JamieSilverstein

There are several threads out there that could use some clarification........ First of all, THE HYPE. I have to agree with Peter et al. that there was some cheesy type Hype going on with all the secret stuff leading up to the wink, wink, nudge, nudge special item that was going to be at the Expo. But hype is hype and that is the way things are advertised on occasion. Are there better ways? Maybe, but that is the way the manufacturers and "advocates" (which is what I guess Eric can be considered, unless he is going to become a distributor, or recieved special considerations of another sort) wanted to unveil the product. Good luck to them and I mean that sincerely.

Much like HD, the Alien Revolution is just another means of gathering images, and as with all new advances, there is a learning curve, there is investment, there is risk and there is the question of finding a new market and new end users. All of this will fall into place as the product grows in the industry. Who knows, the Alien might just become the next big thing, or just another tool on the film makers shelf.......

My advice to one and all is not to worry about the hype of any new technology, or the learning curve. Learn as much about what it can and can't do, master it if you are interested in doing so, and share the knowledge graciously with your contemporaries.

Embrace the information of new ideas with enthusiasm and an open mind, and those ideas will become part of your greater knowledge and understanding of the world.

Will;

The last Triathelon I did was by way of a three course meal.

Good luck dude.

I feel the need to chime in. Lets not scare the newbies away from this forum. This is a valuable asset for us all, both seasoned pro and wanna be. I agree that the chatter should be kept to a minimum and maybe we can have Tim add a Forum section for Newbie type questions.

This is an amazing place where all have a chance to share info and ideas. If we are all responsible and respectful of each other and our common goal (learning more and more about the art of Steadicam), we can all thrive together here.

We on the EAST COAST eagerly look forward to the buzz on the BUZ.

Howard;

As you know, I have spent a little time with the original Hummingbird, so I am familiar with the product.

1)Specifically, what are the differences between yours and the Imp unmodified one?

2)Also if someone already owns a frame line generator, can you make the modified monitor without one? And if so, what is the cost?

3)Finally what is the warranty on the monitor and to whom do you send the monitor for repair, Imp or will MK-V be responsible for repairs?

I won't be around for Cinegear, but would love to see the two Hummingbirds in NYC so that some of us can do a side by side and decide which one would work better for the price.

One thing I will say about the monitor, for the price (the one without the FLG) is a pretty good deal, and as I said before, a big step up from the Transvideo era of LCD monitors.

I have seen the MK-V original LCD, the Panasonic, and I own a Transvideo, and I have test driven the Hummingbird. Of all the monitors, the Hummingbird is the brightest,best image, by far. I have been in the process of buying one with the dealer in my region,ZGC, but they are in the process of getting Hummingbird to modify the monitors to be a little more Steadicam friendly. IE; all of the aforementioned Howard adaptations, better power management, and accessories that can accompany the monitor with the sale, such as rain protection, and sunshade.

I truly think that the monitor is a big step in the right direction regarding LCD monitors and at the price, its not a bad investment, especially if you have been struggling with seeing images off of other LCDs. I would imagine that there will be other products out there in the future, but until someone produces one, at a cost equal to or less than the Hummingbird, that monitor is the LCD to beat.

My only caveat at this point is whether or not the changes that I feel are necessary for ease of use on a Steadicam will be made. Guy Genin and Les Zellen of ZGC in New Jersey, have been in contact with Imp Electronics on a regular basis, and have spent a good deal of time at the factory talking to the Imp guys. They are keeping me updated on the progress. Of late there has been very little news, but if and when changes occur, I will post them on the forum. Until then I remain a hopeful potential customer, in search of a brighter LCD at a reasonable cost.

David,

With the elections, there is a new world order in Local 600.......... I think that the endorsement of sanctions vs other means of helping fend off Runaway is most certainly up for discussion now.

Its going to be an interesting time in the history of 600 for the next two years.

I use an XCS external FLG and I LOVE it!!!! If you email greg, he will get back to you pretty quickly with availability and price. He is a great guy and a terrific maker of products.

David;

Thanks for keeping us abreast of such and important subject. Its always nice to get encouraging news.

Just another note concerning the M 1 motor......

I recently had the same troubles with one of mine that Jeff reported and I called Don to ask him what to do... He had me send it immediatly and he repaired the problem (potentiometer adjustment) promptly. He didn't charge me and was gracious enough to send me replacement rods for my Palomar extension bracket.

I love the motors and I love the service!

