Grayson Austin

A deal for this package has fallen through. Package is still for sale. Details one more time: CIT DX400 Package above still for sale. This is a backup receiver and stays in the case most of the time. Beautiful condition and bulletproof. This receiver will make even a poor transmitter look like a million bucks. Diversity is the key. Do the research. The most powerful transmitter out there will not give you a better picture when reflection and multipath are beating up your signal. This version is superior to the new mod quad version. This one has all controls and readout on the front face of the unit. The mod quad uses a separate remote for channel selection. Lose or break the remote and you are done. Much easier to deal with for the video assist person. Comes with power cable, one flat panel high gain antennae, two flexible dipole antennaes, antennae splitter and antennae cable. Price for Receiver package: $2000 US. Please email me at graysona@earthlink.net and not on forum. Thanks, Grayson Austin

CIT DX400 Package above still for sale. This is a backup receiver and stays in the case most of the time. Beautiful condition and bulletproof. This receiver will make even a poor transmitter look like a million bucks. Diversity is the key. Do the research. The most powerful transmitter out there will not give you a better picture when reflection and multipath are beating up your signal. This version is superior to the new mod quad version. This one has all controls and readout on the front face of the unit. The mod quad uses a separate remote for channel selection. Lose or break the remote and you are done. Much easier to deal with for the video assist person. Email me at: graysona@earthlink.net Grayson Austin

*CIT DX400 Diversity Receiver (original bulletproof version with LED display and all buttons on front panel. Backup/ rarely used) with power cable, one flat panel high gain antennae, two flexible dipole antennaes, antennae splitter and antennae cable. Price for Receiver package: $2000 US. Please email me at graysona@earthlink.net and not on forum. Thanks, Grayson Austin

