Bart Wierzbicki

Hey guys,

I have been using my steadicam Pilot now for about 2 years and I really love it.

But because I do mostly wedding videos I have to work fast and move quick so I started using

the Pilot without the arm & vest.

I'm happy with the result.

But in the way I'm using it now (handheld) ... isn't it then just the same as a merlin ?

So I was thinking of selling my Pilot and purchasing a merlin instead.

It's also for handheld and smaller in size so even easier to carry around.

I used the merlin in a shop in our town, but I wasn't happy with the result.

It felt really wobbly and not as steady as with the Pilot.

Is it just because it may have not been balanced correctly or is there still a difference

in handling it ?

Now in my opinion, because of the bigger size of the Pilot, I think it is easier to stabilize

a shot (when using the pilot handheld).

So because of that I think it's best to keep on working with the Pilot instead of replacing it with

the Merlin.

what are your ideas ?

hey guys,

I just bought a Tokina lens 11-16mm (f2,8) for mounting my

Canon 7D onto my Pilot.

The reason I want to do this is because at this moment I'm filming with several 7D's

and I have the Canon XHA1 on the Pilot (Dynamically balanced ... Jeeijj !) ;o)

But the problem is that the look of the images are totally different and I'm losing so much

time trying to match the looks of the images and it's still visible.

So now I want to use the 7D onto it.

I haven't tried it yet, while I'm looking for a way to connect the 7D to the monitor of the

Pilot.

What cable are you using for this ? HDMI - COAX ?

I have not a clue ! :o(

hey guys,

Thanks for the info.

I didn't knew we just can use the flyer vest for the Pilot aswell.

I think purchasing that flyer vest is the best option while changing

to other velcro straps is just another quick fix and it will get loose again

in a period of time.

But wow ... I just checked that price. Is it really $2,050 ?

For only the vest ?

Isn't there a way like upgrading ? ;o)

I'll send in my Pilot vest to purchase that Flyer vest ? ;o)

Is the only difference between the Pilot vest and the Flyer vest the straps ?

Or does it really give you a more stable feeling ?

It's quite a lot of money for just the vest.

Hi,

When I was at WPPI a few months ago, I saw Steadicam and they had

a vest but not with straps. They had plastic locks or how do I call it in english. ;o)

Anyway, when I'm using my Pilot lately, the straps are coming loose during filming and it

gets on my nerves. ;o)

Is there any way I can order a different vest for it that can be used with the Pilot without

straps ?

I used a milenium with a primo and frequently use a 435 or 235 with Cook's...... It would be fun to try a small sled like a Jr with a mini dv camera, I could haul ass!

I have a pilot with an XH-a1.

So maybe that's worth the risk. :lol:

I also skate with my rig. I was a really good rollerblader (I won a state championship for freestyle skating) before I ever put on a steadicam. I would suggest that you need to be a fantastic skater before you try to skate with a rig, even then I would only do it at first with pads and a grip or two to spot me. Maybe even a practice cage or something that doesnt cost as much as a film camera to replace.

 

Hope that helps,

 

mm.

Hey Mike,

Do you use inline skates, or rollerskates ?

I did a lot of skateboarding, ice-skating & rollerskating when I was younger, so I have an idea to balance. ;)

But just to be sure I was thinking of those 2x2 skates because it is even more stable I guess. right ?

Hey guys,

Yesterday I saw the movie "Gamer" and on the behind-the-scenes feature I saw Mark Neveldine

using the steadicam on inline-skates. It really impressed me.

Did anyone tried it ? :lol:

Now I was looking for some good alternatives because I don't want to change shoes all the time.

I found this : Skorpion Rollerskates

You can use it for multi-terrain (gras, dirt-tracks, ...) etc.

It's kinda cheap and you just can strap it onto your own shoe.

It has 2x2 wheelbase so it's more stable then inline-skates.

What do you think about it ?

Hey guys,

I have a steadicam Pilot.

I really love those 360 degree shots (very fast) around a person what you see a lot in for example music videoclips.

I'm trying to do the same, but I just can't get it right. <_<

Is there any kind of trick ?

Are they doing it very slow and then speeding it up in post or are they running like crazy and still maintaining the exact

distance to the object and in frame ?

Any advice would be great. :lol:

Hey Jeff,

Impressive Imdb List ! :o

Any news ?

