Michael Jones

Have an old CP motor and I'm needing the 19mm gate for the rod-mount... pictured is the 15mm rod gate. Any of you guys have one of these motors? Might be interested in it for parts etc. Thanks!!! Michael Jones 316.323.780zero michael.jones24@gmail dot com

Anyone know where to find a replacement antenna for a Modulus 2000? Thanks a bunch! Mike Jones

Matt, If you'd like to upload some photos, try Photobucket.com It's free. They'll host your photos, and you can link to them on this forum. I'm sure if people can see what you're talking about, you'll get better feedback. Michael Jones

I was running the monitor and a transmitter. The "L7pro" monitor that came with the V25 does not have video out, so I use the DA to feed both.

Yep, it's a Horita. Works great. Nice and simple, one in, two out, runs for hours on a 9v. Michael Jones

I've had a V25 for over a year now, as my first rig. You'll enjoy having the few extra pounds of lift, as it will support the HVX w/35, in addition to pro-sized broadcast cameras. The first picture is an HVX w/ Brevis35... I mounted the camera in a small cage, mainly because there weren't any desireable flat surfaces on the camera to attach my transmitter to with velcro, plus I wanted the additional weight of an extra battery and the cage itself, replicating the mass and inertia of a heavier camera. I was asked to attatch the camouflage bandana somewhere on my sled by someone I didn't want to say no to. V25 and a bigger video camera. Michael Jones

Hello, I would like to read this as well, Please. michael.jones24 at Gmail.com Thanks so much!

Chas, much like your avatar suggests, "The single most important component of a Steadicam is the legs below it." The plurality is a bit off now, but I couldn't say "..is the LEG below it." Not many one-legged operators I'm guessing.

For Glidecam specific questions I would suggest asking over at the Glidecam forum... www.Glidecamforum.com

I'm interested as well! Sounds like a great time. -Michael Jones Wichita, KS michael.jones24@gmail.com

Wouldn't be so bad if it was a female prison... ;)

http://www.horita.com/pictures.aspx?Product=PDA2 This has been working great for me.

Anyone know who operated on the '94ish music video "Stay" by Lisa Loeb? I heard the song on TV last night, and looked up the video online today, and was surprised to see that it was all Steadicam. Just curious. Thanks! Video Link:

I'm anxious to see the pilot Charles! I saw the pilot of "The Nine" a few weeks ago that Chad was working on when I was out... -Mike Jones

When I was in Hollywood/LA for spring break, I got to fly a high-end rig, with a 35mm camera. Very sweet. I'm anxious to compare when my V25 arrives. Will there be differences? Of course. Without a doubt. I definitly understand the mentality of those who are strongly pro-'Steadicam'. They ARE the biggest, the BEST, the ORIGINAL, and that is my GOAL. The budget just wasn't there for me, and for many others who want to go into Steadicam Operation, thus my purchase of the V25. Owning a 'real' rig will come with time, training, lots of work, and a hefty invoice, but that is what I'm working towards. I really like analogies, mine are probably bad, but here I go... Compare Steadicam operators to major league baseball players. The major leaguers are without-a-doubt the best out there, and they are praised and emulated by people all accross the country. There are many different levels below the major league players... little league groups (magiqcam, other 'toys'), High-School teams (Lower Glidecams), College Ball (V25, others), Minor league (GC Gold, and other 'high quality' but not 'Steadicam' rigs) then back to the Major league (Steadicam) If a little league child, or a thriving college ball player spoke with a major league player, the MLB player would give advice, guidance, and encouragement about how to succeed, how to do better; not spite the young player for using a cheap glove, or a handed-down bat. You don't see a major league player laughing at a 12 year old because he doesn't use the new top-of-the-line titanium alloy bat, do you? Everyone starts somewhere, and many of us can't afford big rigs right from the get-go. Flying a 'big rig' with a 35mm over break gave me a GOAL, a VISION, a TASTE of what I want, and where I'm going. It's up to me to achieve that goal using the equipment I can afford. As opposed to bickering about brands, we all should be helping each other become better OPERATORS through education, which is why we, the "little leaguers", the "college ball" players, come here to learn from the best. Please embrace our admiration and our initiative to learn; and give us guidance and inspiration. Don't shun us away because we don't have the new titanium alloy baseball bat. Sorry if that analogy sucked.... :) -Michael Jones El Dorado, KS