Nexus Rig and AR package are sold. Thank you. Grayson Austin

Rig packages have changed a bit so please read carefully. Some great new things have been added to the packages and I have rearranged things a bit to make the package better. Here goes: MK-V 1.5 Inch V2 Hybrid Rig Package Includes: *MK-V Two Stage 1.5 inch carbon fiber post (new style) and main centerpost cable. *PRO Donkey Box II Topstage (just serviced by PRO). *XCS Camera Dovetail Plates (2 of them. unused/new) with camera screws. *MK-V V2 PRO style under Topstage upper J-Box(unused/new). AR ready. *PRO No Tools VZ Gimbal (VZ sleeve is new/unused. PRO gimbal has just been serviced by PRO). *XCS dual rod monitor mount (new/unused). *Tiffen 700 Nit LCD monitor (almost new) with power/video cable. *Transvideo Frameline Generator(three framelines and crosshair with rig cable). *MK-V V2 lower electronics D-Box(unused/new). AR ready. *MK-V Dual sliding Battery Rack. *MK-V single PAG Battery plate. *MK-V Dual PAG Battery Plate. *V-Mount battery adapter plates. *Camera Power Cables for Old Arri/Video, Genesis/F23 HD, Arri 24volt, Panavision, Moviecam. *PRO II Compression Spring Arm in excellent shape w/complete set of (8) spring canisters (this arm is included in the package with rig #1 or rig #2 but it will not be sold separately at this time so please don't ask). *(4) Armposts (6 inch and 12 inch lengths. two of each.) w/ armpost rings/clamps. *Cinewidgets Angled D-Bracket for LowMode work. *Modular 51 Arm Bag. *Arm Weather Covers. *Spring Adjustment Wrench and arm tools. Lens Control: *3 Channel Lens control system(unused/backup system) w/ lens scale rings, brackets, cables, spare parts, etc. *M1 motor (a backup motor that sits unused) w/ motor cable, bracket and rods and complete set of lens gears. *Foul Weather Handheld Cover(new/unused) for Lens Control Handset. *Pelican Case for all Lens control gear, motor, and accessories. Rig Power: *(6) PAG L95 Batteries. *(3) PAG Chargers(One quad, One dual and one dual compact) *Pelican Case for all batteries and chargers. Additional Accessories Included with package: *Walter Klassen Vehicle Mount with speedrail attachment. *Jerry Hill Gorelock/Docking bracket w/ (2) docking rings. *Lots of spare bits, misc. cables, wrenches/tools, spare parts, etc. Rig #2 is a complete four stage MK-V Nexus Rig used for AR work only. *Betz Topstage and camera dovetail plates(2). *MK-V V2 Upper J-Box(AR Ready). *MK-V V2 2 inch four stage centerpost and cable. *MK-V V2 2 inch Gimbal. * MK-V V2 Monitor Bracket (dual mount). *MK-V V2 Lower D-Box(AR Ready). *MK-V Nexus Battery Rack. *Dual PAG battery plate. *Single PAG battery plate. *V-Mount battery adapter plates. *Accessory plate (recorder, video transmitter, etc). Choose either rig #1 or rig #2. Arm, batteries, lens control, and all other accessories listed are included in the package. Some items on one rig can be switched to another so if you have preferences of parts, let me know and I can try to tailor the rig and package to suit your particular needs. Package price with Rig #1: $50,000 US. Package price with Rig #2: $53,000 US. Either package would cost you over $70,000 new and many of the major, key components are new/unused and all gear is in pristine shape. Also available by itself or with the four stage Nexus Rig: MK-V V2 AR Package (discount if purchased with four stage Nexus Rig). *AR V2 Camera Cage/Rings with Camera Side to Side Assembly. *Two Camera Dovetail plates (Arri/Video/HD Camera plate and Panavision plate). *AR Camera Plate Lens Motor Rod. *AR V2 Upper J-Box and mounting bracket. *AR V2 Lower Processor Box and rod bracket. *AR V2 Sensor box and bracket. *AR V2 rotating monitor mount. *6 inch LCD monitor and power/video cable. *Complete set of AR cables(cage motor cables, J-Box cables, Sensor box cable, monitor mount cable, camera power extension, Monitor jumper cables, etc). *2nd Complete set of AR cables. *Camera cable routing brackets and rods. *2nd/Spare Side to Side Assembly. *Spare Brackets, rods, etc. *See through bags for cables and brackets. *Pelican Case for all. *AR Set-Up DVD. Price for AR system: $48,000 US. (Price will be discounted $2000 if purchased with four stage Nexus rig). I am also selling separately: *Walter Klassen Traditional Deluxe Harness(pivoting Arm style) with upgraded dual ratcheting front and new socket block. Has the new style air bladder back pad. Also included is an additional carbon arm and socket block which is a bit longer for extra arm clearance. A $2500 item by itself. Harness comes with spare ratchets, buckles, hardware and padding. **Note** The harness is a very personal item and should fit well to the operator. This item does not have to be purchased with a package. I am willing to sell it separately. I am just over 6 foot tall and weigh about 185. The vest has adjustment room for more or less on the ends and could be repadded by Walter Klassen for other body dimensions as well. Harness price: $5800 US. Add this Harness to a Rig package for $5000 US. *Steadicam On set Cart. Magliner senior with top and bottom shelves, steadicam docking bracket riser system with bumper pad, swing away cart handles, pneumatic tires all around. Price for Cart: $1200 US. Add this cart to a rig package for $1000 US. *CIT DX400 Diversity Receiver (original bulletproof version with LED display and all buttons on front panel. Backup/ rarely used) with power cable, one flat panel high gain antennae, and antennae cable. Price for Receiver: $2000 US. Add this to a rig package for $1200 US. There you have it. I can detail things even further for those who are serious about purchasing as there is more to it all but difficult to list here and I understand that some of it can be a bit confusing. All gear is in pristine condition with many parts being brand new or unused as I had multiples of much of it. I take excellent care of all my gear as anyone who knows me can tell you so this is a really great opportunity for someone. Most of the pictures I have of the gear are too large of files to post here so it is better if I can email photos to those who are truly serious about buying and not just window shopping. This is professional level gear that can be worked with right away. Needs no tinkering, upgrades, fixes, etc. I use these rigs, arm, harness and accessories each and every day (aside from the new/unused/backup gear I am putting in) on theatrical features, Television Series, MOV, Commercials, Corporate, all of it. Look me up on IMDB or steadicam-ops.com to back up what I'm saying. Don't email me through the forum as I don't check it all the time. Use my email address below for questions, details, photos, etc. Thanks. Sincerely, Grayson Grant Austin graysona@earthlink.net

And one of the Arm. I have more photos with more detail of parts that I can email to whoever is interested. Please email me at graysona@earthlink.net and not through the forum as I don't check it every day. Thanks. Grayson Austin

Here's an action shot of the AR and four stage Rig on the set.

