Stewart Smith

Ben, absolutely fantastic work on Creed. Did anyone else notice the two Movi shots and how much they stood out compared to Ben's steadicam work? The first one was well planned to transition into the Movi section of the shot, but once in the ring, the camera felt like it was reacting to the movements of the actors instead of anticipating where they will be like the first fight scene oner. I noticed it, I think other people will too.

If you haven't seen it yet, go!

Afton, I've been holding out on jumping on the list for these gorgeous boxes for a while now, but I would love to be added to the waiting list. I think it must have been the Bach that finally convinced me. Beautiful work, and wonderful music selection as well.

I've got it Jens, but to be honest, so far I've only used it once since receiving it. It works quite well, and integrates much better than the one they made for the MDR2 that required its own MDR for the zoom motor.

Thanks for the info Tommy and Alec. Preston's service really is top notch. I had to send in my HU3 about 2 months ago, and it arrived at 10:30am, was serviced and on its way back to me by the same afternoon. Having said that, I'm crossing my fingers I won't have to do the same with the MDR3. Thanks for the info guys!

Anyone know how far back this board recall goes? Got my MDR3 a few months ago, and haven't had any issues so far, but would love to know what I should be looking out for to not have it go down on a shoot. And I've since sold my MDR2..

Perfect Andrew, I'll be ordering at least 1 for my Bolt 2000 kit. Thanks so much for making this happen.

The plates do pass through power to the camera. Yes you must use a cable still to power the transmitter or receiver when using the plate/cage. There is one additional P tap gained when using this cage. If you're shooting Alexa, I like to use the 12v 2 pin to power the Bolt, or an R/S port if I have one available. That way I don't have to disconnect a cable from the bolt when we come off steadicam, I just put a battery on the back of the camera, pull the BNC and camera power cables, put the MDR on the camera, and off we go.

Here's one with an Epic and the stupidly large Red Pro Primes. Keeps the cable clutter down, and keeps the camera CG in line with the optical axis nicely. And another with an Alexa mini and Superspeeds in low mode with an HCX on the back to have more pan inertia.

I've got them for my transmitter and for one of my receivers. Haven't seen any real transmission issues caused by using them, and it makes it nice and simple using them on the camera since the plate has its own P Tap to power the Bolt. It helps in counterbalancing Alexa Anamorphic or Cooke 5/is in handheld configurations quite a bit as well. Would love to hear others' opinions if there's anyone else using them

Using the WCU4 and mini cmotion motor on Alexa Mini next week for 10 days. Camera is on drone for the duration of the shoot. Will report back regarding any potential range issues between handset and camera

Also interested in a smaller, short range, less delicate receiver for the Bolt 2000.

I also use and love the Klassen harness. However Pro will say that using the MK-V socket block adapter with the Pro arm will void the warranty as the rod ends are the first line of defense in the eventual event of a failure, replace it with a solid block and the next thing to go will be a lot less pretty and more expensive to replace than the rod ends. It's been discussed here before, so I think it's worth mentioning.

I second the Canada Goose jacket. It's ridiculously expensive, but my Snow Mantra even has a zipper opening that fits the socket block of my Klassen Harness perfectly. It makes working for 10+ hour days in 8 degrees or colder weather completely manageable with just some under armor cold gear under a pair of jeans, a breeze. Warmest thing I've ever put on.

Hey guys, I've just finished editing my first real steadicam operator's reel and I'd love to hear some feedback from veteran operators. Please forgive the three or so obvious non-steadicam shots, but my initial idea to include them is that operating is operating, right?

Hey Aaron, I'm not experienced with the MDR3 or the DM1X, but I can tell you that on my MDR2 with Heden M26Ve motors, there is a considerable delay, on par with what you've mentioned. I am now using Preston DM2 motors with my system with far improved results. I also know that there are various ways to measure torque that differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. I also agree with the transmission (gearbox) statements made above, on which the Preston design does significantly improve on.

Hey guys, I'm looking for any Preston HU2 marking rings that you may have left hanging around and want to get rid of. Feel free to PM me, email me at stewart@s2filmworks.com, or call/text at (248) 462-1609.

Thanks in advance,

-Stewart Smith