Jeff Muhlstock SOC

These rules seem to change every day, but this just in: Starting May 5th, Continental, and I am sure others will follow suit, are only going to allow 1 bag per passenger in coach (if you fly coach...). The second bag will cost an extra 25$ and so on... Check your carrier. Also, Continental now will only give the "media rate" if you have their special "media card". This must be obtained before you travel trough the Continental's sales office. Its just getting worse and worse to travel... good luck all, Jeff

I dont know why they are 15mm, looks cool I guess. They are positioned higher then other stages, to a fault. They get very close to rods that are mounted at the same level as a plate. They send it with a little riser mount that takes the rods higher then plate level. This opens up the space nicely, I like XCS plate the best when using plate/rod config. As for a mount for the receivers, its very nice, a comfortable distance from center. Photos forthcomming.

Chas, It's a split assembly, the lower rods are fixed and used for mounting BFD unit or other. The plates have rod attachments like all the others. I like the XCS plate and rod set up for video, most film cameras, i come off the camera from above. The rods are kind of strange in that they come very close to the rods from the plates. It does limit some mounting/motor options. I will try to shoot some photos on the next gig and post. Jeff

Hi guys, I now use the Chrz top stage (2 years now). I also own a PRO DB2 on my back up sled. I cant compare the DB3 but I can tell you a few things about Chrz. The first pleasant surprise I found, all of my plates work, CP, PRO, XCS. All I did was create a safety tab/screw on the plate ends. I don't really see anyway that the thumb handle can come undone, but the safety on the plates is comforting. Even if the impossible happens, the camera can't go anywhere. This stage is ROCK solid, no play, totally rigid. The quick connect/release system is great and very convenient for low mode conversions, no tools. Controls are comfy and precise. There is a very clever bubble level built into the unit (I love this). As I recall, it may weigh and cost slightly less then PRO. I should add here, I am a huge PRO fan, and George is an old friend of mine (room mates at our first workshop). I own a PRO vest and ARM as well. The only reason I went the other direction on the stage is, I had very specific video needs that his post/electronics system couldn't handle (multiple feeds for tally, extra video, etc) . It was simply a choice of convenience to have my sled assembled in one place. Price played a part as well. The bottom line is, there isn't a bad choice here, Win, Win...you can't loose in either direction. I have never been disappointed in anything PRO makes, and Chrozziel is a very well made and reliable product. Its just another flavor. Jeff

With all due respect, and there is a place for low mode brackets, flipping an image in any post/edit software, is a simple key stroke. In fact, I have flipped cameras upside down during live TV shows and had the TD flip it live in a switcher. Its really not that big of a deal. In fact, we wear chasing the sun set in "Across The Universe" and my first AC recommended the "flip" to the DP and he gladly went along with the idea in the efforts saving time (Arricam). Easy to flip in a "DI". Of course now, with my MKV, I am over to super low in 4 minutes, no big deal that way either... Jeff

Hey Claus, I have the 404, very small, very cheep, works great. My MKV has the right voltage so a power cable was easy. You need the travel adapter with this unit, but it still weighs nothing. The only negative, for me, is the controls/menus are a bit clumsy. It would be perfect if it had an interface with camera run... Give me a call, we'll talk. Jeff

I dont think it has infrared. At least I dont see one. As for Depth of field, I got that program on the phone, but I agree its not very practical in terms of time on the set. Arri's LCS seems to have it all when the full display is in use, very cool depth of field scale that is totally interactive and instant, recognizing the lens in use. Jeff

Hey John, very nice work man, gota make Eastwood a little nervous... solid operating. Jeff

woops, sorry Dave . . .LOl . . .I thought the white haired guy in the isles doing H.H. was Hector . .LOL . . .Kris have you dyed your hair, was that you . . . Oh BTW, for all of you, Hector in all of his glorious 63 years is the steadicam on Dancing with the Stars as well . . . .still flying old faithful, the Steadicam masters. Come on Rob, the white hair was Philbin. Tell Dave thanks for another shot on that reel I am putting together for him....lol. Classic... I am sure he will know exactly which shot I am referring too. JM

Hey Stephen, it happened to me awhile back, apparently you need to update or sign in at least once a year to keep it active, thats what I did, and it came right back. Kind of a weird rule, but I guess it keeps everyone somewhat current in there listing info. Jeff

Has an AB Dionic 90 EVER had an issue with bursting into flames? This is all fairly alarming, but I store gas for a mower and Snow blower in my garage as well, I am sure that's a lot more flammable. Lighting could strike too. I don't mean to make light of this subject, but I also don't like spending a lot of my time worrying about very unlikely things to happen. Larger batteries and chargers from rental houses tend to get kicked around, rained on, and generally miss treated. I could see this being a little higher risk. I really don't want to replace my 10 Dionic 90s. If we are truly at risk, AB needs to step in and offer recalls. Jeff

Yes Mike, I have Network ID's from NBC and CBS and they are now useless for the discount (some airlines had done away with the discount anyway). The agent was pretty specific about this new "card" that must be presented. He said prior arrangements with corporate must be made to obtain this magic "card". He seemed to have a pretty good handle on the rules, but then again the rules have always been pretty vague and at the discretion of the present ticket agent on duty. good luck, Jeff

Just got back from a travel job, Continental Airlines, here is what happened. Nothing! As a precaution, I packed some NiCads on my AB charger, that went under the belly. Because that is one of my smaller cases, it went right on the belt behind the ticket agent, seemed to by pass TSA check point. My other cases (over-sized) went to inspection. My AC and I each carried on, 3 Dionic 90s (in clear bags). We marched right through security without further inspection. Same experience on both sides of the trip (Newark/Phoenix). Go figure. As a separate note, there seems to be a new guideline for media travel baggage discounts. It used to be just show a network ID of some sort and get a reduced excess bag charge. Now, at least Continental, is requiring a special "card" from the corporate office that states you are media. This is a card that needs to be obtained prior to each trip. For me, this would have been a difference of 30 bucks a bag (50 with the card, 80 without). Also note, that 1st class allows 70 lbs and 3 bags, versus coach, that allows a max weight of 50 lbs and 2 bags. Always fly the front of the plane. Happy trails, Jeff

WOW, pretty fancy stuff, those red ones from Canada with the clear plastic window are especially nice. I, However, use clear Zip lock freezer bags, any grocery store, they cost nothing and I simply replace them every 6 months or so. Low tech approach. Jeff

Hey Peter, Try to get the newer version of the F900, the F900R. This version of the Cine Alta has every possible output available, built in at a fraction of the weight. Just be sure it has the internal board for conversions. Jeff

I have requested price as well. Must be a big secret. Why not just post the darn price? I can only assume, that its over priced! Oh well, hard to consider a product without the price tag.

How about some prices??? Nit/brightness info on monitor, etc. Not avail on your web sight.

Hey guys, can anyone recomend a good cable maker in the Metro area, or any good cable guy who is familiar with our needs. many thanks, Jeff

Flip it. That camera may even have an image flip switch in the menus like its big brother the Varicam has. Even if it doesn't, I always flip video instead of traditional low mode handle mounts or cages. In fact, I have turned film cameras upside down in a pinch before I had my MK-V. My old sled took to much time and never felt good in low mode so I would stay away from it. With my MK-V the 4 stage post is a breeze, 4 minutes to low mode! never a worry. good luck, don't worry, "flip it in post" works just fine. Its a simple key stroke, don't let anyone tell you different. Jeff

Not all of us Rob...

Elliott, be prepared to wait a long time to get paid. My experience has been, typically, ABC/Disney/ESPN, are very slow to pay vendors. I have had great trouble collecting in the past. Also, be sure to spell out your deal very carefully. Sports production folks have different ideas of what your job is and should be. Make sure you have a good deal memo with your overtime and penalties clearly defined. Establish payment terms as well. My experience with ABC/ESPN was less then favorable. I had great trouble getting paid. Dont know the guys you are dealing with, so purhaps things have changed. Good luck.

Can someone email me The pin outs for the 5 pin recorder output on MK-V Nexus? Howard? Thanks, Jeff

The 504 is a no-go. you have to use the docking station and there is next to no way to make it small enough to use on a rig. You want the AV500, and even then it seems that the cable is a problem for many Is there any reason the new DVR travel Adapter wont work with this unit or the 504, for that mater? It is less the 1 ounce, very small.

Thanks Erwin and Alec. I am terrified of this process. As I am afraid of changing the "feel? I may just take you up on the "back yard gimbal cleaning" ... and beer. Funny, after all these years and 4 gimbals later, I have never opened up a gimbal. It might have been that old photo of Ted with little silver balls all over the place and his tweezers that has left me scared for life.

As much as I hate to do this, I would like to clean out my XCS gimbal. I would love to hear what the latest and greatest lube for this job is. Recomendations? Experiences? Thanks, Jeff