My Pilot is also creaking ... :(

Hey guys,

I have just received my wheights from B&H which I had to order because they were not included with my

Steadicam. :rolleyes:

So I have made a first test. :unsure:

I still need to do a lot of practice, but everybody has to start somewhere right ? :lol:

Don't mind the video-quality, it was shot yesterday evening, inside without any lights.

Greetz,

Bart

Steadicam First Test

Let me handle this question pros. For I have heard this response numerous times.

Bart I am going to give you the same advice that people feel the need to give all the newbies on this board over and over.

"Use the search feature and search the archives."

Wasn't that helpful?

Oh yes ... thanks for the helpful information pro ... not !

I have used the search function and I already saw posts about the 8 pounds, but I was looking to see if it

is something which is officially stated by Tiffen or of it is just something that is proposed by users out of their

own experience.

The other question about the XH-A1 was just to ask if there is someone with a Pilot and an XH-A1 to find out what

is the best setup to achieve SB & DB. I didn't found it in the search or the archives and if I looked over it, my apologies

for that. Otherwise my big thanks to Dave Gish for his always helpful answer and explanations.

Hopefully some day I can also, like him, help other newbies as I am now to give them advice in their way of making the best out of it by trial, error, questions, searches in archives to make it as a steadicam-pro.

Hey,

Is there someone who has a Pilot with an XH-A1 ?

How much, which wheights and where do you put them ? :rolleyes:

I've read throught posts that people were talking of having a total wheight of about 8 Pounds.

But I haven't read that ...

It's not in the manual so where can I read more about that ?

Then I will contact the store again and they have to deliver me the wheights.

The rig was expensive enought so they have to give me at least that huh.

I have been trying and practising with the rig and the EFP training video.

It's going really good, but I just can't get it to have it dynamically balanced. :angry:

Any more tips on this ?

I also used a video cable which I had at home. 1 mini-jack - 2 cinch (yellow + white).

It was too long (1 meter) and I had to insert the white cinch in the steadicam.

Which cable do I need and how long does it need to be ?

Does someone have a link from the cable I need ?

Bart,

I suggested the store 'Fotokonijnenberg' .. which store did you now bought the rig ?

And, sent a mail to Robin from Tiffen Europe (see 2 post up) .. maybe they can help you out quick !

 

Erik

I GOT HIM !!! :lol:

I bought it at Fotokonijnenberg.

I picked it up and they told me that they have called some people. (I think someone from Tiffen)

And it seems that the wheights are not standard delivered with the Pilot.

You have to buy them optional.

So the only thing I'm missing at the moment is the Allen Key and the video cable to connect the camera

to the LCD screen.

I'm busy now balancing it. :rolleyes:

ok ... some news ... good and bad. :rolleyes:

It seems that they were able to get the steadicam to work ... they balanced it

for the Canon XHA1 and they used the wheights from the Merlin.

The bad thing is, that they cannot connect the Lcd monitor while there are some video cables

or parts not in the box, but they told me I can buy those things in every audio store.

It seems that normally there is also a large Allen Key included, but that is also missing.

They are giving me a small Allen Key from the store. :lol:

Ok ... I'm going to pick it up now. Talk to you soon guys. :P

:( * Bad News * !!

I just went to the shop to pick up the pilot.

It looked really nice ... a big bagpack and in it the Pilot.

Then I asked about the wheights ... There was nothing there. :angry:

So it seemed that it was not complete. An Allen key and other screws were also not inside. pff

Then the called another shop of them to ask if they still have a pilot on stock but that was not the case.

I asked them how long it would take to have it delivered.

The price I had to pay for the complete VLB System is 3.700 Euro.

Then they told me that it would take up to 6 weeks to have another pilot delivered. BUT that it's going

to be a new model and it will cost 4.400 Euro.

Then I told them that I have just sold my Steadicam to pick up this Pilot because I have a production in

3 days. (ok ... that was a little lie :blink: , but I wanted them to come up with a solution for it).

So they told me that they also had a Steadicam Merlin in the store and now they are going to get

the wheights and screws from that Merlin. I told them that I am having a Canon XHA1 for the steadicam

and they are going to build it up with an XHA1 to see if everything is working and everything is complete.

So I have to give them a call in about 2 hours. Hopefully they will have some good news for me. :lol:

First I was thinking of cancelling my purchase there because I saw that Adorama and BH had some Pilots

in store, but it's Usa. So I'm a little bit afraid about the connectors, power outlets etc.

