Lars Erik

in 1976, a grip and and camera assistant sitting on a 500 lb dolly probably said something similar and just like the steadicam, now there are new ways of telling a story, and isn't that what cinematography is all about? i just got back from NAB and the rig demos were blowing people away. they knocked this one out of the park. Chris, did you try the unit yourself? I see that this unit can change the industry in some parts, but I really don't understand how one can shoot with an Alexa with this for several takes, let alone a whole day. You don't have the vest and arm to hold it up for you. Only your hands. And it's not like it's resting on your shoulder. You're holding the rig away from your body. And such creating muscle tension between your shoulder blades. I've shot a lot on cameras like the EX-3 and F-3, and without any support, my back starts bitching after about 5 minutes of operating. I know this isn't supposed to be shot with for many minutes, but I don't get the physical use of the unit. Seems to me there's a component missing. LE

Don't know if thishas been posted here. Did a search... Here goes: Getting seasick here

I own a Ultra2c w/ G-70X arm system. I first owned an Archer with G50. Then I sold this unit to upgrade. I really don't see a big issue about this. The Archer was perfect as it was way more cost effective than a GPI or an Ultra2 or similar rig. And I wasn't sure I would really go for Steadicam when I first started. So spending $50K+ on gear I might not use too long, just didn't seem like a very sound strategy to me. And lets be honest. Your first 2-4 years, you should really think twice about saying yes to a job where a Alexa or F65 is involved. Most likely those jobs will test your skills too much. And also in countries like Norway, where the market isn't big enough just to do Steadicam, buying a $50K+ rig is daunting. I'm pleased with my current gear, but will indeed look into a GPI if and when I decide to change anything in my gear. I too agree that the business model of Tiffen these days seems a bit weird. But hey, I'm not in a position to judge. Tiffen feel that this is a right business strategy for them, and I respect that. To me it sounds better to offer 2-3 types of rigs, if I would choose to do business this way. But I must agree with Janice's post. There's a lot of responding to posts these days that really don't answer the question an operator has, it is more used to bash out against a brand. This always did seem strange to me, that people don't have anything better to do than say something negative, in stead of just answering the question to the best of his/hers knowledge. I'm all for saying what's what when it comes to gear. It's important that we inform about the gear we use/have experience with. After all, the investment we make are expensive, and in these days of economic difficulties, not without risk. Just don't do it of the expense of another operator who's looking for an answer to a problem. LE

It was $1,000. But not sure what it's now. I imagine it's in that ballpark somewhere. I did mine, and the arm performs better.

Cool device. But some of the pans are too choppy for my taste. It does look tiresome after a days work though. Not sure how long a operator would be able to shoot with an Alexa. But I'm sure we'll see this device on several productions in the future.

How the hell do I upload photos again? Can't seem to remember this. Is there a specific upload images button? I feel stupid...doh!

Pictures http://www.steadi.no/Lars-Erik_Kristiansen_Steadicam/for_sale.html LE

$600

Letting go of my 7" Tiffen 700nit SD monitor. In good shape and no scratches. Will accept the Tiffen monitor/power cable and XLR 12v. Asking for shitloads of cash. But I'll listen to offers at $700. Buyer pays for shipping and handling.

Clicked play, saw the video, and then it ended. Damn, those 3 minutes went by so fast because I was totally glued to the screen. Inspiring.

Hi, considering ordering items from Armatos Pro Video in N.Y., but never used them before. Anyone know anything? Is this a serious/decent company? They seem to be professional, but you never know. Any info would be appreciated. All the best, LE

Really? Market isn't what it was? What do you base this upon? Where did you see this Ultra rig sell for this amount?

Looking for a new monitor for my Ultra2c. Must be HD-SDI and at least 1000 nit. Considering several new units, Cinetronic 2 or maybe BON. But will consider used ones if the price is right.

Pascal, listen to the community. They're all giving you really good advice here. Unless the DP is a close relative, find a new rig or pass on the job. You do this, and you'll probably get burned for a long time. Trust me. I know. There is no worse feeling in the world, than have the whole crew look at you and you know you're not delivering the goods. It's like standing on the doorsteps of hell. Being a newbie, it will also most likely take a big chunk of your confidence. You don't want that. I'm only saying this because of the rig vs the camera. I am not speaking of your skills as an operator. I know that certain jobs are tempting, but you do not have the right tools for the job. Period. Oh, and if you do it, whatever you do, don't let insurance know.. All the best, LE

http://www.vg.no/musikk/artikkel.php?artid=10119787 The article is in Norwegian, but the video us in English.

They actually pay people to use that...thing?

"We only accept 5 star full Positive feedback" Ha-ha. Great company policy. You're not allowed to say ANYTHING negative about this product. Must be manufactured by the Chinese government. Or perhaps Pyongyang.

Play nice Eric.

I am not one of the seasoned ops around (started late 2005), but I've done my share of decent jobs in Norway in small and large tv-shows and features/TV-drama. I have built a decent equipment list with an Ultra2c and G-70X, the Meridian HD-link etc. Personally I have stopped using this forum of lately. The main reason for this is the negative attitude some show on this forum for a long time now. Some ops say that these people just say what needs to be said. Fine, to some extent I can agree to that. But it's the way it's being done. The total lack of respect of others just is to me, quite appalling, and only serves to further degrade this once great forum. As I said, I am not one the most seasoned ops here, so I feel somewhat awkward writing this. But sometimes what needs to be said have to be said, only in a respectable manner. Wish everyone on this forum a great Christmas holiday. Peace out! LE

The Epic Pro I/O module would solve the second bnc problem? Not used it myself, only used a T when using the epic. Had various results using the T. Sometimes good, other times not good.

JJ, I can't speak for the PRO arms, as I've never tried the system. But I own the original G-70 series arms, and yes, sometimes I could see my own steps. At the time I thought it was my technique, God knows, it could still have been. I've been doing steadicam since 2006. So I'm nowhere near the experience of many of the ops here on this forum. But I recently upgraded my arm, and Tiffen installed the new X series system on my arm. According to Jerry, it won't perform as well as the original new X series arms, but very close. I'm very pleased with the results, and I haven't seen any steps yet. Worked last night on a show, with a slow 80 seconds shot, and nobody could see any steps. Other than that, I think Charles made a very intelligent point. Stop this pointless Tiffen vs PRO vs whatever debate. I know I've been fed up with it, probably many more also. All the high-end systems are exactly that, high-end. Lets start talking about our profession again as performers, not what gear we choose to use to tell the story. LE

It's so over for us! The camels are coming!!!

Thanks Jerry, I'll be shipping my G-70 arm to the US soon then. :) Bets regards LE

To make it exactly clear, after upgrading a G arm, will it perform at a similar level as the new X series? Will it officially become an G50/70-X series arm?

Hmm...did PRO go for the Titan name after watching the Titan condoms scene in Amazon women on the moon, or did they see this wonderful ad for Titans condoms online?