Another photo: This one of the four stage Nexus rig on the cart along with the harness.

Okay, finally got around to going through and making a price list and taking some photos so here it is... * 1.5 inch MK-V V2 Hybrid Rig package with all accessories (except PRO arm and WK Harness): $33,000 US. This price includes the complete rig listed and all things with it, the battery and chargers package, lens control and motor package, steadicam cart and docking bracket, WK Vehicle mount, cables for everything, lots of other parts, spares, etc. I separated the prices for these items as a harness is very personal to each operator and should fit well so this I can sell separate and 1st chance at the arm will be to those who want to buy a sled as well, either the 1.5 inch rig or the four stage 2 inch Nexus rig. * 2 inch four stage Nexus Rig (AR ready and only used for AR): $20,000 US (Sled only). No monitor unless purchased with the AR which will give you an LCD monitor to use for both regular and AR operating. See package lists for all details. *AR System: $48,000 US (includes monitor and all cables as well as a 2nd full unused set of cables as well as a 2nd side to side assembly and lots of other spare parts). *PRO Arm package: $18,000 US (includes all items listed with the Arm). *Walter Klassen back mounted traditional deluxe harness: $6000 US (includes 2nd complete carbon fiber arm. See list for details).

I'm listing it all here in one post so please read carefully. I will be changing out both of my current systems and consolidating somewhat. I will be making the change-over at the end of the series I am currently working on so I wanted to start the selling process now. Here goes: MK-V 1.5 Inch V2 Hybrid Rig Package Includes: *MK-V Two Stage 1.5 inch carbon fiber post (new style) and main centerpost cable. *PRO Donkey Box II Topstage. *XCS Camera Dovetail Plates (2). New/Unused. *MK-V V2 PRO style under Topstage upper J-Box(AR Ready). Unused/As New. *PRO Gimbal and Grip. *MK-V V2 Monitor Bracket (dual Mount). *Tiffen 700 Nit LCD Monitor. *Transvideo Frameline Generator(three framelines and crosshair with rig cable). *MK-V V2 lower electronics D-Box(AR Ready). Unused/ As New. *MK-V Dual sliding Battery Rack. *MK-V single PAG Battery plates (2). *MK-V Dual PAG Battery Plates (2). Steadicam Arm(this arm will be sold either with this rig package or the Nexus/AR package) *PRO II Compression Spring Arm in excellent shape w/complete set of (8) spring canisters. *(4) Armposts (6 inch and 12 inch lengths. two of each.) w/ armpost rings/clamps. *Angled D-Bracket for LowMode work. *Arm Bag. *Arm Weather Covers. *Spring Adjustment Wrench/tools. Vest/Harness *Walter Klassen Traditional Deluxe Harness(pivoting Arm style) with upgraded dual ratcheting front and new socket block. **Note** The harness is a very personal item and should fit well to the operator. This item does not have to be purchased with the package. I am willing to sell it separately. I am almost 6?1? tall and weigh about 185. The vest has adjustment room for more or less on the ends and could be repadded by Walter Klassen for other body dimensions as well. Lens Control: *3 Channel Lens control system(unused/backup system) w/ lens scale rings, brackets, cables, spare parts, etc. *M1 motor(a backup motor that sits unused) w/ motor cable, bracket and rods and complete set of lens gears. *Pelican Case for all Lens control gear, motor, and accessories. *Foul Weather Handheld Cover(new/unused) for Lens Control Handset. Rig Power: *(6) PAG L95 Batteries. *(3) PAG Chargers(One quad, One dual and one dual compact) Additional Accessories: *Walter Klassen Vehicle Mount with speedrail attachment. *Jerry Hill Gorelock/Docking bracket w/ (2) docking rings. *On Set Steadicam Senior Cart/ Magliner w/ bottom shelf, top shelf, Steadicam Riser and Vest hanger. *Lots of spare bits, misc. cables, wrenches/tools, spare parts, etc. Rig #2 is a complete and perfect four stage MK-V Nexus Rig used for AR work only. *Betz Topstage and camera dovetail plates(2). *MK-V V2 Upper J-Box(AR Ready). *MK-V V2 2 inch four stage centerpost and cable. *MK-V V2 2 inch Gimbal. *XCS dual rod telescoping monitor mount (New/Unused). *MK-V V2 Lower D-Box(AR Ready). *MK-V Nexus Battery Rack with two dual V-Lock(Ready for Tiffen Powercube batteries. Batteries not included with