Paul Thomson

My first 'big rig' after a Flyer was a used rig from this forum. I was lucky to get a compete setup:- a 3A arm, a 3A vest and a hybrid sled from Nikolay Kerezov. The sled has been great for me and I've consistently found work (at my level) and improved my operating every day. The monitor and electrics handle everything from composite to HD. The stage is original 3A, the electrics are Betz, the monitor arm is GPI and the battery hanger from MK-V so it could not be more of a frankenrig. The arm can handle more than I can fly comfortably. I bought a bunch of cables from Terry West - you can never have enough cables, gaffer tape, electrical ties or velcro! Most of my work is Alexa or Red with the occasional C300 and I have not had any issues (apart from the occasional minor dovetail palaver). If you have enough of the above (cables, gaffer tape, electrical ties, velcro) you can solve any problem. No the prettiest rig but I have had the opportunity to sample the work of many suppliers. I also bought a used Bartech and have a couple of video options (Camwave and Paralynx) on the menu. I haven't had a shoot recently that didn't expect the operator to be able to source these. I bought a Klassen vest (again from Fabrizio on here) and that is my favourite bit of kit.. ever.... I've built another 'frankenrig' in recent months which allows me to adjust the stage on the fly and has a longer post & more robust gimbal. I need a few more cables (and spares) before using it for paying gigs. I have enough PAG L95 batteries to power my rig and accessories for two days. I found these easy to pick up from Ebay over time. You can check the amp hours before purchase so you have a pretty good idea of what you are getting. If I were do consider batteries from scratch, I would go with v-mount as these are more common on UK sets. I do have v-mount to PAG plates in case of emergencies though. I'm currently dithering over my next steps - either a backup arm (I have 2 or 3 of everything else) or an arm upgrade. I'd like to think that an arm upgrade will improve my operating but truthfully, time and practice will do that too! If I upgrade my rig or arm, I can bring my Klassen vest, Camwave and Bartech with me. I think all the old pros here will tell you how important modular kit is. Box your weight - don't invest 30k and think work will come because you have a big rig. My advice is start with a workshop after playing with smaller rigs. When you are ready to step up, buy some older but battled hardened kit and make your mistakes on the way up. Don't buy a big rig and offer to work for free - you'll get caught out and your karma will be ruined. The worse the rate, the less enjoyable the gig every single time. Above all, don't ever ask questions on here at night when you've had a few beers/wines. Someone will be needlessly rude to you, you'll tell them to 'foxtrot oscar' and you'll wish you hadn't :) All the best, Paul

Thanks guys, Glad to know I am not being mental. I may make a cheeky offer on it. I already have a 3A arm so am used to it and it wouldn't hurt to have a backup. Regards, Paul

Has anyone ever come across a uniArm before? Check out the attachment - it looks like a modified 3A arm to me. i saw it offered for sale as an iso-elastic arm. Sounds like 'buzzword bingo' to me. I could well be (and often am) wrong! All the best, Paul

Hi, I'm looking for an Alexa plate. Please PM if you have one for sale. Many thanks, Paul

Hi, I'd like to buy a Master Docking bracket if anyone has one they'd like to sell. Many thanks, Paul

Hi Jens, Thanks - I was hoping to find one 'off the back of a lorry'. You never know :) Cheers, Paul

Hi All, I'm after a 3A arm to Master sled adaptor and am based in the UK. Many thanks, Paul

Hi Michael, I used to have a Flyer with the upgrade and it changes the rig for the better. PM me if you want some details and pics and we can exchange contact details. Cheers, Paul

Wow - I'm not in the market for a sled right now but that is a decent price. Someone get yourself a 3a arm and vest and grab this! Paul

Ebay has turned into a few people making bids just fun. Actually buying is not their intention seemingly. Offers welcome on the above package! Paul

She's now on Ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261224893796?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

