Brant S. Fagan SOC

Gents-- It is with great joy that I receive this announcement of my ability to FINALLY have a typo on this Forvm! I know that many of you have made this journey before but I can assure you I am worthy to follow this path to enlightenment. I am truly pleased that so many of you have read this post; with such attention to detail and perfection! I am moved. But seriously, who might be attending this potential gathering? Which day(s)? Let's plan something... Best, Brant

Folks-- Jerry and family are out of harm's way. House received only an inch or two in the office/garage. Utilities should resume in 1-2 weeks. Steadicam was on a truck for a MOW and supposedly is en route to Dallas. Status unknown. Jerry is greatful for concern and thanks everyone for caring. Best, Brant

Folks-- Jerry and family are fine and out of harm's way. Disposition of office and Steadicam are unknown at this time. For those who may not know, Jerry is one of the pioneers in our profession having purchased Model 1 number 007. He was even issued an ID card from CP stating just that. He is a dear friend and top shelf gentlemen. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and local friends and neighbors during this time of trial. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Gents-- Sounds like an opportunity for a get together. I would love to show off the ACME Gimbal as well. See below... Count me in as long as my shoot in Boston doesn't run over... Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- Perhaps a wrap grip cut down to an overall height of 2.25" will suffice for low mode operation rather than compromise the range of gimbal placement in high mode. I believe Bob Derose and later GPI have made such an animal. I use mine all the time for low mode work. We add this to the post during the flip to low mode; takes no time at all. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Erwin-- Let's get some facts straight. The PRO Gimbal was designed and manufactured by GPI back in the 1990's. I purchased one back in 1996 when I started on a feature in Ethiopia and loved its performance compared to any other unit I had experienced. I still own it. The ACME Gimbal was designed by myself and manufactured starting back in 2001. The ACME Gimbal was designed to replace any Gimbal on a 1.5 or 1.580 post with a precision bearing not found in any other gimbal on the planet. Our no tools feature is unlike any other unit in the fact that our handle is one smooth diameter with no obstructions such as a clamp screw handle. If people are interested, we can arrange a demo for folks with a 1.5 or 1.580 post. This is not your brother's used bicycle wheel bearing! Must run, back to the family function (Sunday dinner here in New England.) Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- I own both a Preston and two (2) BFD units. Both are great! Really! I am not sure that I would compare the BarTech to a Toyota, but rather a great piece of gear at a great price. Having owned them all, from a CP WRC-4 (it worked great and still does!) Seitz, BFD and Preston, I can say that at a certain level, people "expect" a Preston. I don't agree with this "attitude," but it is prevalent in the industry, in the US for sure, perhaps elsewhere too. My philosophy on the Steadicam gear is this: Get what you can afford, work it, upgrade when you can, or have to. If someone says that you "must" have the XXX box to get the job, ask what is the specific need and offer that your YYY box does that too but at a lower price. See what happens... In response to Flaske's post: 1. I believe that 2.4 GHz has less "traffic" at this time thus making intrusions less likely. 2. More bits are better when you expand the scale for more precision and definition, especially when shooting anamorphic at night... 3. Digital is better when trying to be accurately repeat moves and pulls. See above response. Jim Bartell, back me up on these, yes? Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Try this one out! Remember that by committing your hand, the one holding the arm, to a line in 3-D space, you also commit the lens to a similar path. Once you can "quiet" your hands down, the lens will move more accurately through 3-D space. This, combined with proper footwork, will improve your slow speed moves dramatically. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Gents-- You can search at places like DigiKey, Newark and Mauser for actual parts. Or try contacting Terry West in LA as he was THE guy who made these rigs way back when. I'm sure he can set your gear back in motion. Try searching this forum for his contact information. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Folks-- Some of you may have heard of the ACME Gimbal, which is produced and sold by Missing Something? Technologies, and was hobbled by a redesigned clamp mechanism. These hurdles have been overcome and the ACME Gimbals are now back in service for their owners, my self included. Our ACME Gimbal fits on 1.5" posts as well as Tiffen's 1.580" posts. Just think, a Gimbal with a bearing unequaled in the field, no-tools clamping just beneath the bearing to allow precise axis intersection, one diameter hand grip, interchangable handles to accept the XCS Ergo handle and price that can't be beat. Drop me a line to inquire. Either email at firebrand@fmis.net or call 603-826-3445 9-9 EDT. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC PS I will post pictures in the next posting!

