John E Fry

Hi, Yes the updated (and ever updating!) version is charted up as a scrollable & sortable database, available here: https://www.johnfrysteadicam.co.uk/the-steadicam-database/ I’m always looking for info to fill in the blank spaces or correct anything wrong, so do let me know if you have anything to add!

FOR SALE UK: Upgraded Steadicam Flyer LE HD system with Zephyr Vest & Atomos Shogun Flame! In original square case with: - power & video cables, - custom monitor mount with rails, - custom lower junction box with HDSDI & XLR4 power outputs, - dual rotating v-lock battery plates which can be set to supply 12v or 24v power to camera, - custom docking bracket extension for dynamic balance spinning, and hanging the vest - big Allen key for gimbal adjustment - original SD monitor modified for XLR power & BNC Video - as new Steadicam Zephyr vest, a big improvement over the original Flyer one! Looking for around £4000 including the Atomos Shogun Flame high bright HD & 4K monitor/recorder. I will sell without the Shogun Flame for £3200. This Steadicam®️ will fly everything from DSLRs to broadcast cameras, FS7s, URSA Minis & even Alexa Minis. The Flyer LE has been well used but is in great, fully functional condition. The arm’s has a few knocks over the years but nothing more than would be expected of a tool like this. I’ve shot everything from indie feature films to Red Dwarf, outside broadcasts to Bear Grylls with this & love it, but it’s time to upgrade. The kit is in Salisbury, Wiltshire (Novochok land...) so if you can get here you're welcome to check everything out. No cameras, batteries or other accessories included bar those listed above, just thought you might like to see the rig in action with a variety of cameras & accessories, autocues, wireless transmitters, etc. Price needs UK VAT added, sorry.

Hi all, I'm looking for a 1.5" docking bracket for an Archer sled preferably in the UK or Europe. If you have a spare hanging around do drop me a line: john@fryfilm.com Many thanks! John

Hi Norbert, Lemac should have or be able to get one in for you easily, even if they aren't listed specifically. http://www.lemac.com.au/Products/supportstabilisation/Steadicam.aspx

I had a BVB07 to test end of last summer, and frankly it saved the day! Simply could not have seen my usual monitor in the direct, midday sunlight, even with it's hood, so it was just great luck I had it for that particular shoot. We were so impressed we made a quick video about the monitor: Happy flying everyone!

Looks like we have two new Steadicam models on offer now from Tiffen: the Aero 15 & Aero 30. The Aero 15 comes with a 'lightweight' arm & vest, and the 30 appears to come with a Zephyr arm & vest. Not sure what the sled differences are yet but will get in touch with Robin at Tiffen UK & see if I can take a closer look. Anyone had a play with an Aero yet? First impressions? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah, fantastic! Thank you, that's the sort of response I was hoping for. Some of the models I can find no info on anywhere so put in whatever 'post' measurements I came across until I was corrected - some of these being the gimbal arm post sizes, not centre post, as you point out. I hoped by putting these in as so obviously wrong it would spur people to correct me, et voila! I could even add an arm post column if you think that might be useful?

Hi all, Recently I was compiling some of the below shots for a production company client to show off what we could do within a particular budget that basically covered just the Flyer LE & FS700 with only Sony lenses. Thought I'd add a few more & make better reel out of it! Will have to get round to making one for my big rig & bigger cameras... Comments & questions welcome:

Hi Janice, Actually there's already a column for that - Post dia. x sections. Diameters of those I have first, followed by number of sections. I'm missing a few though - know what diameter the Archers & Clippers are? I'll break that column into two for the final version. Any details not quite right?

Hi all, I'm trying to compile a comprehensive list of Steadicam centre posts. Just for interests sake really, but could be useful for those trying to upgrade, repair or replace their posts, gimbals or upper/lower boxes. Here's the rough list I have so far - but what's wrong, incomplete or missing?

While I'm on! Beautiful precision made low mode bracket for sale. Don't know the manufacturer, but functions perfectly & suited for a wide range of rigs and cameras. Approximate dimensions: Height: 21cm Base width: 13cm Base depth: 12.5 cm The top adjustable mounting plate swivels 360 degrees, and can be locked at any rotation. Looking for around £250 + VAT It's a great, simple, solid thing that works a treat!

Here's the transmitter rail mounted behind the camera (with a cheap Ebay rail block): The receiver actually functions as a nice standalone HDMI monitor too, so you get a decent director proof production monitor AND a wireless system in one. I've never had any problems with it, which is why I'm so loathed to let it go, but it's just not getting used enough. Certain odd video signals it occasionally gets cross with, but just changing camera output fixes that.

