Ari Gertler

To all who responded, Thank you, I was hoping that there might have been some more operators that have used this camera since the earlier posts and would be able to give any anecdotal feedback of changes that they may have made to better use the camera to suit their needs. Thanks again to all, Ari Gertler

I am unable to edit or delete my original post on the Genesis that I started today. Ari Gertler

For all of those that have flown the Genesis: How does it fly? What should I be aware of? What is the weight? How is the on board recorder? What is the battery consumption like what will I need to to use it with my Pro Bat. mod. 2? What problems have you encountered? Does it have a built in down converter? What power plug does it use? ? ? ? ? ? ? Thank you, Ari Gertler

Still looking to recell my AB hytron 50's in the Los Angeles area? I need a quick turnaround and have not found a trustworthy source. Any help??? Ari Gertler

Who do you recommend to re-cell A/B Hytron 50 and Proformers in the Los Angeles are? What should I look for? What should I stay away from? What prices are standard for the re-celling? Any advice would be appreciated. Ari Gertler

The SteadicamForum: What a great source of information for all of us Steadicam operators and those looking for more info. I Started this particular post about the Alien (pre-Revolution) OVER THREE YEARS AGO and it is still going strong. Thanks to all those keeping the SteadicamForum up and running. Ari Gertler

Has anyone actually seen or used this device? It looks like it might be a good tool for specific shots. Ari Gertler

Has anyone ever used the "D" bracket which was designed for low mode in "regular mode" in order to lower the total rig a few extra inches? This also allows the camera to be lowered without bottoming out the arm.The only thing holding the rig to the D bracket is the safety pin which should be safe. This should work as long as the camera does not need to pan too much since the bracket will get in the way of the rig/camera? Are there problems with this set up? Ari Gertler

Have you tried to reset the Hytron 50 with a paperclip in the small hole above the lcd panel??? This fixes some issues that I have had. Ari Gertler

I use 2 BFD's and a Modulous 300. This video sender is an emergency backup. Pretty much all it is good for. I have not tested it in the dessert though?? If you get one, make sure that it has a choice of at least 4 channels. Some have a choice but a mini screwdriver is needed to change a small pot inside the unit near fragile wiring. Luckily I have never had to rely on it. There is nothing worse than a video signal that goes in and out during the shot. The Director and DP hate not having a clean image. You may want to record with an onboard video camera (under $300. for mini dv) in order to ALWAYS have a clean image to show after the shot if the video signal goes out. It is great for long shots, elevators, multi floor shots where a signal on the Modulous can break up. Ari Gertler

Erwin has lead you on the best course. But be sure to check out Mc Master Carr. WOW everything you could dream of and then some. Ari Gertler

These are not that great. So much depends on interference from everything. Do you live in the LA are? I have one that you could borrow to see if it meets your needs. Ari Gertler

Charles, I also have a PRO-GPI case sitting around for a couple of weeks that you are free to borrow. Give a call if you want to come by and grab it. ARI GERTLER 310-463-5815 Santa Monica CA

I have 2 BFD's I can rent with Three motors (one back-up) give me a call if you are still interested in renting in L.A. I will rent for a good price (i am busy remodeling my place). ARI GERTLER 310-463-5815

Looks Painful. I am going to be working in Aspen CO for the next couple of weeks, Any ops in the area? Ari Gertler

Just a suggestion, but you may want to purchase 2 double charges instead of the QUAD.This gives you more options in case the charger has a mechanical problem. My 2 dual charges have worked flawlessly for over 5 years, but it is good to know that I would not have a problem if one broke down, got wet, filled with dust, destroyed buy the dolly op running over it, or the cable becomes stripped. Just a thought, Ari Gertler

Panavision Genisis HD weighs less than 30 pounds ????????? with the recorder?????? I have flown it and thought that the total was more than that???? Just wondering, How was the set up on "Superman" ???? Ari Gertler P.S. Always learning...........

Count me in. I have to put a face to all of you guys, plus I can't wait to go Grunion Hunting....... Ari Gertler

FIRST find out what type of turf you will be filming on. There are quite a few "astro type" turfs in the LA area. They are GREAT for Steadicam. They have a rubber backing and finnily chopped tire pieces throughout. I have never felt so fast in my life, and since it is often MUCH shorter than regular grass (1/4-1/2 inch) I have found it to seem much safer/ less slipping. Just make sure that you buy Cleats for both real (long) and Fake (short) types of grass. I have also found it imperative to have a roll of good "cling wrap". Quick easy fix for leaks that may be coming through your rain gear /bags. It often holds better than tape, and you can easily/quickly rip it off to get to components you need, then just do another quick wrap before the shot. Personnely I always bring extra shoes, lots of socks, base ball caps (keeps rain machine out of face), and often the beach life guard hat. Flipped down (think extra large S.E. Asian/ Vietnamese "peasant"/farm working hat). It is like wearing a large umbrella on my head that keeps my body and face dry in the rain. JUst flip up the edges (into Lifeguard style) when shooting to keep the rims away from the rig. They can be found at any Surf shop in the Los Angeles area. Plus it is the best Summer-dessert -sun hat I have found, it is large enough to keep the scorching sun in the MOjave off your entire face and upper body. Ari Gertler

Gladstones: the GRUNION are Running Sunday night. THink of the fun we could all have....... But seriously Both Q's and Gladstones are good calls, the question is do we want to meet a few blocks from the expo or have a Twenty minute drive? The out of towners should make the call on this one. Ari Gertler :) P.S. We are the only industry in the industrialized nation FIGHTING for 14 hour work days..........

Less than a mile away is a billiards/sports bar named "Q's". There are fewer students than some of the Westwood (UCLA) bars. There is a good mix of people in their 20's-30's plus some our age. it is really quite large so we could find our own little nook. Q's: 11835 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles. Ca 90025 (310-477-7550) Ari Gertler

Are you looking to buy or do you need just for a single shoot? Ari Gertler

12 on 12 off. Ari G.

I found the greatest improvement to be the larger 8" wheel kit. I had been thinking about it for years and wish I got it on day one. I have always used a stand with wheels since I am able to get my stand much closer to area of action. I can think of numerous shoots that a full cart with my rig on it would simply get in the way of actors and the rest of the crew, let alone in the shot itself. I have purchased or traded my carts from Camera AC's. Ask around, you may be able to get a great deal on a used cart from a crew member that you or someone else knows. You can then upgrade it the way you want. Ari Gertler

One more note on the BFD. I like that each channel has its own controller. This enables the DP to have their own BFD for Iris adjustment. On the productions that I have worked on the DP would usually leave the BFD iris control in the video tent attached to the monitor and adjust it themselves. No need to continually verbalize back and forth as to the newly needed adjustments. I have been using Two BFD's for about Five years with no problems on set. Ari Gertler PS Love the quick/easy/cheap 9 volt battery