Hi all, I'm in the same boat pretty much. I've ordered my V25 a couple weeks ago before I went on vacation to Hollywood. Should have it around June. I've already ordered and received my battery system; an Anton Bauer Interactive quad charger, 3 Hytron 100's, and 2 Hytron 50's. Have also already purchased my stand & wheels, it's a Bogen/Manfrotto heavy duty cine-stand, very beefy. Right now I'm looking at video transmitters/receivers and a greenscreen monitor. I really like the XCS TB-6, with the digital level, and the Duo Frameline generator... I got to see this monitor in action; so awesome... I've been in video for 4 years and have been doing some freelance camera-oping for some production companies in the area, and the TV department where I am employed, so I've been sure to tell all the contacts I know that I am getting a rig. They're all looking forward to when I start operating commercially. I feel I should at practice untill I feel confident enough in my ability to produce a high quality product for them. I'm in the process now of making new contacts, making business cards, setting up my 'business' financially, and really just waiting for the day my rig arrives so I can start practicing day and night. As far as getting new business, the way I look at it: When I was a (young) kid, I mowed neighborhood lawns to make money, so I could buy new video cards and RAM... I would go down the streets door to door, "Hi, I'm Michael, I live up the street, and I am mowing lawns this summer. Here's a business card," (I had busniess cards when I was 10) ..."If you ever need your lawn mowed feel free to give me a call, I'll do good work for you." Quite a few called, many didn't, but they met me and knew how to contact me. Now, I'm basically 'walking down the street' talking to as many production companies I can. Some I'm sure will call, some won't. The more companies and people I make contact with, the better chances I have of getting a callback. Planning on giving plenty of demos, and 'discount' work in the next few months. Thanks to everyone on this forum, I've been reading for over a year now, and the advice and discussions I've read have been invaluable. Many thanks. Best of luck to all of you. -Michael Jones El Dorado, KS

Does anyone happen to have a picture of this setup in use? -Michael Jones El Dorado, KS

Thanks a bunch!

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

Hi all! Been browsing the forums for a while now, learning all I can, but I wanted to chime in on this one. I have never owned or operated a steadicam before, but I plan on entering the profession after college. I have researched many different steadicam brands, and the one that makes the most sense, for me anyways, is the Basson. When I purchase a rig in the near future, I plan on buying one of their setups. Probably the 'black bee', with some of the accessories. After a couple modifications I think it will work plenty well for my beginning needs. I can't afford a Steadicam brand rig at this point, and Basson's price fits my budget just right. However, in the future after getting the feel for operating, and earning the capital, I will buy a 'real' rig. Thats where I'm at. Good luck to everyone! -Michael Jones El Dorado, Kansas

One more thing I might throw out there... If you know anyone in California who could help me out, you might send them this topic so they can read my request... Thanks a million! -Michael J. Jones El Dorado, KS

Hello everyone! First of all, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Michael Jones and I am a 21 year old Mass-Communications student at Butler Community College, in El Dorado, KS. I have a semester or two left before I get my degree(s). I have been doing video production for a couple years, and have been doing computer graphics & design throughout and ever since high school. Right now I'm working for the college's TV dept., doing productions of many types. My main interests in the production realm is grip equipment, Dollies, Jibs, Cranes, Carmounts, and of course, steadicam. I've used a dolly a couple times, carmount a few times, but have taken quite a bit of crane footage. I own a 8' Kessler Crane, and have taken great footage with it. It is a great 8' crane, but I'm really wanting to learn how to use 'real' cranes; the types that you see at concerts and sporting events. As far as steadicam is concerned, they are what I see myself using in 5 years. I have done LOTS of research on the internet about steadicams, looking at the different models and manufacturers, learning the components, and downloading any steadicam releated video I can find. I got close to bidding on a MagiqCam on Ebay, but due to the company's questionable reliability, I opted to wait till I found another good product. *that being said* I'm writing all of you today because I am roadtriping to California for spring break (mid-late march) to see family and friends. This will be my first time in California. I was wondering if anyone who owns/operates a steadicam or large crane would mind if I swung through your area to check it out. I'm really anxions to see a rig in action, and just want to learn as much as I can. Basically you get to show off your rig and inspire a young mind! :) What would also be cool, is if I could job-shadow you for a couple/few hours and get to see the rig/crane in action! Just so you know, I am very relaxed, professional, and respectful. I will not be a thorn if you were to let me job shadow you. Thank you all for taking the time to read my post, and thanks in advance for your consideration. Please reply with any questions and or offers! Hope to hear back! :) Sincerely, Michael J. Jones El Dorado, KS