Brant S. Fagan SOC

Gents-- Paul has indeed been very helpful. Folks that are having this symptom should contact A/B on their toll-free line and get their questions answered. As to seeming "cryptic," perhaps folks should contact the manufacturer directly rather than waiting for information to be spoon fed to the masses via the Net. Perhaps there is some sensitive or proprietary information here that should go to product owners and users rather than A/B's competition. Paul has never let me down over the past fifteen years. I heartily doubt that he would start now. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Geoff is correct. I built a couple of EFP MMX upgrades a few years back. Tom and I have spoken and he has direction and is troubleshooting his sled with my direction. I'm sure he has since found the problem and corrected it. Let's all remember to NEVER bypass a breaker. Safety First. 12 on and 12 off. Stop, Look, and Listen. Never mix drinks blindfolded. Never run with scissors. And the best, Friends don't let friends beergoggle! Best, Brant

Brett-- If you have Anton Bauer questions, why not go to the source? Try contacting Paul Dudeck at 800-422-3473. If he can't get to the bottom of this, I'll eat my A/B MP-4D charger for lunch! Paul has been a great supporter of the Steadicam community for well over a dozen years now. Good luck. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Folks-- Did I mention that the VLS fits some film camera bodies too? Well, the VLS can grab onto the whole Arri 16SR3 or even the Aaton XTR bodies as well. This bracket can fit more than the F900 or the many Beta rigs out there. This bracket fits on so many cameras, I look forward to hearing from customers bragging about the strange and bizarre setups they build. I am even building a follow focus rod attachment piece for the nose of the center spar. Stay tuned. Come and get 'em! Best, Brant

Ladies and Gents-- Proud to declare that VLS units are IN STOCK and ready to ship at last! Get the one bracket that fits those beastly F900s and the tried and true Betas that just won't die! Get the ONLY bracket that does not rely on eight (8) M3 screws and plastic to carry the camera. Proudly made in the USA with top quality components and built to last! Just imagine, solid low mode for all those HD and video jobs that demand film quality and put your gear to the test. The VLS goes where no previous bracketry went before--around the entire chassis to ensure a solid connection between Steadicam® and camera. Act now before the introductory price runs out...Why wait until the next job to rush and try to get one. Check the picture below for a production unit: Contact me directly at firebrand@fmis.net or call the home number : 603-826-3445 9A-7P EDT Currently, I am accepting cash (why not!?) checks drawn on US banks and wire transfers. When demand heats up, I may look into getting credit card gear but am holding off just yet. Good luck and shop early and often! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Jeremy-- Please don't be dismayed at the outburst of sentiments about monitors from this group. Basically, we are faced with compromises and choices at every equipment choice point. We all need basically what Eric has stated with the emphasis on MilSpec technology and avionics quality. I agree completely with that both in fact and attitude! We need more than what some military units have for field use; the stakes are the same (sort of) for us, failure of the gear is NOT an option. Sure, I know, man made it and someday it will break. My current monitors have been on sets with temps from -15*F to over 110*F and have yet to fail. I am still looking for what might replace them with a similar or better service record. Let's face it, some low-cost (read cheap) LCD monitors, like the two (2) Panasonic 7" 16:9 units I have are a tremendous value compared to the green CRT units of yore. Hey, I started out with a Model II sled that had a screen size smaller than a business card. I thought that PRO I monitor was the cat's own ass when I dropped thousands of dollars for a second hand unit when the second generation units became available. So needless to say, when I can get a usable monitor for under US$500 with shipping, I jumped on that train as a transitionary platform and now am awaiting a future prospect. I have trolled the Net for too many hours seeking a LCD product from many different market segments and still have yet to find the answer. Sure, I've checked into the Boland units, some from a marine electronics outfit, some from some "secret" agency supplier outfits, and countless others. So don't give up just because some, OK, ALL of us have some STRONG opinions and feelings about monitor specs and our individual needs. But we can't shoot what we can't see! I have spent YEARS improving my gear and my gadgets ranging from brackets to complete gimbals not to mention building my own sled from the stage on down. I for one understand how this process works. Rome wasn't built in a day either, but careers can certainly death spiral in less than that! Stay the course! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Jeremy-- While I make cables at will, I feel that Alec's thoughts on plug-and-play are spot on here. You are however facing two groups, one who needs a Lemo 8-pin and another group seeking a 4-pin HR-101 connector. Both would make a nice feature since we all bail someone out sooner or later with gear swaps and coverage. The added cost would be minimal considering the peace of mind bridge you would be helping to build. Some of the features you are touting here might be a bit of extra fluff, such as the sound or on-board battery, since most of us have an extensive and expensive battery set to power our Steadicam® rigs. Perhaps some of the sound or battery features could be options that happen with orders... Also, define your use of "water resistance." This can mean many things to many different people, especially those of us who spend time aboard boats. I am thrilled that you have chosen to rise to the challenge of this project! Best, Brant

