Jeff Muhlstock SOC

After many hours and many different cameras, I still love my Small Hds. However, there are 2 MAJOR issues that have not been adressed. The monitors suffer from a latency issue, minor, but relavent, feels like about a frame off. More serious, they often have trouble locking in to SDI or HDMI signals. This requires either a reboot or toggle back and forth from HDMI to SDI input selects. I've seen this issue with several Small HD monitors, both mine and other owners. I would love to see this resolved! What do you say Small HD? A fix?

Im updating my focus system. Wondering what we think about some of the Preston alternates. My choices are: Preston DM1X, Fastest but big and heavy... DM2 -vs- DM4. Heden, M26VE, M21VE or the new M21VE-L. And of course M-One's line. Educated opinions would be helpful. Thanks guys. Jeff

Guys, Its my understanding that its a known issue of a few frame latency issue with Epic while shooting in 5K outputting to monitors (2.5 frames or so). Any fix/setting or work around that someone knows of? The lag is driving me crazy. thanks, Jeff

I got mine! Thanks Rob Vouna for the demonstration! After a little modification to the back AB plate (moved it up to reveal the rear 1/4.20 hole), I'm all set with a nice rigid mount. I'd love to see some better leveling software updated, and perhaps a "trigger" fan switch option??? Also, larger menu fonts. But overall, I really like this monitor! I wish it came in a slightly larger screen size, I'll just keep going bigger before I wear glasses... Can you see the total denial I'm in... Thanks Rob and Small HD folks!

I have a PRO D-box 2 lying around, make me an offer.

I love this thread! And I like the guys who are posting here! I did a commercial this summer and the Director actually suggested I turn off my monitor to get an "authentic POV" performance... hahahha WTF. I did this, and he loved the shot! So there, no daylight monitor needed! So much for upgrading. I'll stay with what i have for now. riding the downward slide... Jeff

I passed on it as well! Id rather make donuts for minimum wage then give away my 30 years of experience and gear investment. However, I don't really fault anyone for working at low rates. We all have our own circumstances and we all do what we have to do to put food on the table. I don't like it, but I understand it. Everyone is entitled to make what they feel they are worth, some just don't feel they are worth very much... sad state of affairs we are in.

This is an incredible achievement! Amazing work! I had seen this when it aired and it just gets better watching it again. The beauty of working with dancers, is that they understand and treat the operator as another dancer, its pure magic when it comes together like this. BRAVO to this team! Great shot! Great Operating! The transition to the steps and stage, amazing!

I don't even care about this feature any more. Having shot one of the first features with Alexa, Ive been asking since the beginning. I suspect they came across some trouble with this feature... I just invert the camera and make sure video village has the ability to invert or flip monitor images. Image flip is a simple key stroke in post. I can say that I have never mounted the Alexa from a low mode bracket or handle and I never will! Traditional low mode building is a thing of the past!

A few have asked, so here are some details: Its a 3A arm with early EFP springs (I think red). Not sure what the weight rating is, but this will support any ENG video camera or live video setup, trimmed down Alexa, Red, etc. PRO, D-box 2 PRO Gimbal 12 or 24 Volt/2 battery mod, with several cables Original Transvideo Cinemonitor SD video only. Master Vest dock case cables 2 Anton Baur Magnum batts. Im asking 14K.

Let me add this: It's summer, and I have some time off. I would offer private lessons and possibly a rental or finance arrangement with the right person (NY/NJ Metro area). I'm looking to get this old rig back in action. Great starter rig.

Im considering letting go of my old backup Rig, This sled started out as an EFP but has many add ons. PRO gimbal, 24 volt mod, D-box2, etc. If you have a real interest, especially if your on the east coast USA, please contact me via email. Jeff jeffmuhlstock@mac.com

Hi Janice, Thought Id chime in here. Very interesting conversation! I would have to go with Jerry here, for a variety of reasons. I certainly like your thinking and it would make sense to me in terms of its basic logic. However, No one has experimented more with this then Jerry, all the R & D and different size gimbals and bearings that he has played with, you gota go with that expertise... I will add that i have experimented with some different lubes on my older gimbals and always found that the least amount of the lightest oil has been best for me. In earlier days, I found that I grew out of my 3a gimbal once I tested a PRO gimbal. The PRO had less friction/drag... The CP 3a, felt like it had too much drag on it, which translated into seeing more "hand" effect in the shot. Of course thats just me and we learn and adjust. But from personal experience, I found, even the slightest addition of friction/drag, adds unwanted movement as a result of more touching and pressure from fingers over compensating. I even see this with my current gimbal after a few years of muck build up... I like to clean out the bearings occasionally. Of course many other factors come to play in this conversation. The balance, bearing quality, size, the operator..., etc. I will add one other thought here. Once I tested a 2 inch diameter Gimbal (XCS), I never went back. I feel the larger diameter makes it easier to remain flat! I know, this is counter intuitive of my previous statement about more fingers touching, but, its not more touching, its more about letting the larger surface do its thing. The larger diameter takes longer to roll which in turn is easier to keep flat... just my own little theory on this. Cheers, Jeff

Mind blowing excellence ! Bravo. I would consider that to be one of the most technically perfect, operated Steadicam shots I have every seen. So simple, but pure. I have finally found someone who can shoot for me when I hang it up... (half kidding). This work is what every operator should be searching for, precision moves, a constant speed on the slow creep, timing, perfect headroom/composition. I applaud you ! Jeff

It must be difficult to operate in tight spaces with such big balls! Bravo, exciting shot! Well done. Jeff

VERY nice work! love it!

