Norbert von der Heidt

Hi guys

I don't know about OBSV and their service provider agreement but here is that relavent part of my agreement with BOB when I did Beijing last year.

Service Provider Agreement - Individual

4.6 It is explicitly agreed that BOB shall not be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged Broadcasting Equipment or spare parts and that it is Service Provider's responsibility and at its own expenses to insure the Broadcasting Equipment to be leased to BOB. For the avoidance of doubt, it is clarified that Service Provider shall bear one hundred percent (100%) of all the risk of any financial loss due to any loss of or damage to or destruction of any items of Equipment and spare to be leased by Service Provider hereunder and that BOB shall bear no financial risk whatsoever (zero percent (0%)) of loss due to loss, damage, or destruction of any items of the said items howsoever arising and due to whatever reason.

I'm sure they are all worded much the same. As for asking for more bucks, BOB made an offer that wasn't negotiable...take it or leave it. Good luck! :unsure:

Cheers

Norbert

Hey Louis

I had such a great time at the 2008 edition, I wish I could do it again. :D

Good luck for 2010.

Cheers

Norbert

I'm going to piggyback on this to say that I have a like-new Archos 405 for sale for $75. I've tested it but never used it on a shoot. I'm going a different direction.

Hi Charles

I'll take it off your hands at that price. Beats strapping my little panasonic camcorder to to the Master's post to record external video. I'll send you a message directly.

Cheers

Norbert

Thanks, kit is sold! :)

.......................the silence now from Mr. Kenton is deafening!!! <_<

Hi all

I’m looking for a home for my Kenyon KS-4 Gyro kit which includes:

2 x KS-4 Gyros

1 x dual output power converter

1 x battery pack w/XLR4 and belt pack

1 x 12v battery charger for 120-240V mains (switchable)

1 x cigarette lighter/XLR4 adaptor

1 x custom built Master Series 1.58” post mounting bracket

Asking $3800AUD

Everything in very good to excellent condition. If you have any questions please ask.

Cheers

Norbert

Hi guys

I found this unit on the web at: http://ericfirm.en.ec21.com

Unfortunately there is no ther info available directly but it looks interesting and possibly relatively inexpensive. Here are the unit's specs.

The DVR-301A is perfectly suited to under cover filming and

sports both a 30GB hard disk AND an SD slot for solid state

recording. You can choose to record direct to hard disk or when

conditions get tough switch to solid state memory SD card for

uninterupted recording. You can record to SD card then transfer

the files to the hard disk for longer record times. The DVR-301A

also has a 5v and a 12v power output to send power to the

camera so you don't need to carry an extra power pack or set of

batteries. Record resolution is 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps PAL or

30fps NTSC. Or 720 x 480 25fps

This device records in standard MP4 format. AVI files which can

easily be dragged in to your video editing software and then put

on the DVD or VCD.

Features:

High Resolution:

Can record 640 x 480 high picture quality on to it's 30gb hard disk

or SD memory cards. 1-8gb SD cards can be used with the

DVR-301A

Power to camera supply:

Can power 5v covert spy cameras. Or 12v to standard helmet

cameras. Can record for at least 90 mins whilst powering a

520TVL bullet camera.

High Capacity internal battery:

Using an 2400mAh Li-Ion 3. 7v standard cell-phone rechargeable

battery that can be replaced for longer recording times.

Multi Recording Mode:

Includes Manual / Auto / Motion detection / Schedule for different

scenarios.

Surveillance Cameras:

Available with a range of covert hidden cameras with built-in mics.

One cable from DVR-301A to hidden camera so no extra power

supply is required.

Specification:

Display 960*240 3. 5" True color TFT- LCD with LED back light

NTSC / PAL TV output

Interface One SD Card Slot Support SDHC & SD1. 1 SD card

AV line-in 5mm audio / video jack

AV line-out 5mm audio / video jack (earphone jack)

Mini USB 2. 0

Mini MIC

0. 5w speaker X 1

Video Encode 720x480 (HIGH) / 640x480 (Medium) / 320x240

(Low) Quality file format AVI from AV line-in record (CCM / DVD / TV / DV etc.)

Decode 720x480 30fps max

Direct MPEG4 (AVI, ASF)

If anyone finds out more please let me know.

Cheers

Norbert

Pro Gear Vest. $4,000

Contact Scott Fuller for photos or inquiry.

sefuller@mac.com

Hi Scott

Do you mean a PRO vest from the USA or a Progear vest from Denmark?

Thanks

Norbert

Hi Dennis

It would be handy if you included an asking price somewhere as a starting point. I love to negotiate!

Thanks

Norbert :)

Hi All

Has anyone had a play with this iPhone/iPod accessory:

http://www.elgato.com/elgato/int/mainmenu/...roduct1.en.html

Sounds like it may serve a purpose adequately.

cheers

Norbert

Hi Daniel

If the monitor is the OZL 7000, I used to have one and if you look at the back there is a 3.5mm mono socket connector for remote tally input. This is basically just an open circuit (powered by the monitor) that when you close it, the tally lights. As mentioned by Robert, if you have that facility with cable from the sled, this is where you'd put it.

