MarkKaravite

My XCS dovetail doesn’t completely lock down on my Wave 1. The plate slides back when I rest on my shoulder. I could try a Pro dovetail, or Betz has a Quicklock spacer you can order. Anyone else experience this, looking for the best fix.

Hey there, I seem to be having a hard time finding 2 Lemo 1B 303 (3 pin L connector) for some PRO - Wave power cables. I have the PRO connectors, just need to locate the Lemo for the Wave. Any ideas that don't involve shipping from Betz in Germany would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mark Karavite, SOC

Lazy me, I just google'd it and found it for sale at B&H. Which one did you buy, I assume the one for a 7" Transvideo? Also, I'm sorry to hear about the stuntman who was hurt on your set the other day, very sad. Stay safe out there!

Thanks Deke, who makes it?

I'm curious what everyone is using for a monitor rain cover. I have a new Boland, which is a great monitor, but not even close to watertight, as the monitor housing has venting holes. Looking for a good rain cover option. Thanks!

Sasha, if you're looking for a fantastic level, take a look at XCS HD PDL. It's expensive, but as with every XCS product, it's top notch.

I just had my first 6 Dionic HC's recelled. The report came back that they had between 310 & 352 cycles on them. 2 had died, and the others weren't preforming as well as my newer ones. If you have a AB 2702 charger with the DDM, it can tell you how many cycles each battery has. I recelled my batteries at Ritter Battery in Florida. Compared to $450 for a new Dionic HC (and they don't make them anymore, so I've only found them at Abel), it's $180 per battery to recall, and they are hotter than new ones. Great service and quick turnaround: http://www.ritterbattery.com/services.html My original Dionic HC's lasted a very long time for 2 reasons. 1, I always leave them on a Lifesaver Charger when not in use. According to Paul Dudeck at AB, this will greatly extend the life of the batteries. 2, since the onset of digital cameras, I have the policy to run the cameras off the rental houses batteries, and my gear off of my batteries. I always make sure there are at least 9 Dionic HC's on the order. That way, I can run an Alexa on Steadicam all day, and not run up the cycles on my batteries. If you're busy, and you always use your batteries for digital shows, you are using up thousands of dollars of batteries to run someone else's equipment. I just don't do it. For the rare case that the rental house is all V mount, I have them sub rent Dionic HC's, or re rent mine. That way, at least I'm being compensated for the usage on my batteries. Of course, I still use my batteries for film jobs, but those are becoming more and more rare.

Hey all, just curious if anyone has Greg's new HD PDL. I'm looking at the Basic unit. As all XCS gear, I'm sure it's bulletproof, but just curious who owns them and their reviews. Thanks, Mark

Clarification, per Jen's & Walter's comments. MDR2 cables.

Selling the following cables in excellent condition: Preston cable # 4543, RED One start / stop for MDR 2/3 Preston cable # 4533 Panavision Genesis start /stop for MDR 2/3 Preston cable #4520 Arri 11 pin start / stop for MDR 2/3 These were backup cables and rarely used. $50 each or $100 for all 3. Please email at mkaravite@comcast.net. Thanks, Mark

Hey Brooks, I'm using the F55 for the first time. It is much lighter than the Alexa, so a Boxx, battery, sandbag, etc... on the back is helpful. Panavision has made a nice dovetail top and bottom, so that is helpful. With all the cabling on any digital camera, I just fly it upside down for low mode. I can switch in 3 minutes, which would never happen going old school. Our DIT has an AJA flip box which corrects all the monitors when I'm flying the camera upside down. Although Panavision modified the viewfinder bracket, the actual viewfinder panel is horrible. Don't plan on being much help to your AC with focus when operating conventionally. I have a 2nd 5" TV Logic on board for me, so I can have a better image to view when setting up a shot, even though I'm almost always in the eyepiece when rolling. The power in is a standard 4pin xlr. The bodies we have, the xlr comes out the dump side near the rear of the camera. I operate with the camera on my left, so the power outlet would point right into my shoulder. Even with a 90 degree connector at the camera, it would still be in the way. Putting a battery on the back would fix this. If you wanted to power the camera from your sled all the time, I'd suggest an Anton Bauer plate that is gold mount to 4 pin. I have one of these plates and the camera thinks there is a battery on the back, but it's really getting power from the sled. This camera is probably too light for that setup. With a battery on the back, we use the side xlr for shore power from a block when docked. I did have one vibration problem. The camera does not have lightweight rod attachments in the front like an Alexa. I initially set up my Preston motors using my lightweight 15mm rods coming from an XCS plate. There was a ton of movement when the motor was turning (we have some stiff Primos). We really didn't have time to fully diagnose the problem. We fixed it by screwing a short 15mm rod into the Panavision cheese plate on top, so the motor was mounted directly to the camera. I'm still curious why there was so much play. PM me if you have any further questions. Fly safe, Mark

I demo'd this new wireless transmitter. It is lightweight, uses little to no power & sends a constant signal. Unfortunately, it only works line of sight.

Rob, Glad to hear your rig is back safe at home. You mentioned the $25K deductible. Everyone should make sure their deal memos have language stating production is responsible for all deductibles & full replacement value. Years ago, I remember a rumor about a totaled rig and production stuck the operator with a huge deductible. Not sure if it actually happened, but why leave yourself open to any potential loss.

Terry West fixed mine. 310-374-5711 office 310-621-5063 mobile techrat531@verizon.net

Joshua, attached are some photos of the Klassen Duo. The Duo was a combined effort of Garrett & Walter. It requires a Universal or Traditional vest with a hinge on one side of the front door and reinforced carbon fiber. I use it strictly for narrow doorways, but it allows me to quickly switch back and forth using the same harness. The Duo feels more like a front mounted vest, but works well. You'll notice mine has custom angles built in to work better with my harness. Klassen says this item really never took off in popularity, but I find it invaluable for me, since I only carry one vest. Best, Mark