very helpful, and I wasn't spending a lot of money and he knew that I couldn't buy a rig back then.
Someone suggested that Howard make some 'Post' here, but i think that fairly unlikely as its been fairly one sided debate so far and I can understand why he wouldn't.
I'm glad that there is a place where ops and hopefully suppliers can discuss problems, get advice or recommendations. It just takes one phone call or email to set minds at rest or to reassure that support is there. I know owner operators with MK-V rigs and not all happy. I have a friend with an 'HD' ready rig (not an MK-V) that was running a cable direct from the camera to the monitor externally because the internal cable wasn't suitable when it stated it was and that company took several years to admit the fault..... We all want a rig that does what we want it to do and that can be a different thing every job, hence why we buy all manner of accessories and 'toys!'
I've been working in broadcasting for over ten years but very early on decided to focus on chasing steadicam as my main goal and career path. I've had great training lots of experience and now in a place to create opportunities. I love the job and not just steadicam.
Good luck, hope the new replacement gear works well and that the support from our suppliers and peers continues to improve and grow.
MCi