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Hey gang! After having countless discussions on set about how to train for what we do, I decided to put together an article which outlines in detail; how to train and condition our bodies for the demands we face on set as Camera and Steadicam Operators! Please take a moment to check it out. Share it with fellow Ops! https://www.daviddesiocinematography.com/blog

Selling my back up X1 arm, hasn't been used and have decided to move it on. 9000USD or best offer. Don't wait and get a brand new arm without the wait. Comes in a custom case with lowmode bracket. Can ship worldwide at buyers expense. Arm located in Australia

This arm was purchased new in 2014. It has been my personal arm ever since and was never abused, and it still works great. It went back for service in late 2019, and has been remarkably trouble-free through its life, only having one part fail, which was replaced under warranty. The arm includes all 8 canisters, which means it can carry any loads between 13 and 72 pounds. This has come in quite handy for carrying both small cameras on little rigs, as well as fully built 35mm camera packages. I am also including quite a few spares, tools, brand new parts, and upgrades, which you can easily swap in. I am including several of my own precision-machined Stainless Steel arm posts, which are much stronger and tougher than the original aluminum versions. The arm has special neoprene rubber bumpers on the center section to prevent vibration from moving down the arm when running, and rubber grip tape on the bones of the arm to allow for better grip, especially in cold climates or with sweaty hands. The arm also has an updated arm post friction system, which allows the arm post to be tightened more easily (with a tools-free Kipp handle) as well as having more friction available via a custom-machined sleeve inside of the arm. With a half turn of the Kipp handle, the arm post goes from completely free to fully locked, and can be set anywhere in between at a moments notice. This arm sells new (even with GPI PRO’s recent price drops) for $21,500, and it still works as well as it did when it was new. I’ve even heard an operator with a PRO arm call mine “an especially good one”. I’m asking $18,000 or best offer for the full package, which is in line with recent sales - these arms do not lose much value, and hold up exceedingly well over time. Email me for more info. Tom.Wills.Soc@gmail.com Includes: GPI PRO Titan Arm Chassis # 639 4x Blue Canisters 4x Black Canisters 6” Arm Post w/ 2 Collars 8” Arm Post w/ 2 Collars 12” Arm Post w/ 2 Collars Spare Rod Ends and Screws for Socket Block (brand new) QR Pin for Socket Block Adapter (allows for quick switching from regular to goofy) 7 Spare Pivot Nuts (a part often lost if it loosens up in travel) 2 Spare Canister Pins Kit of standard spare parts (washers, clips, etc…) 2 PRO Arm Tools Soft Bag for Arm Soft Bag for Canisters PRO Arm 5/32” wrench

Selling my Betz Wave, only reason is because I have 2 of them! I absolutely love these things. this one is coming straight back from Germany from service so it’s gonna be in tip top shape. comes with a pelican case i don’t have an extra betz plate but I believe they’re probably easy to order. asking 5500$

Good morning. The Zalex group of accessories started in 1992 with the prototype of a Broadcast video camera low-mode plate. First tested at the Steadicam Workshops in Rockport, Maine, it showed great promise and inspired efforts to make bits that serve my needs. Since that first effort, parts have emerged such as an overhauled Model I/II/III/IIIA Vest, drop-forged steel docking bracket for older sleds, the Longplate, LensLift lens support system, Tally Light Kit, Arm Repo Mount and other items. The full complement of Zalex accessories can be found at our website: https://www.zalex-products.com We’re pleased to share that we have just taken delivery of another 60 Longplates. The Zalex Longplate fits all stages from all manufacturers. There are currently over 350 Longplates in use worldwide. This is the longest, thickest and therefore most rigid, dovetail plate available. Some of the benefits of flying with the Longplate include: º Comes with hardware that allows an Alex/ Amira/ Venice/ Sony camera to be mounted directly to the plate. Stop using a VCT-type of plate and mount right to the Longplate. º Slotted to allow for mounting of 15mm rod clamps for follow-focus, Talent Monitors, lights and other accessories. º Pairs well with the LensLift support system. º Notched for the safety bolt used by some models of GPI/PRO, XCS and Sachtler/ Artemis sleds. º Fully slotted for 3/8-16 lockdown screws, the Longplate kit includes adaptors that allow for ¼-20 screw use as well. º Readily locks into a tripod adaptor to save time on sled-to-sticks turnaround. In addition to the Longplate, the Longplate-M fits the Tiffen Medium Stage sleds. These includes the Archer 2, Zephyr and Scout. Email me for pricing and shipping information at: peter@steadicamproductionservices.com Fly safe !! Peter Abraham, S.O.C.

