Alec Jarnagin SOC

Buzz, the plate was originally designed for the XCS sled which has no side to side trim on the top (for those who don't know, the fine trim is done on the bottom - this allows for an incredibly concrete and stable platform at the top to to the camera). Because there is no gearing up top, the camera platform is much lower profile (and lighter) than other sleds so the small height increase of this plate is trivial. Overall, even when using this plate, I find my XCS sled to be very short with any camera build as it was designed to have all the weight at the bottom. As for using this plate in the Wave? Sadly, because of the way the Wave is designed, you have to raise the camera a little to get the CG higher and closer to the nodal point. Betz sells the Wave Rider for this, but it is way too big, heavy and tall. This plate is a good compromise. Furthermore, you need to balance the camera side to side in the Wave and this plate is the easiest way to do that. I like the Wave very much for some applications, but I'd never put a 35mm camera or anything that heavy it it. These cameras have so much inertia anyway, I see much less need for using it.

I'm going to add to Tom's comment about Wave set up. You need to set your preferences for when and how forcefully the Wave kicks in as you tilt. This is not a daily setup, rather a one time thing. I set mine up with the help of Tom and Larry McConkey and have never needed to redo it. As for balancing within the Wave, I use an XCS side-to-side plate (pictured here) to raise the CG of the camera and to balance side-to-side. Super quick and with a little thought on AKS placement, I usually don't even need to add the little weights Tom recommends (although I have them and keep them in the case). The Volt is a fascinating beast and I do believe may end up being the future of Steadicam, but I too had some issues with finessing tilts when I had a loaner for a week. This combined with the fact that they don't have a 2" version of their gimbal or the ability to install it on an XCS gimbal are deal breakers for me. I love the XCS post and gimbal. The very design of the XCS sled is great for the Wave as the weight distribution puts all the weight at the bottom of the sled allowing one to use the Wave without a long post. Its also worth noting that the Ultimate 2 is four pounds lighter than an M1 which also happens to be the weight of a Wave.

Thanks Paul! I'm going to to out our age here but Paul and I have been doing business with each other for over twenty years (25+). He has always been a great Allie to the Steadicam community. Another question, for people using cameras such as the Alexa LF or the Panavision DXL-2, would you still recommend the XT-90s over the Titons? The Titon seems a far better price point for most applications, but some of us need to be prepared for all sorts of high draw setups.

Paul, Is there a similar trade in for the more expensive XT-90? For those keeping score at home, the XT-90 is 99 Watt hours and is capable of 12 AMPS continual draw (versus the Titon which is 92 Watt hours with a 10AMP draw). Comes with a heftier price tag of course (I bought eight of them recently and they are fabulous). Same size and weight as the Titon. https://www.antonbauer.com/en/products/comparison?totalResults=6&categoryName=Gold Mount Batteries&productsSku=8675-0131&productsSku=8675-0125

Brett, as I understood it, Jack only made a few of them in the first run of 10. My arm is S/N 3. It was meant to be a special addition. How many camo ones did he make? I took it because I was building a lightweight sled at the time. I have since sold the sled but still have the arm which I keep in case I want to get into gimbal work or to use with my seldom used Twister. I may sell it one of these days because I've literally onlly used it a few times but I just love it and keep thinking I'll find more use for it! (Obviously, I have a Titan arm too).

The TB-6 (made by XCS) was and is the best of the best green screens (IMHO, but most would agree... GPI PRO had a great one too). Took me years before I gave mine up.

AKA a Gold Mount Jerry!

Love this arm. I have one of the first ones done in gold. Its was hard to choose between these two great looks. Someone buy this!

I usually ask the ACs, "what are you doing with the camera bodies and lenses?" That is where I want my rig. I've seen "walk aways" where Production has the Cameras locked up. Others are truly left in place as is with a space blanket thrown over them. Also, make sure you have an insurance certificate from the Production naming you so its on their dime should they underestimate the security.

Chris McGuire was the operator. A bit more info on this thread here:

Have to agree with Austin about the usefulness of the FB interface. This is a MCUH better venue for professional/ORGANIZED discussions. Certainly easier to search for later. So, lets get to to and post some more info on the M2. Looks fascinating.

Great sled! I sold mine off last year (Bob Uland's old one) because I just wasn't using it. Good luck.

Camera powered down or stopped recording? Were you rolling endlessly? I have seen that camera overheat and stop recording (in studio mode). You can’t roll endlessly but I think you’re talking strictly power.

This is great. Can you please post additional photos? Front and side views? I wonder if there is a way to do this with the DB3 as well?

That is a nice saving on a great level. I already own one and am tempted for my second sled, but can't justify it. Someone grab this!

What Janice says! Nothing wrong with older rigs - just make sure they don't vibrate or are so different from newer models that ACs want to run away (don't under estimate how much work they get you). Indeed, look at used PRO sleds too.

A few notes for what it is worth... Greg still has a few of the "Goofy" ergo handles left (see what I did there) $1800. Right handed ones are sold out. This is one of the most wonderful inventions ever and may become extinct once all are sold out as the price of production has gone beyond reasonable.

Janice, Julian, Julian, Janice. Just thought I'd throw down an intro since you're both wonderful people. Janice, Julian was at one time a fabulous focus puller and 1st AC before he moved up and bought a rig. Don't get to see him as much these days, but a fine lad!

Ditto to Jerry.

Alan, this is great. Too bad I didn't see it sooner as I'm way behind (just wrapped a film yesterday). So glad you're catching up! Thank you!

I've been using a single KS-4 mounted horizontally under the gimbal for pan with the Wave on occasion. Works great. Yesterday, for some long lens eCar stuff, I mounted two KS-4s (one horizontal and one vertical on the post) with the Wave. Heavy set top cause of the zoom lens, but I wasn't carrying the weight!

Hey guys, need to power an AR Omega from my sled (to use as a roll cage only). The AR comes with MK-V power cables (for Version 4 electronics). Can anyone confirm that they are the same as the PRO Cine (NOT CineLive)? Lemo 3 Pin ERA-1S-303 12/24 port. Pin 1 24V, Pin 2 Grd, Pin 3 12V.

Jerry Hill Arri Alexa+ Steadicam Plate (AKA Cinematic Precision). This is the bottom mounting plate to bridge the shoulder cut out of the camera (requires BPA-1 or equivalent on the Alexa). Screws into front of the body and locates in the shoe in the rear. This replaces your Steadicam dovetail . So it mounts directly. Lots of adjustment for different camera configurations. Plus (+) it will also work with the Red camera and you can remove the locating pin and mount it to the Sony Quick release plate. Spare "foot" included as well as the Alexa Studio adapter. $375US.

Sold. Thank you.

What is the price point anyway? Just curious (happy PRO arm owner).