JamieSilverstein

Nikk; There are a lot of types of rigs out there, and many cost the same as the Masters. I owned a Masters and still own a Masters arm, which I like. But if I were to buy a used rig at this point, I might aim for a PRO 1 rig and aim to upgrade it in the future, or possibly put together a rig consisting of a PRO ll post and a battery cage either from Jerry Hill of maybe MK-V, with a PRO ll Dbox and a gimbal that you feel you can afford and will work for the type of work that you do. As for monitors, there are many more choices out there than there were a year ago. BlackBird, Hummingbird, TB6, upgraded Transvideo, Tamuz just to name a few. Don't get me wrong, the Masters are good machines, but they are limited as far as expansion and growth are concerned, and that is a problem for someone growing in the industry. So when you buy a rig, think about what you would like to be doing in 3 or 4 years and think if that rig can grow with your dreams. Good luck. Jamie.

By the way, where is the DESIGN PROJECT from? What university or college. Or is the DESIGN PROJECT just another manufacturer soliciting ideas????

Rob; How about a tilt head that can do all of that, AND make a nice cup of tea in the process..... Or maybe a frothy latte. Sorry I just couldn't resist...........

BACK TO THE BATTERY ISSUE: The manufacturer of an item makes a choice. Do I want to be an island alone or do I want to allow people to incorporate my technology into the broader picture. When a manufacturer either becomes big enough (read powerful) or threatened enough (read not liking the change in the bottom line) or both, the response is to retrench. Hold on to what is theirs jealously. The market can respond in many ways, either by marching in step,with a big outcry thus forcing a change in corporate policy, or just walking away from the product........ If Anton Bauer is becoming an island, and many end users are going to switch, then the result will be the way of CP. I can't imagine holding on to older technology, at what in the steadicam world is NOT the greatest of costs, battery replacement. I bought Anton Bauer stuff after I sold my Masters Series sled and batteries. I wanted something that was as versatile as possible, and something that everyone else in the States had. I didn't really concern myself with the European market because all of my work was in the States. If Anton Bauer is not the battery of choice in the US and if it becomes more difficult to find out and around, then I'll change to another, more available battery vendor. Nothing is forever, batteries not withstanding.

The other approach is to talk directly to Howard, Greg, and to someone at Tiffen. Ask them about their post construction, and what it's specific advantages are. Another thing to consider is price. I can only assume that all the posts are good enough for all that you would want to use them for, so price becomes part of the information equation. In essence, keep it simple, and try to find a post and create a rig that is right for your work and your pocketbook.

Guys, Guys. I just have to chime in for a moment...... In all honesty Eric it does sound a bit like you are shilling for Howard. Each and every post that you have posted in the recent past, with the execption of the Hytron post has been pretty clearly in praise of one thing and one thing only. Its looking a little suspicious. Kind of like you work for MK-V or something. No one has impuned Howard's name, but I think that what the reaction to the posts is due the feeling that the forum is being used as an advertising tool for one company. People are beginning to react to that, and for that reason, maybe we should begin to lighten up on the promotion of a single product. There are many many vendors out there who make comparable products, at equal or less cost. In this forum it has been my intention as well as others to expose members of all skill level to the best, good and bad of the Steadicam community. To talk about as many products as possible and find a way to make sure that the forum does not become a location for one vendor or one manufacturer. I hope that we all continue to uphold the nature and integrity of this forum by making sure that we don't over emphasize one manufacturer's product line, for whatever reason, at the stake of the rest. For the record, I know of several people who have had conversions of their sleds done by Greg Bubb, and that conversion is done to a PRO II base on the bottom, and PRO II junction box on the top. I believe that the prices mentioned are accurate and that the modification is presently available. It was at least when I spoke with Greg several weeks ago. Additionally, there are other 2" posts out there, made by Tiffen and by Chroisziel. George Paddock also offers an upgrade to his 1.5" post so that any vibration that existed can be eliminated, and you don't have to re-tool to a 2" system. So as I said earlier, there is more than one option, and each should be exlored fully before anyone decides to write a check. I marvel at what is available out there at this point, and I remember the days when the only alternatives were CP and PRO. Equally I marvel at the amazing images that were made with PRO I and 3 or 3A rigs. Yeah its a big market out there and the newer products are totally cool. I would love to own most of the gear out there, but when all is said and done, its not the cool gear that makes the shot, its the dedicated, devoted, and focused operator that makes the images come to life. Lets glorify and focus on those images and the process that gets us to those images more in this forum, and hawk gear a little less.