this rig). **Note** No monitor included unless you purchase the AR package along with this rig to give you a complete AR/Nexus Rig which I would suggest as you need the Nexus rig (or something very similar) to use and power the AR. See AR package list for details. MK-V V2 AR Package. *AR V2 Camera Cage/Rings with Camera Side to Side Assembly and spare belts. *Two Camera Dovetail plates (Arri/Video/HD Camera plate and Panavision plate). *AR Camera Plate Lens Motor Rod. *AR V2 Upper J-Box and mounting bracket. *AR V2 Lower Processor Box and rod bracket. *AR V2 Sensor box and bracket. *AR V2 rotating monitor mount. *6 inch LCD monitor and power/video cable. *Complete set of AR cables(cage motor cables, J-Box cables, Sensor box cable, monitor mount cable, camera power extension, Monitor jumper cables, etc). *2nd Complete set of AR cables. *Camera cable routing brackets and rods. *2nd/Spare Side to Side Assembly. *Spare Brackets, rods, etc. *See through bags for cables and brackets. *Pelican Case for all. *AR Set-Up DVD. There you have it. I can detail things even further for those who are serious about purchasing as there is more to it all but difficult to list here. All gear is in pristine condition with many parts being brand new or unused as I had multiples of much of it. I take excellent care of all my gear so this is a really great opportunity for someone. Most of the pictures I have of the gear are too large of files to post here so it is better if I can email photos to those who are truly serious about buying and not just window shopping and with some things, I need to take some photos anyway. Seeing the gear in person and in action can be arranged for the potential buyer with a visit to Paramount Studios in California where I am currently working if you are local or wish to travel. I have not finalized pricing to put on the forum as there is some shifting of a few items that can be done so I will furnish prices to those who email as well. This is professional level gear that can be worked with right away. Needs no tinkering, upgrades, fixes, etc. I use these rigs, arm, harness and accessories each and every day (aside from the new/unused/backup gear I am putting in) on theatrical features, Television Series, MOV, Commercials, Corporate, all of it. Look me up on IMDB or steadicam-ops.com to back up what I'm saying. Don't email me through the forum as I don't check it all the time. Use my email address below for questions, details, photos and prices. Thanks. Sincerely, Grayson Grant Austin graysona@earthlink.net

I will gladly put in a good word for Grady Bishop. I have worked with him lots of times and it is always a pleasure and on top of really professional work, he is a great guy and loads of fun. I always feel safe hanging off of whatever vehicle he brings to set. Wish I could say the same for some others. His driving is precise and will make your operating look that much better. Give him a call and you will see what I mean. Grayson Austin Steadicam Owner/Operator Alien-Revolution Owner/Operator A and B Camera Operator

Thought it was worth revisiting the original topic on this. For "Black Water Transit", Michael A. Johnson is listed as the camera operator, however, he is a steadicam operator as well but either did not put in for steadicam credit(why would you not?) or did not receive credit or did not do steadicam(which I find to be unlikely). So my original question still stands. What steadicam rate was the show done for Michael? Did they end up paying a real rate? or did you do it for the crap rate(regular operator scale plus $2000 a week for gear) and bone all of us? Hope not as New Orleans is my local city and I would hate to get back(I turned that one down and took another job instead) and find out that all the producers want to come in and pay the crappy rate because someone else did it for the lowball rate. This is how I feed my family so I am dead serious about it. I don't think I am asking too much to find out what ended up happening. If they ended up paying a real rate then great, but if not, this is a problem that affects us all and it isn't difficult to find out but I would rather hear it honestly from the person who did the job. I don't care to hear how much more if they paid a good rate, just that they put up a fair rate. Thanks. Very Sincerely, Grayson Austin

