Iain Baird

So what would you do when the battery runs out midshot, couple hours into the shoot? Multiple receivers, keep swapping them out? External battery that powers the monitor and the receiver is clearly the better way. For those who are trying to be more budget-minded and/or keep their gold or v-mount batts for the rig etc., consider that there was a pretty cool set of handheld director's monitors floating around towards the end of the film days that used relatively inexpensive power tool batteries. These days you can easily spec Li-On versions that are even lighter. I do agree with you here Charles, my point was only that if they were going to choose to put an internal battery it would have more value for ME in the receiver, as I always have a power supply on the transmitter end. The receiver end is more of an unknown - who knows where that's going to go - Does the dolly grip need it for one shot, Focus puller, director? The receiver is the part of the system that needs to be mobile yet the transmitter would stay put on my rig or Camera. It's like my preston - the camera end doesn't need internal power as it's always with the rig or camera but the mobile (handset) part of the system has independent power. That being said I don't think one would want to rely on the internal power source for the day, but for the situations where you're trying to get a signal somewhere quick and easy it would have value to not have to worry about power as well. I will also note that I think battery maintenance is part of the job for any of our devices so if the power were to run out mid shot then I would say you weren't on top of it. Onto another tangent in this thread - I saw Kar's build today on set and it's the ideal & very sleek solution for a portable power supply. I'll definitely have one made if I go ahead and buy the BOLT. IB

For the applications I have considered buying this unit for - Portable Directors Monitor and a Focus Assist Monitor - there would be far more value for my money in having the built in Battery in the receiver. IB

Based on all of this chat it seems there are already a few units in the field being used by forum members. Can anyone offer more feedback on the quality of the transmitter in different environments and distances? Any multi RX users? IB

Good to know, although I will say that I've never relied on a camera being able to power any of the accessories I own and use. It's a safer bet for me to make sure I can power all of my devices independently of whatever camera I may be using. This way there are no surprises when You and the A.C. both want the same port on the camera (this still happens from time to time with ARRI start/stop from the Preston) I realize that this isn't practical for everyone, nor does every sled have the connections available to power more than the basics but it does make sure no matter what system you are saddled with you're good to go. IB

In my experiences ARRI has always used FISCHER plugs not LEMO - similar but not compatible with each other.

Having just visited Walter yesterday I was reminded of this thread and the back and forth warranty/structural integrity banter it resulted in. I'm sorry I didn't see Osvaldo's question when he posted it or I would have replied sooner!! At any rate - 2 Years later and the bracket is still serving me very well with no signs of any undue wear and tear on the vest spar. I know that all of our operating styles and postures are so different that it's hard to predict what would work for any of us. But I can say that for me, having got so used to the clearance for my right arm that Walter's vest affords, this bracket is a lifesaver in keeping the transition between vests as seamless as possible. This isn't a pitch as I have no financial interests in the success or failure of this mod!! In fact Walter may not be interested in making any more as he's so busy with his other ventures (For a guy who claims to be retired he sure is busy) But if you are one of the few who purchased it I hope you find it as beneficial as I do. IB

i thought I had it sold but then deal fell through - here is a pic

A few years ago I bought the Walter Klassen hard mount but never got around to selling this one. The Unit is part Tiffen (it used to mount to a strange blue top-hat) and part mitchell mount. The Socket block is included and It comes with the U bolts for mounting to grid pipe. Asking $600 (Canadian) plus shipping. I'll post pics later PM me if interested. Iain

Perhaps your Font is too big for the site to handle? Seems to work fine for me in Canada.

Virtually the same camera, a few cosmetic differences and different speed options but weight wise it's the same

Did he mention anything about a future firmware upgrade to fix the issue?

Cam wave can't handle 24, only 23.98, it'll roll with Pure 24

Is the motor protocol different in the MDR1 that makes it incompatible? IB

I bought a pallet of auto parts from the USPS dead mail auction. I sometimes get some random A/V cables and accessories with the auto parts and found this sitting in it. It has MDR-2 on the side and Microwave Transceiver on the top. Looks just like the pics of one on the Preston site....I had gotten stuff before that was obsolete but it appears this is far from that....it's in good shape. Post a pic, share the serial number and let the bidding begin!!

