James Elias

The original Merlin (with Garrett's signature on the side) came with plastic rings inside the gimbal. These were stopped in 2008-ish when the signature edition was stopped. If it doesn't have Garrett's signature on the Merlin, it's probably metal. It's obvious when you look inside - the black ring is either plastic or metal with ball bearings.

James

Hi Rusty,

I have but I used a jig designed by the factory to do it - but as Robin says it's possible without that if you're very careful. It's quite a skill!

I'd still be concerned what springs end up in there. I think the Zephyr springs were stronger, maybe Robin can fill you in. Though a change in the adjuster will get extra lift also.

regards,

James

Hi Rusty,

The springs are steel and are identical. I'd be reluctant to simply put stronger springs in there - take a close look at a Zephyr arm and there are a couple of structural differences to help the arm take the heavier load and reduce twist. The adjuster itself may well be different also, I don't remember.

James

Congrats, Peter. I remember our late night buffet chats in Glendale with great fondness!!

Best of luck,

James

Hi Erik,

This is only temporary.

regards

James

It's rocking because you have put motion into it (possibly when you picked it up?) and not stopped it. The Merlin is on a Gimbal and it will happily rock forever until you stop it with your operating hand. Place your fingers lightly on the guide ring, as you do when you operate it, and gently stop the motion. If it's tilting in any direction then use the blue trim controls to correct it, but don't forget to stop the motion again (this time caused from your hand trimming) by assuming the operating position again and then check your trim.

Hi Alexander:

The Merlin and Arm and Vest come with enough weights to cover cameras in the Merlins specified weight range.

Clips are standard but are available as an extra option to anyone with an older vest.

The metal gimbal has been standard on the Merlin for some time now.

I hope this helps,

James

Hi Everyone:

Tiffen International are holding another 2-day Bronze Workshop (Pilot, Flyer, Zephyr) this October 2010 in Bicester, Oxford, UK on 30th/31st October 2010.

The price for the weekend is £295 inc. VAT. Please contact jelias@tiffen.com for further details and an application form.

Best regards

James

Hi Bart:

The type of vest is down to personal preference. I would try one if you can to decide whether it's right for you.

The Flyer Vest was designed to have twice the weight hanging from it, which is why the construction seems more robust. Both vests ultimately perform the same function.

It's a personal choice,

Regards

James

Hi Bart:

The above are all options available to you. The picture Erik attached is the upgrade to the Pilot vest that you saw.

The kit comes with the clips and new velcro as shown.

Drop me a mail if you need any help,

Regards,

James

Hi Daniele:

Jerry's suggestions are worth considering. To add to this, we do have representation in South Africa and are looking at workshops in this area.

If you need any further information, please feel free to get in touch - contact details appear below.

Best regards,

James

We are holding one day Merlin and Pilot seminars at The London Filter Company in London, UK.

The day aims to give operators an 'extended test drive' and begin to learn how to set-up and use the rigs.

22nd July 2010

Steadicam Merlin Seminar - ONE DAY

Location: London Filter Company, London, UK

Nearest Tube Station: Oval (Northern Line)

Price: £50.00 + VAT per person

For booking enquiry's please email: info@thelondonfiltercompany.com

Or call: +44 (0)207 735 1900 – Limited Spaces

23rd July 2010 - NEW!

Steadicam Pilot Seminar - ONE DAY

Location: London Filter Company, London, UK

Nearest Tube Station: Oval (Northern Line)

Price: £100.00 + VAT per person

For booking enquiry's please email: info@thelondonfiltercompany.com

Or call: +44 (0)207 735 1900 – Limited Spaces

Regards

James

Hi Steve:

Please try Lyn Taylor. Should be at ext. 1018. I don't think he's out at the show and he should be able to assist you.

If it's not 1018 it might be 7918.

Regards,

James

From the picture, you're clearly missing at least a piece or two. The gimbal handle should definitely be held to the rig. While I've never gotten a good look at the guts of a JR gimbal, since it's roughly the same one that came with the original Merlin, here's my guess about the problem. I can't quite tell from your picture how much of this is missing, but the metal post that goes through the guide ring should a bearing inside the guide ring, and then through the bearing that is now loose, and then be secured by a very tiny little screw. Without that all being together, I don't know how well the rig will work, but I'd imagine it's not very safe.

You should either let the factory take a look for you, or just purchase the new all metal ball bearing gimbal from the Merlin. It will fit your JR no problem.

Best regards

James

Hi Steve:

Congratulations on your Flyer, I hope you enjoy it!

The videos you link are from the EFP DVD and you're correct in that they probably shouldn't be there! You can purchase the whole DVD from the Tiffen website if you're interested, it's definitely worth owning and is still the most comprehensive Steadicam training DVD ever made.

Good luck,

Regards

James

Hi James:

I'm so glad to read that you are carrying on with Steadicam after taking the workshop.

We have ex-demo Flyers here at the moment so drop either Robin or myself (jelias@tiffen.com) an email if you need more information. I'm sure we could find you something suitable.

Best,

James

Hello all,

We have our first weekend date for the UK's first 2 day Pilot/Flyer Steadicam workshop.

Date: 27-28th March 2010

Location: Bicester, Oxford, UK.

Price: £295 incl. VAT

Rigs: Steadicam Pilot/Flyer

There are plenty of hotels available locally, including one based at the workshop venue itself.

Please contact me at jelias@tiffen.com for an application form or get in touch if you have any questions.

Regards,

James

Hi Gents:

It sounds to me as if something is moving... bear in mind that the Canon 5D has no locating pin to stop the camera from turning on the plate. Ensure you use some gaffer tape either side of the camera mounting hole to make a small pad the camera body can grip onto when you tighten down the screw.

The slower you make the drop time, the more sensitive you will make the trim - if you have a drop time over one second and the camera turns slightly when you go to test the drop time, it will loose trim! Likewise, A slight turn on the trim controls with slow drop times will make a world of difference. The effect will be minimized with a faster drop time of around one second exactly. It's just physics!

Best,

James

Hi:

We are looking to launch the first of our Steadicam Bronze workshops (2 days Pilot/Flyer) later this year in the UK.

Dates: 28th/29th November 2009

Location: Bicester, Oxford, UK.

Price: £295 for two days

There is a hotel at the workshop venue and at least 3 others close by for those who don't live locally.

This is not yet set in stone, but if you are interested in attending, please get in touch with me via email for an application form.

Regards,

James

jelias@tiffen.com

Sorry, The Prokit dates have changed to: 25th September 2009.

Posted at 6:18am, who the hell works at 6:18am!

 

Nothing on the Calumet site yet so have asked for details.

Thats not UK time!

Calumet should be publishing the dates on their events pages shortly.

Regards

James

An ideal first step into the world of lightweight Steadicam systems.

Upcoming UK Steadicam Merlin one day courses...

19th October 2009

Calumet Drummond Street

For bookings: http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk

22nd October 2009

Calumet Manchester

For bookings: http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk

---

Upcoming UK Steadicam Pilot one day courses...

23rd September 2009

ProKit, Chiswick, London UK.

For bookings: sebastian@prokit.co.uk

http://www.prokit.co.uk/index.php?view=latestnews

20th October 2009

Calumet Drummond Street

For bookings: http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk

23rd October 2009

Calumet Manchester

For bookings: http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk

For more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Regards,

James

Hi Alan:

I just did a Pilot seminar at Calumet London this week, shame you couldn't be there. As a note - the image at 3:48 shows your hand far too low on the post! Keep it where that CG is!

As Rob says, being able to let go of the rig and walk hands free requires a lot of practice and learning how to stay in balance with the rig. It's important to remember that the Steadicam will move with your hips, if you lean forwards it moves forwards - if you lean backwards, it moves back.

Not that easy at first!

Regards

- James

Hi all:

Just a reminder that there are still a few places left on this well-proven 3 day intensive course.

Please get in touch with Robin or myself ASAP for an application form! Email: jelias@tiffen.com

Workshops website for Europe: http://www.flysteadicam.com

We look forward to meeting you there,

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Regards

- James

Amando:

Great find and fun to see! I hope you are keeping well.

Best wishes

- James