Francisco Orozco Jr

Which camera and stabilizer are you currently using? I've made shots using something as small as a Canon Rebel DSLR with a very light zoom lens on a Steadicam Merlin which can't be distinguished from shots made on a much larger Steadicam Rig. More weight always helps of course, and a vest/arm mounted system helps significantly to reduce the chance of footsteps showing up in your shots. The horizon thing takes time unless you're talking about those electronic brush-less motor gimbal stabilizers. I've even had great luck with an extremely bare minimum weight rig (Steadicam Smoothee) using an iPhone. Hope this helps!

They all share the same sized arm post. The one pictured in the Scout owner's manual is the same as the pilot docking bracket but you could use any of them including the Flyer!

You could use something like a Decimator2 for SDI to Composite(analog). I'm pretty sure the MD-HX doesn't output analog (composite) only SDI which the flyer monitor won't accept. On my practice rig I use two converter boxes. For my C100 hdmi output there's a black magic HDMI -> SDI Then that goes into my Decimator to give me composite for Flyer monitor and the hdmi back for paralinx with the option of still using SDI transmitters or monitors on cam! For the simplest/cheapest solution you could try one of those Amazon hdmi to analog (RCA composite) little usb powered boxes for ~$25 that have been mentioned before on the forum. Just be sure that your hdmi output is set to 1080 on the A7SII!

Start and finish weights are 1/8 lb. 1/4 lb for mid weights. The fine adjustments are made by moving the gimbal underneath the top stage. I would still recommend getting the actual dovetail plate as suggested above. You can still find used Merlin 1 &2s anywhere from $120-250 on eBay Etc. That way you can have a complete spare gimbal and parts.

Try with 1 start, 2 mid, 1 finish and a start weight on the front. Should be near the middle of the hinge. I'll try and throw that Combo on mine and take a pic!

I what I believed to be a similar issue when I had my Flyer (2nd Gen) with black arm. What I discovered was that the original allen wrench had too much flex and wouldn't allow me enough leverage to tighten the battery paddle when two heavier batteries were on it. I ended up pickup up a different allen wrench where it allowed me to use one of the ends on the "T" to tighten it enough. Might help but as others have found it very well could be wear and tear on your specific sled.

Is it common for the Zephyr arm to lift 42lbs before sagging? If so then mine is in good shape.

I wonder if that means that the "A-30" can carry more than the suggested 30 lbs? It would be unfortunate for you to have a crippled zephyr as in previous posts it seemed that the zephyr sled with monitor and battery will not weigh 7 lbs and be able to balance a 23 lbs camera package. Have you checked to see what the max your arm can carry is?

It was the v-lock battery version that came with batteries and was standard def. The newer one was HD-SDI. Now it's been replaced by the Aero 15.

I'd be interested in adapting a zephyr arm to an ultra 2 vest. I know I could swap out the socket block on the vest but if possible to do this without doing so?

Looks like what was once going to be called the "pilot 2." Sled appears to be the same and probably only limited by the vest/arm combo you go with.

I love the Smoothee and have used it with Ollo clips etc. I have found that you can also slide the weight that is in the front of the unit up or down to find your preferred drop. Best of luck!

You could use the balancing dock from the Merlin, Pilot, or even Flyer. They all share the same sized pin as the Solo.

I'm going to take a guess based on your previous posts about the "S40" that you are working with a smaller hand held rig? If so then I'd recommend the Merlin to accomplish the task. I've gotten away with walking around the entire park at Disneyland with one and found that no one really pays any attention to DSLRs these days. If this is not the case, please disregard.

I believe the flyer, scout and zephyr all share a similar socket block. They should all work with your flyer arm. Good luck on your journey!