Anthony Graham

HI Yes thay are all on cables (silly frequency rules so no links). I also had to provide a load of frequency range modulation band nonsense before they could use our focus system. Even though it uses a legal european band! I believe at least 8 of the sleds are MK-V units (including one of our rentals). Also Usually they have two ops per game one for each half of the pitch. They are expected to be "ready" constantly they do get a brief break at half time though! Some even do the full match using frontmount vests... :blink: I wouldn't do it! I also believe all the ops are european! Anthony Graham MK-V Hire

One of my personal faves is Christina Aguilera-The Voice Within. The Voice Within The fact she is wearing a nightie in the video in no way affects my choice.......! :unsure: Anthony

Hi MK-V Hire in the UK has some! Fujinon and Canon Plus ones for the EFP +44(0)1204 570 380 Regards Anthony

Tell me about it!!! I've been trying to find out the price of an artemis EFP rig for 2 weeks now. Tried Sachtler asking for prices or dealers..... Bugger all!!! It's like trying to staple jelly (Jello) to a ceiling.....!!!! Ant

Hi Just to confirm the MK-V lite has HDSDI down the post capabilities! Ant

Hi Just a minor correction here. They no longer use a helicopter for uplink, They use multiple recievers round the track now. As the old Analogue system had line of sight issues going under bridges etc, which would cause havok on a digital system. At least that is what I was told be a Techie for the F1 TV crew. Ant

Hi If you have a connector actually made by hirose (HRS visable on the connector) then the numbers will be inside the connector. They are really really small, so small that usually when the pins get soldered the numbers tend to melt back into the plastic if soldered a little vigorously. If you are repairing the connector a new one would be easier to fit than using the old one. Ant

Hi I believe when Jason started the steadiforum he tried to contact Tim Tyler to suggest that. However he got no response. Steadiforum isn't meant to be a direct competitor to this forum more of a complimentary site with more crossover for low end / homebuilt rigs. I know this forum has the newbies section but can still be scary for a noob posting on there for the first time. Imagine playing guitar and asking you favourite player a question, Not knowing if it's going to be a dumb question (not to you but to them) they have heard a million times before and they rip your head off for asking it. I know sometimes the same question gets asked over and over I've seen it. But we tend not to be as harsh on the people for asking it, Just post the link to the previous thread or copy and paste. It isn't that hard! It takes me a second or two and if I don't like the question or a statement made by somebody I ignore it, Not rise to it. I tend to look on this forum as a book to read from. Where pro ops like Alec, Charles, Eric, Larry and of course Garrett are constantly rewriting it and re-releasing a revised version very day. Hopefully one day I'll be able to fully join in in writing this book too, but for now I like to read. If anybody from this forum would like to visit us at www.steadiforum.com feel free. Please come on over we love to learn, Just be gentle! Ant

Hi I hope this isn't a wind up? From a Basson user. Could you not save some extra cash and get a Glidecam V25 or a used EFP you will be glad of the extra wait in the long run! You can pick up a used EFP from $6000 if you look round for a "well used" rig! With the benifit of hindsight I would probably have gone this route. But I have to Work with what I've got now. Ant

Hi Matt I applaude you for giving a sensible response to The questions posted by Steve. By pointing out that people will respect and trust a higher end system more. Not just bashing The lower end systems. I thank you! This is the type of sensible answer that should be posted, and will earn respect of people who read these forums. Not just slagging off each other and there rigs. Sometimes it will hold you back having a no name brand, as people are scared when you turn up with something a bit rough round the edges. Even if it can pull off the shots required. Look at wedding videographers, they have to go out and buy big shoulder mounted DV cameras when a modern semi pro dvcam's palmcorder style gives the same quality of footage. Because thats what there customers expect to see! I'm not saying a Basson can match a High end rig but you get my point. The reason I bought my Basson is I wanted to practise steadicam techniques but couldn't afford say a used EFP rig so I chose my basson. I will upgrade when I have a market that requires it, and I can afford it. Matt I have to also comment on some great photographs on your website in the gallery section. I also must ask what are you wearing in your avaitar? It looks like a cross between a welding helmet and a virtual reality helmet! Ant

