Tom Daigon

Andrew: Tim on HBS suggested that he uses double sided banner tape cut to size. He made an observation that velcro could affect the level of the level ;-) Tom

Hi Andrew: Yes I got 2 different levels. The one you indicated which I believe is the high sensitivity level (2160A11) and the low sensitivity one (2160A36). I haven't figured out how I want to affix them yet, but I will put 2 highs on the sled bottom for balancing (one on the X axis and one on the z axis using the After Effects 3D space as a reference). Then I will put 2 ( hi and low) on the monitor for reference. I think Erics approach will be helpful. I will know more once I get them attached to the sled and monitor. Velcro with industrial adhesive has been suggested by someone on the HBS forum. Tom

Im not sure the appropriate forum to place this so "General" seems like a good home for it. I purchased the Mcmaster bubble levels (thanks to all the great info in that discussion). I will be mounting some on the base of my GC X-45 post and on the Nebtek monitor I will soon receive. What is the best way to do this. Double back tape was my first thought but I thought..."Why not ask the experts/" So here I am. What would you folks suggest?

Robert, I completely understand your position on this product. To a much lesser degree (since my technical needs are less complicated than yours) I also experienced difficulty getting a hold of Gaylen. Luckily his brother Loren answered my basic questions. However, spending another $4,000 is not an option. Hell, spending $3,700 hurt like hell. But a professional like you whose survival relies upon the performance of products and their support, is understandably justified in demanding professionalism from the vendors you purchase from. Since I am a newbee with a DP-1 montior that was useless outside, Nebtek is the only viable solution that worked for me. I think its good that your were able to communicate your "story" since there maybe lots of other full time ops that will appreciate hearing it.

Thanks Charles and Mark for the positive comments on Nebtek. I just placed my order for the Solar 7 SC. I didnt get the level unit since it sounds like that is still under development. But after doing a test for a possible project in the Vegas midday sun...and not seeing anything on my current monitor (smallhd DP-1) I felt it wise to get something to allow me to see images in the midday sun ;-) My poor old 401K is dwindling away.

Hi Eric: LOL! You are right.My time is well spent working on my "heavy" rig skills. But the V-25 / X-45 is way over kill for the 5D. And I have had a few "nibbles" of interest about a 5D set up. I think the TANGO versatility added to my curiosity. But thats all it is..since I made a heavy investment in the GC rig...and still love it and have no regrets! It would be a powerful second rig for 5D use to be sure.

You welcome Yoshi. Glad to help out!

Yes Eric, Im sure it will. I was just hoping for a little inside information ;-)

Sorry folks. Trying to contain my enthusiasm...not being to successful ;-)

Any word on a release date?

One last thought Yoshi. I think the length of 2:12 or so works very well.

Hi Yoshi. Very nice looking reel. Cool music too. I personally might use something a little more dramatic and not as light to accentuate the strength of your work Here are my thoughts. I think overall I would move some stuff at the end to earlier in the reel to make sure it is seen. Always start strong. Who knows how long they may watch it. 0:00 Thats a fun open 0:05 Titles are clean and have nice movement 0:11 OK shot 0:15 Same kind with more people in shot 0:20 Same kind with wipe at end 0:25 Nice push 0:32 I would lose this shot. It doesnt broaden on what we have seen so far. 0:38 Another nice push 0:45 Great circle. I would be tempted to place this earlier 0:48 Adds nothing for me. I would lose this shot. 0:32 Nice 2 shot circle 0:56 Zombie cu doesnt say steadicam move to me 1:00 OK reveal of group 1:10 OK group to single follow 1:22 So short with minimal move. It doesnt read to me 1:24 - 1:34 Nice music video sequence. Maybe earlier? 1:35 Nice follow to OTS 2 shot. I might be tempted to move this earlier 1:50 - 2:05 Great running. I think this should also be earlier to show off your versatility and skills I hope this helps.

Does anyone have an inkling of a price for the Zephyr yet?

Yes, as an accessory it seems to add a lot of diversity to the rig. And my heart beat is fine now...NAB and a Vente Frappacino definitely accelerate my metabolism and enthusiasm. :-)

And if you are into saving money you can use the unregistered version of Super Duper for free. Functionally it performs all the back up asks I need.

Since I moved to Vegas I havent missed going to NAB. It has always been an exhilarating experience. The adrenaline rush usually happened at the Avid (DS updates) or Adobe (AE updates) or Glidecam (my first foray into the stabilizer world) or Digital Juice (spectacular graphic elements). This year it happened at the Tiffen booth. After daily lessons from my Steadicam DVD and manual, it was a real rush to meet and chat with Jerry. And Peter was so helpful in helping me try out rigs ( Archer 2 & & the Zephyr). It was nice to have a point of comparison to my V-25/X-45/gold vest rig. I could appreciate the refinements, but I must say I walked away feeling very good about my $10,000 rig as compared to the $30,000 Archer 2. But I do think they have a real gold mine with the Zephyr / Tango combo for shoots needing HDSLRs.If I had the cash I would buy that as a second rig for my 5D in a heartbeat.

When I as speaking to some rep at the booth about the cost and I guessed about $15,000...the rep smiled and made a hand gesture with his thumb that suggested it was much lower.

Since I dont see a monitor in the shot...how do you frame it? Wait..I think I do see one now

You might want to consider another Glidecam product as well. I was in the same place you were with limited funds but with a desire for a rig that had the wiring and the design to handle more that the X-22. There is a wonderful company called Profeel on ebay that works with Glidecam in selling their products. I got a very sweet deal on a Glidecam V-25 / X-45 rig that has a lot more professional options than the X-22 or other manufacturers in the same $10,000 price range. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Glidecam-V-25-Vest-V-25-Arm-and-X-45-Sled-/150404572005 It has 2 - 12 volt connections and 3 video (hd capable) connections and a very nice stage with micrometer adjustments. Sure its not a Clipper or a Archer, but it suites my applications just fine.

Ditto on the Bravo! What a fun piece. How many takes?

Nice reel Santiago! I really like the opening shot a lot. There is no playback problems here in Las Vegas. The only clip that I noticed that was a bit washed out (elevated black levels) was the one with the girl carrying flowers from the kitchen.

Very nice work. I love the constant visual "flow" of the piece.

Heres a link to a recent camera shootout done by Zacuto with assistance from various DP's (Hurlbut,Skywalker Ranch,Bloom,etc) http://www.zacuto.com/shootout

2.0.4 is now available. It addresses a minor bug that was audio related, Same link.

For those that are interested, the Canon 5D Mk2 2.0.3 firmware update is now available for download for the general public. Wooohooo! http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html