Folks-- I make 15mm rods which bolt up to the 3, 3A and EFP style dovetail plates. Drop me a line at 603-826-3445. Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Chris-- I just used the very same unit on a show recently. Good unit, low power draw, and lots of options. Came with camera package, didn't have to purchase, though. I can tell you that it was unaffected by cold and humidity. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- I have purchased and am completely happy with my FBX purchase. Ben was prompt with replies and answers to questions about the unit and the payment and shipping process. While it did take about a week longer than originally promised, the unit did arrive in short order and does a fantastic job on my sled. As a small manufacturer myself, I can fully understand the need to make it work and that customer service in our rarified field is paramount. My own ACME Gimbal project has taken about two years longer than originally planned but is now complete. Let's remember that it is easier to slam than to work it out. What goes around, comes around. Best, Brant S. Fagan, soc

Aaron-- To locate old-style Cinema Products items, you should try contacting Derrick Whitehouse at Whitehouse Audio-Visual in California 805-498-4177. Derrick has the best stock of NLA CP items on the planet. And he is a truly honest equipment dealer! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- I have serviced Steadicam® gimbals for about ten years now and have found that less lube goes further to protect and maintain than more does. I prefer the Arri lube, but in the smallest amount possible. If you have trouble holding horizon with a CP-manufactured gimbal, we can help as this unit now needs to be shimmed to correct for bearing wear and manufacturing issues. The cost for an overhaul and new better than stock replacement bearings is US$700. plus shipping. Ask anyone in the Steadicam community, our workmanship is well known and we stand behind it. Drop me a line at firebrand@fmis.net if you have any questions. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator

Folks-- Here they are! Antlers are IN STOCK and available for US$800.00, plus shipping of your choice! Contact me at: Brant Fagan firebrand@fmis.net 603-826-3445 9A-8P EST We accept US funds from US banks and wire transfers for those outside the US. We can get you all the banking information and shipping information via email. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator Missing Something? Technologies, LLC

Gents-- Let's not forget who were the pioneers that not only fostered the early growth of Steadicam, but also led the way in defining the job description (and the rates that go with it) such as Ted and Jack Churchill, Larry and Jim McConkey, Tas Michos, Toby Philips, Janice Arthur, Rusty Geller, Randy Nolan. While there are many more, and no slight intended to anyone!, let's give credit where credit is due. Sir Isaac Newton gets a healty nod for deducing what made this all possible! Steadicam is possible because people made the jump from rocket science to the prototype and on to the many pieces available today. Steadicam operators are by very definition problem solvers. Keep on asking questions of yourself and of your equipment and don't forget to learn something in the process! Best, Brant "Do It Yourself" Fagan, SOC

Gents-- I have one of those GPI GV-U to PRO connectors available. Email me direct for information. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC firebrand@fmis.net

Right on to all Eric said! Plus, DO NOT even attempt to place this into low mode as your stage will separate from itself and possibly the post as this size load is just way, way beyond the specs of our gear. Plan on lots of rest and think massage at lunch. Forget the happy ending, though... Happy ending on this job means Steadicam is wrapped! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- Beware of stainless steel! While it looks nice and may be low maintenance, depending on the grade, stainless is by it's very nature, brittle and less durable than regular or even heat treated steel. Check the wall thickness of any longer arm post you employ! I have some 5/8" material if you need one cut to a specific length. For the 12" "man-maker" post, I have a piece of stainless tubing that I use. I will check the wall thickness and try to determine the grade of the part. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Folks-- Peter Abramham does in fact make those and now has a new and improved version that allows placement of the LED, by itself, wherever the user chooses! Plenty of cable and velcro in the right places, too! I know he has a batch of them ready to ship as he showed the new version off last month at the SOA Workshop where we were teaching together. I use my tally, both styles now and can't recommend them highly enough. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Gents-- True enough, I used a Mac with Safari to read, process and upload this posting and attached file. Anyone who would like a direct email of the image--send me an email at firebrand@fmis.net. For those attempting to remove coins from their computers, try the age old electronic fix-all: Just pour coffee on it! Best, Brant

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Ladies and Gents-- Finally! Here is the MagDock with a completely built up rig and most of my aks filling the cart. While this is not the most recent picture of my cart, sled and aks, it gives the viewer a clear idea of why the MagDock setup works, and, I think, works rather well. Pricing to follow shortly. Enjoy and fire the questions and criticisms! No limits! Best, Brant Fagan, SOC

Gents-- I must agree with Alec and Will on the ability to place the level display anywhere in screen. The human eye reads a frame, such as what we compose with, in a bell curve fashion. That is the eye enters frame bottom left, tracing a curve up towards top/center, and then traces a curve mirroring that down and to the bottom right. While I have not used an on-screen level display, I would like to be able to place the display to the top/center area so as not to "look away" when I am framing. On the subject of the mask, I would like to vote for the user-selectable function, rather than a binary set of choices. I usually like no mask, BUT there are those jobs where a mask makes easier the job at hand. Just my two cents on two issues! Ben--I like the praise I have heard and the price seems nice! Will email directly about FBX. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC