Richard W. Davis

I can't believe that we have lost another friend. Chip was such a generous, good natured, enthusiastic and fun guy. My deepest condolensces go out to his family, friends and everyone he touched. He will be missed. My heart breaks. Rich Davis

Congrats Jim! Way to go. It just seems like yesterday when you were working at CP and started investigating what operators really wanted in a focus device. You seemed to have found it. Reliability , excellent service, and a reasonable price. No wonder you've sold a thousand of them. The next thousand is just around the corner. All the best, Rich Davis

<<My series 'Burn Notice' is supposed to start in January. I'm guessing that if the strike is still going on then it might mess with my start date??? The writer is also the executive producer (I wonder if that makes any difference?).>> If your EP is also a writer don't plan to go to work until it is over. Show runners are not allowed to write or even edit shows that are in the can, because that includes trimming of the written word. Sorry MY show (SCRUBS) will finish out the week then we are screwed. I heard from other friends today that The Office, Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, Heroes and a number of others have already ceased production. Bummer. Hoping this all ends soon. This sucks. Rich Davis LA

<<and doesn't he look an awful lot like Peter Abraham??>> Are you crazy, Peter is far more handsome and has much better hair than me. I saw this post and was like" what the f%#* I remember that day now. Elizabeth Banks was lying under my camera(shooting between her legs) Needless to say I was a bit uncomfortable with the prospect of anything going wrong. How do you find this stuff Chas? Normally I like my behind the lens placement but the SCRUBS crew is being offered cameos as this is most likely our last season. Once again Charles set the bar high with his SCRUBS cameo way back in season 2(or was it one?). Rich "I'm not a gynecologist but I'll take a look at it" Davis

Apparently late, but better late than never...Happy Belated Birthday Alec! Rich Davis

Mike, I don't want to sound contentious but I didn't think it weighed that much...certainly considerably lighter (and more compact) than a Panavised 900. As I recall I still used two blue and two black springs in my PRO arm. Were you shooting a different confguration than I was? D 20, PRIMES, MATTE BOX, Cinetape, super slincky BNC (don't like wires either but I felt the camera balanced so nicely that it wasn't so bad) It definately got hot but I was not shooting it in South Florida it was spring in California so I don't think it hit the kind of temperatures yours did. I am curious if there were changes in the camera, or we are all just very subjective creatures? All the best, Rich Davis LA

The Tivo is nice on the rig but its the lazy-boy chair that was installed on the dolly that makes it all worthwhile. What the shows over in a few months...Back to reality. Re: Sliding dovetails just ,make sure the AC's get at least one extra so you can slide off the sled and onto the head with very little down time. On SCRUBS we carry four plates for two cameras. Then there is always a spare to go rig a crane remote head shot and nobody ever touches the one on the steadicam. Rich Davis LA

Thanks Chas. I totally agree with your low mode recommendations...same thing I have been doing... very simple. As far as high mode I have gone to flying the sliding dovetail and baseplate as if it was put on a conventional head. I just found that the lightweight and long length(with a 7-63 zoom ) of the Aaton made it fly better with the additional weight of the baseplate and dovetail. Obviously if you are running etc. you might want to go without but for the normal walk and talks, especially rounding corners, I found it flys better with the additional mass. I do not carry an on board battery since I don't like the short length of time they last. With that said a hytron 50 on my PRO II sled lasts a very long time powering the camera. Video tap is good on XTR prods...The brand new Xterra is nice with a progressive scan but is HIGHLY susceptable to interference from walkie talkies etc. That is annoying. All the best, Rich Davis PS Just re-read the question and yes I always fly a matte box usually with an eyebrow and siders. Oh and I believe a 1/4 20 size screw approximately an inch long and nut with a slightly oversized washer is the best size for fitting in the groove on the handle for securing your steadicam dovetail plate (along with the normal 3/8 16 shoulder bolt to the handle.

Here is a picture. Again for sale at $290.00 original $380 Thanks, Rich Davis 818 681-8742 chardrwd@aol.com

Just checked on the GPI website. It is a PRO Docking Bracket II for sale $290.00. Pictures to be added by the weekend. Sorry for the delay. Rich Davis 818 681-8742

Aw man,and I just moved to Nigeria. You weren't a serious bidder anyway Nick. But it does explain the rash of E mails from a certain high ranking Nigerian official that wants me too funnel money through my bank accounts in exchange for millions. Hasta, Rich

For Sale: a 7 month old PRO (GPI) Dock. Very good to excellent condition, very minor wear. Originally paid $380 for sale now for $ 290 plus shipping(TBD) . Prefer PAYPAL but a check is fine too. I would like to see it go to a good home. Only selling it because I bought a Gorelock. I will post pictures shortly . Thanks, Richard W. Davis LA email: chardrwd@aol.com or 818 681-8742 US / Canada sale only...Sorry

I shot a pilot with the D20 at the begininng of the summer(alright late spring)...And the flashdrive was not "allowed, or ready" to be used. My understanding was that Completion Bond insurance had not signed onto their use yet. Don't know the validity or accuracy of that story but passing it along to you as I was told. So i never flew it. That being said...flying with a lightweight bnc was nothing with this camera and it flys and balances very very well. I got my tune up info from Eric Fletcher and he was very accurate. Search the forum and I believe you will find his first post regarding the D20. For us it is great...for the Dp's and ISO (or ASA or EI) of 160 or so not so great. All the best, Richard Davis LA

Sitting in the Las Vegas airport this moment (apologies to Robert Starling)having checked in with 8 cases / bags (traveling light). Southwest accepted media rates with no more than my business card and $30 bucks per bag overage charge with 3 bags free. My cost $150(to be reimbursed of course.) They did not weigh my bags which 6 of are just under 50lbs but 2 of are over 50 but under 70. Southwest although being a little like a bus, is very friendly to media, especially flying out of Burbank and Vegas. Remember be good to your skycaps. :rolleyes: Happy flying to all. Rich Davis LA

<< The better solution for me was the ZOE III. I like the larger area of movement it uses. I modified the mount for my XCS ergo handle with a soft rubber microphone mount, for quick and easy on and off. I love this little set-up. Try before you buy.>> But...You can't use a Zoe III for film. Strictly a video solution. I carry both. For video the ease, price and feel of the ZOE is hard to beat, but when you need to zoom (and not have the dis-connect of the AC doing the zoom) the preston is there. As you said "try before you buy." Best, Richard Davis Los Angeles

Typically long lists of various producers are writers on a show given a producing credit as a bump. Rich Davis LA

<<I do fine on Sony F-900 jobs, I'm assuming I'll be fine here. Any thoughts?>> You should be fine...If you can power a 900...No problem. Rich Davis LA

Thanks Chip...I found him and he is not available...wa wa wa. Oh well if anyone is interested I am still in for some beers tonight. 7:30 at Robin Hood. Everyone's invited.. See you there Eric, Daniel, Dave????? Anyone else, all are invited. Dave feel free to post a splash for the Guild. Thanks! As I said before, Eric will tell tales of the Genesis and I will tell tales of the Arri D 20(which he prepped me on for before my shoot.) Robin Hood (English Pub)there's a dining room but we'll be in the bar. 3640 Burbank Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA, 91401 Anyone wants to check in with me my cell is 818 681-8742 See ya, Rich Davis

I don't know what about 7:30pm...Is that cool? Everyone's invited.. See you there Eric, Daniel, Dave????? Anyone else, all are invited. Eric will tell tales of the Genesis and I will tell tales of the Arri D 20(which he prepped me for before my shoot.) Okay know how do we find Andrew Jansen???? Robin Hood (English Pub)there's a dining room but we'll be in the bar. 3640 Burbank Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA, 91401

I'm having trouble finding Andrew Jansen who was the main reason for the get together....Anybody got working digits on him? The brand new ICG book cell # is NG. My old # in my Palm is NG....Aaaaaggghh If it happens I would suggest" Robin Hood" in the Valley on Burbank and Woodman as a great pub to talk and tell lies etc. Anybody can find him give me a call in the A. M. (I'll be up by 8:30 ...Kids) Rich cell 818 681-8742. Robin Hood 3640 Burbank Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA, 91401 Thanks Dave for the info and never failing enthusiasm. Maybe see ya tomorrow. Rich

okay we blew Friday...Are you available Sunday 4/22 ? Andrew, Eric, Dave, etc... Rich"juggling calenders" Davis

I would love to get together...Maybe we can rally some other out of work ops together and welcome our East Coast/ UK steadi bro to the West Coast.(hint hint Dave Grove) My cell is 818 681-8742. So far I am unemployed that week, I start a pilot tomorrow and it ends on the 17th I believe. It will be good to see you again. See ya, Rich

Happy Birthday Andrew. Glad you are well! All the best, Rich"not a tremendous box pusher" Davis

Forgive me...What is the Mack? Looks like another wireless receiver for audio. Thanks, Rich Davis