RobinThwaites

Hi Bryan Another alternative is to get hold of a PAG charger with the revitalise programme on it. PAG chargers are two wire and will ignore the battery trying to talk back, the problem may be massive cell imbalance in which case the PAG charger will use it's internal software to slow charge and rebalance the cells After that the AB charger will probably work. 12 rears is a long time so to be honest I thing new batts or a recell is on the cards, also note that AB probably would not condone the above procedure but I have seen it work. Robin Thwaites

Yes remove the viewfinder lens and hope that you can get field coverage and focus with the camera lens. Robin

Hi Thomas Before there were down converters this was standard practice for the F900. Wrap a Sony XC999 (Pulnix in the UK) in foam and gaffer tape, unscrew the c-mount lens a tiny bit so it would close focus and then jam it in the eyepiece. The advantage is that you can engineer it to see the LEDs around the finder. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Matt Watch the video clips, they NEEED you. Robin

Hi Imran Not seen it yet but any film with the phrase "Chosen One" has been spoilt for me before I see it by watching "Kung Pow", check it out http://www.kungpowmovie.com/. Robin Thwaites

Hi Steven The rig at Ravensbourne is indeed a Mini which they bought some four years ago when we were running workshops with them, this was until they shut the Short Course Unit. We have been in touch with several different people at the college in an attempt to find a way that either students or staff could use it but so far without success. Politics eh? If you want to pursue this further I would be happy to help, please feel free to contact me at the office. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Joe Is this still a problem? I have diagrams etc. if you need help, feel free to call mje. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Ben Glad to here the operating is going well, your inclination toward a more neutral balance is good but since you were using an Ultra you can also help yourself by using the stage tilt to keep the post nice and vertical for your chosen (or the directors) headroom. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Matt You are welcome. By the way try moving the battery to point more downward so you can get that heavy Canon lens further back. Nice pics maybe you can mail me copies. Robin

Hi Ruben Does that mean IBC? Robin

Hi Matt Take a look at this: http://www.flying-cam.com/fset.html Robin

Hi Jason Been away from my desk (and computer) but back in tomorrow. Robin

Hi Ben Sorry to hear about your problems, please get the hire company to give me a call. Flyer gimbals are usually very free due to the small bearings so there is definitely a problem with this one. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Thomas I would definitely keep away from fork-lifts, I know a UK operator who fell off one and was lucky enough to walk away with a broken arm and trashed rig - and the fork lift was only being used to lift and not even moving. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Guys I don't usually get involved in politics or politically sensetive discussions however a very well respected friend in the battery business told me that he predicted that in 3-5 years everything would be v-lock in any case. As someone who sells all systems I can tell you that I have noticed the change starting. Robin Thwaites OpTex London

Hi Matt, Charles, Don't forget that with the XL-1/2 you will not be carrying any on the cameras original glass and also the P&S relay will be smaller as it does not have to cover the 72mm front end of the Panasonic. I have not had time to try it but would say it would come out somewhat lighter than the Panasonic combo. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Nicolas You may well find that the Swit (or any lithiums) are a bit light for ideal balance. With a heavy camera you will need to make the post quite long, if it ia s ProVid HD with an LCD monitor even more so. Try looking at the PAG C50 or PP20 type which are NiCad and not too expensive, lower capacity but more weight. The 9398 "Bricks" like Jason's are even better and very robust. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Imran It's worth performing the tests that Charles mentioned, it sounds a bit like one of the bearings needs to be centred, when we get together I will show you how. Robin OpTex

Hi Guys We have had this problem for much longer over here and UHF transmitters are quite rare (I think it's a population density thing due to the proximity of domestic TVs to studios). Actually the older VHF was better but now you would take our most radio mics and plenty of two way radios with one of them. The tendency is to use microwave at the deregulated frequencies of 1.4GHz or 2.4GHz. The 1.4 is clearly well away from the Preston but interference from the 2.4GHz is also rare (due to the technology used in the Preston). Next step is digital at 2.4 and definitely the way to go but at a price. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Thomas I worry about you! Robin

Hi Matt Why don't you give me a call at the OpTex number on this. Robin

Hi Matt A lot of operators rewire the camera run switch on the J-7 zoom control to give return - after all you will never need to roll the camera on a live show. If you don't have a J-7 it could easily be bodged with any momentary pushbutton switch running to the zoom connector on the lens. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Benjamin Actually the effect on NiCads can be quite quick and terminal. The great thing about them is the low internal resistance and high current output, unfortunately this means that one pack can try to charge the other at a very high rate causing overheating, cell destruction and potentially fire and expolsions. I have been in the same room as a 7Ah lighting pack when the fast charger faulted and did not switch off. Half of the pack literally flew over my head and landed 6 feet away. I should stress that this is not a common occurance and unlikely under normal use but those diodes are important if you are going to parallel the packs. Robin

Hi Benjamin Sorry I should have specified "without other electronics", basically one battery will try to take charge from the other. Robin Thwaites OpTex

Hi Stephen FYI the PAG L-95 will cut out at around 5 amps whereas NiCads will run much higher currents. One thing you can do is parallel wire Lithiums which is something you should NEVER do with other chemistry batteries. Also, Lithiums should not be affected by the cold whereas NiCads will. Strange that Arri had the start-up spike problem on 535s and cured it and then built the earlier 435s without addressing the problem. Robin Thwaites OpTex