I only have a Master Broadcast, so I bought a DIY sensor kit and other required bits from Australia's version of Radio Shack and built my own, again not pretty but it does the job.

Good luck :D

Cheers

Norbert

Well <_< .....isn't that special! Call me a natural born cynic or something but the PPM just seems like a good way to separate people from $1800 of hard earned cash for a 50 cent piece of plastic. Maybe for multi million dollar earning pro atheletes, that's a drop in their very big buckets and a good conversation starter at the next team meeting.

Me, I'm not looking to break any records when I operate so it would be wasted on me.

Cheers

Norbert "first you get good, then you get fast" von der Heidt :lol:

I'm having some fun and games with my monitor and frame line generator....Hopefully sorted the monitor out ...thanks to Robin, but the bottom frame line seems to get stuck about a 8th of the way down the screen.

Hi Jamie

My broadcast Master Series frameline gen had a problem similar when I bought it secondhand. The bottom frameline would never adjust fully out of frame. I did some testing and found a problem with the PC board where, as I flexed the board with my fingers, the frameline would shift position on the screen and disappear at the bottom. Obviously a cold solder joint or cracked trace on the board. I machined a small block of Delrin to fit between two large board components and put a permanent flex in the board. Problem solved... well sort of...for now!

Anyway, if you're mechanically inclined enough, give it a test. This will at least get you a bit closer to finding the culprit.

Cheers

Norbert :D

Hi Jay

The best solution I think is use a radio mic TX unit plugged into the headphone output of the camera and have the RX unit mounted on the vest or your body somewhere, then the phones plugged into that.

Cheers

Norbert

Hi Stephen

I guess that's the real question then isn't it? Are they hiring you for the skills and creativity you can contribute to the production and that as an bonus, you'll be supplying your own "tools of the trade", or are you just the default human operator attached to the right priced hardware package???

We all have a facination for the hardware and toys of the biz and we enjoy buying it, modifying it, trading it, etc. Never forget though, without you, it's just a pile of nuts and bolts waiting to be animated.

This is where I see a lot of the present day problems with producers not respecting what we do anymore and getting cheap, because we force them to think of Steadicam as a hardware thing that has to be insured, etc. Who can blame producers when, as far as they're concerned, we just become the warm body attached to the hardware they've negotiated hard for.

Stop dealing with them about the nuts and bolts or the insurance! Sell yourself instead, make the deal about you!

There, I've said my piece. Hope it made some sort of sense.

Cheers

Norbert :)

Hi all

The following opinion may not be popular but here goes.... :huh:

I work in a small regional market here in Australia where Steadicam gigs are few and far between but I accept that insurance is part of the cost of doing business, anyway it's a write off. My big gig for the year was the Beijing Olympics where they specifically stated they aren't responsible for my gear in any way, shape or form.

I have about $100K of production gear and only insure the hi ticket items that leave the premises. My insurance bill is just over $3000 for $65k of world wide cover. When charging $1000-1500 as a day player, that's probably not even 3 days work for a lot of ops in major markets. I'm not sure why you guys are whinging?

Why not save your selves the agro and get insurance, raise your rates slightly to cover and then you don't get production's knickers in a twist about the whole issue. You may even end up on their preferred list because you're user friendly and get more work.

Off the top of my head I can't think of too many businesses where the client pays an extra charge to look after your business capital investment. If I were a auto mechanic I wouldn't give a bill that itemized my service plus the insurance on my socket set, wrenches, etc.

Maybe I don't have a complete grasp of all aspects of this issue but it seems some ops on occasion slip into become elitist and a lttle precious about who they are and what they do.

Please correct me if my view is misinformed or just plain stupid. :unsure:

Cheers

Norbert

This is for a big operator with a 44-46in waist, that?s why the three straps and buckles instead of the usual two. Adding extra layers of EVA foam will make it work perfectly for smaller ops. It is in very good condition and has a small spares kit with pump for the air bladder.

Just to add a note re: the size issue. I did not mean to infer that sticking in some foam could make this harness fit all and sundry. Please check with WK about how to take the proper measurements for your size and how those figures relate to that harness as it was built for Jeff. I was lucky that it fit me directly with no monkeying around.

Sorry if I didn't quite clarify that as much as I could have.

Cheers

Norbert :)

This is a pre-loved Walter Klassen Back Mount harness I bought from Jeff Zachary recently for my use during the Beijing Olympics. I wanted to make sure I was comfortable and able to deal with the expected long days and heavy workload.

Now that the games are over, I really have to admit I don’t do enough Steadicam work to justify this wonderful high end piece of gear so I am selling it again as I need to fund other equipment debts.