Gents-- Based on the above parameters: 1. Cost should be less than US$5,000. 2. Market depth should run about 2,000 units. (Conservative, I know but let's be safe.) 3. Maybe add: A. Image flippable top/bottom and left/right. B. Framlines built in with crosshair(s). C. Electronic level. Let's not forget lightweight case with rigid attachment point(s) and easy on power consumption. Good luck with this Jeremy. We await your project results. Best, Brant "Where's my greenscreen?" Fagan

Gents-- Operators should always READ all the materials in the start paperwork they receive at the start of a project. Most producers will tell you straight out that any and all materials created on the job are THEIR property in perpetuity and throughout the known universe. That having been said, I have never heard of anyone chastised for showing a reel to get work. However, with the speed and accessability of the internet, you should be careful about unauthorized and untimely use of copyrighten materials without permission. Remember, they have teams of lawyers ready and willing to seek blood at the drop of a hat. It never hurts to ask. Unless it's your anniversary and you forgot! Try including a clause in YOUR deal memo that provides for access to footage in a timely manner and available on a professional format/medium. Good luck and good hunting! Best, Brant "Where's my dailies?" Fagan

Gents-- You can order Belden 9221 from several outfits like Newark Electronics. Total overall diameter is 0.10" and is capable of working with HD-SDI since it is 75 ohm cable. We need to use 75 ohm cable for many reasons. They (Newark) also carry the Pomona BNC connectors that fit cable group RG-174, -179 which covers Belden 9221. There are also several crimp tools to work with these items. I have used Belden 9221 cables, built up by myself, for over fifteen years now without any problems. This cable has also proven itself with TriAx to CoAx adapters as well. Just my .02 Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- I will have VLS units IN STOCK and READY to SHIP this Friday, July 14! To take advantage of the introductory offer, get your paid order in fast as the price will go up once they are sold off. Call me at 603-826-3445 8A up to 8P EDT if you have any questions. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Wing-- This sitation is common for gimbals whether they are home made or a factory produced unit. Most often, the pan bearings have worn to the point of failure to align with each other and the bearing carrier thus allowing your rig to balance in one position and not in another. What has to happen is a precise measuring of the components and new bearings installed along with shims to correct the dimensions inside the bearing carrier housing. Once things are realigned and reassembled correctly, your repositioning or panning of the sled should not affect the trim of the sled. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Check the old thread with a similar title for a prototype group of pictures. As I stated earlier, this system is for large chassis cameras and camcorders, both HD and SD equipment. Later on, I plan to offer more stirrup rods to accomodate smaller DVC and mDV camera sizes. Cost of the VLS is US$1,000.00 plus shipping of your choice. There is an introductory offer for the first twelve (12) paid orders receiving a discounted price of US$850.00 plus shipping. Final weight for the VLS will be under 1 pound! Great for working and a savings for shipping too! Act fast! Beat your friends to the punch and save some dough! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Ladies and Gents-- Finally! The new VLS brackets are going to be completed next week and ready to ship by the week of July 10, 2006. Orders received and paid in full will receive the introductory pricing on a first come, first served basis. I will post a note when this threshold has been reached. Act fast, save some cash, and finally have a video/HD low mode system that works the way we all want one to. If you have questions, please contact me at : firebrand@fmis.net. You may call me at home 603-826-3445 9A to 8P EDT; please remember I have a four month old son so try not to call outside those hours, please. Thanks! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- For those interested in using a mini coax jumper, please make sure you purchase a 75 ohm product like Belden's 9221. Belden 9221 is cable group RG-179 and has a overall outer diameter of 0.10" and is flexible enough to be served as al dente linguini at a senior's afternoon buffet! This product has served me well both as a TriAx jumper and as well as a component of my Sled wiring for well over a decade now. I even use a piece for jumping HD-SDI for hardwire situations. Belden 9221 is available from Newark Electronics along with matching Pomona BNC connectors. If you use a 50 ohm product, no matter what the size or cable group, you will have problems. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- While there may be some rare connector mismatch issues across brand names, the real issue is where did the truck come from. Most trucks in North America have the same SIZE triax connector no matter who the supplier when the truck was built. However, trucks built overseas, particularly those from the Orient have another size triax connector all together. I realize the chances of your next job having a truck shipped from the Land Downunder are remote at best. Seriously, just ask the truck folks before you leave for the job. Ask as many questions to as many people as it takes to get the answers you need to allow you the chance to arrive properly equipped. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Ladies and Gents-- Time for a VLS update. The production run has reached the mid-point and that means that we can expect to ship VLS units by the second week of July. For those paid in full orders that are received, on a first-come, first-served basis, the first dozen will have a discounted price while the rest will get their VLS unit at the list price. Refer to earlier posts for pricing. Materials costs have risen dramatically so act fast and beat the price clock! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Don't forget to check the foam filling when you remove them from the pad covers. This is a perfect time to update your foam with new and better foam. I have been using a type of neoprene in place of the standard closed cell foam that many people still have in their vest pads. Check out suppliers like McMaster-Carr for the hundreds of different types of foam that are available. Some of the variables include density and thickness; to each his own. McMaster-Carr has extensive methods for describing the varying types of products available. Good hunting! Best, Brant

Gents-- For those of you who must drill carbon fiber posts, just remeber what surgeons do: you must cotterize the wound and prevent "bleeding." Try using a carbon fiber epoxy to seal the cut through the post to prevent fraying of the fibers right at the hole edges. Finding that epoxy may be difficult for some, but try Aircraft Spruce and Specialty's web site and check out their selection of epoxy choices and other composite materials! They have been very helpful and have stores on both coasts as well. Best, Brant

Gents-- Yes, I have completed the ACME Gimbal. There are units at work in several markets on the East Coast and in America's heartland. I will post another picture when I return home over the weekend. Best, Brant