Hi all! This almost latency free HD transmitter/receiver/monitor system has sadly had very little use because focus pullers & DITs often seem to have their own wireless kits these days! Here's a VIDEO of the kit in action on STEADICAM: http://youtu.be/kwQr-hfGRNg It's a really nice picture on the in built monitor & can feed out HDMI simultaneously to another. V-lock batteries or external power to the transmitter and recorder/monitor. Transmitter takes HD-SDI or HDMI, so really useful for the full range of cameras. It comes in a nice little metal case, with Teletest directors case and metal mounting bracket. New it cost over £3000, so I'd be happy with around £2000 +VAT. The kit is currently in Salisbury, Wiltshire (20 miles from Teletest's base if you wanted it checked out before you go!) Any questions please ask. Thanks for looking!

Hi there, Could you pop up a photo of the Bartech please? Thanks

Hi all, Does anyone have or know of a spare 1.5" post please? I'd like to replace the original post on my EFP but it's not worth buying a new post for, so hoped one of you helpful chaps & chappesses might have one around somewhere! If one of you know of or have a post that might suit do drop me a PM or email john@fryfilm.com Thank you all!

Hi all, The BBC have given me permission to share the following video online, which was shot by notable nature cameraman Richard TaylorJones for BBC Springwatch Extra last year, which was broadcast last summer. I had been doing PSC stuff for the programme as well as some TriCaster work on the Red Button show, but had been given some Steadicam shots to do after a few of the other crew told a producer who I was! (It helped that I'd taught a couple of them on the National Film & TV School Steadicam course the previous year...!) So I was just practicing with the camera setup they wanted in the production village when this happened... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pOTC0rkQi_0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Direct link: http://youtu.be/pOTC0rkQi_0?t=53s Hope I got everything right - I was put rather on the spot!!

Superb, and most suitable use of a Movi I've seen yet. In fact it may be almost the only situations that you couldn't use a Steadicam for. Brilliant work all round. Totally radical, man.

Wow, what a bargain! If I didn't already have an LE I'd buy this. I use mine all the time now cameras are getting smaller and lighter, there's almost no difference between this rig and a Zephyr. The Zephyr can take a bit more weight but in the real world and in terms of operation this and it's other features don't make much real difference over an LE. Chop the end of the monitor connector & solder a BNC & XLR4 & you can use any monitor on it too, so grab a bargain someone!

Wow, what a bargain! If I didn't already have an LE I'd buy this. I use mine all the time now cameras are getting smaller and lighter, there's almost no difference between this rig and a Zephyr. The Zephyr can take a bit more weight but in the real world and in terms of operation this and it's other features don't make much real difference over an LE. Chop the end of the monitor connector & solder a BNC & XLR4 & you can use any monitor on it too, so grab a bargain someone!

I've worn three versions of the Exovest now, at shows and through friends, but can't yet say I like it more than a standard vest. I'd like to try one for a week or two to really get my body & operating style in line with it, as I can clearly see the benefits, but at the moment it feels almost like the first time I put on a standard vest. All these things take time to get used to, and I hope I get the chance to give an Exo a good test over a period of time, without buying one first. Although the design is as 'universal' as the standard vests, there is a lot more adjustment required in the padding to get it right for each operator, & I haven't had a perfectly fitted experience yet. Looking forward to it though!

I had a play with an Amira at Leavesden last week & I have to say it's the first large sensor camera I really felt was comfortable on the shoulder, and gave me confidence to shoot like I would with a 2/3" ENG camera, especially with one of the new Fuji/Arri zooms on. Loved the EVF, loved the weight distribution options, loved the lens. If only it was 4K...

Price reduced! Don't underestimate the value and usefulness of a monitor his bright!

Hi all, Reluctantly I am letting go of my wonderful Cinema Products Master Steadicam Greenscreen 6" Monitor. Apart from being one of the brightest, highest contrast, sharpest and most easily sunlight viewable monitors ever made, the unit being a CRT phosphor screen is relatively heavy on its own, which has proved extremely useful when you need to add extra weight to the bottom of the rig. It works fine, as seen in the pictures, and comes with a universal mounting plate, illuminated level, and XLR / BNC to Lemo power / video cable. It has controls for vertical height, brightness and contrast, and is so bright I have had to use a hood with it indoors just to avoid it illuminating the talent's face! The monitor is located Wiltshire UK. Very sad to see it go, but needs must. Make me a (sensible) offer! This is NOT an accurate representation of the quality of the picture, which is excellent, but to give you an idea of how bright the monitor is in compared to normal indoor lighting.

Hi all, There are still a few places left on the NFTS Steadicam Course in Beaconsfield, 30 Sept - 4 Oct, so if you or someone you know is interested in learning the art over 5 days do get in touch at: http://nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk/our-courses/short-courses/camera-sound Or call: 01494 731425 Here's a little video I put together from one of the previous courses! John E Fry

http://nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk/our-courses/short-courses/camera-sound September course at the NFTS, although we don't really cover Merlins. I'd suggest going back to the video then practice, practice, practice. Steadicam is a skill & takes a long time to perfect.