Alec Jarnagin SOC

Knock wood, I have had mostly good luck with Small HD. Yes, they are a bit of a glare magnet, but the brightness and tools within are just fabulous. I have a jacked-up LUT on a page for extra viewability for "those" exterior days. I own two 703UBs and one 503UB. One 703 lives on my XCS sled via Chris Haarhoff's excellent mounting bracket. That monitor also has an ATAMOS recorder on the back for a bit of extra (and useful) ballast. My second 703 is used for Studio Mode. I keep a Cam-Jam quick release mount on the right side making for quick on/offs to a heavy duty NOGA arm. On the bottom lives an XCS Universal mount so I can swap it to the sled in seconds (with battery on back to approximate my main monitor with ATAMOS). My 503 plays double duty as well being used as a smaller monitor for Studio Mode (same Cam-Jam mount) or as a low mode monitor on the sled. At least with this system, I get use from all the monitors so nothing is "just" backup.

I think the only reasonable way to get a Volt onto an XCS sled at this point is to go ahead and buy Greg's 1.75" post and a Tiffen gimbal with Volt. Any issues with the Volt or gimbal and it goes to Tiffen for repair. I'd keep your 2" post and XCS Gimbal for an easy swap/in case you want to use your Wave for something.

I've owned the Betz Handhled rig for a number of years and if you are using one camera body for all modes, it is a wonderful device! The baby pin receiver on the bottom is a great addition . Both my ACs and my Dolly Grip on the film I just finished kept commenting on how it was the best setup they've seen. Andre, I do wish the camera were a little lower on the shoulder though - I often just put a long Steadicam plate (like the one Peter Abraham makes) on the bottom of the camera and place that directly on my shoulder so I can find the CG. I was switching between modes so often on this job that I wanted to use my XCS plate (best plate for use within the Wave because of the side-to-side adjustment) at all times and it is too short to put directly on the shoulder. Nice within the Betz unit though as you can slide it to find the CG.

Ha, I guess this is why we should mark items as sold. Someone just contacted me about this 17 years later!

Sold

Good name drops. Let me know if you need anything.

Preston HU3 for sale. I'm the original owner and while this is an older hand unit, it has had surprisingly little use as I work as an "A" Camera/Steadicam Op and usually have a designated "C" Body for the Steadicam so we use the "A" HU3 when we go to Steadicam. Just serviced at Preston and had the following work done: Knob shell replaced (with a refurbished one) Transceiver tested New OLED display and Bezel New Power button New Camera run/stop button Firmware updated and as well as a thorough checkup. Comes with: One complete set of rings (including one blank one) Quick release hand grip Microforce Bracket (not pictured) Batteries NOT included (my batteries are toast so rather than insult you, I recommend you buy a set of new ones and a charger - I usually buy mine from OmniShots ). Located in Brooklyn, NY but can ship. Prefer US buyer. PM me through here or if you have my info, reach on out. Price $4900US

Tom's Blue Plates are great. I have them in combination with the XCS LT Plate. This plate raises the camera slightly (often just enough) and additionally allows for moving the camera left & right within the Wave achieving your side to side balance easily.

OH wow! Bummer.

Brad, while I'm not positive, I believe you can purchase it as a kit and do it yourself. There will be a few minor cosmetic differences since the lever on the right is no longer needed, you'll have the "nipple" (for lack of a better word) sticking out where the latch used to catch.

Twenty years old and still ticking. May be the best monitor ever made. While I finally gave up mine, none of the LCDs are as visible in harsh sunlight.

Critical typo above: "not" should read "now."

Mark, I have not taken the plunge but rest assured should I, I'd be keeping both my XCS 2" post and XCS gimbal (and Wave).

Maxwel, There just isn't a market for it. CRT tubes are practically extinct (especially ones of the quality in a TB-6). Putting money into redesigning that monitor seems far fetched.

An update RE XCS. Rather than modifying the XCS gimbal to accommodate a Volt, Greg has opted to sell a 1.75" version of his post in XCS or Pro mounts. This way the entire gimbal remains within the jurisdiction of one company (Tiffen, M2). I don't speak for Greg or XCS in any official capacity but I know he has long maintained (and still does) that his engineers told him years ago, the proper post diameter for a full sized Steadicam is 2". You risk vibration with anything less. This said, I suspect his 1.75" post is second to none as that is the way XCS builds things. I am saddened that they did not choose to modify an XCS gimbal as that is also second to none. Perhaps, some day, I will buy an additional post in 1.75" and buy an M2 gimbal but for now, I just don't want to give up my XCS gimbal (and to a slightly lesser degree, my 2" post). I do think this new combo will make a lot of customers (for both XCS and Tiffen) very happy.

I traditionally like short sleds and change up arm posts (especially for high mode) far more often than extending the rig (to keep the gimbal closer to the camera). Now, I use an XCS mid-arm swivel instead of changing arm posts, but similar idea. Of course, there are times when I DO change the center post length.... They are all tools available to us. And, if you think about it, if you are using a Volt or a Wave, the need to keep the gimbal close to the camera for horizon sake, really doesn't apply.

Orlando, it is not that the first generation of Ultimate 2 can't handle HD (it does), but there are significant differences in the way that it processes the signal. The Ultimate 2HD has an entirely different upper junction box with (for the lack of better words) an HD/3G distribution amplifier that guarantees proper signal distribution from all outputs. In fact, it (and now the Ultimate 3HD) are the ONLY sleds on the market that do this. All other "HD sleds" use good old solid, 75 Ohm BNC cables that in theory support most (if not all HD signals). The original Ultimate 1 and 2 will do this as well.

Hi Orlando, I suggest editing the tittle and the opening post to reflect this sled is actually an XCS Ultimate 2HD as this is a later model and an expensive upgrade. Frankly, when I saw $30K for an Ultimate 2, I didn't think much of it, but when I saw it was an Ultimate 2 HD I started to think this is a good deal.

$14K! That is a steal!

Just remember folks, it is not just the weight, but the weight distribution that influences the "feel." Spread your masses to add pan inertia and you'll likely much prefer it.

I've always been a fan of practicing with medium weight most of the time (mix it up occasionally). It serves as a nice balance in terms of building endurance while building operating chops. You are absolutely right that the little rigs are harder to control in many ways, but they can also allow you to get too comfortable with the rig being too far from your body and other bad habits. Conversely, if you always practice with very heavy loads, you'll build muscle but then realistic builds (Arri Mini, etc) will seem squarely to you. Of course, this advice also depends on what market you are in and what type of work you'll be doing/ want to be doing.

I use an XCS gimbal with an Ergo handle. While the Ergo handle has the added benefit of having the same hand position for high or low mode, any long handle will likely give you a better view of your monitor and be more comfortable.

Brandon, Welcome to Steadicam and NYC. Fierce combo! The SOA workshop is fabulous so I am glad to hear this. Shoot me a line some time.

James, Email Tiffen as well. I have Greg onboard but Tiffen hasn't sent him a unit yet (I know they are swamped right now).

That is a good deal!