Brian Freesh

Oh right more leverage not less (for distance from gimbal), but it is less weight like Ron said, so that's less leverage. But then you're bottom heavy, so I guess it is overall more leverage (of course you're only moving a portion of that bottom weight). The more neutral you are I guess the more it would have the same effect to move the top or bottom a given distance. Sounds enough like a wash to me, I think I'm more frustrated thinking about it than i would be rebalancing after moving a cinetape readout.

Yeah, that was my understanding too, small tweaks would likely be easier, but large adjustments might take a bit longer. Moreover I figured the same, and it seems to be what users have said for years as well as in this thread. Once you're used to it, your used to it. And it doesn't take long to get used to. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was missing. I've never heard of anyone being frustrated with balancing on an XCS.

Why would frequent side to side adjustments be more frustrating on an XCS than any other rig?

Grant Culwell and Pedro Guimaraes

Very Cool. DJI , who makes Quad and Hex Copters for use with cameras already, has a 2-axis gimbal for use with a Gopro and is releasing a 3-axis gimbal this summer. http://www.dji-innovations.com/product/zenmuse-gimbal-z15/ I don't know prices and wish I'd spoken with them at Cinegear, lord knows they were doing all they could to get people's attention. I was casually searching the other day and noticed there seems to be several gimbals available with mounts specific to GoPro. Seems that a lot of people are playing with the technology. We're using a 2-axis gimbal with DJI's consumer quadcopter on a show I'm on. I haven't seen the footage, but I've been impressed with the performance of both the copter and the gimbal. So far as I'm concerned, the price you're throwing out there is in the ballpark of what I'd be looking to spend if I was in the market (and I may yet be in the market)

Loopthru for me is for Epics and Scarlets which only have 1 output. Dan says he's had good experience using a T-barrel on those bad boys. Has something changed in the past few years that has made that a viable option? ETA: Dan was very open to the idea of loop thru and wasn't in any way claiming the t-barrel was satisfactory for every one. He was just reporting his recent experience With Steadicam, I have to push the signal through more hose and connectors to get it to my monitor than Dan is likely doing, I dunno if that makes a difference.

I think you two are talking about different IDX products. Thomas asked about the CW-7, Alan is discussing the CW-1

What is 6 times cheaper? A single BFD unit is about 1/6 the cost of a 3-Channel Preston FIZ, but a single BFD is only doing 1/3 the job. A BFD is about 1/2 the cost of a single Channel Preston, and 3 BFDs are about 1/2 the cost of a 3 Channel Preston. Not sure of the breakdown with BDRs and the Iris slider upgrade to the hand unit, but I imagine you're still in the 50% range, which is still a fantastic deal considering what you get, but it's certainly no 16.6%!!

Hi Regis, I agree a problem can happen with any rig, and I certainly do not claim to know what happened with your friend's rig. All I can say is that I've watched an operator center his pro gimbal himself with the tools provided standard with the kit. I've also watched Tiffen operators do it with Tiffen gimbals, it seems to be the same process. I don't like any of the bashing either, I appreciate you trying to keep things objective. I think it's all about what works for each individual.

Clarification would help. My interpretation is that you want to use a standard BFD (or perhaps a BDR) to remotely zoom during a shot. This works, but as far as I know there is no way to change the speed of the motor as on a Preston. Though I've never used a BDR, so maybe that would be an option. I have no idea why the switch would come into play. I guess a crash zoom with less effort? I can throw a BFD focus wheel from one end to the other pretty fast, if the motor could keep up with me I'm sure it would be a great crash zoom. Please clarify exactly what you are trying to achieve and we can help you better.

You could throw your motor on to see if it fits with a 15mm insert... :P

We can do this: put cameras on shot balls and shakey cams. Use a different transmitter (arrow, bolt, micro, etc...) to transmit to all the newest daybright monitors (cinetronic 2, new Transvid, smallHD, etc...) Simple. Oh wait, we gotta check out all these new electronic levels. Okay, so we put the shotballs and shakeycams on top of steadicams...

Hi Brett, I have one that I can sell you. I bought it at Abel Cine here in LA, so you can check with them for another (or both) The one I have is made by Anton Bauer and is called a QR-DSR, use that to help Abel search their inventory. Band Pro may carry it as well.

Afton speaks wise words. If only I knew an Italian American sanitation co. owner! Incidentally, Myself and a couple other operators have been known to rent our spare BFDs to other Ops in need. Let me know if you ever need one.

I have 2 just sittin' around waiting for ya.

I'm tempted to replace my PVC with this. Don't use the Flyer as much anymore though, so not in a rush. Great job Peter, it's almost like you know a thing or two about the Flyer.

It is now, used to be 2pin Lemo 12v, which is what the Ultra originally shipped with.

Welcome to the forum! Well, Arri never used a 3pin Lemo to power 12v accessories. Arri uses a 3pin Fischer for 24v accessories, 11pin Fischer for 12v accessories. And on the Alexa they also have a 2pin Lemo for 12v. And the Ultra had a 2pin Lemo 12v to power accessories, though yours may have been modified, or maybe the later runs of Ultras had the 3pin for all I know. And the Alexa 2pin Lemo is reversed polarity from the Ultra 2pin Lemo. So, no, you cannot use Arri accessory cables on your sled. I suppose you could just have a small adapter cable made (x2) so you don't need to get a whole bunch of new cables. Good luck!

Ron, I'm getting my 2wd 4 cylinder escape onto a trail dangit, you can't stop me!

And then probably Jumbo's again

I dunno if GPI is headed to New York in Sept, but I imagine Jack was talking about the LA Cinegear May31-June2

Worse due to added weight and height. Other than the Cat Griller, there's an LA local option: http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?showtopic=18152 I know you have a smaller dovetail than will fit, not sure if there is a better option for ya.

Alan, did you get ahold of anyone? it may have been too late in the day by the time I gave you those #s. Also, they may not have Zephyr's for loan if they're not back from Brazil yet. I need to run over there tomorrow morning anyway, Let me know if I can help you out while I am there. I'll be done there no later than 10:45, so catch me before that. I also have one or two Zephyr owner contacts in LA. email me if you need them.

Last I knew, Dan was in Brazil. Derek Hester: 818-567-7917 If he doesn't answer, you can try Kristi Davis at the front desk, maybe she can track him down for you: 818-675-7910 And if all else fails, maybe try Lyn Taylor 818-567-7918, he was able to help me when everyone was at NAB. I so rarely need to be in dynamic balance, that's not the part that would worry me. It's the idea of the rig potentially fighting my slower pans that would bother me. Best of luck!

Wow, Russ you're unbreakable! All that damage and 2 months later you're out of the hospital and on the mend! Keep up the healing, best of luck with the medical.