Lars Erik

Alec and Eric,

thanks for setting where the topic should be straight.

I'll give Robert a call. Whereabouts is he located? Thinking of the time difference. Is he on the west or east coast?

Again, thanks guys.

LE

Sorry. This topic should probably be in Brackets/Widgets. Can any of you moderators move it?

Thanks

LE

Hello everyone,

does anyone know where to get a long post for the G-50 arm to be used on the Steadicam Archer? Need to get high mode option on my rig.

The trick is that the post on the arm is only 13mm. I know this is tiny compared to a Master. Can I get an adaptor if this post isn't available?

Thanks for any tips

Fly safe and beautiful...

LE

Never used a Baerbal. But I own a Steadicam Archer, and used a Vector and Master a lot also.

Have shot a documentary series all on Steadicam with the Sony HDV. And this I found out was too light for the rigs. Whatever I did, it was always too bottom heavy. So I bought a 2kg weight from a sailing store. The weights they had had a perfect fit to be on that camera. I attached with strong velctro (3M dual lock), and secured it with a bit of tesa tape. Now it workes like a charm. Got any drop time I needed, and easy to get in DB.

Never used a Steadicam Jr before. But I own a Steadicam Archer, and when I use lighter cams, I usually have to add a weight to the top of the camera. I've been using the HDV cam from Sony, and I added a 2kg weight on top of the cam to make the rig act perfect.

As I said this might be wrong since you're using a Steadicam Jr, so someone please shoot me if this is stupid advice. But try adding a kilo maybe to the top of the cam. Use strong velcro to do it. 3M makes something called dual lock, this is an extremely strong velcro.

I'll be there!

Hey guys,

thanks for all the replies. I had to turn down the offer due to different jobs. But the DoP is Ole Bratt Birkeland. I've posted elsewhere on the forum that they are interested in a operator w/rig. Check out the jobs forum.

Thanks for all the great replies.

Lars E

Just saw a Formula 1 race. The drivers all have a video camera attached in the car. The signal was amazing. I realize they have about 50 billion budgets on F1, but anyone know what kind of system they use to send wireless images?

I heard this story from a focus puller friend of mine. He's worked a lot with a Steadicam operator who's been operating for 20 years now. So the source seemed pretty good.

LE

I've owned a Steadicam Archer since December, and bigger jobs are lining up. Making me want to invest in the last two things I need. Follow Focus, going for Bartech, and video assist.

Now, I'm a bit confused about the video assist part. I've read on this forum that the 2.4Ghz type transmitters use the same band as broadband, camera surveillance, basically a lot of other stuff is on it. So I wanted to invest in a good transmitter/receiver. And theboxx seemed like a good one. But now I've read that this one also uses 2.4Ghz. Am I a complete idiot and gotten it all wrong or what's the case? I want to buy something that won't have a lot of drop in it. Don't care about the legal stuff. It just have to work.

If anyone can help me claer this up, I'd appreciate it alot.

LE

First things first, I have never tried, and never seen a Glidecam. But yes, it's been said on several occasions that it's not one of the best systems. But, as I said, never tried one. For what it's worth, I know several ops who thinks Steadicam sucks, they stick to MK-V. People have different needs and different ways of getting a rig to work.

Paul, you could always buy a cheaper rig now. Use it for a few years (chances you'll get 35mm jobs within the first 2 years aren't that good), sell it in 2-4 years after making money on the first rig, and go buy a bigger rig.

I've heard horror stories of ops getting paralized like injuries because they've been sitting with the rig on, boats, cars etc. Someone gave me a tip that one should slide the vest as far up you can when you're sitting, so you don't put pressure onto your nerves at your hip. Is this a good tip? Anyone else have good ideas of how to avoid injuries due to this?

Thanks guys. I'll be relaxed and not give advice on lighting and stuff. I'll let you know how I did.

LE

Hello Paul.

First let me tell you, I'm new to this as well. Bought my rig (Archer) in December and been operating since. Had about 25 days of rental on it so far, have another 12 more coming up, including a feature. Yesterday, I also got a 2-day music video shoot on 16mm next week. So in that sense, my advice might work for you.

I started out as a camera operator and DP. After doing that for 8 years I did a steadicam workshop and bought a rig straight after that. I went the other way, most usually end up being a DP after doing Steadicam. Anyway, first thing I did, which I think you should do, since you have years of experience in the video industry, tell EVERYONE you know, you've have worked with, every possible contact, from PA's to producers, that you've bought or getting a rig. Make business cards, give them out. Let people know you've got a rig. This was the most important thing to me, I think. And the jobs are coming in almost every week for me.

But I have to tell you, there's not just the issue of the rig. There's a lot more you have to get. Wireless follow focus (a MUST if you're gunning for drama), don't know how this will be on a SK2 or a flyer, though. A good wireleless video system w/ a good monitor. Cables, batteries, rods, insurance, get a good one, there's a lot. I've invested in most of it. Will order the follow focus and the wireless video next week. (have a good monitor, but the wireless video is 2.4GHz, not that great). Then I have a complete rig. But as Jerry Holway told me; "it's not like you're wasting money, it's like putting the money in the bank." This is very, very true. Just take a look at some used rigs for sale, they don't fall much in value.

