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Chris Allen

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Everything posted by Chris Allen

  1. Joe Wilbur has been great with few repairs/upgrades over the last couple months. Thanks for the quick turnarounds! Chris Allen CNBC Television
  2. Yes, Gregory...I made the adjustments as described in the manual. And yes, Rey did get up early and call me on the East coast this morning to touch base...much appreciated. We're gonna look at the earlier manufactured stage. So all is well! C
  3. See the little homage to the OKGo video? I love these things...
  4. Anyone experience a "tightness" after mounting your camera and making side/side or fore/aft adjustments? My first (2015) M1 rig has tightness in the bearings and now feels bumpy with the fore/aft bearings. Side/side is smooth, but tight. I've never gone to the ends of the adjustments...use my XCS shift plates always. Second M1 rig...just bought in October...mount a camera and you feel the same tightness...but not any bumpy bearings at the moment. Of course, with no weight on the bearings...all is smooth. These are studio rigs and haven't seen any time on a vehicle or the like. I've replace bearings and races on my U1's...some I'm guessing this is the same issue... thanks, Chris
  5. Top stage fore/aft side/side bearings? I've had a few issues with my U1's concerning these bearings...especially if you push the side/side to the ends of the adjustment.
  6. Thank you. I'm guessing he's a one man band... Chris
  7. I want to discuss purchasing some shift plates, but can't reach anyone at XCS...by either email or phone. thx, Chris
  8. Big Kudos (again) to Mr. Luna for making my favorite arm feel like butter again. Anybody needing service for Master series or older style arms should seek him out at Luna Aztec based in LA. Always courteous, always professional. Chris CNBC Television Steadicam
  9. Chris Allen

    Pro Vest

    Maybe I'll fly to Cali and see if I can't get the folks at Pro to get my vest to fit right...I know I would love it if it fit right, but just can't get it. Demoing the less expensive Klassen vest soon...waiting for it to arrive. Chris
  10. Chris Allen

    Pro Vest

    Thanks Tom! and thank you Ian for coming up with a solution... Cheers, Chris
  11. Chris Allen

    Pro Vest

    I may be slow, but i just can't seem to get the adjusted under load even with an assistant...how do you adjust and tighten the shoulder bolts? what comes first adjusting the shoulder strap bolts or the velcro in the back? The center spar is lined up with my chest bone, and the hip pad is just even with the hip bone, but the arm mount is so high that my right eblow and forearm pretty much rest on the lower arm (pin) as I fly (normal, not goofy) Just so frustrated with not getting the fit right...but it is better than wearing an Ultra2 vest. chris
  12. Chris Allen

    Pro Vest

    I wish I could get mine to 'fit like a glove'...I've always had issues and even spoke over the phone with Jack about things. Debating whether to sell it and look into a Klassen. Or what can I do to get this thing to feel right? Chris
  13. It's a qualtiy vest, but I've never been able to get it to 'fit like a glove' like a lot of owners say. Still struggle to this day with fit. @Dash: Hope all is well with you. -Chris
  14. Any Pro vest users purchase this bracket? I'm 6' 2" and am considering this bracket to use not for just low mode, but as my regular block height... Seeing as the Pro vest doesn't have any adjustment for block height besides lengthening the vest. Tired of having my right elbow always hitting the socket release pin on the arm, and doing the extra work of having the socket block higher on my torso. Any thoughts? Thank you, Chris
  15. I've done the 'put it in the tub idea' and this works, but unless you completely dry it you may eventually start to hear some creaking within the vest. It took me a few days to figure it out after I had heard the creaking. The adjustment screws/bolts for the shoulder straps was the issue. I pulled them out and found some rusting on the threads and backings and what looked like maybe a soap residue on the titanium. I lightly oiled these to try and rid the vest of creaking...still there. Dipped the bolts in some liquid rust remover and oiled again...still there. I eventually just swapped these bolts out with the extras supplied when you get your vest, lightly oiled them and it's been good. I suggest removing the pads for the back by unscrewing the three screws on the shoulder harness and then sliding out the webbing on the chest straps. Just be VERY careful not to strip the three screws holes when re-assembling. Waist pad is easier and I just slide the webbing straps out as well. While you have the pads out, check to see that all of the bolts are tight as well...seeing as you have access to them and of course add some lithium grease to the socket block adapter as described by Andrew. Chris
  16. Replace all at the same time if one breaks? Robert has told me he inspects the other springs for damage or hairline cracks after a repair do to spring failure...and repaced as he saw fit. I've always trusted his expertise. I've actually never kept track on specifically which spring failed with my repairs...which maybe I should have. It would be interesting to see if there was a pattern with my arms. Robert might have some insite on this.. Chris
  17. Wow, I wasn't expecting a PRO arm and canisters to be anywhere near the price range of the G70x...18k...sheesh. Well, gonna have to add a PRO to the list and convince the money holders here to consider it...especially if the maintenance costs will be reduced. Now if I could demo a PRO for a week... Chris
  18. @Rick, Yes, I'm looking into purchasing a third arm to throw into our rotation. Demo'ing the G70x right now actually...this design I think is more robust and it appears Tiffen has gotten rid of the 'sticktion' which really drove me nuts when using the first generation. I'd also like to try the Steadyrig Silver arm as that gives you the option of doing some basic maintenance, but haven't found a way to get one. Also demoed Robert Luna's 'Master Series' style arm that he has redeveloped....liked it a lot, as I am partial to the Master Series as far as feel goes... Chris
  19. Demo-ing an X now....seems like the kinks have been worked out....so far it's butter smooth...but still trying to find a setting that doesn't have a little bit of bounce...but it doesn't stick like the previous model....or creak yet. Chris CNBC Television
  20. Not a bad idea...is there room in the internal harness for a thicker cable? I imagine there could be. i'd like to do the same with the two rigs we have in our studios. Chris
  21. Happens more than you realize. I have two master series arms and with the amount of use they get (5 days a week..5-8 hrs a day...live television) the springs and such eventually give. I think over the eight years I've had these, I've had 7- 8 spring fatalities. Some live on air. You often get a 'pinging' noise from the springs previous to a failure. I try to send out each arm once a year for inspection and overhaul...$1500US as opposed to $5000 or so after a failure. And a failure will often include replacement of some other parts because of the damage that can occur. Robert Luna is the guy to go to here in the states...find his contact info and give him a call, even if you just want to understand how and why this happens...i'm sure he'll be happy to explain as he is one of the nicest guys I know. Chris
  22. Helps if I read the previous post...Rig Engineering would cover things.
  23. Lease to own is an interesting idea...and I also agree, the day rate is definately on the high side. What if the arm needed servicing? How would that work out? Do you have Reps in the states that would help or would arms need to be shipped back down under. I ask because I work for a tv/cable network and we fly 5-6 days a week...with the potential of an arm being used 8-10hrs a day. Maintenance and servicing are a big concern for us. Chris
  24. Anyone in the NYC area own one? Looking to purchase a backup arm and I'd like to check it out. Thoughts on the arm and it's modular design? Thanks, Chris
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