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Chris Freilich

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Everything posted by Chris Freilich

  1. Hi all, I've been operating for about 2 years now, using a Pro vest that I had my friend help me fit. It has been working for me pretty well, but the past couple of days I've been doing work where I need to stay static for 10 minutes or more, and I've found that it's really hurting the front of my hip bones, especially my right hip. (I work normal, not goofy.) So, I just went ahead and went through Jack's video on adjusting the Pro vest on the GPI web site. I'm about 5'11", and to get the bottom of the lower cushion to be approximately on my hip bones rather than below them, I needed to compact the vest all the way, which is 4 holes higher than I've been doing previously. This has had two effects on the feel of the vest. First, I have some weight on my shoulders now, which I've never had before. I had always wondered about that, and am glad to have the weight spread a bit. But, now I feel a lot of pressure on my stomach, which is where the lower pad now sits. I guess my question is, is that normal? I guess I can get used to it, but it does feel strange having gotten used to the old way. What do you think? Thanks! Chris
  2. Call me and we can practice with my cage! Not quite as beefy as your steel plate, though!
  3. Not sure where to post this, but being a Newbie, figured this was the best bet. Does anyone near Long Beach have a Pro Center Post tool I could borrow for an hour today? Thanks! Chris Freilich
  4. I wrote to Terry yesterday about the issue I had. He had built me a replacement cable and was going to send it out to me, but then he said I could bring my sled and batteries to him if I wanted to go over everything with him. I went up this afternoon and we plugged everything in, and it seems pretty clear that the sled is providing the proper 24V to the ports and the cable is properly bringing that power to the camera. We tested his newly built replacement cable, with the same results. Without the Alexa on there, there is no popping breaker. So, it seems like perhaps there was a ground leak somewhere it the camera system, is the best guess. I'll have to wait to fly an Alexa again to see if I have the same problem. Terry was great and very responsive to the possibility that it could have been a problem with a cable he made, even though it was not.
  5. So, I just got back from my first Alexa job, and I tried to use my brand new 24V power cable from Terry West, and when I switched the 12V/24V switch to 24V, the camera breaker pops immediately. New cable, new CineLive sled, new batteries. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?
  6. Thanks Brett, that is very informative! I'm going to have to print it out and study it a bit!
  7. Hi all, Just starting out, freshly out of a great workshop with Chris Haarhoff and Andrew Rowlands, and I've finally gotten together my equipment package, which is a Pro CineLive rig with a Gen 4 battery rack. I have questions about how to power cameras and accessories off of this rig. There is a 12v/24v switch, and a large number of different connectors which seem to provide 12V, 24V or both. I assume that the 12V/24V switch switches all of the outputs that can supply both voltages? What about the outputs that are 12V only... will they still supply 12V power when in 24V mode? Same question for the P-Tap outputs? And how do I figure out which of these outputs is meant for which devices? I just received my Preston, for example, and am not sure how to order a proper power cable for it. Further, I understand that the Alexa can be powered by either 12V or 24V. Is this true, and if so, what are the attendant benefits of each? I've read a recent thread about problems with ground loops in 24V mode, though to be honest I didn't really understand the details of that thread either. I'm basically totally lost in regard to best practices in powering camera and accessories with my rig. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated! Best, Chris
  8. Hi all, I have a Model III vest that is missing a rivet in the shoulder clasp. I imagine there is probably someone in the Los Angeles area that could replace that rivet very easily, but don't know where to start looking. Any suggestions? Thanks! Chris
  9. Hi all, I'm just about finished putting together my first sled, and I'll be participating in Chris Haarhoff's beginner's workshop this weekend. I'm very excited, but I just need this one last piece of the puzzle to complete my sled so I can use it during the workshop and start getting the hang of it. The specific item is the GAD2-2” docking ring from Jerry Hill. I've got one on order from him, but they are backordered, and I'm realizing that I need another one anyway, so I'm putting the word out. Anybody got a spare that they'd like to part with? Thanks, Chris
  10. I used to own a DV Steadicam, and I think the battery was purpose-built for it. It looked almost like it was 6 AA batteries all wired together and shrink-wrapped with two wires coming out ending in an unusual small plastic male connector that plugged into the battery compartment of the rig. Perhaps Tiffen has the actual specs, and you could have one made? Good luck! - Chris
  11. Hi all, My name is Chris Freilich, and I am a pre-newbie. I've been shooting for about nine years, though, and recently started thinking seriously about making a go at Steadicam operating. Unfortunately, I just missed the October SOA workshop, but I'm now signed up for the May workshop in Pennsylvania. I've taken to heart the advice I've read here about waiting until attending a workshop before investing in a rig, so my question to you would be, how should spend my time in the coming months preparing for a potential fledgling career in Steadicam? Here's what I'm already doing: 1) Notched up my exercise routine, which now includes strength, endurance, and flexibility training. 2) I've read all of the current forums, and I'm working my way through the archives 3) I read the "Manual of Style", and I'm still trying to figure out what is humor and what is real advice! 4) I'm reading all I can from the various equipment manufacturers. 5) I'm renting films with known great Steadicam shots and trying to analyze them as best I can 6) I've read the one available English-language Steadicam book out there. I'm also considering taking my DV Steadicam out of mothballs and practicing with it with my DVX-100. But since there is no arm or vest, would it really be worthwhile? Would I be likely to learn bad habits? I know there are some standard exercises out there, but so far I've only come across one in the archives... is there a centralized source of these exercises outside of the workshops? Any other suggestions of how best to use my time? Also, if there are any NYC area operators who could use an extra hand for a couple of days, I'd love to come and intern with you. I was a 2nd AC for a while early in my career, so I'm sure I could be of some use! Ideally, I'd love to intern with a few different operators for a few days apiece to get a really good idea of how different people approach the job and the equipment. Thanks for any advice, and thanks for this forum. I know I'd be completely lost about how to proceed were it not for all I've learned here already. Chris Freilich Aspiring Steadicam Operator Bernardsville, NJ
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