Kevin Shelton

Great, Thanks Janice and James. I had called Tiffen and talked with Derrek and followed up with an email. He didn't know what would work with the SK2. He is going to look into what was compatible. He hasn't replied, they probably don't work weekends. Flyer plate it tis. Thanks Again Kevin

Well, I was hoping to pass on the good news that I sold the SK2. In fact it did sell for $1,876 on ebay. which is fine, was hoping for more based on the forum feedback, but now the buyer is having remorse and wants his money back. He is citing that it is missing parts, like the battery and a camera plate! And at first stating that it was missing more parts like the arm. He called Tiffen to get parts but they told him they don't make sk2 parts anymore. Come to find out it is missing the dovetail plate. I did not (newbie me) know there was a dovetail plate, I thought the camera specific plate was all that was required. I am trying to do right by the buyer, since it is not useable with out a dovetail. Anybody know were to get an SK-2 dovetail plate? or something compatible or aftermarket? Thanks Kevin

All, I need a dovetail plate for an SK2. Or, does anyone know if plates from newer models are compatible and still available. Thanks Kevin

It is now posted on eBay starting at $1500 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Steadicam-Tiffen-SK-2-Video-or-Motion-Picture-Camera-Stabilizer-System-/170984124584?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cf72b0a8

I have it posted on Craigslist http://norfolk.craig...3537532191.html

Doh. I didnt relize it cost $50 to join/post on the Marketplace. I would only be making a single post to the marketplace. Seems a bit steep. Craigslist it tis. Thanks Again Kevin

Thanks ALL for the excellent information and insight to an intriguing vocation. It is a fascinating piece of equipment even though it may be a few years dated. It has been fun looking at steadicam useage and operations. Alas, I have come to the decision that it is not for me and I am taking the advice of some and putting it up for sale. I did not get near the deal that some have mentioned at govenrment auctions, but I hope to come out ahead. Ill list it in the Market place first. Apparantly eBay has gotten pretty greedy as their selling fees are 12% + Thanks Again Kevin

Wow, great info. Yes, the link to the SK-2 is definitely it. Thanks to all. I have looked at all the signature links for more insight to this industry. This is a new and fascinating technology/profession and artistry that I never looked at before. I am seeing that I am in completely over my head, but it is so very intriguing. I definitely need to do research, thanks for the book reference. I have a suspicion that it would take A LOT more money for me to "play" with this properly. It would be another hobby, my wife would not approve of. So a few more questions: 1) There is a part in the kit that I have not been able to identify. It seems to be an adapter of some sort. See red part in the center of the photo below. 2) Suppose I were to get training, Is there a market for part time gomers like me to rent it/and myself as an operator? Would the effort it pay for itself? Should I stay away from the industry (not being a qualified professional) taking limited work, or are operators/equipment in high demand? Last question, 3) if I were to sell, based on the pics/info provided below, what should I ask for it? Is it actually worth the 4k-5k mentioned previously? Here is a link to some very poor (iPhone) photos of the gear. http://s1170.photobucket.com/albums/r531/KJ_Shelton/Steadicam/ Dog not included :) Thanks Again! for all the advice. Kevin

Hi, I am an Engineer/Researcher at NASA Langley in Virginia and i very recently won a Steadicam kit in a government equipment auction. It was in a lot with several Sony cameras (DSR300AL,DXC3000A) which I plan to resell. AND, I thought it was just a couple of tripods for the cameras in a nice padded case. I get the lot home and packed very nicely in layers of notched out foam is a bunch of "Steadicam" components {vest, monitor, gimbal....}. These are some incredibly nice components. I am in the aviation industry and know good engineering, machining and materials when I see it. I see "Tiffen" and "Steadicam" all over the case and components so I googled a couple of videos of it in action and then find this forum. I got to admit it I am overwhelmed and inpressed by this group and industry in general. I am a sucker for things that are high tech AND require special skills/training, like Aviation. I am primarily a still photographer and not sure this will do much for me but sure looks like nice suff. It seems to be used entirely for video/film photography, correct? Would it help for air-to-air photography? So I am asking for help because I am a total newbie with this equipmkent. I wasnt even sure where to post this. (Please re-direct me if it is not the place to ask). I need to 1) to figure out what I have and 2) figure out If I am equiped to utilize it properly. If not, 3) figure out what the value is and how can I sell it. I couldnt find a model that exactly matched on the steadicam.com site. Everything looks in brand new condition. I found some paperwork with at 2005 date. It is a "Certificate of Compliance" from Tiffen to B&H photo. It has serial numbers for Arm, Sled, Vest, & Monitor. The model number written in is [sC721 SK-2 AB "NTSC"]. Couldnt find a match for these numbers. The vest (and case) is blue/black nylon type material that is well padded with a waist/hip pads and an aluminum chest piece that the straps clip into. It looks to be a carbon fiber tube with a red aluminum grip below the gimbal. I managed to put everything together like I saw in the videos and tried it on. Amazingly smoth gimbal action, but it wasnt ballanced well as I dont have a battery to counter the monitor. There is a very stout tripod stand to hold the whole deal and a nifty bracekt on top that I suppose you use to get the balance right. There are a bunch of nice annodized aluminum machined parts, brackets and cables. The monitor seems to be a basic monichrome display and has a minor scratch on the glass. Any help is appreciated. Does this model have a name? Does it have much value? I can answer any question and can take pictures if necessary and post if this forum is capable of it. Thanks Much Kevin Yorktown VA Jeez, sorry for the long post.