Will; More importantly, have a great time on the show! You are the envy of us all. A nicer director cannot be found, and to do a musical will be tons of fun. Finally, why dont you try modifying a one of the lens mountable viewfinders from Arri or Panavision to fit on the JR. Wouldn't that be a more accurate tool for video village to work from? Once again Congrats dude. Here is to a busy and prosperous year. For one and all

Mk-V is but one of the innovators in the field, but the one that for one reason or another seems to be getting the most press of late. Cinema Products was the first and the originator, George Paddock And PRO were also brave pioneers, venturing into newer terrain. Greg Bubb and XCS took the technology one full step further. As I have mentioned before, there have been many, from the people at Seitz and then Preston, all the way to Jim Bartell. Walter Klassen has to be mentioned, along with Jerry Hill, as does Bob Derose. Need I mention Misters Brown and Holloway. The list goes on and on, and each innovator is worthy of praise and admiration. Its not just one company and one rig or piece of equipment, each has its own merits and qualities. The thing that is so cool is that these guys went out and made this stuff and each one has made their stuff really really well. For that they all receive my unwavering admiration

Its great to hear about all of Howard's gear, and I do believe that it is of good quality. In all fairness however, it should be noted that XCS has been making an outstanding 2" post for quite some time and it is compatable with PRO's rather excellent equipment as well. Additionally, both the PRO Gimbal and the XCS Gimbal are of the highest quality, one fitting both the 1.5" posts and the other only the 1.5" posts. Both these Gimbals are virtually frictionless, tool free and offer any operator wonderful choices. The XCS Gimbal can come with an ergo handle, which for my money is the best innovation in conventional steadicam since sliced bread. I haven't used the Chrosziel or the other rigs out there, but it is pretty wonderful that there is so much choice for operators these days, not just in Rigs, but in monitors, vests and arms as well. So I salute Howard, George Paddock, Greg Bubb, the people at Tiffen, Chrosziel and Sachtler, and those like Jim Bartell, and Walter Klassen who make such wonder equipment for us to fixate over, endlessly discuss, angst about, save for and eventually, if lucky, use on the best jobs in the universe. For any of you out there looking for gear, my advice to you is to take your time, see ALL of it, shop for what is best for your wallet, and your working situation, and plunge only when you think you are getting the best for the type of work that you do. Don't go on my word or any other until you have personally tried out as much as you can. Good luck! So much choice, so little time! Aint life grand. Jamie.

First of all you need to register on the forum. Secondly, you need to become a paying member ($30.00 US) to be able to use the for sale section of the forum.

The Package remains the same, but because so many people have been asking...... YES I will split up the package, so if anyone is interested in just the sled,just the arm or just the vest, or any combination of the three, please feel free to get in touch. Also you can see the items by going to the website listed below: http://home.earthlink.net/~mailforfloating.../portraits.html Steadicam package Sled: PRO 2 Dbox (w/ tooless thumb screw) PRO J box PRO 2 Post w/ Kipp handle XCS Gimbal w/ergo handle 2 XCS dual telescoping monitor arm PRO Lite Gyro base modified into Pro Lite by Tom Gleason. It comes with a battery meter that will read both batteries. Transvideo 6.5? 16X9 LCD Monitor w/ cable & mounting plate PRO Gyro Systems Power inverter and power/gyro cable. (this allows you to power thesled and Gyros from a pack that can sit on your back or on the back of a grip). Gyros NOT included. One PRO Camera Plate. Arm: Masters Series Arm w/ Rob Luna?s Titanium Socket Block & 5 Custom master to XCS Gimbal arm posts, sizes ranging from 2? to 12? with arm post clamps and captive needle bearings. Arm was upgraded by Rob Luna to include latest style elbows and bearings. It is in good to excellent condition. Vest: Daniel Sauve back mounted vest. The vest is made of dark green carbon fiber Suitable for a person with approx. 34?waist and about 5?10?tall. It is in good to excellent condition and is very comfortable. For those still using a front mounted vest, if it fits, it is a great deal and will add years on to your operating career. For those just starting out, it?s the most cost effective way to get into a back mounted vest around. Package Price:$29,750.00 This is a wonderful rig that can handle any camera on any kind of project from a big budget anamorphic picture on down. Please call or email for pictures and details. Thanks for looking; Jamie 917 796-4217 Silverodt@aol.com

