Brant S. Fagan SOC

Gents-- Two more bits of information: 1. VLS weight. The VLS weighs in at just under a pound at 410 grams! 2. VLS adaptability. I will be adding some optional items to the VLS that allow for mounting the VLS on prosumer sized cameras such as the PS HVX-200 or the Sony HDV models. For those sized cameras, a smaller set of stirrup rods will be available as options. Also, I will offer a small adaptor plate that allows the mounting of two (2) square-to-round rods, such as a Jerry Hill 2-in-1 rod off the front of the VLS t-plate. More to come as this product line develops! Thanks for reading! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Brad-- Several items jump forward with the specs you list here. 1. TriAx cables and big voltage. If you are to be shooting with a TriAx camera, the voltage that travels down the cable, when mixed with water could produce very BAD things. 2. Water induced thermal fatigue. Water will sap the body temperature quicker than ambient air of the same temperature. Standing for long periods in water, even with a set of wading boots, will eventually lead to a bad condition which may include cramping or charlie horse pain. 3. Peripheral vision. Water, by it's very nature will refract light coming into it as well as reflecting from its moving surface. When you rely on ground marks for navigation, the water's refracting effects could lead to poor choices in navigational decision making. 4. Fatigue. Moving through that water will tire you out exponentially faster than moving about in a gaseous medium. 5. Pump up the rate. More fluid friction, more cash. Enough said there. Good Luck and good fishing! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- What is new? Check the fact that the VLS fits many cameras. Not just the Sony family. The VLS is adjustable and adaptable. The cost is higher because of the adjustable stirrup rods. More parts= more cost. Also more adaptability for your money. Howard's bracket is nice and I am glad to learn of it. However, my VLS fits more cameras and does not interfere with any functionality, either with any operations, controls or with tape transport access. Biggest feature, simply put, is that the VLS does not rely on eight (8) M3 screws and their minute threads to hang on to the camera. My VLS grasps the ENTIRE chassis and can stay on regardless of whether you are on a Steadicam® rig, on a head or even handheld. Fuss? Yes! I say, since we are no longer required to swing hundreds of thousands of dollars, pounds, francs, yen, etc. worth of gear from eight (8) M3 screws and their minute threads. With regard to the other forms of low mode brackets, let me say that I have made and sold dozens and dozens of VLMB handle clamps for years now. Many Forum members have this bit of kit and have relied on it for years, myself included. I felt a need to improve my craft, both in quality of Steadicam® operation and accessory kit items, and relax my mind for low mode work. Here is the result of a year of design and thought. Yes, it is a simple bracket. But then why didn't someone else come up with one earlier? Every thing seems simple after someone else has done the work first. Try the VLS out some day, you just might like it better! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Some have asked so here's the VLS on other cameras and from the other side! Enjoy! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator OK One more picture to temp you all with! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- From my personal experience, as both a Steadicam Operator for fifteen (15) years and a Workshop Instructor for fourteen (14), I can say that everyone and their individual situatiion is unique. Having said that, I can speak from years of experience fitting Workshop students into the Vest, that if you wear the Vest correctly and know the proper and correct use of the personal adjustments of the Arm to Vest interface, you will minimize the chances of "bad" things happening. That of course, does not include "bad" advice from 1st ADs and producers who know little or nothing about how we really "work." I can also suggest from my personal experience that you learn how to move your whole body. My mother is a ballerina and let me tell you there is little in this world that can not benefit from some dance classes and specific analysis and instruction about how to move your body "correctly" with regard to executing a Steadicam shot. When I began my Steadicam career, I spent months practicing in front of mirrors in my mother's dance studio. No tights or pink little slippers, just me, the Rig, and some exercises. Hours per day. Really. Who can say how your individual experience may turn out. Seriously consider all aspects of what goes into your body with careful concern on nutrition and hydration. If something hurts, stop and find out why. Take steps to correct or eliminate those elements which do not enhance your skills. Write it down and keep track of your overall performance. Years later this may prove invaluable. And try not to forget to have some fun. Safety is number one. Great shots and bar stories come way down the list. Good luck! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Kareem-- Please pass my additional email address on to your colleague along with my appologies. The hotmail account is up and running for those who may need it. I found out that I do as well. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- Just a note here on some email problems that have complicated things a bit. If you have had email -to- me bounce back, try sending a message to me at: brantfagan@hotmail.com. Please include any error messages that may have resulted in returned email so I can troubleshoot that with my local ISP. Also, the VLS can be mated with many of the DVCPRO class of cameras. It looks like some may require the use of shorter stirrup rods to grasp the chassis. If you have specific needs, please feel free to contact me. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Here we go! This new VLS will perform in such a manner that the older VLMB product is not superceeded but rather supplanted by a different mouse trap. The VLMB can still perform a valuable service in that it fits "any" handle, video or film, whereas the VLS is designed and manufactured to fit a specific style and shape of camera/handle/chassis arrangement. Check the picture below. The VLS will give operators a solid, correctly positioned attachment point for a dovetail plate for reliable and rigid low mode functionality. It will also pack down to a covenient storage configuration for travel and shipping. As you can see, the VLS requires the removal of the shoulder pad to provide a direct holding surface for the VLS stirrup beneath the camera. Production units will offer a choice of either a flat or radius surface for chassis engagement. Production VLS units will have a slight change from the prototype pictured here in that the threaded hole pattern on the T-plate, where the dovetail plate is to be attached, to allow the T-plate to be attached in a more forward located fashion. That is, the T-plate will land some 1 1/2 inches further forward to allow better clearance for some cameras' tape doors and BNC connectors. Also, this will allow better dovetail placement usually directly above the camera's CG rather than cantelevered out. The VLS T-plate will provide both 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 holes for dovetail plate attachment. Of course, the production units will be lightened up and annodized to deliver a finished look and performance that is unmatched. Production VLS units will also include two (2) knurled locking nuts to be located beneath the knurled stirrup-rod adjusting grips. These nuts will be a security system to ensure positive placement and adjustment of the stirrup-rod length which ensures a positive grip on the camera chassis. As always, I recommend careful tightening of the stirrup rods to hold the camera securely but to NOT overtighten them. Snug works just fine. Overtightening would be bad for some plastic parts on some cameras. I am checking into various additional camera sizes to confirm fit-ability with the VLS. For folks using the Panavision EC system, most of those CineAlta rigs come with a nice dovetail based handle replacement low mode bracket. While my VLS hangs on to that camera just fine, why not use the PV system since it offers direct chassis engagement. But go ahead and buy mine anyway to avoid surprises! That brings us to cost. Production VLS units are selling for US$1,000.00 plus shipping of your choice. I will offer a discount to the first fifteen (15) paid buyers at US$850.00, plus shipping. The VLS can be shipped in a padded FedEx envelope since the VLS weighs in at just over a pound! I will be accepting checks drawn on US banks in US dollars, wire transfers to start. Online payment through PayPal may be available soon if costs can be covered by purchasers. Delivery time is expected in about 6 weeks. I will be accepting orders by email (firebrand@fmis.net) or phone at 603-826-3445 9-8 EDT. Please be patient with email as I am still saddled with only dial-up service so I am not online at all times so if you are troubled with that, just try the voice line. Thanks for all the interest and I welcome feedback and suggestions. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Ladies and Gents-- I am proud to annouce the debut of a new bracket for video low mode use. The VLS. This new bracket is simple, sleek, dependable, versatile, and rigid without bulk. This system allows the placement of a dovetail plate just above the CG of many cameras with a minimum of fuss and additional weight added. The VLS grabs the entire camcorder chassis and still allows regular, non-sled mounted, usage without removal. The VLS will fit the following Sony camcorders: F900 Cine Alta, D600 BetaSP, DigiBeta, and more. The VLS will fit the following Panasonic camcorders: Varicam, SDX-900. There are more camera head and back combinations and camcorders that the VLS will fit, but so far the above are guaranteed to function. I am arranging more test fittings as this is being written. There may be additional components added for certain setups if necessary. I will make a deal/discount available to a portion of the first production run. This run is expected to be completed in about ten weeks or the third week of July. More details to follow early this week. A prototype photo will be posted on Monday, April 24, 2006 so watch for more posts! The delivery date and final cost will also post on Monday. Get your question and checkbooks ready! I have been working on this project for almost a year and am excited to make this a reality at last. Stay tuned! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- I would prefer not to use DJ but it has proven to be a "must have" ability that gets out and used more than most would admit. Just last summer, I executed a shot in Fenway Park out on the hallowed grass, that totaled over 1,100 feet in running length. I preceeded a Red Sox pitcher, Bronson Arroyo, and his band, from the Sox' dugout down the First Base line, past the bag and out across Center Field, through the back wall, under the bleachers and around the concession area, switched to Missionary and then followed the group out the back of the Park, down the street, across the street, up a ramp, turn 90* and into Club Avalon through the stage door right onto the stage where the band starts playing. All in one shot, one take, LIVE. The feed from my camera, PS SDX-900, was hardwired into a video truck and projected onto a massive screen in the Club. So the screaming fans knew we were coming and had nothing to do but watch my shot and then erupt into more screaming and yelling. About 1,200 people in the Club, mostly young scantily clad women in heat. The scent hit me as we entered through the stage door along with the adreneline shot and relief of making the trip without hastle or hiccup. Tried to work it out through the four rehearsals as a walking backwards routine but gave in to pain and drove the shot home in DJ for over some 800' of travel. I use DJ without fear but as many have said, not always the first choice. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Excellent suggestions all. How about a Reference Section. Included should be things like a database of camera, lens, and other weights, arm capactities and the like. Also, how about a Legal Section. Deals and producers, both good and bad, and the like. Again, I agree that a "brand" segregation, while it would weed out some of the "small" rig materials from the "big" stuff, smacks of the same old "label system" that has run amok within our (US) political and media circuses. Enough is enough. How about more cowbell? What about a Pictures Section that might be able to be sized for small or large bandwidth viewers? Just my .02.... Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Jeff-- Hey, if you trust it with your new baby, then I'm OK with it too. I was just expressing concerns for those who may choose to try this without implementing the care that comes from years of experience and careful attention to detail. I had the need for this on a CBS pilot, shot with PV HD gear and a DP glued to a monitor looking at the set. You know that I had my dock set up as a tripod for him up until we shot each piece. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- While I love modding a bracket as much, if not more than the next operator, I feel that there are simpler ways to skin this cat. When on a video/multicamera show, I ask around at the truck or engineers, to have the chart set to my camera/sled frame and then ask the others to match this frame position since those camera setups are more easily adjusted. If I come to the chart after the others, I try to get as close as I can and then insert an allen wrench, to make the tilt happen, between the docking collar and the docking fork. I agree that "adjusting" the docking bracket can lead to rather unpleasant consequences. Jamie's idea of "flying" the rig from the balance pin is fine for some short and live evaluations but no one should ever leave this setup unattended. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- The secret to cutting the foam is to use a serrated bread knife. Or even better still, try using an electric carving knife! I'm sure that some of our parents had units like this and boy do they do a fine job of cutting that thick foam. Just take your time and make slow, deliberate strokes that are exactly perpendicular to the broad surface of the foam sheet. Good cutting! And Mark, try looking around at sports stores like REI or EMS for the packing materials from kayaks and bikes. Stores like this love the idea of reusing the packing materials from these items! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- I have upgraded my arm bag recently to a product from Black Diamond. These folks make some outstanding climbing and expedition items. The one I chose is a climbing rope bag. I added a piece of closed-cell foam to protect the arm inside the bag. I also store my custom arm weather cover inside this bag. The bag opens along a lengthwise seam with a large and durable YKK zipper which makes removal and insertion a breeze. This style of operation also prevents "helpers" from dropping the arm into a big and potentially dropping the whole deal onto the floor. Here is a the bag: I purchased this item from Mountain Gear which is based in Washington state. Cost was some US$38. plus shipping. I heartily recommend it. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- My own take on this issue is the Gemini Jr. with nose and shelf. I feel that this size is great for most vehicles and NYC elevator cars! Here's a look, albeit a slightly out of date pic, of how my gear rides around. Note the dock for the sled. No 5/8" (0.625") stud and second bracket needed and notice how the sled rides in a protected position between the handles. Steadicam fits fully built no matter the format or the mode (high or low). Hat's off to Alec for mentioning the need to keep items and spares within arm's reach rather than back on the truck. With an appropriately sized cart, most of us should be able to keep things close at hand and ready at a moments notice. I may have more of the MagDock brackets available if folks are interested. This bracket attaches to the Magliner handlebars and also adds a crossbar and stiff leg to keep things in position. I keep my Preston and Video Pelican 1650s on board as well as a Porta-Brace PC-2 for some spares and "deep-dig" kit items. Note the pneumatics at the corners: a must have for 4/0 cables, curbs and cobblestones! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Sorry, forgot to post a picture with the notice. And yes, this unit fits most HD camcorder rigs. Check to make sure that the bracket can attach to the handle close to the CG of the fully built-up body and that you have a dovetail plate long enough to make it balance just right. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Finally, I have some Video Low Mode Brackets (VLMB) in stock and ready to ship. Cost is US$350. plus shipping of your choice. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- The key to comfortable and reliable operating is how you attach the cables to the sled before they leave and trail off behind you. Almost always, I grasp the cable(s) above the gimbal position and force them to hang in a vertical manner before looping down towards my knees and then climbing back to a velcro catch on my right hip. Back there is a place to attach the house/truck cable without affecting the rig's performance. I have found that the loop must approach the knees to allow for full boom range travel of the arm and sled but must not get caught about the knees! Good luck! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- If you are looking for hardware that no one else seems to have, try Reid Supply in Muskegon, MI. I have been using them as a source for machine tool supplies since 1990. Great selection and you can truly buy just one of something from them, even on line. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- My favorite weather gear is from The North Face for body coverage. For feet in the cold, at temps from 45*F down to about 15*F, I recommend TNF Chilkats with proper wicking boot socks. For feet at temps below this, try a pair of Sorels with said wicking boot socks. NO COTTON! For extended duty in standing water, try NEOS overboots over your regular X-trainers or even Chilkats for colder and wetter work. For serious water that has no mercy, try boots from Bogs. Neoprene and great treads for wet, sloppy sets. For headware, try the Seattle Sombrero from Outdoor Research. Never lets me down, snow or rain. I have pulled all this stuff out on my latest feature, "Stiffs," which just wrapped yesterday in Boston. Every day I showed up we had snow including the "Blizzard of '06," which hit on day 6 of a 6-day week. Good luck! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

About the site: Long overdue as a place to inspect, educate and purchase. Great for "out-of-town" folks who are seeking a range of products and prices to choose from. How do I get some of my brackets on the site? I have some FF and low mode items as well as Antlers and the ACME Gimbal. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator Missing Something? Technologies, LLC firebrand@fmis.net

Gents-- How neglectful of me to not include the tech specs. Here they are: Specifications Focal Length Range 15-40mm T Stop Range T2 - T22 Maximum f Stop f/1.84 Close Focus from Lens Front 6.94 inches / 169mm Length from Front of Lens to Image Plane 11.06 inches / 281mm Minimum Marked Object Distance 18 inches / 450mm Maximum Format Covered 30mm image circle (for Super 35 format) Diagonal Angle of View for 30mm Image Circle 90 - 41 degrees Iris Scales Two opposing scales, whole and third stops marked Minimum Marked Object Distance 18 inches / 450mm Iris Scales Two opposing scales, whole and third stops marked Angular Rotation of Iris 92 degrees Iris Drive Gear 134 teeth 0.8 metric module x 2.5mm x 80.5mm from image plane Focus Scales Two opposing focus scales, metric or footage marked from infinity to MOD Angular Rotation from Infinity to MOD Endstop 290 degrees Angular Rotation Between Endstops 300 degrees Focus Drive Gear 153 teeth 0.8 metric module x 6.0mm wide x 223mm from image plane Zoom Scales Two opposing zoom scales Angular Rotation of Zoom Scale 130 degrees Zoom Drive Gear 140 teeth 0.8 metric module x 6.0mm wide x 99mm from image plane Length from Front of Lens to Lens Mount 9 inches / 229mm Front Diameter 136mm Matte Box suggestion Arri LMB4 clip-on matte box Weight 7.9 lbs. / 3.6 Kg Now some folks might be alarmed by the weight. Not me. I feel that this size and mass works for you given some camera bodies, like the Arricam LT and Moviecam SL tend to be a bit "sporty" for some languid dialog or walk and talk shots. I feel that the flexibility outweighs (ugh) the mass issue. I did use a clip on matte box and two filters and with no worries. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Gents-- Here is the machine, fully loaded! Cooke Testimonial This was not an ugly combination but rather a smooth, quiet, patient rig that did only what was ordered. There was no running, only smooth dolly-like moves with some of them in really, really tight places. Best, Brant

Gents-- I just had the priviledge of flying the brand new Cooke CXX Zoom, which is a 15-40mm T2 PL mount lens, on my rig for a commercial. I have nothing but praise for the design and execution of this fine piece of optical treasure! This lens was made for Steadicam use. This lens would also be ideal for hand held work as well. The CXX is part of the S4 family and is the elegant result of years of design and lens expertise. The DP had me carry this lens, which is not much larger than a Cooke S4 prime, combined with a PRO35 adapter hooked into a Varicam. Not for the slight of heart, that's for sure! But, oh those images! My Steadicam just hung there, like it was made from depleted uranium, but how lyrical the shots were with that combination of lens and camera. I was glad that it was a HD shoot so I could see the images as we went along. Waiting for dailies was to much. If I had to predict, I would say this lens will fly on many, many Steadicams as it becomes available this March in the USA. The flexibility of a "rubber prime" makes this lens an ideal Steadicam compliment. Just think of all those shots where a few millimeters of adjustment would have made the shot so much better and your job so much easier...I thought back to my time on Third Watch...But seriously, folks. This lens rocks! No breathing, smooth, easy focus action, LDS port for outboard data systems, built-in LDS contacts, once again T2; a real T2. Check into this lens. This is the one lens to make your day work for you! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator PS I will post a picture of the rig with lens in another post as the Forum won't let me add one right now.