If any of you don't know, I am not a big fan of PRO. It has to do with them not wanting to sell me a PRO 2 post to battery stage connector because I was not buying their battery stage. I was greatly angered and hurt by their refusal, and made my displeasure known on the forum. I believe we all should be able to be open and honest about the whos whats and wheres in the industry

However, the other day Alec Jarnagin came over to the house and showed me his new PRO 3 Donkey Box, and I must admit, and I never thought that I would be saying anything nice about PRO, it is wonderfully designed and a pretty great advancement from the DBOX 2 .

There I said it and my skin didn't instantly burn of my body. Whew!

Now the cost.......... Well when Alec and I discussed the cost of the new DBOX (somewhere north of 4G's) and the difference between the cost of the new and the old, I think that we agreed that there was plenty different, innovative, and benificial in the new DBOX to justify the cost differential.

So the moral of this story is that one should never say never, that even though I am still without the post clamp for my bottom stage (I use a different one), I can and readily admit that the guys at Paddock came out with a really good piece of equipment. One that if the financial moment arose and the PRO people would sell it to me, given our history, I would go out and buy.

This is the best thread on this site in years. We are hearing from several fantastic Steadicam wizards and some up and comers, not to mention two of the formost innovators of the machine in the field........

That must mean that this is pretty important. And it is to all of us. Jerry is right, rip off patents and we get what we pay for, which will be gratification in the shorthaul, but fewer innovations in the long haul. Remember the TB6?, the Gorelock? to mention just two truly wonderful additions to everyones kit. Those wouldn't be out there if everyone was knocking off idea right and left.

The other issue that is being touched on, and the one that I am even more interested in is that of customer satisifaction. My buddy Will, who is so eloquent and thoughtful (inperson as well as on the forum) has pointed out that CP/Tiffen left him pretty much out in the cold. And this a faithful user of a Masters for 8 years..... I too felt a little miffed when I approached Tiffen and asked about trade ins and upgrades, only to find out that I was afforded meager benifits in return for what I had considered faithful use of their product for about 5 years. I went another way and swore never to use their products again.

I have since learned that never is a long time and that companies change. BUT the fact remains that there are innovative CUSTOMER friendly companies out there, willing to do what they reasonably can to help the steadicam operator, be he or she a big name in the Steadicam world or someone just coming out of the box. The market is big enough now for there to be healthy and honest competition from more than two manufacturers. Each manufacturer needs to be as responsive and creative as possible to gain the market share needed to stay in business. BOTTOM LINE, if they don't listen to the needs of the consumer US its going to become harder and harder to stay up with those who do.

Just my two cents, and keep those ideas flowing.

As far as a Frameline generator is concerned, I already have one, so the cost to me is still about 1/3rd the cost of the best Green Screen. Do I think that the FLG is expensive? I guess I do, but you can price out other FLGs and velcro one on to the back of the monitor if you'd like. Maybe you can find one second hand, like I did.

When any one asks me if something is expensive, my general response is "what do you think". One mans costly is anothers bargain.

I hope this helps.

Jamie.

I was paid a visit by a Hummingbird the other day. Guy Genin of ZGC on the east coast came to the house with it and I must say that I was very impressed. The Hummingbird in question is the Hummingbird 6.5" LCD monitor called the "Classic".

First of all, the pictures on the web site don't really do it justice. It is a large piece of equipment, much larger than I had expected, which is not bad, considering that I find that my Transvideo is a tad small and light. Secondly, all those rubber bumpers around the face of it are pretty cool looking in person. Finally and most importantly, when its turned on, the image on the screen is what most impresses.

As I said, I am a Transvideo guy. Have I loved the experience? In a word, no. Have I lived with it? Yes and for several years, but I missed my Masters green screen monitor terribly. So much for trying to put together a rig and raise a family at the same time. Budget constraints rule. Hence the TB6 idea was out of the question.

The real problem with the Transvideo is brightness and reflection. I don't really have a problem with off angles of the screen, and interiors are great. The biggest dilemma has been seeing the image outside or when a big honking light was shining over my shoulder.

The Hummingbird seemingly has solved those issues. Outside in midday sun, it was plently bright and had scads of contrast compared to the Transvideo. When I held it up to the sun, and tried to find the worst angle possible, I was really pleased to see that it was fine up until the sun was in direct reflectance and I would imagine that most if not all monitors would have a little problem with that.

All the controls and adjustments are software type with pushbutton menus, but they are pretty well laid out, and easy enough for those of us ludites who still yearn for knobs, and there are plenty of options within the menus for adjustment of color, contrast, size, shape, etc.

