MarkKaravite

Hey Kyle, One thing to consider when discussing digital levels, is that the sensor for the level needs to be as close to the post as possible. Any level built into a monitor will not be as accurate as, for example, the XCS HD PDL. I currently run a Boland BVB07 in combination with the XCS HD PDL. I grew up using the standard def PDL, so always was used to having a digital level, and if I'm going to bank my horizons on a digital level, it's going to be a great one. XCS makes the best digital level on the market, but you'll pay for it. The Boland is a great viewing monitor, especially for the price. I have spoken with Boland about building a Steadicam version of the BVB07, with a robust waterproof housing, frame lines, anamorphic desqueeze, image flip, etc... The salesperson I spoke with was very receptive to the idea, and is trying to get it into their pipeline. Personally, I have never owned a Transvideo. Friends of mine have complained about the reflective panel being hard to see in exteriors. I believe it's not only the NITs that help you see outside, but the reflectivity of the LCD panel. This issue combined, price and not liking in monitor digital levels has kept me away from Transvideo. Hope that helps!

Hey all, 2 Volt questions: 1. Any news if a 2" XCS post compatible Volt is in the works from Tiffen? 2. What is the price of the Volt gimbal?

Sold!

I have too many handheld pads. Holzer Pad is a hand crafted leather top, aluminum mid & dense foam bottom constructed pad. The aluminum molds to your shoulder and disperses the weight across the entire pad. New Pad is $250, selling for $175. HolzerPad only used a couple times.

Chris McQuire was the main operator on the show. Due to the length of the shot, I believe they brought Ramon Engle in with the idea that they could alternate between operators if it was physically too demanding to go back to back takes. I've had producers suggest the same thing on big oners, but they've never pulled the trigger on a backup. If you've ever met either Chris or Ramon, you wouldn't have any question that either guy could handle the task.

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