I have Pro-D-Box 2 as well that I will sell. Lets say $2000. email me if interested. jeffmuhlstock@mac.com

Hey John, do you have the 2 stage post, 4 stage post, 1.5 or 2"? Im going to guess 2", 2 stage? The shorter length of the post cable probably makes the difference. BTW, I suffer from the same RF issue and I still wait for a solution. I do want to chime in here. I feel like someone needs to offer a different perspective here. I cant speak about any negative customer service, because I have ALWAYS received prompt attention. At the time I bought my MKV Nexus, it was the ONLY full system to even consider HD and multiple video lines down the post. The concept of a 2", 4 stage post was very appealing to me as well! At that time, I felt it was the only choice for me and my needs in both video & the film world. The modularity of the Nexus gave me the ability to work with any camera weight. Additionally, I felt it was worthy of being "AR" ready in case I wanted to go down that road in the future. I liked the ideas and the development of MK-V. So, I commend Howard for being experimental and pushing the edge of development in a time when others stayed away from radical design changes. With that said, as a forerunner, he has suffered the fall out of "growing pains" . I stand behind my equipment as does Howard. Yes I am awaiting a resolution to the "RF" HDSDI issue. I also understand the technical difficulties of running HD through tiny spaces at long lengths (4 stage post), Its just not that simple! For now, I wait, and run a single wire outside my post, not that big of a deal. Am I frustrated that my rig doesn't work perfectly, yes I am. Has there ever been 1 manufacturer to make the perfect rig? No. I can recall problems with my equipment from Cinema Products, never was everything perfect, its part of the problem with such unique equipment. We all have stuff from multiple manufacturers and some degree of customization, its just the way it is. The HD world we are in is still very new and there are some road blocks along the way. Problems are to be expected and hopefully solutions are forthcoming! Lets stick together! Cheers, Jeff

Hey John, do you have the 2 stage post, 4 stage post, 1.5 or 2"? Im going to guess 2", 2 stage? The shorter length of the post cable probably makes the difference. BTW, I suffer from the same RF issue and I still wait for a solution.

That is one sexy Rig! congrats Rob!

Agreed on the bend issue. The 2 snapped screws, another story. Non the less, once you see this happen, it is extremely unsettling. I am looking into a fix.

Eric, 2 screws have snapped, if the screws are becoming loose, and I dont believe they are, this is still a major problem. I'm not making up a story here, when it happened this fall, a Pana XL came falling into my hands and injured my wrist. Regardless of how this is happening, don't you think a fix is necessary? Jeff

Guys, I have just broken my 3rd, yes 3rd balance stud. Im sorry to say, but my gorelock/hill docking mechanism has shown a very bad, weak part. The screw that holds down the balance studs is not strong enough to handle the weight of my sled. I have an XCS ergo handle and an MK-V rig. The extra stress of the Ergo handle is putting to much torc on the part. Yesterday it began to bend. Twice before, it snapped off and almost dropped the rig (quick hands). Im posting this as a Warning to guys with similar equipment, don't take your hands to far off while balancing. At a close look at this design, it needs improvement. The stud should pass through the rail much deeper to avoid this and a larger, stronger connection has to be implemented. Huge problem here! I suppose its possible that the stud gets knocked around a bit in travel and could weaken the part... I should mention that I have owned this product for almost 8 years, (aprox), and I love it along with all Hill products, but this has to be addressed immediately before someone looses a camera and sled. Check this part frequently! Jeff

dont get me wrong, i have no issues with the bartech eighter. ONLY when i am using a Dcam or other wireless setup. I have tried different monitors, i have upgraded to the v3+ cable, etc etc. It works with the red, but i get the problems if somebody uses a radio or walkie talkie. Even a wireless mic could cause troubles. Imo its a shielding issue Job, Im with you on this. I have the same problem. I dont think we can make it more clear. We are not talking about anything other then Walkie Talkie interference! Not BFD, not cell phones. I have tested all major HD brand monitors, several cables, I have the updated v3+, Blah Blah Blah... I have even gone so far as to connect everything outside of the rig/post. Same trouble. It's become clear that the problem is consistent with this setup. Its time for a fix.

Jeff, I am also using the genesis these days with same issue. Using transvideo cineHD monitor. As of now I run a thin bnc from camera to monitor if reliable hd signal is needed. I'm curious if he comes up with a reasonable solution. Let me know. av Good to know Im not alone with this, I assumed it was a common problem with this set-up. I am guessing that the cable length required for the 4 stage post is pushing the capacity of the HD line within. I believe the BNC HD connectors are appropriate, I think its a cable upgrade in need??? Waiting patiently for a fix.