Selling my extra LX vest with large socket block. QC’d by Tiffen and pads fully hand washed in March. No tears or defects. Comes with carrying bag. In great shape. $1,700 shipped. (*US ground shipping or I'll take off $50 for international buyers; buyer pays shipping)

Betz Wave For Sale Excellent condition. Comes with - 1x Tripodlokplate by Betz-Tools 1x power cable 1x Dovetailplate by Betz-Tools 1x Travel Case USD$6000 include shipping (Exclude insurance, tax and bank charges) Located in Singapore Interested Kindly PM to discuss

New style M2 SledCover Waterproof Lightweight Material Zipper Front for easy installation. WrapSnap closure around post Cable inlets Leg room for bigger batteries Can also be built for slim battery setups Rear battery access YKK Zipper System BongoTies / Pouch $265

I´m based in Chile, and wanted to invest 37.5K open to offers. thanks in advance to everyone.

Received an email from Daniel Crawford, interested in selling me his gyros. he sent me stock images, and stock videos that don’t belong to him , a Google voice number. He said he was a steadicam operator and was unable to tell me what rig he owned. Didn’t know what the 600 was and a few other red flags. Buyers beware.

Please consider upgrading your SteadicamForum.com account to a Premium Membership level. Your support helps! As a Premium Member you'll receive: Create posts in the Marketplace 100MB of upload storage Unlimited Personal Messaging Edit your posts for up to 24 hours Extended Post Signature (up to 5 lines & 2 links) Cover photo on your Profile page Post highlighting Create Polls Warm fuzzy feeling & forum cred! The cost is a one-time $50 PayPal payment. Once PayPal alerts me to your payment I'll upgrade your account ASAP. Thank you!

This vest formerly belonged to Larry McConkey, so as you can imagine it’s been through a lot, but it’s in quite good shape after some repairs, and ready to go out and serve an operator as a great first vest, or a backup front mount vest for a back mounted operator. This has been modified quite a bit - the upper chest plate has been bent to contact the shoulders better, the main vest spar has been bent to account for torso shapes, and the main spar of the vest has been moved to the outside so that the socket block can be mounted lower than it normally can on a Master vest. It also has a new larger upper chest pad, and I just replaced the upper shoulder buckles with new 2” Fastex buckles. It also incorporates upgraded ratchets for all the other straps - 2 ratchets for the waist and chest straps. Overall, a solid vest for a great price, and it’s pretty cool to think about what shots this vest must have done. Highly prefer NYC/NJ/PA local sales as vest fitting is an art form - happy to let any operators in that area try it on and see if they like it before committing! Asking $1500 USD, plus shipping if applicable. Contact me at willsvideo@gmail.com if you're interested.

Some more detailed/respectable photos

Sorry to hear that, John. I've just banned the Richard Armstrong account.

Hi Folks, Hope you're all well. I have a brand new Trinity 2/Artemis 2 for sale. I purchased this for a movie that ended up getting shelved before the strike. It has never been on set. The kit has pelican cases for the head and the wheels but not the Sled. I was planning on doing a bigger custom case that I never finalized. It has all three axis wheels for when and if they ever come out with the pan motor for the Trinity as well as the wireless transiever to operate everything wirelessly. Everything is in great condition and works great and has only ever been built in a rental house. Pricing it for a quick sale at 80K, purchased everything for 90K from previous owner that basically transfered ownership from Arri to me that had purchased it for $95,745.99. Extra accessories from a normal Trinity package circled in red below. Located in Los Angeles. The items missing from the package are the CSS Long Steel QL plate 315 & 450mm and the 7inch and 5inch monitor mounts. I never used these as I rigged them differently. Please contact me for further information. All the best, Roham