And if you get a rig, do every job you can. If they can't pay you full rates, make deals with them. I've done that a few times. I speak to the producer, and we agree on a sum of money both parts can live with. But, I also get a gentleman's agreement, that I'm the first one they call next time they need a operator. And then, not for the same rate, but more. In most cases this works. But not everyone does this. But in the beginning, as I see it, experience and training. That's what it's all about. You won't get rich the first year. But as you get more jobs, you will get better. Then new opportunities come along. Yesterday I did a 2 minute shot that was great. Started out in a big lit room, followed the person out in a darkish narrow hall, down steep, long stairs, into a new room. Through a long hallway and out to the courtyard. With severel switches and turns. And it look very good. Doing this shot 3 months ago seemed like a impossible shot to me. So you learn quickly.

If you can afford it, and you're gut feeling says you can get jobs on it. Get it. You will not regret. Good luck, Paul. Let us know if you're joining our community.

BTW, if you're not exercising, start doing it. At least 3 days a week. Running, weights, Yoga, swimming. This is very, very important.

LE

Ok. Thank you, Chris.

LE

Looking into investing in these two units during the summer. Hava anyone had any problems using these two systems together. The BarTech is non-existing here in Norway. Only ARRI and Preston is here.

Thanks for any helpful hints

LE

Hey there.

Bought my rig in December 2005, and had about 25 days of work with it so far. Have another 12 lined up, 5 of those days are on a feature.

I've done feature work before, but never on Steadicam. I used to DP a lot, but got interested in Steadicam and now do them both equally. On this feature I'm hired in as just Steadicam operator.

My question is a bit vague, maybe it is just a reaction of me being a bit worried since the feature came so fast. They know I've only been operating since December, but they say the shots aren't that complicated.

And I am getting better each day. :D

Anyway, is there like a certain advice you'd give to someone doing their first feature? Like remember to breathe or something... ;) As I said it's a bit vague but I'm probably looking for some words of comfort when I embark on this mission, quest, thing. Shooting on HD. (750)

Thanks for any comforting words.

Hey there, just wondering if anyone knows the rate for a operator w/rig in the U.K. Low budget HD feature.

Lars Erik

Hello everyone,

thanks a lot for all the great replies.

I've been speaking to the director and said no. It always feels bad to say no to a director, but sometimes one just have to. I've mentioned to him the tips you've given. And we'll be looking into getting a gyro instead. And filming the sailboat from another boat.

Again, thanks a lot. Actually I'm still not looking forward to the shoot, as I have a pretty severe fear of water. But hey, it's only my head that's messing with me.

LE

Hey Charles,

thank you for your reply. I actually ended up buying a PANASONIC TC-7WMS1 7" widescreen monitor. Got a good price on it. A bit more expensive, but in the end, worth it.

Lars Erik

Hello Chris,

sorry but still quite new to Steadicam (but been operating for 6 months now), but what are the issues of using the wireless lan bandwidth system?

Hello.

Investing in a monitor and wireless video system. Since I can't afford a $4,000 monitor yet, I'll buy something that cheap, but usable.

Don' want to buy somethng that's expensvive but not great. Rather buy cheap that works, and save money so I can invest in the best monitor later.

The monitor will be used by directors. Will be used with most SD and HD video. Some 16mm, no 35mm.

The director needs a fairly good image, but not perfect.

My choices are these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...oughType=search

and

http://www.goelectronic.com/Merchant2/merc...tegory_Code=LCD

If anyone knows anything about these, please let me know.

Thanks everyone!

Hello again,

just found this Wevi wireless video transmitter on the web. Has anyone used it? Is it worth investing in?

http://www.wevi.tv/

This may sound crazy, but could it be done? Not safely I'm sure...

 

Could the operator possibly ride backwards facing, seated back-to-back with a trained rider?

 

-Michael Jones

El Dorado, KS

Hey Michael.Just finished a tv-show in Arizona. 5 weeks on horseback. I did bring my Steadicam. I first tried out with handheld on the horse. A bit shaky, but charming in a way. I never tried using the Steadicam on the horse. To me, the horse was just to unstable. Once a rider lost a bottle, and my horse got so spoked it went up on his backlegs.

Lucio Fulci made a bundle of films where he has a camera operator sitting the wrong way on a horse. So this is a good way to do it. But with a Steadicam, I don't know. I'm always thinking safety first, programme comes in a good second. At first I was unsure about even taking the SDX900's on handhled on the horse, but this worked out great for our purposes.

What about going into high mode, so you get the same height as the actors/people? Have seen pics of this on the workshop with Jerry.

Whatever you do, good luck. And be careful.

Hey there.

Just got my Antlers. I bought a used set that was previously on a Steadicam workshop. It came with short dovetail and 3 different sets of weights.

I know the basics of them, but how important is it to get the rig in DB while they are on?

And I'm guessing the heavier the wind, the heavier the weights you're supposed to use?

Thanks for any tip and help.

Lars Erik