How does one come by an MDR 2 without knowing what it is?

Howard has been made aware of these issues multiple times by multiple operators and I find it deplorable that he would lie to someone, who's livelihood may depend on the response, just to save face. It's starting to stick in my craw that I still own some of his gear, even though some of it is built rather well. All he ever had to do was admit there was a problem, fix the problem and move on. The more I hear the denials the more I anger that I supported him in the past. OWN IT HOWARD - You built it - it's out there - and it doesn't work!!!!!! IB

Update : No news is good news. I've been using the bracket for a few months now with no issues. I've routinely checked the Spar for any signs of bending or stress fractures with no evidence of any problems. I've used the Vest quite a lot and have definitely put it through the sorts of extreme stressful conditions that would cause a problem if the design was flawed. I will however point out that I don't use my PRO vest at full length, my Spar is only halfway extended which I'm sure makes the Spar stronger than at full extension. IB

I second Eric's sentiments, it's a great tool for specific shots but not designed for regular shoulder height work. There is definately a learning curve to using it but once you get the hang of it you can really get some cool shots with it. I never liked the suspender because I found you couldn't boom very smoothly with it, but with this design it's very easy to boom and it looks quite fluid. Having a PRO arm makes it so easy as I have my extra canisters set for the Gore-link weight (or the Vasquez as my team are calling it - after the character in Aliens ) when we use it I just switch the arm canisters and we're good to go. I use the turret system which I find is extremely helpful in making sure neutral is a comfortably balanced position as well as being able to put the handles in multiple positions allows for customizing your grip for different scenarios.

I think the reasoning is that although the blue and black are of different strengths ONE turn on each is the same. Two Blues can range from 13-24 pounds while two Blacks range from 24-34 pounds. By this math each cannister has about a five pound lift range be it blue or black, so one turn on either should be equal to the other (in fact at 5.5 pounds per cannister Blue may be a little more!!) Iain

In my case it has absolutely nothing to do with the post or battery plates, it's exactly as Jens pointed out - 5lbs of weight extended out. Perhaps some monitor mounts are more ridged than others but having solved the problem with the guide wires I can attest to the source of my issue. And as Jens pointed out, it's not a big issue, in fact I never notice it on most shots but when you're on a 100mm any small vibration problem becomes magnified.

Jens, I have the same issue, on low mode shots it seems to be magnified, but it certainly becomes an issue either way with long lens and running work. Presently I'm using thin sailing rope (the stuff that doesn't stretch) as a stiffener. My monitor bracket has attachment points for the Tiffen super post stiffening system, I attach to these and wrap the line around my post and tighten. It makes it 99 percent better. I'm in the process of having Walter Klassen build me some brackets that I'll use for the batteries as I've noticed some vibrations there as well. IAIN

Be careful, It may void your warranty!! Lol

The problem I see with this solution is that the entire amperage draw is going through the one CAM cable run up the post instead of sharing between two runs. I won't dispute your success, that's the goal after all, but my diodes seem to work perfectly with a PRO II base and by having the 'Y' cable into AUX and CAM you split the amp load between the runs. Iain

Does anyone have experience with the Preston single channel V+F lens module in wireless mode? More specifically using the Focus/Iris wireless controller with the single channel V+F lens module is the signal range as good as the range offered using the same controller with an MDR2? Or even an HU3 to MDR2? Are all receivers and transmitters in the various Preston modules of equal strength? Of course G4 or old transmitter boards not withstanding. cheers, IAIN

This is exactly what led me to upgrade my wiring except it was with an F900 but the same symptoms. A battery hot off the charger was reading full on the battery mount but the camera readout was indicating a low voltage. After improving the post cable gauge the problem was cured and got even better still when I modified the topstage to get the separate AUX feed back. I've never had a problem with any camera since. IAIN