Buster-- In short, there are no hard and fast rules about resting while operating the Steadicam. Nothing from the camera union, insurance companies, or most especially production companies. As a combination of artist, technician, and pack animal, we each have to stand up for ourselves and make choices based on many factors. Those factors include the type of camera, lens, recording medium, location, elevation, overall length of the shoot, time of day, start time, and last but not least, the rate of pay. Since we are in fact a lightning rod for attention and criticism, we must be careful to make informed and safety-based choices each and every time we open our mouths to respond to a question on set. There is no need to answer immediately after the question fades into oblivion, but rather, answer in a calm manner that makes the set a safe environment for all players. Nobody wants to hurt you as a Steadicam operator, much less hear about how heavy the rig may be. I try to tell people how many takes I have left in me before I must rest rather than just working until I drop. You must make choices based on what is being asked of you in each individual situation rather than a "blanket rule"of how much you can do. Remember, Steadicam is a team sport. Since it takes more than one person to make a Steadicam shot really work well enough to tell a story, you need to let production management know this up front. If you let folks know what you need BEFORE you arrive on set, there will be less surprises. Usually, there will be no prize for wearing the rig for an eternity. Don't let someone say, "Well Mr. So-And-So does it this way and never takes it off." and let that govern how you work. Remember who has the job for the day. The best way to prevent surprises is to ask as many questions BEFORE you arrive on set so you are informed. The more you know, the smoother things work for you, the better job you can do. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- For those of us with a taller sled, I think I have a cost-effective answer to the sled case question. My sled, custom built from scratch, has an overall height of 31 1/2". I found, quite by accident, that the older Sony and Ikegami betacam/camera cases have JUST enough room for a sled like this. They also come with removable caster sets. These cases can be had for cheap on eBay and from equipment liquidator outfits. Mine ran me some US$35. plus $50 in shipping. Not bad for a plastic case that already has that "broken in" look and tends to draw less attention at baggage check counters. The rub is that most of these cases have foam which is past the usable lifespan and must be replaced. Even with new foam costs, you are still way ahead of an ATA cases and much lighter as well. For a recent trip, I managed to fit my vest and arm into the old ATA case that came with my original Model 2 system, along with a BFD system and docking bracket, and put my sled into the old Ike case and walk into Boston's Logan airport from the curb with just two (2) cases. Now, granted, I knew that a stand was waiting for me on the other end along with a great AC with his own gear as well. Nice to be able to just "walk" into the airport with two cases and check them as my two pieces of checked baggage. Also notable was the weight carried: 65 pounds for each case. I enjoy a "balanced" hand-carried load. Kept my personal stuff in a small backpack and was pretty mobile. Just my .02 advice. Best, Brant "Down to 5 cases and a Magliner" Fagan

Gents-- This new design smacks of the old Ikegami EC-35 system from the 1980s. Boxy, blocky components with little thought to actual field ergonomics. I would like to drag some of those "designer" folks out into the field and try to live with their work while working in today's workflow. How about some serious effort to make things power efficient and ergonomic for operator comfort. How about making something that makes sense for those who have to actually "use" the item. Best, Brant "What does that button do?" Fagan

Bryan-- Yes, go for a new gimbal. If you can't afford one, a rebuild will help tide you over until the cash is there. Chances are that your EFP unit is in it's original state and has possibly never been cleaned, much less trimmed and shimmed to make it actually pan flat. As you may know, I have been rebuilding CP gimbals for some ten years now. Ask anyone who has sent one in for service. Drop me a line if you are interested in discussing this. Make sure you choose a gimbal based on your needs, not someone else's. Take all the advice and choose what makes you happy. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Jason-- Having upgraded several EFP rigs for folks over the years, I think most of this you can do at home without too much hair removal. The EFP post should be removable without undue force. The lower post should have been cross-drilled and pinned into the electronics/base piece. To remove the cabling, look for several wires to extend from the bottom of the post sections. There are power, video, and follow focus wires each with disconnects. Some are push-pull while others are screw-together items. Just take your time and look carefully. Once you have removed the wiring connectors, you should be more comfortable with working on the device. Look closely at the base of the post. If the post has been drilled and pinned, you will see two or more holes and tiny pins. If this is apparent, you will have to drill out the pins to remove the post section. If the post has been glued into place, you must either dissolve the adhesive or cut the post and then "dremel" out the remainder to clear the openning to reinsert the new post components. BTW, what is the type of post you have now? Is it one of the titanium posts? Shiny dark gray with a nice sheen. Very tough but susceptable to impact damage. If it is aluminum, go ahead and clamp that monitor bracket to the post, but try not to tighten so hard as to crush the post material. If you need further assistance, drop me a line at firebrand@fmis.net. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator