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Mark Karavite

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Posts posted by Mark Karavite

  1. Dealing with Cables

    in Operating

    Posted

    Hello all,

     

    I had an interesting discussion with the producer of a 24P low budget indie regarding the whole cable issue.

     

    The DP envisioned a "Player' like opening to the movie, tracking the camera through a crowded night club, up the stairs to a 2nd level with actors at a pool table, etc... stopping to catch dialogue along the way. When I was first told that they wanted me to carry 3 sound cables (2 send and 1 return) for this shot, I expressed my concern, then I offered viable solutions.

     

    They weren't recording DAT backup anyway, and they wouldn't pay for a machine on set, or post syncing. I arranged to borrow (FOR FREE) a pair of lectrosonic wireless units, so I could transmit audio (2 mono sources, 1 for backup). I felt strongly that my operating would greatly benefit from being completely wireless, and I do a lot of wired work on live concerts. After all, this shot was the movie's opening shot!

     

    When I called the producer to give him the good news that he could have primary audio recorded in camera (at no cost to him), and no compromises on the Steadicam operating, I figured he would be elated. Instead, he informed me that I was replaced by an operator that didn't mind carrying the cables. How about that, fired for being conscientious about my craft.

     

    It all worked out OK, because the shoot was on Halloween, so I was happy to be completely wireless while trick or treating with my 2 toddler boys. We ran 2 full Thomas the Tank Engines for 7 blocks without a single cable.

     

    Mark Karavite

  3. Steadicam Cart

    in Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport

    Posted

    The problem with the Magliner Steadicam nose conversion is that the push handle is aluminum, with a steel pin mounted at the top. There is play in that steel pin, and your rig will tend to lean away from the cart, not very assuring. I even spun the handle around, and it just started leaning the other way.

     

    I met with my machinist yesterday, and he is manufacturing the nose out of steel, to the same dimensions as the aluminum handle. This should allow me to securely dock the rig on the cart. Moving the sled to the inside of the wheels sounds like a good idea. I'll try the steel handle for now.

     

    Mark Karavite

  8. hard drive recording

    in Video Assist and Video Accessories

    Posted

    Hello all,

     

    Do any of these AVR units have a 12v DC input. I just looked at an Archos 320 at Best Buy yesterday. It has an internal Li Ion battery, but no 12v DC input, it's a 5v DC animal.

     

    The Archos also requires an adapter to input composite video. The whole thing put together looks almost as big as my old 8mm (well, maybe quite thinner). Anyway, the video input adapter is a best oddly shaped.

     

    Ideally, a small unit (say 12oz or less), with a decent LCD screen, and 12v / video inputs on board would be great. Does it exist??

     

    Best regards,

    Mark Karavite

  9. Steadicam Cart

    in Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport

    Posted

    I use the Magliner, and I have overall been very happy with it. I'm sure with a little time and engineering, you could make the perfect cart, but I chose to make life easy and buy one. I bought the magliner with the following options:

     

    Top shelf (I put arm & focus, with plenty of extra room)

    - I ordered the taller handle package, this puts the top shelf at a nice working height.

    - To secure the top shelf, you need to drill holes and insert pins on the vest side to keep the

    shelf from flipping up when someone leans on it, and they will.

    Vest hanger

    Baby spud on handle (for mounting Gorelock)

    - this is the weak link. I've found it to bend with heavy cameras built on it. I need to have my

    machinist reinforce it.

    Larger wheels

    - I went with the foam filled, heavier, but never a flat.

    Steadicam pad

     

    I keep batteries and chargers, tools, set case, spare clothes, etc.. on the bottom shelf. The whole thing folds up and packs away pretty well.

     

    It was around $1500 for the whole cart.

     

    Mark Karavite

  10. Check your listing!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    FYI, I just took a look at the member section, which I hadn't looked at for a long time. There is a new look to the state by state member section, and apparently you need to update (or re input) your personal information. Most of my information (credits, etc..) was not on the listing.

     

    Take a look and make sure it says what you want it to say.

     

    Best regards,

     

    Mark Karavite

  11. New Low Profile Arm for the DSD Harness

    in Vests

    Posted

    After visiting Walter's shop today to be fitted for a harness, I couldn't agree more with Wil, that a personal visit and fitting will no doubt give you a better harness. As a bonus, you have the opportunity to meet a wonderfully talented and creative man, and get a peak at some of the other products he is developing.

     

    I personally ordered a Universal harness. Some were referring to the Light, which is a different animal than the Universal. There is the Traditional Deluxe, which is the mac daddy for around $8500. The Universal is very similar to the Traditional Deluxe. The main differences are a simplified carbon fiber process, and less intricate leather work, resulting in 3 days less labor, and a price tag around $6500. The internal pads are exactly the same, and all Klassen harnesses have the air bladder. The shoulder straps on the Universal are thinner than the TD, and that was the only comfort difference I noticed. Walter, as usual over achieving, is going to figure out a way to give me wider shoulder straps on the Universal harness.

     

    Some new features on the harnesses are:

     

    - a curved front door, available on either the Universal, or the TD, The front door can be permanently hinged on one side with ratchets on the other side, or ratchets on both sides. This give more squeeze front to back than the original 2 door system. Older vests are upgradable, for a charge.

     

    - the hinged side of the curved front door can have a metal hinge that uses an arm pin to secure the hinge. For those who want to transport their expensive vest in a case, removing the pin greatly reduces the height of the harness for storage. I ordered this option.

     

    - Walter is contouring the carbon fiber above the hips on the front of the sled by about an inch or so. This mod should give just a tad more clearance and reduce pinching.

     

    - they have changed the knob style, per operator input.

     

    - I chose the low profile arm with a 3" drop down for my main arm. I am 6' 2", and have always been fighting to find that lens height between the bottom of high mode, and the top of low mode. With the drop down arm adjusted all the way up, the arm is in a normal position. 1/2 way down the vertical adjustment, and I am still near eyeline for most people. All the way down, and I can get to a seated eyeline very easily. A bonus is that, with the arm on the right side, my right forearm clears the arm covers. It's just more comfortable for me. The only downside is that, with the vertical adjustment all the way up, it moves the force higher up into your back. This could be remedied with a longer arm post, and lowering the carbon arm on the back of the vest. Walter said that Larry McKonkey, who owns both arms, is flying the drop down carbon arm the majority of the time, and Larry is a little bit shorter than me (and a lot bit more talented).

     

    All said and done, I ended up with a Universal harness, single curved front door with the metal hinge, countoured above the hips, custom wider shoulder straps, low profile 3" dropdown arm, air pump, tool kit with spare parts for less than $6300. I can't wait to get it. I believe this harness is the best thing you can do for your comfort and your body, but that's just my opinion.

     

    The trip was invaluable. Walter had 5 different harnesses for me to try on. Models for Garrett Brown, David Allen Grove, and Faires Anderson were in various stages of completion. He had a weighted rig and 3A arm to play with, so I didn't need to bring a thing across the border. I spent about 4 hours at the shop, and walked away knowing that I have the perfect harness for me coming. I just couldn't have ended up with the same thing over the phone.

     

    Plus Toronto isn't a bad place to hang out. Bring your significant other for the weekend and catch a play.

     

    Mark Karavite

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