This is for a big operator with a 44-46in waist, that’s why the three straps and buckles instead of the usual two. Adding extra layers of EVA foam will make it work perfectly for smaller ops. It is in very good condition and has a small spares kit with pump for the air bladder.

Looking for $7000AUD. Any questions, just ask!

One of the cameramen I work with from time to time has this Libec controller - I'd written it off for Steadicam work though, as when I tried it with his setup on the sticks, it didn't seem to feather as nicely as I wanted it to, and the cable was horrible - too thick and chunky for my liking. Have you had yours modified, or are you happy with it?

Hi Jason

Admittedly it's not as good as a higher end controller but I only use it for quick reframes and not really on-air zooms so it's not really an issue for me. Yes the cable is thick but pretty indestructable considering the abuse it can take. Also the way I have it looped to the lens doesn't create enough resistance to be a problem for me especially during live sports or music concerts etc. which are not that critical for precision as feature or series work where I'd drag out the remote FF & zoom kit.

I just throw it out there as a reasonable cheap alternative to have in your kit but it may not suit everyone.

Cheers

Norbert

Hi Job

Did you by any chance check out the Libec ZC-9PRO controller from B&H for $229. There was also a 8 to 12 pin adaptor available but doesn't seem to be offered there now. Great value!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3613...ontrol_for.html

:D I'm really happy with it's performance and robust construction. I especially like the swinging mounting clamp which make it easy to get on and off my Master with, because of the taper on the gimbal, a little length of cable wrap.

Cheers

Norbert

But I found something, and I need some advice.

 

This : http://www.bassonsteady.com.ar/shop/categorias.asp?id=1

 

What do you think of this ? It's pretty cheap to me... Does this seems good on paper ?

 

Have you ever seen one of those in real ? Are they good ? Do they look ok ?

 

 

Thanks.

 

Louis.

Hi Louis

Just want to give you my impressions of the first rig I had almost 5 years ago which was a Basson BSN800. Yes, it was cheap and nasty and very mickey mouse when you finally see it up close, which is why they never show any cu pics but I couldn't afford anything else.

I heavily modified the sled physically by cutting it down and adding a upper junction box with proper connectors and intercabling. I replaced the absolutely useless 12V gelcell battery with a dual IDX 14.4V NP-1 battery system. The arm was also heavily modifed to lighten it and remove those stupid outboard adjustment knobs which just get in the way.

When I was done after about 6 months of monkeying around with it, it was actually able to be dynamically balanced and carry a broadcast camera but always with much worry about it breaking because it is made of welded mild steel.

Here are some pics of the mods I did so that you can see what's required to make it usable. I sent these mods to Pablo at Basson so he could improve his product but he said it would raise the cost too much for his level of customers.

In my humble opinion and experience, go a few steps up even if older gear like a 3A and save yourself the greif. To me it's like buying a motorcycle, if you can, buy something bigger because if you go safe and get a 175cc, you'll soon wish you'd got the 750cc.

Best of luck.

Cheers

Norbert

Hi Afton

Did you by any chance check out the Libec ZC-9PRO controller from B&H for $229. There was also a 8 to 12 pin adaptor available but doesn't seem to be offered there now.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3613...ontrol_for.html

:D I'm really happy with it's performance and robust construction. I especially like the swinging mounting clamp which make it easy to get on and off my Master's gimbal.

Cheers

Norbert

Mon Dieu! :unsure:

They seem to have a very interesting design philosophy where an Eagle's feather is the primary inspiration for how some of the bits look. Leave it to the French to be artistic! Who says function can't follow form?

Cheers

Norbert

Hi Hugo

Just my two cents. I've used gear tha employs a switch which has a spring loaded toggle and a tab on the switch body so that you must pull on the toggle to be able to move it, then let go on the other side of the tab. This prevents the switch from being bumped accidentally.

Cheers

Norbert

Norbert. Totally jealous of your gig. would love to do at least one Olympics.

 

Are you pulling your own focus? Do you have an AC? Or are your focal lengths such that you set it and forget it?

Hi Jon

It's been interesting to say the least. Their paying a lot of money for not a lot of shots in my opinion but who am I to complain. We spend more days doing tech checks and rehearsing than actual event days/hour.

The worst day was the mens cycling where it rained all day, we all got wet and my toes ended up looking like 20 bleached prunes when I got my shoes off back at the hotel.

But I'd do it all again in London I hope for 2012.

I work my own focus and how depends on the shot. For most wide angle shots I preset it at 2 meters, making sure the ND filter wheel's set so that I have at least F8 and that gives plenty of DOF. For the longer lens stuff e.g. the award ceremonies where I can't get in the way of the stills guys, I use my gimbal mounted Libec zoom controller to quickly rack in, check focus then reset the frame. When on air, I then can do the push with no worries.

Here's acouple of new pics from the Triathlon