Hmm, Interesting. They called me for this job. I'm local to New Orleans as well as Los Angeles. My agent submitted a reel which everyone was very happy with and they said they wanted to make a deal and when my agent submitted rates(apropriate for this level of show) a response was sent back that the rates were too high. What the person failed to realize is that she had forgotten to remove a part of the email that was supposed to be sent to someone within the production company but it accidentally went to my agent as well saying that she could get an operator from California to do it for scale(regular operator scale) and $2000 a week for gear. She claimed that she had gotten this rate from other California ops in the past. I recently took over for another op on a low budget movie that I am finishing up right now in New Orleans that has way less money and is paying almost as much as what Black Water Transit(that is the name of the Tony Kaye movie) wants to pay for a top level Steadicam operator. This is not a low budget movie. They have money. So here it is. What everyone has been talking about lately in regards to low rates and just saying no to them. I told my agent to tell them "no thank you" to working for the insulting rates. What about the rest of you? What will you do? Take the job at the crap rates and screw the rest of us or say no and make them pony up the rates we deserve? I'll be checking in with the local crew to see who is on the job and what it went for because I think this is important to us all. I'm going on to something worth my time and effort and being compensated for it. May you all do the same and may we all prosper. Just my two cents. Grayson Grant Austin

Sold it. Thanks. Grayson Austin

For sale: Chasecam digital PDR100 on board recorder. This unit records full resolution video to compact flash cards. If you don't know about this unit, search the forum to find out about it or check the chasecam.com site. The recorder alone with no cables, recording media, etc sells from Chasecam for $495. This unit is new and unused and was to be part of a rental package I was putting together. Selling with 1 gig compact flash card, power cable and video in/out cable from Chasecam for $375. email me at graysona@earthlink.net or call 504 610 2526. See chasecam.com for pictures. This is the original version of the recorder. Grayson Austin

For sale is an unused, as new XCS Ultimate gimbal sleeve. This is the sleeve only and not the main bearing assembly. Fits PRO and CP style 1.5 inch centerposts. If you are wanting to purchase an XCS Ultimate gimbal, save yourself some money and buy this sleeve and then all you need is the main bearing assembly from XCS. This sleeve sells new from XCS for $1000. I'm selling for $600 US. email me at graysona@earthlink.net or call 504 610 2526. Thanks Grayson Austin

A new and unused FMG 6 lens motor for sale. Newly manufactured by MK-V to be stronger than previous versions. Comes in a case with gears for all lenses and an extension bracket to help get to hard to reach lens gears and rod spacers and lens motor cable for Bartech, MK-V lens control, Seitz, etc. Purchased during Cinegear to be used in a rental package I was putting together but I am not doing that now. No time to do it. This motor is much quieter than the Palomar M1 motors which is great for close work in dialogue scenes. New price from MK-V: $2600 US Selling for: $2000 US Again, this motor is new and unused and includes a motor cable and all items to make it work with any lens right out of the box. email me at graysona@earthlink.net or call 504 610 2526. Pictures are available. Serious only please. First to committ gets it. Thanks.

Didn't think I needed to do this but I guess I do with the responses I'm getting so here goes: I am not selling the main bearing assembly but only the PRO VZ gimbal sleeve. The sleeve only. Check the total cost I paid and you will find it to be $5000 short of what it costs with the main bearing assembly. Check the PRO website to confirm these prices. And I am not selling cables seperately either. Thanks. Grayson Grant Austin Revolution Owner/Operator Steadicam Owner/Operator A and B Camera Operator

This MK-V Genesis gimbal was to be a backup gimbal but now I'm going in a different direction. This gimbal has not been used and is as new. Attention: will not fit on a PRO post. PRO centerposts are very slightly oversized compared to CP IIIA, EFP, etc. This gimbal will fit on all other 1.5 inch centerposts from other manufacturers. This gimbal has no play in any axis and is Alien Revolution compatible. Price purchased for: $4822 US dollars. Selling Price: $3750 US dollars. Great deal on a new gimbal that can carry any load. See MK-V.com for pictures of this Genesis gimbal. I will send pictures of the actual gimbal to those who are serious about buying. Please no window shopping. Thanks. Email me at graysona@earthlink.net or call 504 610 2526. First to commit gets it. Grayson Grant Austin Alien Revolution Owner/Operator Steadicam Owner/Operator A and B Camera Operator