- Complete Flyer package for sale in London (Hackney). This is a great starter package and will allow you to learn the essential skills (and earn some dosh) before progressing to bigger rigs. This sled has been upgraded with £2000 of parts over the last few years. - Sled upgraded with MK-V and GPI parts to allow precise placing of the monitor and batteries. - Upgrades also allow post length to be adjusted (see pics). - Kip handles on the base mean you can adjust the battery position easily. - MK-V light base (http://www.mk-v.com/?p=1568). - GPI Pro monitor are (http://www.gpiprosystems.com/fixed-monitor-arms.php). - These upgrades allow DYNAMIC BALANCE (http://www.tiffen.com/dynamic%20primer.pdf). - Flyer arm (4-15lb) - perfect for DSLR, C300 and similar. I've flown a stripped-down Scarlet with EF lenses (NB: you'll need a decimator for any cameras that do not provide composite out). - 4 x PAG mini packs - recently recelled. New cells provide 3.3 AH so better than the original ones. Cosmetically, you can see where they have been opened up for the recell but they perform perfectly. - 6 x PAG batteries which need to be recelled. - PAG charger. - PAG 12v charger with car adaptor for emergency charging on the move. - Case for batteries and charger. - Original Flyer case (original foam has been chopped up to fit the sled with upgrades - see pic). - Teletest monitor (http://www.libraprobroadcast.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=teletest-OZL7000). Can be upgraded by Teletest to support SDI and generate frame lines (currently it does not). There are a couple of very small scratches on the screen which are only visible when the monitor is switched off (see pics in gallery). - Custom D-tap multitap power solution on top stage (created by Terry West). This lets you power accessories - video/focus devices. See the pic of the Bartech as an example (BARTECH AND CAMERA NOT INCLUDED IN SALE). - Dovetail plates and weight plate. The weight plate is 2.2lbs and adds the extra mass needed if you are flying a lightweight DSLR and nothing else. It also extends the stage to allow placing of accessories. - Manfrotto quick release plate - this is great for DSLR shoots when you need to frequently change batteries. You can flip this off in seconds rather than having to deal with the pain of removing the dovetail plate in a mad hurry. - Original heavyweight Steadicam stand with docking bracket. - Steadicam Flyer vest. - Allen t-bar. - I'll also include the original Flyer sled parts should you ever upgrade to a bigger rig and want to take the MK-V and GPI Pro parts with you. You can then revert the Flyer to it's original form. - Flyer to XLR power cable. £3500 - will deliver locally and setup for the user. If you are a beginner, I'll give you a balance primer. I'll ship in the UK but elsewhere it is at buyer's expense - batteries and charger will be expensive to ship. I can always ship the good batteries and PAG chargers can be picked up easily. I'm only selling as I now have three rigs so one must go! I'll leave it here for a week and then it is off to Ebay. Here's a gallery with pics of everything mentioned above: https://plus.google.com/photos/106743071123827253366/albums/5881114381503869777?authkey=CMXxo9LBqLXufA

Hi George, I'm London based. PM me and I'll see if I can bring you along on a shoot for a crash course (as long as you promise to not be an axe murderer). Cheers, Paul

Hi Bradley, Perhaps obvious but essential - ask if you can see the rig in action. You should ensure that video and power are being transmitted (doh!) and fly it on an arm and vest to make sure it feels right. £6500 isn't bad but does that incude a monitor? Any cables? Batteries? It will quickly get closer to £10k if not... Where are you based? I know a UK based guy selling an HD upgraded master with a G50 arm and ultra vest. PM me if you'd like to know more. Good luck, Paul

Hi Erwin, Thanks for getting back to me - I really appreciate it. I'd take pink, plue or purple and any length you have. These things are like rocking horse poo :) Happy to pay with PayPal, French wine or whatever you prefer. Paul

Doh! forget that last reply. I've just spotted an email from them. No luck though as they don't stock them any more. Paul

Hi Louis, Thanks for the reply. I sent a message via their 'contact' page to check compatibility but haven't heard anything back. Cheers, Paul

Hi, I have a long 3a plate and I'm looking for a rod with the two holes predrilled to allow mounting. I've Googled it to death but had no luck. I've tried Bael Bel and a couple of others but had no luck. Does anyone happen to have one for sale? Many thanks, Paul

Thanks Fabrizio - that's really helpful. I'll give them a call. James - do I really need to preface everything I ask with "I am aware that search engines exist but I'd like some human advice"? Are you the school bully type or just slightly Aspergers prone?

Hi All, I did the 5 day workshop a year ago and since then have done many shoots with my Flyer. I'm not yet at a point where Steadicam could support me. I do a variety of things from production management, multimedia, writing through to camera op (DSLR) and Steadicam. I'm getting to the point where I'd like to push the my Steadicam skills to the next level. I enjoyed the larger rigs I used on the workshop and would like to use them for a couple of shoots I'm working on in September. I'd like to work with them for a few days before deciding if I want to make the leap to a bigger rig next year. Sorry, I'm waffling... My real question is - does anyone know of a London based hire facility? I have two weekend shoots in September. I'm not fussy about the rig - Master, Archer, anything would be awesome. I'm fully insured. Thanks for any pointers, Paul