Thomas K. Jensen

I just received my G-zoom - and I must say that it's a really great device. It fits perfect on the gimbal, and it zooms great both for rushds, and the slow creeps. It just works like the Best behind control.

I have tried both the Archer2 and Clipper/Ultra systems. And for me, the archer was a little to small - but that's only my opinion. Chris Fawcett had another opinion about that, but one thing is sure. The Archer2 feels and looks like the bigger rigs. I would go for the Archer2 S - or even better the Archer 2SE. You'd really love the motorized stage, once you try it. This is what Chris wrote about the Archer2S: http://www.steadicamforum.com/index.php?sh...&hl=archer2

If you are able to flip the image in post, that's just as good. No need for a low-mode cage, but the F-bracket would be great to have. And congrats with the workshop. Jerry and Garret will teach you some cool things. Thomas :-)

Congrats Mark. The Archer is a great rig for the mid-range cameras. I'm sure you'll be happy with your investment.

That's one of the best thing about this forum... You're never an idiot. No stupid questions - even if you're an experienced OP. I just happens to have read the manual for my newly bought Steadicam Clipper, and the artificial Horizon was something I read thoroughly, because I have bought this upgrade-option. Og velbekomme - Lars.

Hey Lars. In the Manual for Ultra2c under Artificial Horizon it says: Place a small bubble level on a surface parallel to the bottom frame of your camera (usually the dovetail plate works well). Angle and hold the sled until this bubble reads level, then push and release the horizon button quickly. The display should now read “level.” I think you should calibrate the artificial horizon from time to time. Hope this helps. Thomas - fra broderlandet Danmark

The QuickLock Plate 130 from Chrosziel is the best plate I've come around. It locks the camera tight, and there is no jitter in the picture. I have had two of those for almost four years, and they haven't become loose. Really rock solid - but also almost four times as expensive as a normal Sony plate. Thomas :-)

Hey Markus. Just wanted to say hello to you. I hope things are going well for you. Have you bought your steadicam yet? Thomas

Hello Robert. What did you buy? Used or new?

Mark. The Archer2 system is pretty nice. It's very compact and packs up in one hard case. And I think that the Archer2, even with the G-40 arm, is capable of flying the load of Varicam with mattebox and follow focus. The price starts at $24900 Try to read this thread by Chris Fawcett. He has a lot of experience with both Archers.

But the archer2 is well over £8000 - actually it's like twice as much for the basic model w/o accessories. So yeah, renting the gear would be the best solution.

I have searched for the pencil pouch on the internet, and no companys ships outside the US. So for You European that are looking for pouches for cables, I have found this EAGLE CREEK. It's reasonally priced, but not so cheap as the pencil pouch. I recieved them today, and they're really good quality.

Hello Mark. The most "big" rigs are in the +25000$ price range. And if you want to fly with the big cameras, you can't do it with less. I started with a low-budget rig, and it's really not the money worth, so if I were in your shoes, and had an 8000£ budget, I would take one of the 6 days steadicam workshops, and then I would rent a bigger system to do my steadicam jobs. For the money you earn by doing steadicam jobs, you can save up money to buy a bigger rig. Otherwise I think the only rig in the 8000£ range, is the Tiffen Steadicam Flyer? And I don't know if that will fly Varicam with mattebox and follow focus? Thomas :-)

Just to close this thread... I have today placed an order for a brand new Tiffen Clipper 312 with Motorized stage, upgrade to an Ultra2 vest, Artificial Horizon and extra hard case for arm and vest. Thanks for all the nice advice you've given me. Thomas :-)

Alfeo, You've got a good point there. We have all tryed to loose some gear for a day or two, whenever we travel by plane. It's also almost the same price as a normal Peli/Storm Case. Today I ordered the system, at my danish dealer. And within three weeks it will land in denmark, so now I'm like a little child three weeks before christmas.

Thank you all for your reply's. Thomas :-)

So I guess there's no one that has bought the Tiffen hard case for the arm and vest? How did you fit your gear in the cases? Dividers or cut-out-foam? Thomas :-)

I have decided that I'm going to invest in the Tiffen Clipper 312 - and I could use some advise about choosing the right case for Arm and vest + accessories. It could be nice to have some pictures of the accessories on the Tiffen website. But I can't seem to find any. So now I turn to you! What's the soft bag like, that comes standard with the system? Should I choose to upgrade to the Hard Case for the Arm/Vest? Does it fit the extra accessories (Batteries, cables etc.)? Or is there a better solution? Thanks in advance :-)

Hi Diego. Sounds like you have a really nice setup. Why did you choose the Pro arm instead of the G70? I love the G70's 80cm boom range and its GEO-feature. Your system costs in the region +60.000$ I'm in the under 40.000$ budget. So as far as I'm aware, the only "BIG RIG SYSTEM" in that price range, is the Tiffen Clipper 312. I know I don't get the 70lbs lifting range - and I can only do 12v camera jobs, but I have to sacrifice something.

Diego, I think the Betz Rig looks very nice. But it's a bit more expencive than the Clipper system? What do you Think is the best/worst things about it? And how does the motorized thing work ? Are there any remote to adjust the trim? What arm and vest do you use ? Thomas

I just felt the Clipper to be more robust. But don't get me wrong, I like the Archer 2, It feels like the "bigger rig" - but I think the larger system is better for me. Thomas

After attending the Tiffen Steadicam Workshop at the beginning of December, I have thought the choices over a couple of times, and I'm starting to think that I will be going for a clipper312 with Motorized stage and upgrade to an Ultra2 vest. Its only about 5000 more than the Archer 2SE, so that's OK. The three stage post gives you the possibility to get a little lower in Low mode - and higher in high mode... Also, it has an build in frame line generator. And last but not least - the gimbal is more thick an robust. What's your opinion? I'm not doing anything on filmcams, so the 24v is no issue, and if it gets an issue, then I can find a solution then :-) Thomas

The man is funny, and I don't even think he knows :-) And the clip with the title: Movcam Steadicam/Segway Hybrid That's Chris Fawcett - flying an Archer1 - HVX100 I remember seeing the final shot. And it was very fluid and steady... Here's MrMickeyMan's comment: Why the Movcam is flawed. The segway’s speed changes are not fluid. It bops and weaves when the operator goes faster. Also the operator appears to be continually worried about not hitting obstacles: I think Chris is navigating so he avoids falling over - like when you ride a bicycle! And BTW. Bryan, your post was spot on. Thanks guys - I had a laugh

I have invested in a small system - and that was OK. But then came the irritations - the system could not be adjusted for perfect static/dynamic balance. And the sled was to thin to make beautiful pans. I have spend $3500 on a product, that I have not been using for a while. Instead I rent a Tiffen Archer system every time I do some steadicam work. And i have realized that it was better for me to have spend the full amount in the first place. Just my thoughts.

I would also like to hear from you. What kind of HD-LCD monitor in a reasonable price range would you recommend... I have been looking at the TV-Logic - but I don't think it's bright enough. Is the Tiffen UltraBrite HD monitor the best value for money? What do you think?