On a show that I do monthly, we attach the monitor to the low mode plate using an arm off of the plate. The monitor sits just above the matte box. I power the monitor out of one of my camera ports and power the Cine Alta 900 with a battery off the back (one of the small Dionics batteries so its pretty light). The best set up is using either a 6.5" or 9" monitor off of the arm and putting a wireless transmitter up on the low mode plate as well so as to avoid any additional cables. Depending on your prompter supplier, you can either do that or go with one BNC. I use my 12 volt cable out of the Jbox and had the prompter supplier make an xlr to monitor power cable, so its pretty self contained and not too heavy.

Jorge and BJ amplify my point exactly. To each his own. To Jorge the Masters arm is a ford and the CP3A if a BMW, to BJ the Silver Spring arm is great. If I had it to do over again, I would go to each and every friend or vendor and try out their arms with what ever sled I had at the time and decide which was best for me. Then I would determine whether I could afford that arm and go from there. Finally once I had all that in place, I would ask myself if the arm and the cost of that arm reflected the type of work that I am doing and would it pay for itself through that work. If not, then I would think about modifying my appetite and go for something more moderate. As I previously said, I own the Masters Arm, I like it and I have put it to good use on episodic and features. It doesn't work for everyone, but then again it doesn't have to. It only has to work for me.

Mik points out a very valuable item regarding arms, service. Essential, and I know that the PRO is virtually indestructable so service for the others is of great concern. secondly, the arm that you are used to and like to use is the best arm for you. finally, the arm that you can afford that you like to use is the best arm for you. I use a Masters arm. I have had it for 7 or 8 years, have had it serviced by Rob Luna once and bought it with a Masters rig that I have since sold. I like the Bar Bel and the PRO too but since I had the Masters and I was used to ISO elastic arms with no tools function, this was the best arm for me at the best price. If I was doing light weight stuff (16mm, Beta) I might consider a 3A arm redone by those guys down under. So it also all depends on what market you work in and what camera you use on the arm as well. I hope this helps. Jamie

Jim; My only question is when and where and how much. As they say, A bird in the hand tastes better than one thats dropping poop all over your head............... Errrrrr, ummmm thats not it, but I think you get the idea.... So long LCD technology, but when? One year, two? It takes a long time for a product to go from concept thru beta into factory production, as you all well know. I guess what I am saying is that none of us should sell off our favourite monitor just yet in anticipation of the newest technology. I'm as anxious as the next guy to see an even better monitor, but I also know that each and every design will take what seems like eons to those of us impatient souls..... And remember, don't look up at those geese flying overhead. Next time in NYC, you better hang out with the rest of us!!!!!!!!!!! Jamie

In a word, ACTION PACKER. Ok its two words, but for the money its a great way to transport the vest. That Will Arnot is such a wise man.......

Hey BJ; First of all, the producer is a dumb ass and should be treated accordingly until she stops giving you a hard time for not owning a camera package Secondly you should have told her to go find a steadicam operator who actuallly OWNED a 35 package. Thirdly, there are a couple of operators who own or have owned packages, but in this day and age of Arri Lite and Millenium XL's, steadi mags and built in low mode brackets, it just doesn't make sense. And why get beaten up on the rental? Fourthly, do you really want to worry about extra equipment? Fifthly, tell dumb ass that she is a dumb ass. I hope this helps. Your pal Jamie.

Paul; I bought the Blackbird monitor recently, which is a Hummingbird with a PRO Connector for power and picture and a Frameline generator. It mounts like most monitors do, with a 1/4" screw on the bottom of the monitor. I like it very much and if you look that the other thread about the monitor, you can get most of the info regarding what its like on the sled and where to get a hold of one.

