Dan Martland

Thanks Jess for your input. Its good to see that i have options.

Thanks Eric, I will look into it.

Has anyone else out there tried modifying there sk2 rig by changing the green crt monitor for a full colour 7" monitor. Ive chatted with the guys at steadicam and they think it can be done but it wont be easy. I will have to the mods myself. SACHTLER sell this bracket which will replace what i all ready have. And then i was thinking of buying a Marshall sunbright monitor. I know a guy who can help me with the cabling. The SACHTLER bracket costs $800 alone. And then im gonna have to fork out the cash for a monitor. Has anyone else done this modification cheaper. If so i would love to know. Many thanks Dan

Has anyone else out there tried modifying there sk2 rig by changing the green crt monitor for a full colour 7" monitor. Ive chatted with the guys at steadicam and they think it can be done but it wont be easy. I will have to the mods myself. SACHTLER sell this bracket which will replace what i all ready have. And then i was thinking of buying a Marshall sunbright monitor. I know a guy who can help me with the cabling. The SACHTLER bracket costs $800 alone. And then im gonna have to fork out the cash for a monitor. Has anyone else done this modification cheaper. If so i would love to know. Many thanks Dan

Just called SACHTLER this morning to order mine. $800 ouch!

Just wanna write a quick not to say a massive thank you to you and all the guys at Tiffen in Glendale. You really helped me out today with my rig and im very grateful. My rig feels great now and its amazing what a difference a quick service has made. Steadi (and straight) shots, here i come! Thanks again. Dan

Hi there, So ive gone and done it. Finally bought myself an old Sk2 rig. Yey.... Very exciting. One slight problem that ive come across is that the locking nut on the gimbal seems turn round as im tightening. Not good! This makes it very difficult to tighten. Is this locking nut replaceable or am going to have to buy a whole new gimbal. Am i in trouble? Please help. Many thanks Dan

Hi guys, Ive gone and done it. Just purchased an old SK2 rig of ebay. Very excited. I remember seeing a post a while back but can no longer find it. Does anyone happen to know how i can view 16:9 images as letterboxed on a 4:3 monitor rather than seeing my image all squished? Is there an add-on to make this possible? Many thanks Dan

Many thanks for the advise. I think i might just wait it out and buy the glidecam v25. Something quite nice about buying brand new. I know its not a true steadicam but it might be a good starting piece.

Thanks for all of your advice. Ive been in touch with Glidecam and its gonna take upto 45 days for dilevery. Ouch! Has anyone seen this rig on ebay, its a little damaged but does anyone think its a good deal? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...rksid=p3907.m29 Thanks

Hey Dan, we use our real names on this forum, but to answer your question . . . . This question must have been asked dozens of times on this forum and there is no real correct answer for you, it basically comes down to your use and needs and then budget I guess. There's lots of options for you and it sounds like a second hand rig would be best. The SK is a great rig but just limited to a single elbow arm and limited upgrades, as for the Glidecam, I can't say haven't flown one but, the flyer may still be the better rig for you. you may want to try to fly your camera with the Flyer to see if the arm will fly it. Is it an ENG camera your flying or a film camera or a multicamera, tethered cam . . .all of these things play into which rig will benefit you in the long run. Hope this helps Hi Rob, Thanks for getting back to me with your advice. Yes it is an ENG camera. I think i might be pushing things alittle too much with a flyer as i have loads of essentials on my camera adding to the weight. IE, 2 radio mic packs, top light etc. In terms of weight, and budget, i think a new glidecam seems to be the way for me. I just didnt want to go down the route of buying a fake steadicam, and regreting it later. Im sure they both do the same job. But theres something about having the original. Dan dan@dantv.co.uk www.dantv.co.uk

Hi there, Im all pretty new to this, and have never owned my own rig. Im currently in the market to but my first rig. The camera i use at work is pretty heavy (approx 19lbs) so i need an arm which will take this weight. So i know the steadicam flyer isnt up to it, so i need to take a step upwards. I was quite happy settling for a second hand rig but there arent too many about. Option 1: Ive seen the Steadicam Sk2 for $7000 approx. I think its an old system but i think it might be a good starting kit. Option 2: Can i say it.... The glidecam v25. This i can get for $9000. Is it best to stick with steadicam or is the glidecam a better option? On paper the glidecam wins as it can take up to 25lbs and come with the switchable monitor 4:3/16:9 etc etc. I just dont know what to do? I have the cash and am desperate and have been for a long while, to get into stedicam operating. Just dont know what to do!