This XCS HD2 Sled along with a brand new Walter Klassen harness-vest was purchased with the intent of assembling a high quality rig; regrettably a knee injury sidelined me before I could complete my mission. Mr. G Bubb of XTended Camera Support worked with me on the purchase and can be contacted for confirmation. I paid $42.5K for the gear, and Am looking to recoup as much of the money spent. Only serious buyers need reply. All respectful and reasonable offers will be considered and the best will will be accepted. Reach out and we can exchange private email info Respectfully, J R Renaud

GPI Titan Pro arm including 4 blue canisters for EURO 8800,- Arm is in excellent condition! Europe sales preferred - (Netherlands, Maastricht area) Included: - Bag with soft padding - J-Bracket for 5/8” post - Sachtler/Arri D-bracket for low-mode setup - Flowcine low mode grip handle - Allen keys for arm and canisters - GPI keys and spare kit for Titan Pro arm

Hi all! selling my Tiffen Ultra2 Sled for $15000usd. Comes with Transvideo 8” Monitor, case, and custom made CrampedAttic 3rd battery plate. Buyer pays shipping No it does not come with pristine dabbing dog patch

Pro II Sled, D-Box III, Pro Gimbal, TB6 Monitor w/ Decimator down-convertor, XCS digital level, Sled hard case docking bracket,Pro Titan Arm w/4 blacks & 4 blues, Pro Vest w/ bag AKS etc. AKS : 5 camera plates, back-up Center post cable, back-up Monitor cable, HD & Film camera power cables (Alexa 24v. Amira/Alexa mini 24v, Panaflex, Panaflex Alt pwr, Arri 12v, Arri 535, SR3, Panavision Genesis, Preston MDR II, misc. screws etc. Price : Pro II Sled w/ TB6 Monitor & Decimator, D-Box III, XCS Level, Pro docking bracket, camera plates, camera cables, extra post cable, Sled hard case = $9,000. US : Pro Titan Arm w/ 4 blacks & 4 Blue canisters arm case & arm tools + $16,000 US : Pro Vest & Vest bag : $3,300. US

Selling my Mk-v revolution. Extremely lightly used. Perfect working condition. Comes with pelican case, cables & tools. Has rotating monitor mount wired for M1 post. $20,000 USD plus shipping from Australia matt@steadimoves.com.au

If you do solid arm posts, which I think are a great option, I would absolutely drill out the end of them that goes “down” in the arm maybe 1-1.5” deep (I can get you a measurement off of the Hill dock at some point) so they can still be mounted on the arm hanger of a dock. None of my posts have ever bent on the bottom end where they go into the arm, it’s always either a general bend throughout the arm post or a bend right where the shaft collar is that prevents the arm post falling through the arm. Without a hole in the bottom of the arm post, especially on a PRO arm, it’d be an incredible pain to hang the arm up and likely open up the arm to damage as it swings around from whatever hacked way you’d have to hang the arm.

I do have these that I got from Charles recently. 1_Steadicam Model 1 brochure.pdf 1_Steadicam Model 1 brochure.pdf 2_Steadicam Model III brochure.pdf 3_Steadicam Model IIIA brochure.pdf 4_Steadicam EFP brochure.pdf

Perhaps do the dynamic balance without the external wiring running down the post. Then run your video line down the post and secure it as tight as possible to reduce any effect it might have on throwing that dynamic balance off. Also, unless you're planning to do some intense whip pans, I wouldn't worry too much about dynamic balance.

I can help you out, going to PM

Nice Rig... So Perdy...Drool... Where did you get the case made?

Hi all; I've got a new vendor and all stocked up again with plates. I've even got a couple of new holes in the edges so that you can configure the posts in many ways, rather than just the four corners. I've got some good pricing, probably a bit better deal. Pictures to follow. Janice Have a wonderful 2024 after an horrendous 2023.

Selling my trusty g50x arm from Tiffen / Steadicam. I am the 2nd owner and I've always been really happy with it! I'm only selling because it's time for me to upgrade to a higher payload, and at the moment I can't afford to keep it as a backup. The arm is currently serviced at Tiffen in Burbank, so you're getting a perfectly functioning arm with only some cosmetic scratches. I'll post an update as soon as I have a definitive list of all the parts they replaced (I'm guessing bearings and some cleaning). The arm comes with both a 3/4'' and 5/8'' arm post, a bag and a rain cover. I'll also include a low mode bracket from Glidecam (5/8'') for free. I'm not sure how long the service will take at Tiffen, but it might be possible to ship it directly to its new owner if you're based in America (if we can sort out the VAT issue). Otherwise I would prefer shipping within Europe (at buyer's cost). Looking for 6500 Dollars / 6000 Euros, open for reasonable offers. Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Black Friday. In all seriousness i feel like it's a fair price for all involved.

Hi, I am selling very used EFP arm. In working condition, tested for 18kg payload, everthing works. More photos or info in mail. Thank you. radim.brunovsky@gmail.com Payload: 8-18kg Springs: Blue In package: EFP arm, 5/8 post adapter, rain covers Located in Prague, Europe. Buyer pays shipping and taxes. Price: 890€ + Shipping and taxes

*sold*

Jerry Hill Mag Dock fork only for sale. Great condition, 2” opening (used it with my 1.5” Pro sled with docking ring). Use it with docking assembly or add teal stud receiver (from Jerry Hill) to have an extra place to land on a cart or Moses Pole. Great condition. New strike price: $190

Bump

Hello gang, i see i overpriced these a tad, New Price - $2750.00 .....thx

This is a great deal!

It's time to part with my Zephyr. This rig has served me well but I have since upgraded and do not need it around anymore. The rig is in great condition and I've added some nice pieces to the kit over the years. Price: $7,000 OBO + buyer pays shipping Rig is located in Seattle. Local pickup preferred of course, but I'm happy to ship within the US. It all fits in one Thermodyne case quite neatly. SLED: Steadicam Zephyr sled (AB mount) - Digital Horizon Leveler for the Marshall monitor. This thing is very handy and helps keep the horizons on point for both the x and y. They do not make these anymore and this is the only leveler I've ever seen of this type. - Larger Skymagic Gimbal wrap - Skymagic monitor yoke, easier to manipulate than the original (but will include the original bracket as well) - Steadicam dovetail ARM: Steadicam Zephyr Arm - Payload of 30 lbs, I've flown Amira, Alexa mini, RED, Canon, Sony on this sled with no problems. I never pushed the arm to it's limit VEST: Zephyr vest - Comfortable vest! EXTRAS: - (2x) 4 pin xlr to 3 pin lemo camera power (1 short, 1 longer) - Alexa power cable to lemo - RED power cable to lemo - lemo to d-tap breakout - Low mode monitor bracket - Walter Klassen Hardmount bracket for Zephyr (just need doughty clamp to rig to a rickshaw or speedrail) - Cam Jam low mode monitor bracket Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Don't buy cheap power cables from an unknown source. They are unreliable and can end up causing damage to your sled or the camera. Be it knockoff connectors, the wrong gauge wire or worse, incorrectly wired, if they're cheap, there is a reason. Cableflexer (https://www.cableflexer.com) makes incredible quality cables of all types. In fun colors too if you want. Greg Bubb at XCS (http://www.xcsinc.com/) also does. Terry West (in California) and David Hable (in Canada) also make cables, but I've never purchased any from them.

$8500 USD or best offer

Hello Everyone, After upgrading to another rig, I’m selling my Archer 2 sled with G50x arm, G Zoom, steadicam cube V mount batteries, two bay charger, arm rain cover, and thermodyne all in one hard case. No vest. Everything is in perfect condition. It was serviced by Tiffen 4 months ago and has been in the case since. I'm trying to keep things together but if there’s enough demand for each part individually I’d be open to discussing breaking it up. Asking $20,000 + buyer pays shipping. NYC based. Cheers, Noah

For sale is the ONLY 87ft Strada Crane ever manufactured. Usually this model Strada Crane is 85ft. This crane has been used on James Cameron’s Titanic, Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor just to name a notable few. Also countless television productions, events and specials such as all of the X-Games and U.S. Open. If you haven’t been convinced yet, this crane is HUGE! The total crane weight is 5,500 pounds, the base of the crane is 6’ by 8’ and rides on 4 tires, and the crane is transported in its own trailer. The crane has multiple length configurations to meet the need of the shot. An arm length of 40ft gives you a lens height of 35ft. A 47ft arm has a 42ft lens height. A 54ft arm has a 49ft lens height. A 60ft arm has a 55ft lens height. A 74ft arm has a 64ft lens height. Lastly, an arm length of 87ft will give you a whopping 75ft lens height. Over 7 stories of camera movement available! With that amount of versatility, some extra space will be needed for operating the crane. From 40ft to 60ft arm lengths, the operator will need a 15ft by 20ft area, and from 74ft to 87ft arm lengths, the operator will need an area of 20ft by 30ft. A crane this large provides a nose load of 150 pounds. That allows for a lot of options when choosing a remote head and camera configuration to fly. I am asking $85,000 for everything. This includes the crane, weights, cabling, and trailer. Located in Los Angeles. Local pickup is required, as it all fits in its trailer. A few additional notes: This was Rick Johnsons personal crane, it has several features that none of the other Strata cranes have. Only arm with 9ft tail option up to 60 ft, as opposed to regular 12ft tail. Crane base can be completely disassembled and "packed in". The weight bucket is mechanized which allows for it to stay preloaded with thousands of pounds and adjusts forward and aft for balance. I know this is the Steadicam forum, but i figured I may as well try listing this crane on here for exposure. If you know of anyone that might be interested in this, please direct them to this posting!

Hi All, Selling the following items. PayPal welcomed, buyers pay shipping and PayPal fees. Betz Tools Universal Monitorbracket with 15mm rods, Frame/Yoke for Transvideo Monitor HD8“ for 2“ post https://www.betz-tools.com/en/accessories/monitorbracket-105.php Brand New 1385 Euro - Never used on set, just tested. Didn't follow through with a HD8 Purchase Pristine Condition - USD$1100 Betz Tools Universal Dovetailplate UDP (27 cm/ 10.6“) https://www.betz-tools.com/en/universal-dovetailplate-steadicam.php Brand New 195 Euro - The anodizing was like that when I received it but does not affect performance. Used but in Good Condition - USD$150 (or trade for the Short Betz Camera Plate that comes with the Wave) XCS LT3 Sliding Camera Plate Brand New $700 - Pairs with the Wave very well as it is slightly taller than most plates and has side to side adjust Used but in Great Condition (Camera screw scratches as pictured) - USD$500 PRO Misc Parts - Pro 2 Upper Electronics/ Pro 1 Bottom Electronics Was going to build a project sled but giving that up now Used and Good Condition - USD$200 OBO PRO Vest Parts Switched my vest to Goofy and have these parts leftover (Size 38) Used and Ok condition - USD$150 OBO Anton Bauer Gold Mount Plate Not sure what the model is but it works perfect Used and Great Condition - USD$50

Sold

Selling my Upgraded Archer Volt sled. Originally an Archer 1, but now basically an Archer 2 after all the lower part was replaced by the Hofman workshop, and the gimbal is an Archer 2 two years old gimbal that was bought with the Volt. Comes with an original hard case, a docking bracket, a low mode bracket and Volt cables. Asking 16k usd plus shipping Located in israel Feel free to email me for more photos and questions Dhanit@bezeqint.net

Part of the job of an operator is knowing which tool is the right tool for the shot. In this case, steadicam is probably not the right tool. If they insist, try your best, but manage expectations.

Well, my website is gone but don't worry I'm still here. My site was originally hosted at my ISP provider until they stopped offering free hosting. Then I found a place offering free hosting but they went belly up and took my website with them (without bothering to tell me). At this point I do so little business there's no real reason to find someplace else to host it. So if you try to go there and can't be assured I am still here to do repairs and sell any spare parts you might need. My e-mail hasn't changed: jim@bartechengineering.com. Later, Jim Bartell BarTech Engineering

This is my personal technique for making whip pans. I’m sharing here in hopes that it might help a newer operator who is looking to improve their whip pans during this quarantine.