This was to be an additional/rental rig but plans change and I never finished putting this rig together. All items are new and unused. Here is what is being sold: PRO J-Box. PRO Centerpost II(that's right. Newest style centerpost). PRO Lower Electronics/Battery Rack II with recorder mount. PRO VZ gimbal Sleeve. For pictures, see PRO-GPI.com I will send pictures to whoever is serious about buying. Please no window shopping. I have cables for several cameras as well. All items sold together except for the VZ sleeve which is the only item I will seperate out. New price as purchased: $12,710 US dollars. Selling all for: $10,000 This is a fantastic deal for new, unused gear. Email me if interested at graysona@earthlink.net or call 504 610 2526. First to commit gets it. For those who don't know me and want to know who you are buying gear from, look me up on IMDB. Thanks. Grayson Grant Austin Alien Revolution Owner/Operator Steadicam Owner/Operator A and B Camera Operator

Since no one else replied about this, I will. I spoke to Hugo a few days ago. All is well with the topstage. Hugo has been dealing with some totally unrelated issues outside of the business which he may choose to elaborate on or not. I am sure he will make an announcement soon about the timetable for the topstage. Please be patient a bit longer. Remember, life is not always about steadicam. People have lives outside of this business as well and we must remember that as with many companies related to our equipment, Rig Engineering does not have a huge number of employees and sometimes despite what we would like, life just happens. If you need a topstage right away and can't afford to wait, then buy one now from PRO or Anthrazit. If you can afford to wait a bit longer, then wait. You won't be disappointed with Hugo's topstage. Better that it take a bit longer and be spot on. Sincerely, Grayson Grant Austin AR owner/operator Steadicam owner/operator

If you really want to do it right, just do what I do. Tie a gigantic bunch of helium filled birthday balloons to the rig and then suck down a lungful of the helium as well. That way, the camera has that "floaty" feeling and so do you. As an added bonus, you can tell the director to "F#$K OFF" in a funny, high pitched voice which is so amusing to the client that you are guaranteed not to be fired. Okay, I don't that. I did have a dream about doing it after I blacked out from sucking down too much helium at a birthday party though... P.S. For you new guys, please don't take this serious and try it. You'll probably be fired and I in no way, shape or form endorse this kind of behavior on set nor do I take any responsibility for it. However, if anyone does try it, Right On! Grayson Austin P.P.S. It was good to see some of you at Cinegear and Tiffen's shindig(sp?)

Hey David, Yeah, I know, $275 seems like a lot and it is not peanuts but here is how I justified it for myself anyway: $100+ of that is for the three wheels/casters and all three casters have brakes(I could not find 8 inch casters on the northern website that had brakes) which I think is important. I tried a stand with non-brake casters years ago and watched it very nearly outwit an AC(it was a tossup for about a minute as to who would win) on the back of a camera truck liftgate as it was going down. I very nearly soiled myself watching the stand roll to the edge of the liftgate and teeter with full rig attached(I have also seen near disasters with steadi-carts that were not locked/brakes on). As for the remaining $175, unless you are best friends with, related to, or sleeping with a machinist or whatever combination thereof(I don't want to know) it might be difficult to have three sturdy adapters come in under that amount. I have never been able to get a machinist to make me anything that did not cost at least that much without wining and dining them(beer and burgers). Plus I needed the stuff for a job and had no time to try another avenue when I knew someone already had it all together with no muss or fuss. I did like that Northern had 10 inch casters both rigid and swivel with brakes for the swivel ones with the same specs and weight loads as filmtools or backstage and they were cheaper so I would use those for my cart most definitely. I even saw tires that were the puncture proof foam filled so still a very good find. Thanks David. Grayson Austin

