Brant S. Fagan SOC

Nice that he's wearing all white, it'll make for a much more dramatic smear zone. That white "brick" is a self-destruct system in case of emergency. The trigger for it is coupled to the rubber underwear this guy must be wearing. Not that this is inherently dangerous, just somewhat surprising that someone "chose" to make a shot this way. Notice there is no protective headgear. I suggest a paper bag.

Let me say this. The configuration about which I have described concerns a light set of lenses and the need to power the camera/SSR combination. Given those needs, the solution was to add a plate with (2) Dionics for power to the rear of the combo to allow for reasonable balance fore and aft. With Primos, this need does not exist. As for Post and Gimbal position, the configuration of my sled is such that I needed to move the camera aft to maintain dynamic balance while still not needing to drop the post. With the fiber system I used last, power and data flow along the standard SMPTE fiber system. The fiber adapater was custom designed and engineered by Abby Levine and Barry Minerly, two of the top DIT and engineering guys in the business. With their setup, my ACs had nothing to do with reload while just handling lenses and focus duties. I do hope that these guys start selling this system because not powering that camera is a dream come true! Just trailing that tiny fiber jumper was truly simple and was much less obtrusive than multiple video cables slapping around.

Charles and Rusty-- My suggestion about the batteries rigged on top was based on the desire to keep my post compacted all the way and since we were using "Z" series primes rather than Primos, the additional weight at the rear of the camera made for better expanded mass above the gimbal. I actually prefer the fiber system as the power comes in through the jumper. Since this system requires dragging some type of cable, it might as well power the camera!

Gents-- Here are the Lemo connectors for camera power on the Genesis: FGJ.3B.308.CYMD-7Z This is a straight connector. FHJ.3B.308.CYMD-7Z This is a 90* connector. I recommend this over the straight as the chassis size of the straight connector plus strain relief can interfere with your shoulder. GMA.3B.090.DN is the strain relief Here are the pin-outs for the 8p LEMO: Pin#1 12v ground Pin#2 12v ground Pin#3 24v ground Pin#4 24v+ Pin#5 12v+ Pin#6 12v+ Pin#7 12v+ Pin#8 12v ground Remember, the Genesis is a 12v DC camera. You can run the beastie off a 24v DC battery as long as you have the correct cables. If you luck out and get the SSRs, try and make up a dual Anton Bauer plate that you can velcro to the rear of the camera/SSR package to allow for better in-line balance rather than use the top-mounting dual battery plate or whale tail bracket. This flat, two plate setup would also work with the SRW-1 deck attached. This combination can also help if you are not using Primo primes. Good luck and try and pretend it's not a BL-4 even if it feels like it! Best, Brant

Folks-- I have another PFX "Y" cable on the shelf if anyone is interested. I will take orders for the "T", too. Same story and available now. Let me know. Best, Brant

Once again, this community is saddened to learn of the passing of a brother operator. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob years ago while teaching a Workshop out in Malibu. A kind and truly creative individual with an infectious smile and a quick wit. When he pulled up in the parking lot, we were running the class through the vehicle drills and I had a group out with the pickup truck and Garfield mount. He waved me over to his car and while popping the trunk lid, he asked "Hey, you wanna buy some Steadicam parts?" Then he pulled back a cloth covering an assortment of stuff including a Donkey Box and other trinkets. I quickly looked around, like the Aluminum Police might happen along at any moment, and indicated that the DBox and some other anodized bits would be just what I needed. After settling up, we enjoyed discussing various Steadicam stories and other bits of life over some cold refreshing beverages. Bob will be missed by all that knew him, either directly or from those famous ads on Cover 4 of the ASC magazine. I would say he had a bit of the "Captain" in those poses!

Gents-- Two major factors are contributing to the tripping of the breaker. 1. Power draw. 2. Wire size. Due to the power draw, the wires are unable to handle the draw given the power supply. When I built my first sled, I automatically upgraded the wiring way beyond the current accepted "standard." Today, my sled has 14AWG power lines running up the post. I have never thus far been able to trip any breakers due to power draw and consumption. Just getting a bigger battery does not change the power draw from the motor. You can only send so much current through so little wire. To make things better, you can use the "old" wire as a pull to get the new larger wire through the post. Best, Brant

Sorry about that. I hit the wrong button and missed attaching the photo. For those interested, I offer the Lemo "T" that works the same way just in a more compact form. The "T" and the "Y" work very well together when a camera system must convert from remote head work to hand-held work in short order. Check out the photos:

