BJMcDonnell SOC

Hey Bryan,

You said you needed a heavier LCD. Talk to David Ellis. David has a transvideo LCD and he needed more weight. He went to Modern Studio Supply here in Los Angeles. Senno ( I think thats how you spell his name) made him a custom plate that attached to the back of his LCD adding more weight and it looks like it is part of the monitor. Maybe David will post a picture for you.

BJ McDonnell

I have to say that I have been through 3 different arms. I first had a old IIIA which worked great. I then bought a rig engineering arm which also worked like a champ. I just recently bought a PRO arm which I can say is insane!!! Sure Tiffen has the patented "Steadicam" name. I am just glad I have the choices for my different needs. Like Explodi said, get something that will last you a good 5 years and then upgrade. If the Vector is what you want then get it. Take a workshop! I took the tiffen workshop in Malibu and it was the best thing I could have done before making my choice of what to buy. I know that some people go out and buy a complete set-up and then they forget that just because you bought a sled, vest, and arm package you still have to buy more stuff. Follow focus, Modulus 3000, cables, etc.......... It all adds up. I know that when I started out I bought what I could afford at the time. My first set up was around $30,000.00 (sled, vest, arm, follow focus, cables, modulus, etc...) but I had everything to get myself out there and operating. I guess what I am trying to say is that I bought used gear which saved me alot in the beginning. Of course you never stop spending money and we all know this is part of the career. Do your research before you buy. Go try other operators gear and see what is right for you.

BJ McDonnell

P.S. Sure the PRO arm is a bit expensive, but in my eyes it was worth every penny. I personally think no arm compares right now. I still have yet to try the G70 but I am sure it is awesome.

Make sure you check out other companies like GPI, MKV, and XCS. Also check the classifieds for used rigs and arms. You might be able to find a good deal with accessories. I started out by buying all used gear and then I upgraded later when I was confident this was what I wanted to do. It might save your wallet.

The arm has been sold.

I agree with Eric!

greyson austin

Still for sale.

I am currently selling my Rig Engineering Silver Spring Arm. I bought it brand new and have used it on a bunch of features. This arm is very nice. I have kept it in awesome shape. I am ready to purchase a PRO arm so I want someone to have this great arm. It holds up to 63lbs. and I have flown everything from a Canon XL2 to a Arri 535. I am asking $8,500.00 for the arm. If anyone is interested please email me and I can send you pictures. You can also see the arm on the Walter Klassen website under operator pictures for BJ McDonnell. You can also see it on the rig engineering website under testimonials. Serious inquiries only. Thanks.

BJ McDonnell

323-868-7330

Malibu, Ca.

If anyone wants to sell their PRO superpost let me know. I need one ASAP.

BJ McDonnell

323-868-7330

I have to say go to the club, drink hard, and take home as many chics as possible. There is nothing better than a good workout....... Or just buy the Klassen harness. Maybe do both!

BJ McDonnell

Actually, I did see him operating on the behind the scenes DVD of "Once Upon A Time In Mexico".

I am also looking for a PRO arm for sale.

BJ McDonnell

Don't forget that there are also companies for the "Big Cameras" like, PRO GPI, XCS, and MK-V. But I would suggest you hire a operator who owns and operates all the time. Trying to do it all yourself can get a bit crazy.

BJ McDonnell

Damn it charles! you are totally right. Foiled again!

BJ McDonnell

I personally like the way a PRO arm feels. It is like no other arm in my opinion. Smooth as butter. I have always wanted to get the PRO arm from day 1 of my operating so it is really just my personal choice.I just could not afford one when I started out. I am ready to upgrade my arm so that is it. I hope that answers your question.

BJ McDonnell

I own a steadyrig arm and it has been great! Before I had a old CP IIIA arm. The steadyrig silver spring arm made a huge difference in my operating and it looks great. I am currently looking to buy a PRO arm now so I am selling my arm for $8,500. If anybody is interested shoot me a email. It is in pristine condition.

BJ McDonnell

Yo Ronski,

You are gonna F..K up your ride homie! That was a gnarly trail. I wish I could go but I am working nights once again so I gotta sleep. Drink some pimp juice before you go and pour some out for me on the trail. Be safe dawg.

BJ

I know it is a long shot, but I just wanted to see if anybody might be selling their PRO arm? If so, how much?

BJ McDonnell

That operator would be Charles Papert. He kicks ass!

BJ McDonnell

Hey Jon,

No dude I am on a feature called "Blue 14". I just swam with dolphins today and that was killer!!! I miss Hatchet. That was a really fun film. Drop me a line after july 12th. We all need to go out for drinks and gunfire. David ellis you better come out to LA with that ODB album.

BJ

Damn!!

I have to say that is a pretty funny reply Ron. It made my gnarly day of shooting a bit lighter. This show is brutal! Rain, wind, boats, crazy chics, and crabs in the street. I guess it is better than crabs in the pants. I will see you homies when I get back to LA. Can't wait to get home.

BJ (jelly fish stings) Mc Donnell

Hey Jim,

I will take you up on the wine offering for sure! Can't wait to see ya'll when I get back. It is way too hot here for my punk ass!! I will see you soon.

BJ McDonnell

Attempting to ameliorate the sting of my previous words I present here the entire song lyric I quoted from, specifically for its wisdom in how to deal:

"We used to say I don't care if I never grow old

I'm gonna flame, gonna burn, take one quick turn and be gone like James Dean

Now we don't say that. It's too late to die young

So we sit at the table long after supper with a good wine

Here's what we sing, we go, hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it

Hey hey, hey hey, who woulda thunk it"

Indeed.

Wine's on me next time. bro'. Enjoy the Bahamas!

Jim "Jockomo feena nay" Bartell

OH Man!

Yes 30 years old today. I am shooting a film in the Bahamas. I could not bring my m-16 so no shots fired after beers :angry: Thanks Jim for telling me I am too old to die young now ouch!!!! Yes Geoff, next beers are on you and we can shoot at my neighbors with the bb guns. I hope to see you guys at the next steadicam guild meeting or local bar. Hey Ron, that H1 would be a killer 30th B day gift, hook a brutha up!

BJ McDonnell

P.S. there ain't no surf here :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

Well, I guess I will drop my story here to then. I bought the FBX digital level when it first was introduced. I didn't know anything of Ben Fisher except he made something that looked pretty nice. I decided to order one. I waited a good two months or so and I saw nothing. I told him how urgent it was that I needed to get it because of a job I was on and he kept telling me it was being shipped out ASAP. Well, I finised the job and no FBX box. I got really pissed off and I emailed him telling him since I had waited so long and no FBX I wanted a full refund right now! All of a sudden two days later I get my FBX in the mail. I was all ready to fly over there and go off the hook because I thought my money had been jacked.

On the FBX box itself, I am pretty happy with it. It has a digital level, frameline generator, and digital crosshair. I never use the frameline gen. because I use my TB6 monitors frameline gen. Even though it took a really long time to get my stuff, I got my FBX and it does work pretty good. I have to say if your gonna run a buisness like this one, prompt service is a must! GPI has always been a great company and their service is killer!!! George has upgraded my post on my PRO 1 to quick release and the new post and it took a day to do it. That is really good turn around. As Jim Bartel cmae to a set I was working on to fix my antena on my bartec. I would say that it really pays off to take care of your customers because they will always come back due to good gear and service. God I hope my FBX never goes down.

BJ

Damn!

I am stuck in New Orleans for another day. I can't make the trip. Let me know when it will happen again.

BJ "PO Boy" McDonnell