BackStage already does this as a set with 8 inch pneumatic casters. Check the website under new products I believe at backstageweb.com. They slip right on the legs and clamp on. They work great, however they do raise the whole thing up a bit. 10 inch casters might be a bit too high, but I run a long sled a lot of the time and ACs might get irritable at having to use a step ladder to get to the camera. The set also adds much needed ballast to the bottom of a stand set up. I have the set for the American Steadicam Stand(two riser) as well as the front box stand adapter and the access shelf that attaches to the leg struts(both things thanks to ideas and pioneering from Erwin) and the stand holder which slips onto the side of the cart and the stand hangs on with the two pins like on the grip truck. Very groovy. Got one of their new Landau Deluxe Carts(Not the official name but it could be) on order as well. Thanks again to Irwin for the rough pioneering through untread(get it? tread! See what I did there?) territory. I should say that I don't consider this stand set up a replacement for a cart and I currently use the backstage full blown steadicam senior set up at least until my new one is ready. The stand is really for getting the rig into interiors where we are forced to leave the larger carts outside but I can usually convince anybody concerned to let my stand come in, even into a delicate interior. My two bits(inflation). Grayson Austin

Hi All, I almost never post anymore as the forum has really gone downhill lately but as this seems to now involve a potential safety issue, here goes: I have been using Walter's Back mounted harnesses for a long time now. My first harness was serial #11 and was one of the very first completely solid shells and was made of carbon fiber/kevlar weave. Before that, it was a carbon plate for the attachment point and a leather shell. The first arm I had was all aluminum and took lots of time to adjust as bolts had to be undone and redone. My first shell sent to me was too thin(they were still figuring things out) and flexed. Walter sent me another that was thicker carbon/kevlar layers and was great. This was back when the shells were curved to the spine shape. It felt great no matter what. Upgraded that to a carbon fiber arm piece that pivoted at the attachment point to the shell. I liked this design but the pressure on the pivot bolts was intense and they tended to bend or compress and you could not get them out again. Harness still felt great. When I upgraded to the Euro Style harness is when the trouble began. The Euro and all versions now have a straight back design and only the padding changes(air bladder came along too). Ever since then, and several upgrades and even completely new harnesses later as well as the upgrade to the curved front plate, I still have a huge problem with losing feeling in the legs even when used for a short period of time. I have been to the shop, have tried alternative padding, no good. I have no proof but all I can say is that I wish they would go back to the curved back design. I know that some people will have no problem with the straight Euro style harness and that is great but I seem to be hearing the same things now from the same sort of people. Thinner framed people without much meat to help pad things out. I also fit that profile. All I can say is that before with my original curved back style, I carried BLs, Panavised Compacts with Primos, etc most of the time and wore the rig like my favorite pair of jeans. I never took it off. I am not a big guy but I could carry anything I wanted to carry and it was a breeze. Now, even a video camera for any length of time makes me pray that I make it back to the dock without taking a header like Erwin did. Erwin, I hope you are okay. It has nothing to do with weight of the rig. It is definitely the harness as during that harness transition, I still used the same rig with no difference other than the harness. I have talked to Walter at length about this but he feels that it is not a condition of the curved back compared to the straight back design. I don't know who is right but the proof is is the tingling. I still have it badly even with the curved front piece with the double ratchets on both sides to try and make better adjustments. If any other old timers who have also gone from curved back to straight design who may have similar issues would pipe up, maybe it would help. Otherwise, my suggestion would be to have some kind of curved add on placed inside the shell at the back to fit the harness better to the curve of the spine or have a much better curved lay up of foam padding in the upper and middle back. The air bladder in the lower area in my opinion does not do the right job and in fact may contribute to the problem as it just seems to make the lower portion of the harness tighter against my hips and cuts off more circulation. Again, before anyone starts throwing out opinions that don't have/use a back mounted harness, I will say it again, I have been through almost every version and upgrade of harness since it's coming out party except for the all leather version and have tried just about every possible option there is to make this problem better but have had no joy. I am still wishing I had my old harness back. I am very close to selling this harness to someone who can use it and going back to front mounted vest. Don't know what else there is to do unless custom harness can once again be made. I have mostly given up on trying to resolve this. Just my two cents and remember when operating, always make sure your shoes are tied, but not to each other. Grayson Austin Alien Revolution Owner/Operator Steadicam Owner/Operator