Gents-- Getting video clean through a Steadicam should not be a problem these days. Get a look at Video Accessory Company's product that fits almost anywhere and stuff one into your sled. There's no excuse these days for not having clean video. Their unit takes video and 12vDC input and gives you four (4) outputs that should be enough to make your sled work clean and not have to split video to make your day. Remember that you must have a video input and cable down the post to the unit and allow for a video out line that runs back up the post. While you have the gear all apart, you should add a piece of Belden 9221 down the post that gives you HD down the post so you can then manage your signals in one place rather than a bunch of daisy-chained add-ons hanging all over the camera. You can find that cable and the required connectors from a variety of sources like Newark, DigiKey, and Mouser. Make sure that your order contains ONLY 75 ohm cable and connectors. Stay clear of that computer 50 ohm stuff. I am actually adding just such a line down my post next week to feed my Boland 8.4 HD Daybright monitor. I plan to add one of these downconverter boxes at the lower end of my sled to allow for direct connection to the video DA. Good luck! Best, Brant

Ladies and Gents-- I have available for sale one (1) Panavision 2Pin Lemo (Heater) "Y" cable for 24v DC accessory power. Perfect for powering more accessories like your MDR and a Cinetape when outlets are tied up with other needs, like with a ring light. See photo below. Cost is US$215. plus shipping. Best, Brant

Joel-- With regard to your impending Steadicam rig purchase, you may wish to consider one thought: Get what you can afford and upgrade as you have the cash and the jobs. Try and find the best package for what work you know you will face in the first several years. Remember, the accessories are what makes the system work with different camera systems and will eventually end up costing the most compared to the initial rig purchase. Plan for one, two, three and five years out as you gain experience and knowledge about what works for you and your work. A good exercise for Workshop prep is get your hands on a little Steadicam, like a JR, and make your fingers do the work and finesse; these skills will pay off big time when you get into a full size rig. If you want to exercise your lower back muscles, fill a backpack with around 10-15 kilos and wear that while working the hand skills. Good luck. Best, Brant

Gents-- Glad to hear everyone's positive and complimentary feelings about my VLS! Yes, you can run in high mode with the VLS in place. Just make sure to set the VLS so that the tape door is clear before you balance. Also, most people are rigging their VLS units to move their dovetail plate forwards to accomodate PRO35 adapters and other large lenses for HD work. And yes, I still have VLS units in stock and ready to ship. Best, Brant

Gents-- I can sadly only echo these developments. My experiences of late also mirror Larry's situation and this was on large budget shows where one would think, there would be a line item for decency. People in positions of authority seem to have risen to that level by making the numbers work no matter what the end product's dimension or quality. Case in point; right before the holidays, I signed on to a local tv pilot in Boston which was shot by a famous DP from away. At one point in the run of the show, he asked me to act as Second Unit DP and shoot some inserts, pickups, etc. without his direct supervision. I graciously accepted and moved out on his orders. After reviewing my work at dailies the next day, he noted his pleasure at my work and promised more since it looked great and saved the show time and money. Three days of work like this had gone by with both the DP and Director's blessings when the Executive Producer got wind of this process and freaked out. He stated he would not pay me more nor allow any more Second Unit work since this hadn't been approved by him and should not have happened without his consultation or approval. The DP defended me all the way and I just kept my mouth shut. The line producer, a local whom I have worked for in the past stood by and watched the fireworks by said nothing either way. The end result of this was less "uprated" work for me and lost time for the production. Did I mention this was all shot exterior in Boston the two weeks leading up to Christmas? Ten days of freezing cold rain sleet and snow for a minmum of fourteen hours a day? It is sad when people are too interested in their numbers to step outside the office and see what actually happens on set during production. Production folks truly ought to realize that at the end of the phone into which they bark is a live human being deserving respect and compassion, just as they would like done to them.

Gents-- My suggestion if you must add velcro or tape while outside and RFC, try heating the subjects with an open face lighting instrument so that surfaces come up to a more reasonable temperature before applying products like these. Yes, keep a stash of tape and velcro warm UNDER your layers but try and plan ahead and have a heat station ready to go. Lights work much better than hair dryers because they warm more than just the surface of metal items. Best, Brant "Ice Eater" Fagan

Gents-- The PRO Monitor arm is a stock GPI part. I just milled a larger clear hole at the bottom to allow for a 1/4-20 allen cap screw to pass through to thread into the ULCS ball mount. The ULCS parts are found at www.ulcs.com. The ULCS parts I used for this application are the ball mount, one clamp and their monitor base. Hit their web site and check out the parts. Lots of different pieces for different applications. You may be able to find a dive/photo shop that carries these items locally. If in LA you can try Backscatter as they are a great resource. Best, Brant

