Alec Jarnagin SOC

Which vintage of SR? SR 1&2 are more or less the same (for low mode purposes), but Lots of changes from the the SR2 to SR3 and again for the advanced.

I should be there both days, hanging around the Arri booth demoing the 235 on my rig. Come by and say hi (with the ginbal of course, Brant). So, if anyone wants to see a 2" XCS post, XCS gimbal, GPI PRO DB3, Jerry Hill's battery base, PRO arm, the newest Klassen harness, or a Bartech with M-1, come by and take a look. Of course, if you have not seen the 235 yet, you should. With luck, we'll have the new 400' Steadicam mag designed for it there too. Cheers,

Andy, First, thanks for being honest. I think you're selling yourself short though. My focus puller gets paid more than you are as a DP (yes, on video jobs & for Discovery). You should be making at the VERY least $600/day for DPing video for these folks (I know a bunch of Discovery Channel DPs as well as having done a bunch myself). DPing in the rig? More money!!! With gear, you should be getting in the teens for a ten hour day (ask for $2000+ as I've never been talked UP before). I just had a rate conversation with another Steadicam Op regarding Discovery and we are both quoting (and getting) rates in this neighborhood. Hope this helps.

Matias, The one I just used in NYC was still a 4-Pin XLR with (-) on pin 1 and (+24 Volts) on pin 2 (or 3, don't remember because the PRO power cables are wired for both). BUT, I understand that a lot of Moviecams outsider the US never used the 4-Pin XLR to begin with, so... back to square one. Remote run was the three pin Lemo, but most Moviecams I've seen here are that anyway.

Jeff, The standard XCS post has two lines of video and a tally light run through it (as well as camera info, like run data, footage counter, etc). Greg's gimbal is excellent as well. Of course, this means buying a new sled, or his post and gimbal with your own custom junction boxes. Another option (check with Greg to make sure because it is different than what Erwin is saying). You can buy Greg's 2" post with PRO connectors (this is what I use). His cable has ten leads going through it, but the limitation is with the 8-pin Lemo. At the time of purchase, I believe Greg told me that you can opt for a ten pin Lemo instead of the eight pin AND THAT THIS CONNECTOR IS THE SAME SIZE. Naturally, it means rewiring your junction boxes to a ten pin Lemo, but worth looking into. As for the amperage required, Greg uses a thicker cable going up the post. Maybe you could even fit this cable in your PRO post and then all you have to do is change the connectors out (swapping the Lemos should be far easier than installing the XCS connector that the Ultimate uses). I believe Howard's PRO upgrade (Howard, correct me if I'm wrong) still uses the 8-pin Lemo for the AR info. He disconnects the "AUX" power port used for the 35-3 high speed base plate. Come to think of it, you could do this too with your present set-up. This combined with making your video ground and power ground one and the same (ultimately they are anyway) should buy you the space you need. Good luck.

Claus, How are you? On my way to work, but call me in a couple of days and we can talk. Trust me, take that leap of faith because it is worth it and ultimately better for your body to get the weight on the hips. This is best achieved by a trip to the shop to be measured AND so you can see all the options in person and work out what is best for you. Walter and CO are just an amazing bunch. Hope all is well. Let's talk.

I believe it is actually 67 pounds when tuned for heavy loads (the arm can be detuned to allow smaller payloads on the lower end, but it will shave a few pounds off the high end - these adjustments can me made by the owner via an Allen wrench and are not to be confused with the standard adjustment - red - knobs).

Walter (and all the people at Klassen, FX) are top notch. I feel the need to point out that Jennifer is Walter?s daughter ? not wife though. In fact, she is now a newlywed, so I?d like to offer up my congratulations. I?ve seen the wedding pictures and what a lovely bride she is. Walter cleans up remarkably well too (just dashing in a Tux). I spent a weekend in Toronto recently and Walter really is a great host. I was having a small problem with a bruised hip (just not enough fat on me) after long days in the rig, so while in the neighborhood I brought my harness by. A little brainstorming between Walter, and Kornel led to the opposite approach we had been taking. Instead of adding pads to the sensitive area, we went the other direction and cut it out to alleviate the pressure. So far, so good (first day of shooting there was too much pressure on my stomach ? like having a medicine ball thrown into me ? so I split the difference by removing one thin belly pad). A class act indeed.