So now I'm just waiting and meanwhile I'll just keep myself busy with watching the EFP Training Video. :P

Yihaaa ! :lol:

Today is the day to pick up the Steadicam Pilot ! The 4 hour countdown has started !

Ok, My steadicam has been sold and last week I saw the Steadicam Pilot.

My god that thing is light ... Really impressive.

I reserved it now and this week I'll go back and I'll pick it up. :lol:

I'm really looking forward to it and I'll keep ya all informed.

I've read on a forum that if I buy the Steadicam Pilot, I should immediately buy also a steadistand for balancing it.

Is it true ?

Yes, you'll need a stand. You'll also probably want 8 extra middle weights, the EFP DVD, and a scale. Follow the links above for details.

I already ordered the EFP DVD.

What you mean with scale ?

by the way ... I have sold my proaim. :rolleyes:

Hey guys,

Today I am going to a store to check out the Steadicam Pilot.

I'm very excited about it. :lol:

I've read on a forum that if I buy the Steadicam Pilot, I should immediately buy also a steadistand for balancing it.

Is it true ?

I'll keep ya updated ! ;)

I think I have made up my mind about it.

I have to get myself a Steadicam Pilot. So my Proaim 7000 is up for sale ! :lol:

So if anyone is intrested ... just let me know. ;)

About the Pilot. Is there anything specific I need to look for ?

I see there is a Pilot-AA, Pilot-AB, Pilot-VL, Co-Pilot ...

Hi Bart welcome aboard. Hands down the Steadicam Pilot or Flyer LE are far better then the India rig. If you have the moeny buy a Syeadicam if not, I understand, the cost of a real rig can be out of reach for some of us. I'm in the same boat; I bought the inda rig due to lack of money and I wasn't sure if I really wanted to operate a stabilizer. I have since become addicted to the concept and I'm saving for a used Steadicam. Don't dispair, the india rig can be modified to make it a bit more usable and pactice until you can get yourself into a Steadicam. I can get dynamic balance in less tham 5-mins with my india rig; so it can be done.

 

Here are some links to a forum where I did a review and mods on the india rig. Lots of pics and info. you will have to register an account to see the photos.

 

My review post: http://hbsboard.com/index.php/topic,3702.0.html

 

My Mods: http://hbsboard.com/index.php/topic,3708.0.html

Hey Michael. Nice mods that you have done to your rig.

The thing is ... I'm not really good with modifying things etc. I'm not a very handy guy if I can say it like this. :unsure: hehe

Anyway. The thing is that I can buy the Pilot. It's not a money issue, but I hesitate a little just to be sure that if I put

down the extra few 1000 dollars that I will get something that will actually work and not that I got stuck with 2 steadicams that will work the same and both are a pain in the ass to have them dynamically balanced. :P

If not, I will drive down to the shop next week to get myself a Pilot. :rolleyes:

Sorry to say this to you Bart, but yes, the Pilot is just better.

Yeah, I was trying to find a place in Belgium where I can rent a Pilot so I can see it for myself, but I haven't found a place yet.

That's why I was hoping to find the answer here. ;)

Do you have a Pilot yourself ?

How long does it take for you to stabilize it everytime you use it ?

Hey guys,

First of all, I'm new to this forum ... so hi all ! :rolleyes:

A few months ago I bought myself a kind of steadicam. It's the ProAim 7000. That's the Flycam 6000 + special vest etc.

My idea was buying a steadycam and that one looked very good and looked liked the real expensive steadycams.

So I thought ... ok ... it just comes from India so it's normal that it's cheaper and maybe with steadycam you just pay more

to have a brand name.

Now after some time, I'm thinking it was just a stupid thought. Because I just can't get that thing to work decently.

Every time I want to use it, I'm busy more then an hour to have it balanced. When I think I have it balanced .... I spin

it 180 degrees and then it isn't balanced anymore. I really just don't understand and I'm getting really frustrated about it.

Now when I look at some footages of the Pilot. It really looks great, but I wonder if it is because they have been busy days and weeks to balance it or if it's just better.

How long does it take to have the Steadicam balanced ?

I want to use a steadicam most of the times for wedding shoots. So I need to have it up and running smoothly quite fast and for short

times.

If the pilot is great to handle, I'll just throw my Flycam in the garbage and I will go for the Pilot. Hope someone can help me out.

Thanks