To answer some of the questions addressed to me. First of all I am used to using a downconverter on all of my HD Shows and I really don't have a problem with about 85% of them. Secondly, the image quality is great and the surrounding monitor is not really a distraction to me. I have enough on my plate making a shot, keeping it as solid as possible, and making sure that I don't trip over my own two feet to even have a chance to look at the rest of the monitor. So the ephemera is not of consequence to me. As for the differences between the MK-V and the "regular" Blackbird...... The MK-V has knobs for controls, and a heater in a different housing. That to my knowledge is the difference. I also think that there is a price difference, that made the "regular" Blackbird more attractive to me (you can call me cheap, if you'd like). I hope that answered all of the questions, but if not, you can get in touch with me or just call Howard and ZGC.

I just wanted to update everyone on the visit from a Hummingbird that I had last summer. Guy Genin of ZGC came by early in the summer with a Hummingbird classic monitor. As I reported then, I was impressed with the quality of the picture, but had some reservations and wished certain things could be changed about the monitor about spending over $3000.00 Guy recently came back to me with a new and improved monitor, incorporating some of the changes that I suggested. The Blackbird. The differences between the two are that the Blackbird has a PRO connector on the back so that I can come directly out of my sled or XCS level and not have to adapt to an XLR and BNC split cable. It also has the BNC/XLR option for those of you who prefer that option. The Blackbird also has a frameline generator built in, which is a good quality frameline, which does not tear, and is easily adjustable. The picture inside the monitor is great. I shoot an HD project for A&E monthly, and this month I didn't need to think about a sun shade, repositioning or image degradation, which is what I did with my old LCD . The Blackbird is a bright and contrasty monitor. And I am talking about Bright and contrasty in the middle of a sunny day. On my particular model, there are push buttons that control the menus. I must admit that it took me about 1/2 an hour to get used to the menus and buttons (I am a knob kind of guy), but once I got the hang of it, I had no trouble getting the controls to do what I wanted them to do, and quickly. The Blackbird is more expensive than the original Hummingbird, but I have to admit that I like the additions and I think that they are worth the extra $$$. I have sent ZGC my check and I am now officially a proud owner of the monitor. After defiantly struggling with LCDs for 4 or 5 years (since I sold my Masters and the green screen), I can honestly say that the day has come where there is a reasonably priced LCD monitor that provides a good quality picture. Howard Smith has modified the Blackbird even more for those especially button challenged, but I think that both the button version and the knob version are great, and I believe that Howards version is more expensive. Check both of them out for yourself and decide which is best for you at the price you want to spend. The most encouraging thing about both of them is that you can now get a good image at a more affordable price. So talk to Howard in Europe or ZGC in the US and decide for yourself. There is some pretty amazing equipment being made out there and the research and development coming out of places like XCS, PRO, MK-V, IMP, and Tiffen just to mention a few ( and please don't castigate me for leaving out any others) is staggering. My hat is off to all of you.

Rob Luna's number is 323 938-5659

Louis; I have been on an HD show for the past 6 months ("Rescue Me"), and I have used my Transvideo on it very successfully for that time. I guess the importance or value of the Blackbird/Hummingbird is the quality of picture at a price that is affordable. The real criticism I have of my Transvideo is that I am constantly working around the brightness/contrast issue. With the Hummingbird, I don't have to fiddle to get the angle where I want/ need it to see the shot. So if it means using a down converter with the monitor and getting a great picture or not using a downconverter and getting the same old LCD image, I think I'll opt for the down convert. Until someone comes out with a monitor that is as bright and affordable for HD work, I think I'll keep waiting for the Blackbird.

I have experienced a pinging. I have taken off the covers and put some lub in there, but nothing has helped. I think its back to Rob Luna for a 5 year check up for me. Jamie.

I have been taking to Guy Genin from ZGC (the people who bring you Cooke Lenses in the US) who has informed me that ZGC is now a distributor for the Hummingbird and the BlackBird. He asked to to poll the East Coasters in the Forum to see if we would like to have another get together to take a look at the monitor. So here I go! Anyone interested in and available to get together and see the monitor in the next several weeks? He is interested in getting as many operators together as possible, so let me know, or BETTER YET........ call him directly at 973 335-4460.

When last I checked, Rob's email address was rluna56@earthlink.net