Happy Birthday, Fred. What would we do without you? Many thanks.

The Ultra post size is larger than 1.5" so you can't use it on a rig that is currently set up to use a 3a gimbal. The other gimbals mentioned come in 1.5" (and others). I use the XCS and love it.

I'm glad Charles chimed in here because he is unbelievable at the slow stuff, perhaps the best I've seen. I've seen shots of his that DO compete with the subtlety of a dolly.

Afton, If you have heard the Bartechs is fragile, you've been misinformed. They are rugged little beasts; plain and simple. I don't wish to to reward those who have abused my gear (albeit, unintentionally), but my units (serial nos 22 & 68?) have been dropped, hung on things, beat up, etc. and have worked like.... a Toyota. Which brings up the Toyota/Mercedes analogy, which I think is a good one. Both get you there. One is mechanically simpler and therefore there is less to go wrong. But then the other IS a Mercedes. From what little I know of your situation though, Afton, you'd be nuts not to buy a single BFD and M1 (yes, it is the best motor for this system). Add to the system later. Buy a Preston even later, if you must (or a new rig, etc). I'm on a film in Rochester New York now, but I'm supposed to do a commercial in Boston at the end of the month (or early Sept). Look me up if you want to check out my gear. Cheers,

Charles, I believe you are correct. Allows you to change post sizes later (without buying a new docking bracket) at the cost of carrying a huge ring now. I suppose this might make some unhappy.

Ramon, Yes, this SHOULD be in "wanted." But hell.... I think you are mistaken about the Gorelock 1.5".... http://www.steadimoves.com/parts.html Cheers,

Rich, Yikes, man!!!!! I wish you and your wife a speedy recovery! I'm just glad that is was not more serious. Still, that's gotta hurt. Be well.

At one point I was going to leave as well, but it is too much of my morning ritual over coffee to just bolt. Besides, there have been some very good exchanges over the years. Now, I just scan the topics and ignore a lot of the stuff. Too bad because now I post significantly less. Once upon a time, new operators read and watched for a LONG time, soaking up information, and now and then asking intelligent questions. Alas, by being linked to the Cinematography Forum, we've opened the floodgates to consumers that have bogged down the boat. I have no problems with newbies who are seriously training to become professional Steadicam operators (as long as they do some basic reading first). Sorry, but this place was not designed for the enthusiest/consumer/prosumer operator - there are better forums for that. This forum was designed for professional Steadicam Operators working in the field, day in & day out and the challenges/triumphs we face. We are not being elitist, etc. - IT IS MERELY THE PURPOSE OF US GATHERING IN THIS FORUM. It may be too late, but perhaps we ought to suggest that Tim remove the link from the Cinematography Forum and create a folder there for amateurs/enthusiests. Ah, look, now you've got me going... and my coffee is cold.....

For those scorching hot days, I have a few "neck buddies". They look just like a bandana rolled up, but it is filled with cooling crystals. You soak it in cold water for five minutes then tie it around your next. Keeps you much cooler. Forget where I got mine (EMS, REI?), but just googled them & found this link: http://badgersden.com/NeckBuddy/

Just the rumor mill at work here, so don't take this as fact, but my understanding is that they are merely making a few minor changes because of availability (or lack thereof) of parts. While in there, they may tweak some things, but nothing like the redesign between the 2000 & 3000, so no change in wattage/performence, etc. Like I said, hearsay....

Mikko, I said the same thing to Howard after I flew the AR for a few minutes. His response was akin to "no duh? But how?" So clearly, I was not the first to have thought of it - just as in 1992 I asked Charles Papert why no one put the camera in a gimbal on the sled to always keep it upright - his response was again.... people have thought of it, but how? In our business, it is not just the ideas that make it, but the execution. Now that the self-leveling camera is beginning to become reality, we should explore the next steps, but there are many obstacles. Weight & vibration are key. I've spent 12+ years trying to simplify my rig as much as possible and make it as rigid as possible and now we have the AR, which I'm terrified is the polar opposite. Then again, by this logic, we should all be driving model-T cars. So, onward & upward......