The bottom line. Is it perfect? No its not, but at around $4000.00, I'll take near perfect especially considering that Green screen perfection is about three times the price. There are things that are being fine tuned about the monitor and Guy Genin of ZGC who is representing the monitor in the US is very interested in feed back and getting that feedback back to Imp electronics, the manufacturers.

So for the record, I am buying one, barring any unforseen circumstances.

Two notes:

1)For those of you who are not familiar with Guy and ZGC, they are the company that brings you the Cooke family of lenses, and have done so for a while. They are a very established company in the US and within the film community.

2)I am not affiliated in any way with ZGC or Imp Electronics. I just want us all to get a good idea of what kind of equipment is out there. I hope this helps.

Jamie

I saw the 235 at a similar focus group to Alec's. Its an Aminima on Steroids, but even better. Its all that Arri is. Well designed, sturdy, and able to work well with others...............

I love Arriflex!!!!

Anthony;

You bit off quite a chunk there and did a wonderful job in explaining the safety passport procedure. I have spoken to Tim Wade in the past about the specific circumstances that you mentioned regarding working out of classificiation, and his response was that if you are confronted with a situation where you need specific classes for an upcoming roster job, then you should notify him and he will help to get you the needed classes.

Other than that minor tidbit you really covered the subject.

How the heck are you, and when are you coming back east for a beer?

Jamie.

If you are interested in a weight cage, Tom Gleason makes a really good one too. ´www.cinewidgets.com

I can only amplify Will's sentiment. I have had my M1's for about a year, and I have NEVER had a complaint about the noise, on any set they have been on, and they have been on many.

Additionally, Don has been great about incorporating things into the motors that operators have suggested. I couldn't be happier with my Follow Focus gear.

So are they noisier than the Hedens? Yep. Does it matter in the real world? Not really,

Stay away from the dancing girls, and the Baccarat tables..............

Now Girls;

Either rent a room and fight it out in private or pull your claws back into your paws.

Mitch, what about the shows? I hear that Seigfried and Roy are coming back.....

For my money, I'm interested in the HD Cameras too as well as the next generation of LCD monitors. Looking forward to all the interesting reports from out west.

Jamie.

I won't lie to you, the initiation is pretty steep. You should note however that the union does provide a payment plan for those who desire it........

I guess with the steep initiation and dues that are also not easy on the wallet, you have to be ready to join. In other words, have enough established to feel that joining will be cost effective in the near term....

Once ready, the investment in career is well worth it.

Jamie.

Guys;

Please don't get hung up over the actual rate of the job. Technically, a producer can offer scale and you either take the rate or not................ The issue HERE isn't what each and every steadicam operator is getting,but insuring that all workers get what they deserve and under conditions that are safe and healthy.

In other words, lets not fight amongst ourselves but understand that there are several tiers of operators in the world, accept that, and fight for better representation, wages and, conditions.

In this election year, a year that pits the democrats against the worst union and labor bashing administration since Ronald Regan, we need to understand that all of us work for a living. Even in the rest of the world, if Bush wins again, the global anti worker sentiment will have a resounding echo.

That is what I am interested in.

Just for clarification sake, a union member must call in his or her job when working, be it union or non union job. Once the job is called in for that particular day, that union member is excused from other union obligation. This arises often for members of the NEB who attend meetings regionally at least once a month.

If a member is out of town for a period of time on personal business, then all that member needs do is inform the union that they will not be able to attend the meeting. That in my mind is simple courtsy, and tons easier than the union calling all 6or so thousand members to who might or might not attend a meeting.

Being a member of a union carries many privledges and few responsibilities. The advantages are the standards created and maintained by the union. The obligations are reporting jobs so that the union can work to maintain contracts on each and every job and organize those with union members working, and trying to stay abreast of what the union is trying to do on the behalf of the membership.

I hope this clarifies things a little.

Anthony;

when the building was in the planning stages and the drawings were presented to the executive board, my only remarks concerning the plans was that there was nothing resembling a screening room for our members. The response, and it seems to make sense to me at this point is that the cost of a screening room in regards to the overall cost of renovation was much too high to justify. Additionally, in a land of screening rooms, was it the most cost efficient use of space. I had to relent to the logic at that time and it still makes sense to me now. But the thought did occur to me as well as to many others on the board.

Nevertheless the building is pretty great. It has plenty of meeting space, great photos of membership, and is a good working environment for the staff. What more could you ask for.

David;

I too am sending in my ballot. This is the first time in many years that I don't have my name on it and it feels kind of strange, but the politics on the east coast are not very nice, and I think that I need a break from the morass.