Hi Josh, I remember being in your shoes clearly - it was the late summer of 2012, I was on my first feature film, having operated “semi-professionally” for about a year, and on two occasions I had to either put the 85mm up, or do a shot on the 50mm in low mode, and I remember both being seemingly impossible. So, you’re not alone in the difficulty of doing long lens work on Steadicam when starting out! I’d say about 1/4 of my work is tighter than a 50mm. Generally I don’t see many lenses above 135mm (though I have from time to time), although especially when doing anamorphic, 135mm is a pretty typical lens, and I regularly fly 100mm spherical lenses. A 65mm or 75mm is a sweet lens for Steadicam, and if you can get well in-sync with your actors, you can produce some truly beautiful tracking shots. I’d say to get to the point where I was completely unafraid of long lenses took me about 3 years of operating, and probably about 5 years to actually be able to back up my big talk with the skills to really pull it off. I will say that with long lenses, not only is it a technique issue, but it is also a physical feat with your body, and there is a significant component that the quality of your rig plays. When I upgraded my rig after that first feature, one of the biggest things I noticed in going to a new gimbal was that there had been some friction and play in my previous gimbal that just destroyed any chance of precision in long lens operating. Even the slightest friction in your gimbal will translate your body’s movements into the lens, and those errors will become much more pronounced on longer lenses. The same goes for your arm, although to a lesser degree (as the issues will be translational rather than angular). Additionally, having your rig trimmed for the tilt you will be holding is crucial, as is keeping your speed consistent. If you’re holding pressure with your hand to hold tilt, any little twitches and tremors in your hand will get into the frame, and if you’re speeding up and slowing down, any pendular swing of the sled will also get in, unless you’re good enough to keep 100% of it out (which very few are, although I think we all hope to get close!). And biggest of all, relax! I even get called out on this by DPs I’ve worked with for a long time. If I’m tense, that tends to telegraph into the shot, and sometimes I just need to take a deep breath and shake out my hands and try again. I hope that helps and gives you a few things to think about! Best of luck on your adventures!

A few thoughts on cables, especially for starting out... I'd add to your list a 4 pin XLR. That's one connector I've seen used all over - from the D Box on an Alexa Mini to the F55 to every broadcast camera ever made seemingly. In addition, it's something that most people are familiar enough with that if you're in a tight pinch, you can often get a cable from 4 pin XLR to whatever it is you need to power, rather than having to order in the special LEMO for your sled. I think you're on the right track with P Tap, and I'd add a P Tap extension cable (Male to Female). For 99% of my operating at this point, the only cables I use are the camera cable (usually the Mini/Amira, but occasionally the Red or Alexa), the cable for my Wave, and the P Tap. It's so nice to be able to give the assistants all the power they need in a plug they're used to, without any hacked workarounds. My thought on buying specific camera power cables is (and this is how I worked for the first 5 or so years of my career) buy what you need, and only what you need. Cables are incredibly expensive, and let's face it, most cameras nowadays are more than comfortable with a battery on the back. The only cameras I've found where not having a power cable is a death sentence are the Alexa 65, and 35mm film cameras. Pretty much anything else - from Alexas, to Reds, to Minis, to Amiras, to F55s, can be flown with a battery on the back. It is much more elegant to be able to power the camera off of the Steadicam, but it does thrash your batteries (I'm sending in my third dead battery in 2 years to be rebuilt), and it's a lot of money that can be spent elsewhere in places where it could impact your comfort or allow you to pull a better job, both of which are far more critical. So, buy the cables you need. Assess your market and figure out what that is. In my market, it's 2 of the 24V ARRI Alexa/35mm cables, 2 4 pin XLRs, and then whatever else I want to add. What I carry at this point is: - Alexa/ARRI 35mm 24V - Amira/Mini 12v - Red Weapon/Epic 12v - 4 Pin XLR 12V - Sony FS7 - Panavision XL2 24V (only used once, sadly) - 3 Pin XLR 24V (built for a special rig that I've never seen again)

Yes, the Master (and IIIa and II arms with the gold springs) lifts about 65lbs max, 37 or so minimum. If you subtract the weight of the sled and batts, you get a different "payload" number. Change the sled and batts and you get a different payload. The Master Series Cine had a 7+ lb monitor and very heavy NiCad batteries (3 lbs? - I forget). Now monitors are in the 1.5 pound range, Li-ion batts so much lighter, so the payload can be much more.

Yeah, but then craft service brings around the fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, and this theory quickly falls apart.