Gerard, The man is Robert Luna. Was the arm man at CP for years before leaving out of disgust over the way things were done towards the end. Now freelance & does great work (for the record, I'm not related,etc.). Robert Luna - 323-938-5659. Good luck.

David, "whereas with the PRO you have to get into the rig, see if it sits where you want it to. If it doesn't, either: (1) Dock the rig get the Allen Key and make the adjustments or, (2) Get the Allen Key wherever it is, have someone hold the rig up for you and make the adjustments or vise versa if you feel really boss (honestly, I'm not sure if you can even do this, but it couldn't hurt, right?)" Afraid you've been misinformed here, mate. For ease sake, I'm dropping in a quote from Dave Emmerichs off the old AOL board (and currently listed on GPI's site:) "The springs are easily adjusted with an allen wrench while you are wearing the rig. This suprised me as I always had to remove my IIIA arm to adjust it. Only two springs need be adjusted at any time with the PRO arm and they are easily reached while the arm is under load. Yes, you can still adjust the springs when you are not wearing the arm. Repeat: no load is necessary to adjust the springs." For Dave's more complete review, goto: http://www.pro-gpi.com/comments.htm I'll add that no one needs to hold the rig up for you while you do this. Very simple. I keep an allen wrench on my vest (I made a sheath for it on my Klassen vest nestled between the carbon side & the carbon arm) so I can adjust while walking to "ONE." Is this as convenient as two sexy red knobs? No, but I do like being able to ball park the springs into place without wearing the rig - something that always annoyed be a tad bit with the Master arm (if you go from a 535B to a SR-3, you have to muscle the arm down while wearing it to remove tension). All said & done, I've owned a 3a arm, a Master, & a PRO. They all get the job done. It is my opinion the second two do it FAR better than the first, but there are many who still swear by the 3a (hey, many - if not most of the shots on my reel were done with my 3a arm - and even a 3a sled). As always, try them all. Decide for yourself. Cheers,

Bryan, B&H Photo in New York had great prices on AB products (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/). Hytron 120s are just under $500 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=Hytron+120&image.x=0&image.y=0). Good deal. Also, from time to time, AB has B-Stock available. These are new items (with full warranty) that have been shown off at trade shows. Dealing with AB directly (and Paul) has always been a positive experience. They are very knowledgeable and pleasant. Yes, you will have a slight rebalance between ProPac14s & Hytron 120s, but nothing you can't do while wearing the rig, walking to "1." I love the Hytron 120s and now use them as my primary battery (but I still have a couple ProPac 14s kicking about). The idea of a second charger is a grand one. Not only is it better for the batteries long term life, it is a crippling blow if your only charger goes down (unless the camera uses AB bricks & charger too). Hope this helps.

Hey all, I don't often like to take sides in the infinite dealer/manufacture debate, but Peter has always done right by me, Nuff said. Cheers,

Jamie, Wow, no wonder I have not heard from you in awhile (too long). Sorry to hear about your woes. Obviously no surprises on Jim Bartell?s customer service. Regarding the Modulus, too many have said this as of late. So much so that a few recent (albeit minor) problems with the video village people have sent me looking for a better backup tuner and even casually looking for another transmitter. The Modulus turnaround time has become a HUGE issue, so much so that I will look elsewhere when it is time. If you have not seen Larry?s review of the new CanaTrans, check it out: http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...=15entry10702 Big problem here is the price (along with size & weight). Those who know me know that I?ve been doing this long enough that I?m used to the prices of film gear and am rarely ?sticker shocked.? Suffice to say, not this time. But, then again, we are talking about our client interface! Hope luck is now with you, Jamie. Cheers,

Ron, Thanks for the post - very interesting. Always wished I had a scale handy for the Panavised F-900. Anyone know what this pig weighs?