I don't want to get to involved in an argument over basson. But here are a few facts I'm aware off 1) I know of 3 bassons that failed 2) I know of 3 Glidcams that failed 3) I know of over 10 Steadicam rigs that failed. Including flyers, Masters, 3a and EFP rigs. So In the grand scheme of things they don't really fail more than anybody elses. I know you will say they don't carry as much weight... Bollocks!!! I flew I panaflex on my rig with film in but not running and it flew nicely. I overloaded the rig with twice the recommended weight. it bottomed out but the arm took the weight, try that with your rig I dare you! I know the arm doesn't boom as easily as a steadicam but it isn't far off. It is heavier yes but they have to cut costs somewhere and so out goes all the exotic materials. The Gimbles are not always 100% but it is a very easy fix with a couple of spacer washers. The 3a gimble had shims for the pan bearing! I know my basson isn't the best in the world and am fully aware it is way out of the league of Steadicam, GPI Pro or any of the other high end manufactures but my rig cost less than £3k (inc mods) I wouldn't expect it to. I wouldn't expect a ferrari for ford money!!!! I just keep thing in perspective! I really hate it when people slag off the lower end rigs/operators. We can't all work for hollywood and get hollywood pay and rates, some of us have to work to considerably lower budgets. I believe Mr Karr (birdboy) was trying to say it will be the operator who makes most of the difference in a rig not the brand badge it wears. I have no doubts if Mr Fletcher flew my Basson or a Glidecam he would out perform me easily even if I was flying his GPI/MK-V rig! I don't agree however with slagging off operators (rob I believe rod was a typo) either, only offering advice and constructive criticism. Slagging off never helps anybody least of all ourselves. If anybody is interested in seeing my modded basson try here. Ant's sled mods I can't figure out how to post pics here. Please try not to pull me back into this argument Anthony Graham P.s. I'd swop my basson any day for a Steadicam I know it's 80% operator 20% rig, but Hay I wouldn't say no to that extra 20%

Hi Matt Now there is no more Optex rental for rigs is more limited. I know MK-V rent rigs and I think they just got some of Optex's rental rigs too so contact them. Plus Howard can answer any and all questions you may have and will be happy too I'm sure. They are fairly local to you so no major issus there. Plus they will be able to give you info on insurance etc. Tell em what camera it is and they'll sort you out with the correct power leads. I think they also rent radio focus and iris gear too, the focus gear is something you will need as 35mm doesn't afford the depth of field of video. Try and get 100% video taps as they are lighter. Get the production company to get the lightest camera they can for you. If you try to use say a BL4 on your first film shoot coming from a flyer, you will be a sticky mess on the floor by the end of the day. Setting up a rig for film isn't all that different than video just bigger and heavier weights involved. As long as there is a D.P. or A.C. there who is experienced with film you shouldn't find it a major headache. The only thing you may notice that is different is the film moving around in the mags can feel odd at first as it can change the rig balance (depending in camera and mag type) during a shot, nothing major just something to be aware off. If you have any concerns rent a rig for the day and see if the rental house the production company use will let you play at setting up the rig. Most will and there will be somebody there to help out normally. As a final note if you still have concerns, Howard of MK-V does an advanced level training which would follow on nicely from your Optex course. More advanced shots and gear and He has some 35mm cameras also to use to train you with. Ant Disclaimer:- I DO NOT WORK FOR MK-V, NEITHER DO I EVEN OWN ANY MK-V GEAR! OR GET ANY FORM OF KICKBACKS! They are just very local for us Northern UK folk and would happen fit the bill perfectly here for Matt too! Plus happen to make some good gear too!!!!

Hi First of all get either a D,F or J bracket for your gimble. Depending on rig/gimble. Then a lowmode cage I know they are not great as you can get some wobble on some set-ups. They will cover most types of camera and are more of an if all else fails standbuy! Baer bel make a very riggid one though that will almost clamp the camera between the bottom and top parts of the cage. Then rent specific ones to cameras as and when needed. If you find yourself shooting on one type of camera more than any other then it may be worth getting one for that. Ant

Try Howard at MK-V he used to have a couple floating around. Ant

Hi Regards the training courses. There is always MK-V for a one day course. Or try http://www.pascalcam.nl/glidecamworkshop.htm I know it's in the Netherlands but for the price difference between the MK-V or the old Optex course you can pay for your flights and hotel no problem (plus get a little mini holiday)! The basics and principles are the same for Glidecam or Steadicam. Plus Job and Pascal are great guys!!!! The advantage of either of these courses over the Optex course is massive. There are less people in ratio to the tutors. Plus either the MK-V or Glidecam workshops are all run by operating Steadicam ops! No disrespect to Robin, As he himself says he is not a camera operator! Anthony

Hi Download the latest viewer from Adobe. I had the same problem on one computer and not the other (newer viewer instaled) I think it is just because they created the new files on a newer version of the software. Ant

Tom/Jon Jon Has your vest arrived yet? Tom the only problem that i'm aware of is that they are not really comfortable for people with less than a 32" waist, there a bit loose! not a problem for me then! :P Ant

Hi Matt Also in the uk try hovercam Have a look at the steadicam part too! steadicam! with a twist they have been using this weird custom built bit of kit since 95. Anthony Graham