Gents-- I added a Boland 8.4 HD DayBright monitor to my system late last year and I can say it is wonderful. I have carried this monitor out in the snow in full sun and had a fantastic image to work from. Here's a view of the current monitor support system. http://www.steadicamforum.com/style_images...e_types/gif.gif I do plan to build a 2-rod system to support and position the 8.4 but I have to first work out the range of adjustability required to stay in dynamic balance given my battery configurations. The Boland support of this product has been excellent. Best, Brant

Gents-- Sure, I like Brian's plan the best! And whoever has the balls to pull that off, make sure to have your AC get it on tape to post on YouTube! But the reality of the situation is this. Producers and UPMs need to hear what the operator and gear are actually worth even if you cut a deal. Too many cling to the illusion that "well, so and so did it for that." or "We never budgeted for Steadicam and now the director has to have it." or my favorite "do it for us this time and we'll make it up to you on the next big show." If no one ever educates these up and coming producers and UPMs of tomorrow about the reality of rates and rentals, how can the rates that so many worked very, very hard to establish many years ago be maintained or improved upon in the future? "I say let 'em crash!" "Airplane! The Movie" (1977)

Gents-- I use CorrosionX on both the Steadicam and stuff around my place. Great product with a multitude of uses. I carry a bottle with me in my local cases that uses hand-pumped air to move the product but try to leave that at home if flying with the gear for obvious TSA issues. AircraftSpruce is solid family-owned company and a good source for products like these. Best, Brant

Gents-- I agree with both of you. The future holds much in the way of new smaller and simplified technologies which one day will make our jobs much easier in terms of loads carried. I built a LW rig recently and feel that not having one, both as a back-up and as a specialty piece, could leave you in the lurch. Check out my latest item as seen below. Same monitor and gimbal size as my regular gear and plenty of rigidity to boot. Better to have and not need than to want and not have. Best, Brant

Andre-- You might try Paul Dudeck at Anton/Bauer, Inc. He's been a great friend and resource since way back in 1992. You can reach him at 800-422-3473 or through this Forum as he is a member. Never let me down on price or service! Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Alfeo-- I feel I must mention that the attachment point of Larry's rickshaw seat, as you put it, "below the wheels," is incorrect in terms of how the CG is affected. The "Larryvision" mass is still above the wheels because that's where he is sitting. Not below the wheels as you suggest. To be below the wheels would be impossible in this dimension given Larry's current state of matter and energy. If Scottie could send him through the transporter and remodulate the stream, he might just fit under the cart wheels and make it more stable. Check your physics books. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC

Jess-- I told them what I was going to power the unit with BEFORE they would even think of letting me demo a unit. I have run the 8.4 with full, hot Hytron 140 batteries and have not had a problem. I also would not choose to add a battery to the rear of the unit for power since I prefer a lighter weight monitor and longer support rods to improve visibility, shed weight (compared to a CRT), and of course, maintain dynamic balance. Best, Brant

Gents-- I also have a latest version Boland at my place. The fans (2) are mounted at the top of the monitor case and draw air up through the case to provide enhanced cooling of the components. This unit has a "low" and "high" switch which only provides "bad" and "worse" sound levels. Last night, I had an extensive conversation with Sarah Ott at Boland about the issues which we Steadicam operators face. The major issues discussed were the fans and the mounting options. She understood the fan noise issue and is speaking with the tech boys today. On the mounting issue, I relayed our concerns about threaded holes on the sides of the case to allow for yoke based mounts. She explained that would be no problem since most video assist guys would like that as well. So when these concerns are met, I would say they have a killer product and something every Steadicam operator should consider. I will have some pics later in the week of this setup on both of my sleds. Best, Brant

Gents-- Here's a way to support the Cooke CXX lens with a pair of 15mm rods mounted to the front of my dovetail plate... No need for a sliding baseplate or steel rods. I have worked this setup before with an ARRICAM LT and enjoyed the lack of heavy parts under the camera. I am sure that within several months, some third party will have developed a solution for this situation and other RED and lens combinations. Best, Brant

Gents-- The simple fact is that some people who make decisions that place us in situations like this have a common misunderstanding about camera equipment: their ignorance constitutes no excuse for us. The rock and the hard place, that's where the Steadicam fits! The fact is that show planned on using one lens for everything. Plus, the director has come from a world where "the director's wishes must become reality." Sort of like a king demanding night become day. I held my tongue because the line producer is an old friend and client and refused to let the situation get the better of me. Production rushed in the CXX and I agreed to make things work as long as tenable. Just goes to show you that no good deed goes unpunished.