Dana Love

Kevin, that's a great idea. Unfortunately, I already bought the VFGadgets plate. I'll need to find another use for beer coasters now!

Leasing need not come from the manufacturer. In addition to a leasing partner your vendor of choice may have, a local or national bank may also have lease programs. As Robert noted, the total cost of your kit will far exceed the cost of vest/arm/sled, and putting together your entire kit cost before approaching anyone about leasing is helpful. I tend to have better luck with lease or business loans through local banks. Their lending departments tend to be more flexible, and they're willing to work with a borrower should paperwork be incorrect or should the numbers not quite add up. Local banks, though, have less money to put into use, so it's a trade-off. Leasing may not be the best option, given the wide range of stuff you need to buy. Even generous leases don't like purchasing items of low value, because they have such a small re-sale market and/or value, and if low value is under $750 or $1,000, that would include the zillion cables you need. That leaves you having to pay out-of-pocket for a bunch of stuff. Beyond a lease, you could use a business loan to fund purchase. Some business loans allow you to buy used equipment, and once you set the dollar amount you decide how to draw down the loan. Five (short) paragraphs in, the big disclaimer: Debt kills. I have enough trouble without work distractions learning how to fly a Steadicam and striving for mediocrity. The distractions from work problems (I manage an advertising and consulting business) are bad enough. Taking a personal or a secured business loan, or a lease, is stressful.

Matt, I'm about two hours south of DC, but my Flyer's in use all next week. I'll ask around in the morning if anyone knows of one available. Best, Dana

Brian, My heart goes out to you. A robbery is such a person thing every time, and a robbery of such a personalized, individual kit that is integral to your work is just about the worst robbery. I know I'll keep my eyes peeled on the east coast CL sites I haunt, and on eBay, for your stuff. You've got a great idea in adding the breakout box and "soft-wiring" it for the first year. That's pretty cool! Who made your breakout box? Anyway, I hope the weekend finds you in better spirits. Or at least consuming spirits.... Best, Dana

Congratulations! He looks adorable. Was there some forum contest I missed? If my wife sees these threads, I may get the stink eye for a few days!

I volunteer as a paramedic, so I know they make little firefighter and paramedic outfits for kids. Do they make little Steadicam vests? Congratulations, Mike!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzyB7wIbK30 At around 0:40, T-Pain's getting his vest on.

It was a handy update of Adobe's. We use the Matrox Max stuff to manage H.264 encodes. They've been blisteringly fast for our dailies and post work, and made a huge difference in the work we had in the last election cycle.

Eyebrows like an LPGA player.

Happy birthday, Alec, and especially a happy 40th! Thanks again for such great advice during the NY Flyer class in August. You're the best!

Hi! You can also contact Tiffen to get the AA battery mount and replace it, if exchanging the entire system is too much of a pain. That way, you'll have the AA battery mount you want today and the AB battery mount you'll probably grow into. The part number for the mount should be in the back of your Pilot manual, or you can contact Tiffen directly.

I've been following the Hocus Focus development, and found them on Facebook. It looks like the product is complete, with European frequency models having launched in the past week or ten days. Given the rapid-fire updates before launch and the relative silence after, I'd guess they're pushing units out the door at a snappy pace! Also found photos of the completed units online. Here are a few, others can be found at their Facebook fan page. They look to be at the IDX booth at IBC. I won't be going, but I'll be oogling until US frequency units become available.

Peteer, Thanks for teaching such a great class. I learned a lot, had a blast, and got to see lots of cool shots! Manhattan's a great place for the class -- and you brought together a cool group of people. And thanks, Alec, for sharing your knowledge, too! Cheers, Dana "PDT has great drinks" Love

Peter, I'm impressed with the attention to detail in your fabrication, fit and finish. I'm looking forward to seeing the released product! Cheers, Dana

Nelson, Try this link for details about hotels in the area. I'm not sure you'll find a much better rate in the city, frankly. But I'm not a travel agent. Cheers, Dana